Acute Pain month - "Pain in the butt"
Anyways, it was a fun month. Did lots of regional blocks for surgery and had my first experience ever being on call. It was impressive that they would let me, an intern with practically no experience, to do quite a number of blocks. For the first week, I was pretty much the assistant, setting up, prepping, clean up and doing records. By second week, I was doing some of the easy blocks myself with assistance. It was exhilarating. I have done with and without ultrasound. It's finally something anesthesia related, not just medicine anymore.
Had my first ever call. nerve wrecking but good. The rest of my calls were good. Apparently, I'm one of the residents who has the "white cloud" for calls, meaning that the calls were light, no craziness and able to get good amount of time for sleep. I think I got at least 4 hrs of sleep for every call.
During the month, I was able to see and do some less common blocks. One of them was the axillary nerve block and supraclavicular blocks. Those are usually done by fellows but they were busy or it was beginning of my call, so I ended up doing it. Way cool.
Epidurals are still difficult. I have done a few but it's still difficult being that there are no imaging to see where I'm going with the needle, unlike other regional blocks. It's definitely a good one to learn, but I need more practice.
I can honestly say, I can't wait till I do my anesthesia rotations. :)
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Monday, September 06, 2010
Frustrated ... Lesson learned
Never ever agree to cover someone else's call for a couple of hours. Be sure to switch call days if needed.
I stupidly agree to cover for about 4 hours on Labor Day so my colleague can see her husband for the long weekend. Of course, I knew that there was a risk of her flight being delayed but I was not expecting what was about to happened. I was on 24 hr on Sunday already. Even though my call was very quiet not at all busy but still, I was tired and ready to go home and be away from the hospital. I was planning on grocery shopping to stock up for the week and just relax before working again the next day. I would still have majority of the day left when I was to leave at noon.
Of course I got a call around 11am from my colleague that she missed her flight and her connecting flight is delayed until 2:30pm. So I was like fine. But inside, I was thinking how can you miss your flight when you know that someone is covering for you. If I was her, I would not miss the flight cuz then I would feel bad and I wouldn't want something like this happen to me. Be warn. I was being kind in covering, missing a flight is a big no no.
Then when 2:30pm came along, she called saying that she's landed and is currently on her way. So I was expecting her around 3pm since it only takes about 30min from the airport to the hospital. She didn't get in until 4pm and that's when I found out that she went home to her work bag and scrubs and then back to the hospital. How can you not have your work things already in the car when you are fully aware that you would be coming straight from the airport to work to relieve the person who has generously agreed to cover. It was unbelievable. Now that's what I call total irresponsibility. By the time she got in, I was so pissed that I couldn't even make small talk. I had to sign out immediately and leave or else I would've said something mean.
There goes my day and my week in shambles. Lesson: never cover. only swap. be responsible when asking someone to do something for you.
I stupidly agree to cover for about 4 hours on Labor Day so my colleague can see her husband for the long weekend. Of course, I knew that there was a risk of her flight being delayed but I was not expecting what was about to happened. I was on 24 hr on Sunday already. Even though my call was very quiet not at all busy but still, I was tired and ready to go home and be away from the hospital. I was planning on grocery shopping to stock up for the week and just relax before working again the next day. I would still have majority of the day left when I was to leave at noon.
Of course I got a call around 11am from my colleague that she missed her flight and her connecting flight is delayed until 2:30pm. So I was like fine. But inside, I was thinking how can you miss your flight when you know that someone is covering for you. If I was her, I would not miss the flight cuz then I would feel bad and I wouldn't want something like this happen to me. Be warn. I was being kind in covering, missing a flight is a big no no.
Then when 2:30pm came along, she called saying that she's landed and is currently on her way. So I was expecting her around 3pm since it only takes about 30min from the airport to the hospital. She didn't get in until 4pm and that's when I found out that she went home to her work bag and scrubs and then back to the hospital. How can you not have your work things already in the car when you are fully aware that you would be coming straight from the airport to work to relieve the person who has generously agreed to cover. It was unbelievable. Now that's what I call total irresponsibility. By the time she got in, I was so pissed that I couldn't even make small talk. I had to sign out immediately and leave or else I would've said something mean.
There goes my day and my week in shambles. Lesson: never cover. only swap. be responsible when asking someone to do something for you.
