The Agony and the Ecstasy

The problem with medicine is the people. Imagine the worst scum-of-the-earth man you’ve ever met with alcohol-laden breath that would make Jack Daniels cry.  Now give him pancreatitis and excruciating abdominal pain. Next, ship him to the hospital so that I can take care of him. The beauty of medicine is the people. Imagine a [...]

Match Day Week: Part II

It’s official–I know where I’m going to be a resident. Yesterday was “Match Day” and medical students around the country discovered where they’ll be spending the next few years of their lives. Some were happy.  Some were not as happy.  I hope none were terribly sad. The day marks the beginning of the end of [...]

How to Deliver a Baby: Medicine Style

Many months ago–when I was a mere “third year” student, I stumbled into a horrible, no good, very bad place: the labor and delivery ward.

But you don’t just stumble in for a few minutes–they make you stay. In our case, students spend two weeks on the floor doing the nastiest of nasty–delivering babies.

Match Day Week: Part I

It’s official. The computer gods have smiled upon me and I’ve “matched”. Somewhere. I just don’t know where yet. Match Day Week is broken into three key parts. Part I was today–the “check your email and see if you matched but not where you matched day”. If you did not “Match”–you “Scramble”. Makes sense, no?

An Intubation Story: Part Deux

So, remember a couple of days ago when I was bloviating on my inability to intubate a couple of patients? Well, I am now officially the greatest intubator this side of the Mississippi. That’s right. My intubation technique is so good, that I successfully dropped a tube in a gentleman this morning with my eyes [...]