Just a quick post to express some of the things I've learned so far in 2 years of residency...I'll post some more pearls of wisdom as they come to mind.
1. Negative 17 degrees Fahrenheit is pretty damn cold (corollary: Chicago winters can really suck!).
2. On the other hand, nothing beats sunny and 75 degrees in the middle of July (though it ain't always like that during the summer here).
3. Pagers and IP phones are the work of the devil. They must be taken to the Land of Mordor, to the Fires of Mount Doom and cast into the furnace from whence they came for their evil powers to be destroyed!
4. Doing anesthesia ain't like dusting crops, boy! (A Star Wars reference for you fans out there)...it actually requires a lot more thought and planning than I initially appreciated.
5. Nothing like a nice propofol shortage to make you learn about other methods of induction such as mask induction, methohexital, thiopental, etomidate, etc, etc.
6. Nothing like a shortage of the other drugs I've just mentioned (as well as shortages of ketamine, vecuronium, and just about every other stinkin' drug we use) to make you appreciate the power of sticks (here Mr. Jones, bite hard on this 'cause this is gonna hurt like hell!), hammers to the cranium, and good ol' fashioned ether-soaked rags.
7. When things go bad in the OR, they can go bad really fast! Hence the saying that anesthesia is "long hours of boredom interspersed with moments of sheer terror".
8. To be a really good anesthesiologist requires about six eyes and fourteen arms, and the ability to turn over operating rooms in about eight microseconds.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Blog resurrection...
...Or just a fluke blip in this blog's hiatus, which has lasted, well, for over 2 years now? Right now, I dunno. Residency has been a busy, taxing, at times rewarding, at other times a hellish time...which means that things like this blog tend to get put on the back burner...sometimes for a long time. Now, I know that I have friends in far more taxing residencies than I'm in who update their blogs on at least a semi regular basis. Take for instance, my classmate Leslie from UTSW who is in the middle of a neurosurgery residency--probably one of if not the most brutal type of residency program one could be a part of.
So, why the hiatus? I guess the long and short of it is that when I do get some down time I just haven't been inspired to write anything...not that I need an excuse to write or not anything on this blog ;-). Something did happen not too long ago, however, that has given me the inspiration/excuse (or whatever you want to call it) to revive this blog (at least temporarily) after an extended period of dormancy. My wife's parents were in a terrible motorcycle accident about a month ago while riding together...her dad suffered some pretty severe injuries to his left leg (and is now on bedrest for several weeks while that heals), and her mom was nearly killed (she sustained a life-threatening head injury requiring emergency surgery as well as multiple other injuries). For a number of days following the accident, the situation was touch-and-go, especially with Jen's mom. I am happy to say, though, that both her parents are now on the mend and while they have a long way to go in their recovery, the progress made since the accident (especially her mom) has been remarkable.
First off, I'd like to say thank you to the friends and family in Chicago, Dallas, South Carolina, and elsewhere that have prayed for and supported Jennifer, me, and her parents during these difficult circumstances. We covet your continued prayers for Jennifer and her sister as they have put both their lives on hold to take care of their parents. Also, for Jen's parents as they recover and recoup...the complete healing process is going to take a long time yet.
Secondly, the accident has caused me to think about several things, not the least of which is the reminder that our lives can be changed and/or taken away from us in a flash...at some point sooner rather than later I do need to think about the "what ifs" in case something were to happen to me. Also, I am reminded of how great God's provision is...it's sometimes hard to remember that when life is "stuck in a rut" so to speak, but during the past few weeks this thought has been at the forefront of my mind due to the outpouring of support and prayers from friends and family, as well as the fact that my mother in law is now walking with assistance and has most of her memory and cognitive ability back...considering the nature of her injuries, I find that to be a true miracle.
I hope I do find/make time to keep this blog updated at least on a semi-regular basis; time will tell how successful I am at doing that. In the meantime...