Friday, September 03, 2010
SING CHOW MAI FUN (SINGAPORE FRIED RICE NOODLES/星洲炒米粉)
INGREDIENTS:
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
8 dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms
12 ounces of fine dry rice vermicelli (Wai Wai brand recommended)
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced thin
1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
8 green onions, root end trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound char siu (Chinese barbecued pork), cut into matchsticks
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
FOR SAUCE:
3 tablespoons Madras (hot) curry powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons granlulated sugar
2 teaspoons hot chili paste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
METHOD:
1) If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in hot water for half an hour. Drain, then cut off the stems. Slice the mushrooms thinly.
2) Put the rice vermicelli in a large bowl and soak in enough hot water to cover, until the noodles are soft (about 8 to 10 minutes). Drain noodles and set aside.
3) Start by heating up 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the curry powder, the ginger, and the minced garlic, and saute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, and chili paste. Stir to combine and then cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
4) Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok over high heat. Add in the remaining garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until the garlic starts to become golden. Add in the celery, onion, pepper, sprouts, green onions, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften. Set the vegetables aside in a bowl.
5) Heat the last 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok over high heat. Add in the shrimp and stir-fry until they start to turn pink on both sides. Add the char siu and toss to combine.
6) Add in the noodles and the vegetables. Pour on the sauce and also add the oyster sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to coat all the noodles and incorporate all the vegetables.
7) Serve hot.
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
8 dried or fresh shiitake mushrooms
12 ounces of fine dry rice vermicelli (Wai Wai brand recommended)
2 stalks celery, sliced thin
1 medium yellow onion, sliced thin
4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and sliced thin
1 cup bean sprouts, rinsed and drained
8 green onions, root end trimmed, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 pound char siu (Chinese barbecued pork), cut into matchsticks
4 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 tablespoons oyster sauce
FOR SAUCE:
3 tablespoons Madras (hot) curry powder
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 cup chicken broth
4 tablespoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons granlulated sugar
2 teaspoons hot chili paste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
METHOD:
1) If using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in hot water for half an hour. Drain, then cut off the stems. Slice the mushrooms thinly.
2) Put the rice vermicelli in a large bowl and soak in enough hot water to cover, until the noodles are soft (about 8 to 10 minutes). Drain noodles and set aside.
3) Start by heating up 2 tablespoons of oil in a small pan over medium heat. Add the curry powder, the ginger, and the minced garlic, and saute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth, soy sauce, sugar, and chili paste. Stir to combine and then cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside.
4) Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large wok over high heat. Add in the remaining garlic and ginger, and stir-fry until the garlic starts to become golden. Add in the celery, onion, pepper, sprouts, green onions, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 3 minutes, until the vegetables start to soften. Set the vegetables aside in a bowl.
5) Heat the last 2 tablespoons of oil in the wok over high heat. Add in the shrimp and stir-fry until they start to turn pink on both sides. Add the char siu and toss to combine.
6) Add in the noodles and the vegetables. Pour on the sauce and also add the oyster sauce. Mix the ingredients thoroughly to coat all the noodles and incorporate all the vegetables.
7) Serve hot.
Mee Goreng (Malaysian Spicy Fried Noodles)
Fresh Chinese egg noodles, chili sauce, dark soy, oyster sauce, shao hsing wine and fried shallots are available at Asian markets. Serves 5-6 as part of a family-style meal, 3-4 as a main dish.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups fresh Chinese egg noodles
2 Tbsp chili sauce (Sriracha), or more to taste
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp oyster sauce
3 Tbsp ketchup
2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil
2 eggs
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup mung bean sprouts, rinsed
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or leftover shredded cooked chicken)
2 Tbsp shao hsing wine
1/4 tsp white pepper
2 Tbsp scallions, sliced
2 Tbsp fried shallots (available packaged at Asian markets)
METHOD:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles for 30 seconds, drain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine chili sauce, dark soy, sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, oyster sauce and ketchup. Stir to combine, and set aside.
In a large wok (at least 12 inches in diameter) preheated over high heat, add the oil. Crack the eggs into the wok, stir vigorously until the eggs are lightly scrambled and just set, then add the garlic, noodles, bean sprouts, cabbage, shrimp, chicken, and 3/4 cup water. Stir-fry continuously until noodles are cooked, 3-5 minutes (depending on the heat of your wok), making sure to also cook the chicken and shrimp. Add chili sauce mixture, and keep stirring until well combined. The noodles should begin to get a bit drier (no liquid left in the bottom of the wok). Add shao hsing wine and white pepper, stir to combine, and remove from heat. Garnish with scallions and fried shallots.
INGREDIENTS:
2 cups fresh Chinese egg noodles
2 Tbsp chili sauce (Sriracha), or more to taste
1 tsp dark soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3 Tbsp oyster sauce
3 Tbsp ketchup
2 Tbsp vegetable or canola oil
2 eggs
1 tsp minced garlic
1 cup mung bean sprouts, rinsed
1/2 cup shredded cabbage
1/4 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/4 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (or leftover shredded cooked chicken)
2 Tbsp shao hsing wine
1/4 tsp white pepper
2 Tbsp scallions, sliced
2 Tbsp fried shallots (available packaged at Asian markets)
METHOD:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles for 30 seconds, drain, and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
In a small bowl or measuring cup, combine chili sauce, dark soy, sugar, 1/4 tsp salt, oyster sauce and ketchup. Stir to combine, and set aside.
In a large wok (at least 12 inches in diameter) preheated over high heat, add the oil. Crack the eggs into the wok, stir vigorously until the eggs are lightly scrambled and just set, then add the garlic, noodles, bean sprouts, cabbage, shrimp, chicken, and 3/4 cup water. Stir-fry continuously until noodles are cooked, 3-5 minutes (depending on the heat of your wok), making sure to also cook the chicken and shrimp. Add chili sauce mixture, and keep stirring until well combined. The noodles should begin to get a bit drier (no liquid left in the bottom of the wok). Add shao hsing wine and white pepper, stir to combine, and remove from heat. Garnish with scallions and fried shallots.
Friday, August 27, 2010
First Call ever ....
Acute Pain - one of intern anesthesia months.
It's been busy so far. Acute pain is mostly epidurals and regional blocks. What it means is that we put local anesthestics specifically near a certain nerve that would help with pain control during operation and post operation. It's absolutely crazy in some areas that we can block. Epidural is one that we know well about since most labor and delivery patients have them, natural or C-section. The regional blocks, some are normal and some are very new, but nonetheless incredible to watch/assist.
My first call ever. I've managed to not have any calls all through med school because the hospital I was at wanted all students to be there every weekday so we can't stay past midnight hence no calls. People are amazed at what I have gotten away with so far. It just makes it seem like I have had an atypical med student experience where I was not going crazy with stress and crazy hours during rotations.
The experience ... It was good actually. I only had to call my staff about 2 things. First was because the nurse mentioned something and I felt obligated to call and confirm even though I was pretty sure of my findings. Oh well, joy of being an intern where people just don't trust your judgement. The second call was actually legit where it was something that the staff is required to notified. Otherwise, my call started off with running between 2 PCAU, putting orders in, bolusing pts with pain meds, seeing new consults, and others. Then time was spent running between orthro floor and others. By the time I actually sat down trying to eat dinner it was 9PM. Then the pager decides to go off. I think I finally ate dinner around 10PM. I'm glad that we on call meal allowance so I can get AuBonPain. I normally don't get ABP cuz it's expensive but oh so good.
The pager finally quiet down a little before midnight and I had some time to finish off the new consults. The last consult was finished a little after 2AM and finally able to catch some zzz's. Woke up a bit before 6am for sign out and one 1st round block before taking off for post call day.
Not bad for 1st call ever. No disaster, got some sleep. Now hopefully, the rest of the month will go as well.
It's been busy so far. Acute pain is mostly epidurals and regional blocks. What it means is that we put local anesthestics specifically near a certain nerve that would help with pain control during operation and post operation. It's absolutely crazy in some areas that we can block. Epidural is one that we know well about since most labor and delivery patients have them, natural or C-section. The regional blocks, some are normal and some are very new, but nonetheless incredible to watch/assist.
My first call ever. I've managed to not have any calls all through med school because the hospital I was at wanted all students to be there every weekday so we can't stay past midnight hence no calls. People are amazed at what I have gotten away with so far. It just makes it seem like I have had an atypical med student experience where I was not going crazy with stress and crazy hours during rotations.