So, why the hiatus? I guess the long and short of it is that when I do get some down time I just haven't been inspired to write anything...not that I need an excuse to write or not anything on this blog ;-). Something did happen not too long ago, however, that has given me the inspiration/excuse (or whatever you want to call it) to revive this blog (at least temporarily) after an extended period of dormancy. My wife's parents were in a terrible motorcycle accident about a month ago while riding together...her dad suffered some pretty severe injuries to his left leg (and is now on bedrest for several weeks while that heals), and her mom was nearly killed (she sustained a life-threatening head injury requiring emergency surgery as well as multiple other injuries). For a number of days following the accident, the situation was touch-and-go, especially with Jen's mom. I am happy to say, though, that both her parents are now on the mend and while they have a long way to go in their recovery, the progress made since the accident (especially her mom) has been remarkable.
First off, I'd like to say thank you to the friends and family in Chicago, Dallas, South Carolina, and elsewhere that have prayed for and supported Jennifer, me, and her parents during these difficult circumstances. We covet your continued prayers for Jennifer and her sister as they have put both their lives on hold to take care of their parents. Also, for Jen's parents as they recover and recoup...the complete healing process is going to take a long time yet.
Secondly, the accident has caused me to think about several things, not the least of which is the reminder that our lives can be changed and/or taken away from us in a flash...at some point sooner rather than later I do need to think about the "what ifs" in case something were to happen to me. Also, I am reminded of how great God's provision is...it's sometimes hard to remember that when life is "stuck in a rut" so to speak, but during the past few weeks this thought has been at the forefront of my mind due to the outpouring of support and prayers from friends and family, as well as the fact that my mother in law is now walking with assistance and has most of her memory and cognitive ability back...considering the nature of her injuries, I find that to be a true miracle.
I hope I do find/make time to keep this blog updated at least on a semi-regular basis; time will tell how successful I am at doing that. In the meantime...
Monday, July 12, 2010
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Graduation and a shout-out to the class of 2008
Note: may contain overused cliches and "sappy stuff".
Last night, I received my Doctor of Medicine degree from UT-Southwestern Medical School. Yes, indeed, I am now officially a doctor. I can now write "MD" after my name. It's kind of a strange feeling...I don't really "feel" like a doctor right now, and frankly, I don't know if I feel any smarter than the day I started medical school. I don't say that to knock my medical school's teaching...I received a great education from some of the finest physicians, faculty, and fellow students you'll find anywhere. I say that comment because I do feel a bit apprehensive and scared about taking on my new responsibilities as a resident...I am now expected to know things about taking care of sick patients, and I do bear some actual responsibility for how things go with my patients. It's a heavy, weighty responsibility, and I'm sure that there will be times over the next few months (as I start out as an intern) when I feel overwhelmed and think, "what in God's name am I doing...what the heck made me think I was qualified to do this?"
A couple of days ago, my wife and I attended the premiere of our senior class film (each year the graduating med school class at my school produces a movie, typically meant to be a spoof on one or more topics related to medicine). Before the showing of said film, one of the fourth-years who was emcee-ing (is that a word?) the pre-film festivities shouted out, "So, who's ready to be a doctor?!?!" After a few seconds of silence, the whole crowd burst out laughing...I take that as a testament to the fact that most everyone in my class to some degree has the same feelings of "not-readyness" (for lack of a better term). I've heard it said that as a fresh MD graduate, if you're not scared to some extent, you won't make a good doctor. In a sense, I suppose that's an encouraging thought. I just hope and pray that I don't let fear overtake me to the point where I'm rendered ineffective as a physician (I now think of John Dorian in the first episode of Scrubs, who hides in a supply closet when he receives his first page as a resident, but I digress...).
As I close out this chapter in my life and prepare to haul all my stuff to Chicago and start residency, I do wish to express gratitude first and foremost to God, who has placed me where I am right now, and who is the source of all that has blessed me in my life. Secondly, I'd like to thank my wonderful wife Jennifer. Jennifer, if and when you read this, I want you to know that I love you and I appreciate your support during the past four years, even during the rough times. To my mom and dad-in-law--thank you for being there to support Jennifer and me in the multitude of ways y'all have done so during the past several years. I also cannot forget to thank my mom, dad, my brother David, and my sister Mary for their support and thoughts from afar...I know it's tough not being able to see me nearly as much as you'd like. Just know that I love and appreciate y'all, and I wish the best for you.