The experience ... It was good actually. I only had to call my staff about 2 things. First was because the nurse mentioned something and I felt obligated to call and confirm even though I was pretty sure of my findings. Oh well, joy of being an intern where people just don't trust your judgement. The second call was actually legit where it was something that the staff is required to notified. Otherwise, my call started off with running between 2 PCAU, putting orders in, bolusing pts with pain meds, seeing new consults, and others. Then time was spent running between orthro floor and others. By the time I actually sat down trying to eat dinner it was 9PM. Then the pager decides to go off. I think I finally ate dinner around 10PM. I'm glad that we on call meal allowance so I can get AuBonPain. I normally don't get ABP cuz it's expensive but oh so good.
The pager finally quiet down a little before midnight and I had some time to finish off the new consults. The last consult was finished a little after 2AM and finally able to catch some zzz's. Woke up a bit before 6am for sign out and one 1st round block before taking off for post call day.
Not bad for 1st call ever. No disaster, got some sleep. Now hopefully, the rest of the month will go as well.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Nephrology ...
2 weeks on transplant and 2 weeks of floor consults.
Transplant: Basically, my work is with acute renal injuries in any transplant patients, heart, lungs, kidney and any other organs that CCF have deemed transplantable. It was a 2 weeks since with my luck, now new kidney/pancreas transplants but the Monday after I left the service there were 3, of course. But I definitely get to see some crazy transplants done. Lungs were the scariest ones since most of the patients either don't leave the hospital or if they do leave, they'll end up coming back a couple months of later and not leave then. Kidney/pancreas transplant seem to have the most success. Liver patients are disasters to start with so they are disasters to end. Heart transplant still amazes me. Patient comes with nearly nonfunctioning heart or already on some sort of artificial heart pump and they leave here with a functioning heart. Amazing. Definitely my first time seeing some of these amazing procedures that I have only read about in the last couple of years. With these people, either they do really well or they crash hard. Of all the transplant I would not recommend lung transplant unless it's the absolutely the last resort.
Floor Consult: Pretty much anyone with kidney problems, either chronic or acute. Acute on chronic, new acute injury, dialysis. It's almost always the same. But I did get to meet some of the other medicine residents/interns and urology intern. It was fun 2 weeks with them since each of us know different things/ procedures.
Overall this rotation, I have definitely learn a bit about the kidney and what happens during surgery/low BP from other reasons and how to care for it. Immunosupressants really do a number on the body organs, brain, kidney, liver and any other organs that bugs would like to live on.
Transplant: Basically, my work is with acute renal injuries in any transplant patients, heart, lungs, kidney and any other organs that CCF have deemed transplantable. It was a 2 weeks since with my luck, now new kidney/pancreas transplants but the Monday after I left the service there were 3, of course. But I definitely get to see some crazy transplants done. Lungs were the scariest ones since most of the patients either don't leave the hospital or if they do leave, they'll end up coming back a couple months of later and not leave then. Kidney/pancreas transplant seem to have the most success. Liver patients are disasters to start with so they are disasters to end. Heart transplant still amazes me. Patient comes with nearly nonfunctioning heart or already on some sort of artificial heart pump and they leave here with a functioning heart. Amazing. Definitely my first time seeing some of these amazing procedures that I have only read about in the last couple of years. With these people, either they do really well or they crash hard. Of all the transplant I would not recommend lung transplant unless it's the absolutely the last resort.
Floor Consult: Pretty much anyone with kidney problems, either chronic or acute. Acute on chronic, new acute injury, dialysis. It's almost always the same. But I did get to meet some of the other medicine residents/interns and urology intern. It was fun 2 weeks with them since each of us know different things/ procedures.
Overall this rotation, I have definitely learn a bit about the kidney and what happens during surgery/low BP from other reasons and how to care for it. Immunosupressants really do a number on the body organs, brain, kidney, liver and any other organs that bugs would like to live on.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
CMDA Picnic
CMDA annual picnic. My first contact here in Ohio with Christian medical people. Again, it was mostly caucasians but it was encouraging to see that there are quite a few number of Christian physicians active with CMDA. There were a few medical students from Case and Lerner that are active with CMDA. There's a women medical society type meeting once a month. The one in Sept will be hard for me to make since I'm on a call schedule for APain, but will seen. I'll definitely try to make it to one to see what's like and meet others.