I'd also like to express gratitude for my fellow classmates...I could not have asked for a better group of people to go through the trials and triumphs of med school with. I've met some phenomenal people in my class who have inspired me not only to be a better doc, but a better person overall. I'm thankful for the friends I've made while in med school and for the people I've been able to work with during my different rotations. Each one of you has added something to the person I am. If I have one regret, it is that I didn't get to know a lot of my classmates as much as I would have liked. Being an introvert makes it tough at times to even say "hello", even to someone I know relatively well. I haven't quite figured out why that is. At any rate, I wish everyone who graduated with me tonight nothing but the best...good luck and Godspeed.
For my blog readers, I can't make any guarantees concerning how often I update this blog. The next couple of weeks are going to be packed with all sorts of moving-related fun, then I get to start internship a few days after I arrive at our new home. For those not in the medical field, internship can be extremely busy at times (to put it mildly), and I want to be sure that I have my priorities straight when it comes to my free time (which will be quite scarce at times)...this may mean long stretches of time without any new writings. Just be patient. I am thankful for those that do read and who have encouraged me to keep this up.
OK, time to go save some lives!!!! Ready, BREAK!!!!!
-Stuart, MD
Last night, I received my Doctor of Medicine degree from UT-Southwestern Medical School. Yes, indeed, I am now officially a doctor. I can now write "MD" after my name. It's kind of a strange feeling...I don't really "feel" like a doctor right now, and frankly, I don't know if I feel any smarter than the day I started medical school. I don't say that to knock my medical school's teaching...I received a great education from some of the finest physicians, faculty, and fellow students you'll find anywhere. I say that comment because I do feel a bit apprehensive and scared about taking on my new responsibilities as a resident...I am now expected to know things about taking care of sick patients, and I do bear some actual responsibility for how things go with my patients. It's a heavy, weighty responsibility, and I'm sure that there will be times over the next few months (as I start out as an intern) when I feel overwhelmed and think, "what in God's name am I doing...what the heck made me think I was qualified to do this?"
A couple of days ago, my wife and I attended the premiere of our senior class film (each year the graduating med school class at my school produces a movie, typically meant to be a spoof on one or more topics related to medicine). Before the showing of said film, one of the fourth-years who was emcee-ing (is that a word?) the pre-film festivities shouted out, "So, who's ready to be a doctor?!?!" After a few seconds of silence, the whole crowd burst out laughing...I take that as a testament to the fact that most everyone in my class to some degree has the same feelings of "not-readyness" (for lack of a better term). I've heard it said that as a fresh MD graduate, if you're not scared to some extent, you won't make a good doctor. In a sense, I suppose that's an encouraging thought. I just hope and pray that I don't let fear overtake me to the point where I'm rendered ineffective as a physician (I now think of John Dorian in the first episode of Scrubs, who hides in a supply closet when he receives his first page as a resident, but I digress...).
As I close out this chapter in my life and prepare to haul all my stuff to Chicago and start residency, I do wish to express gratitude first and foremost to God, who has placed me where I am right now, and who is the source of all that has blessed me in my life. Secondly, I'd like to thank my wonderful wife Jennifer. Jennifer, if and when you read this, I want you to know that I love you and I appreciate your support during the past four years, even during the rough times. To my mom and dad-in-law--thank you for being there to support Jennifer and me in the multitude of ways y'all have done so during the past several years. I also cannot forget to thank my mom, dad, my brother David, and my sister Mary for their support and thoughts from afar...I know it's tough not being able to see me nearly as much as you'd like. Just know that I love and appreciate y'all, and I wish the best for you.
I'd also like to express gratitude for my fellow classmates...I could not have asked for a better group of people to go through the trials and triumphs of med school with. I've met some phenomenal people in my class who have inspired me not only to be a better doc, but a better person overall. I'm thankful for the friends I've made while in med school and for the people I've been able to work with during my different rotations. Each one of you has added something to the person I am. If I have one regret, it is that I didn't get to know a lot of my classmates as much as I would have liked. Being an introvert makes it tough at times to even say "hello", even to someone I know relatively well. I haven't quite figured out why that is. At any rate, I wish everyone who graduated with me tonight nothing but the best...good luck and Godspeed.
For my blog readers, I can't make any guarantees concerning how often I update this blog. The next couple of weeks are going to be packed with all sorts of moving-related fun, then I get to start internship a few days after I arrive at our new home. For those not in the medical field, internship can be extremely busy at times (to put it mildly), and I want to be sure that I have my priorities straight when it comes to my free time (which will be quite scarce at times)...this may mean long stretches of time without any new writings. Just be patient. I am thankful for those that do read and who have encouraged me to keep this up.
OK, time to go save some lives!!!! Ready, BREAK!!!!!
-Stuart, MD
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Flip off!
Now, before you get pi#$%d at me for giving you the proverbial rude finger gesture, please stay calm and continue reading...
This is just a post to give tribute to Ernie Brown and Jay MacFarland of Ernie and Jay Mid-Day on KRLD 1080 AM in Dallas. These folks are on the air from 10 am to 2 pm on weekdays, and in addition to talking about the issues of the day, they really crack me up sometimes. It's hard for me to explain without telling you to give them a listen. I think many would agree with me that my favorite part of the show comes during the noon hour when they have the "Twelve o'clock Flip Off", where listeners have called in to gripe, groan and whine about things that they need to gripe about. If you'd like to hear what some of my fellow D-FW residents are complaining about nowadays, just click here and give it a listen.
I must say that before a few years ago, when I started listening to KRLD as one of my primary sources of getting the news of the day, I never thought that I'd be a regular listener of AM radio (so 1970's), much less talk radio. I must give credit to the folks at the radio station for getting me to listen to them on a regular basis. Now, before anyone starts thinking that I'm a complete dork for listening to AM talk radio, that's not the only thing I listen to...
Now for a disclaimer: neither KRLD or Ernie or Jay have paid me anything or given me any incentive to give them a plug (OK, except for the nice 57 inch, 1080p Pioneer plasma TV that Ernie & Jay had shipped to my door). Nobody at the radio station knows me from Adam (nor is there any reason for anyone at said radio station to know me). Just a fan giving a shameless plug for a radio talk show.
This is just a post to give tribute to Ernie Brown and Jay MacFarland of Ernie and Jay Mid-Day on KRLD 1080 AM in Dallas. These folks are on the air from 10 am to 2 pm on weekdays, and in addition to talking about the issues of the day, they really crack me up sometimes. It's hard for me to explain without telling you to give them a listen. I think many would agree with me that my favorite part of the show comes during the noon hour when they have the "Twelve o'clock Flip Off", where listeners have called in to gripe, groan and whine about things that they need to gripe about. If you'd like to hear what some of my fellow D-FW residents are complaining about nowadays, just click here and give it a listen.
I must say that before a few years ago, when I started listening to KRLD as one of my primary sources of getting the news of the day, I never thought that I'd be a regular listener of AM radio (so 1970's), much less talk radio. I must give credit to the folks at the radio station for getting me to listen to them on a regular basis. Now, before anyone starts thinking that I'm a complete dork for listening to AM talk radio, that's not the only thing I listen to...
Now for a disclaimer: neither KRLD or Ernie or Jay have paid me anything or given me any incentive to give them a plug (OK, except for the nice 57 inch, 1080p Pioneer plasma TV that Ernie & Jay had shipped to my door). Nobody at the radio station knows me from Adam (nor is there any reason for anyone at said radio station to know me). Just a fan giving a shameless plug for a radio talk show.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Match Result
This past Thursday, I found out where Jen and I are going to be for the next four years as I conduct my residency. Yes, I did match; fortunately, I didn't have to scramble for a residency spot. If you're reading this (and you don't know the match result already), you're likely wondering where that is. I'll get to that in a minute. I just thought I'd write some meaningless stuff here just to annoy you before getting to the real point of this post. Isn't it amazing the stuff I can come up with on the fly? Roses are red, violets are blue, what I write next might in fact surprise you! It rhymes; isn't that amazing?!?!?!?!?
OK, enough nonsense.
I'm heading to Chicago, Illinois. The "Windy City". Home of the Cubs, Da Bears, Da Bulls, the White Sox, and yes, the Blackhawks. Home of some really frickin' tall buildings, including the tallest in North America.
So...how does that make me feel? First off, I'll say this...I'm ecstatic that I matched into an anesthesiology residency. I'm going to get trained in the specialty that I want to be trained in, and I'm going to a very good program at which all the residents seem very happy. Secondly, I feel blessed in that I know I could be happy at any of the programs on my rank list. I must admit, though, that this is going to be something completely new to Jen and myself, (she has never been to Chicagoland, and the only time I've been there (aside from layovers at O'Hare) was for about 24 hours last December when I interviewed there) and because of that, she and I are a bit nervous (maybe even a little scared) about the upcoming move and transition. I've never experienced a winter like those in Chicago where there can be snow on the ground for months at a time, and I don't think I've ever experienced sub-zero temperatures.
So...all in all, we both have mixed emotions...both nervous and excited...after all, this is a new "adventure" for us...
On the positive side, I keep hearing that Chicago is a fabulous city...from what little I know about it, I can believe that. Also, I've been told that there are many great churches up there, so I know that Jen and I can get plugged into a solid Christian community when we get there. Most of all, though, we know that God is sovereign in all things, and he has a purpose in sending us to Chicago for a few years...it'll be interesting to see what he has in store for us during this time.
Anyway, to those of you who read and follow this, your thoughts and prayers through the residency application process have been appreciated (more than you know); your continued prayers and thoughts will be appreciated as we move on to this next phase in our lives. To my friends starting residency this summer (wherever you ended up), my thoughts and prayers are with you. Good luck, and Godspeed.
Until next time...
OK, enough nonsense.
I'm heading to Chicago, Illinois. The "Windy City". Home of the Cubs, Da Bears, Da Bulls, the White Sox, and yes, the Blackhawks. Home of some really frickin' tall buildings, including the tallest in North America.
So...how does that make me feel? First off, I'll say this...I'm ecstatic that I matched into an anesthesiology residency. I'm going to get trained in the specialty that I want to be trained in, and I'm going to a very good program at which all the residents seem very happy. Secondly, I feel blessed in that I know I could be happy at any of the programs on my rank list. I must admit, though, that this is going to be something completely new to Jen and myself, (she has never been to Chicagoland, and the only time I've been there (aside from layovers at O'Hare) was for about 24 hours last December when I interviewed there) and because of that, she and I are a bit nervous (maybe even a little scared) about the upcoming move and transition. I've never experienced a winter like those in Chicago where there can be snow on the ground for months at a time, and I don't think I've ever experienced sub-zero temperatures.
So...all in all, we both have mixed emotions...both nervous and excited...after all, this is a new "adventure" for us...
On the positive side, I keep hearing that Chicago is a fabulous city...from what little I know about it, I can believe that. Also, I've been told that there are many great churches up there, so I know that Jen and I can get plugged into a solid Christian community when we get there. Most of all, though, we know that God is sovereign in all things, and he has a purpose in sending us to Chicago for a few years...it'll be interesting to see what he has in store for us during this time.
Anyway, to those of you who read and follow this, your thoughts and prayers through the residency application process have been appreciated (more than you know); your continued prayers and thoughts will be appreciated as we move on to this next phase in our lives. To my friends starting residency this summer (wherever you ended up), my thoughts and prayers are with you. Good luck, and Godspeed.
Until next time...
Monday, February 18, 2008
Anesthesia on!
You may have seen this commercial during the Super Bowl (can I say that without having to pay a huge fee to the NFL?!?!?). Just thought it would be apropos to include it in my blog given the nature of what I'm going into...
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