It was here that I realized I'm sorely missing my Chinese Christian connections. I hope I can get settle with this soon.
It was here that I realized I'm sorely missing my Chinese Christian connections. I hope I can get settle with this soon.
Sunday, August 01, 2010
Church
Looking for my new home church ... quite a task and challenge.
I've been in Cleveland now for about 5 weeks and explored a couple of the churches in eh area. I'm stilling looking for a place to call home. So far I've come to the conclusion that finding a church with a group of young working adults is quite the task since the ones I've been to either are family oriented or college oriented.
Cleveland Chinese Christian Church
It's very close to my apt. It takes me less than 15 mins to get. That's a definite pros so I can get there even when I'm tired. The church has several branches but the young adult English branch is the one I went. It's actually pretty small. Mostly college or grad students there and a few residents and new attendings there. The teaching is good and it's base on the scripture for topics. I've only heard the pastor once and the other times I wents, it was visiting pastors speaking. They are good but they are not as good as the one I went to in Jersey. I feel like they are just still trying to find their own niche for the English group whereas, the Chinese services are already very well established. I can see myself coming for the next 4 yrs but will it be good for me? That's the million dollar question.
Parkside Church
It's a big church. Probably on par with Grace Community Church with J. MacArthur. I wouldn't have minded joining that church, but it's a bit far. On good days, I don't mind driving the 30 - 40 mins there but when I'm tired or it's snowing, I'm not sure I can do the drive. Even though the drive is only 10mins longer than the one I make in Jersey and home. Otherwise, the teaching is very sound and I could definitely grow there. I only wish that it's not so far. Their small group fellowship is on Wed, wish it's on Fri so I could actually have the chance to make it there. Midweek is just a bit difficult. Oh well.
Riverview Church
I went to one other church and I had high hopes that it would be good since the pastor is from Masters Seminary. The pastor was great and the sermon was very similar to Grace Community Church style. The biggest thing I have against it is that the church is mostly caucasians with families. There are not many young adult for me to at least associate with. So sad.
I think I'm going to settle with the Chinese church. Even though it's smaller that I'm used to in NJ, I think there are great potential that I can work with. Can't wait to see what God brings.
I've been in Cleveland now for about 5 weeks and explored a couple of the churches in eh area. I'm stilling looking for a place to call home. So far I've come to the conclusion that finding a church with a group of young working adults is quite the task since the ones I've been to either are family oriented or college oriented.
Cleveland Chinese Christian Church
It's very close to my apt. It takes me less than 15 mins to get. That's a definite pros so I can get there even when I'm tired. The church has several branches but the young adult English branch is the one I went. It's actually pretty small. Mostly college or grad students there and a few residents and new attendings there. The teaching is good and it's base on the scripture for topics. I've only heard the pastor once and the other times I wents, it was visiting pastors speaking. They are good but they are not as good as the one I went to in Jersey. I feel like they are just still trying to find their own niche for the English group whereas, the Chinese services are already very well established. I can see myself coming for the next 4 yrs but will it be good for me? That's the million dollar question.
Parkside Church
It's a big church. Probably on par with Grace Community Church with J. MacArthur. I wouldn't have minded joining that church, but it's a bit far. On good days, I don't mind driving the 30 - 40 mins there but when I'm tired or it's snowing, I'm not sure I can do the drive. Even though the drive is only 10mins longer than the one I make in Jersey and home. Otherwise, the teaching is very sound and I could definitely grow there. I only wish that it's not so far. Their small group fellowship is on Wed, wish it's on Fri so I could actually have the chance to make it there. Midweek is just a bit difficult. Oh well.
Riverview Church
I went to one other church and I had high hopes that it would be good since the pastor is from Masters Seminary. The pastor was great and the sermon was very similar to Grace Community Church style. The biggest thing I have against it is that the church is mostly caucasians with families. There are not many young adult for me to at least associate with. So sad.
I think I'm going to settle with the Chinese church. Even though it's smaller that I'm used to in NJ, I think there are great potential that I can work with. Can't wait to see what God brings.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
CCF ED ...
Officially done with ED .... YEA ... A big celebration ....
It's been exhausting month ... 18 shifts in 3.5 weeks with just 1 full weekend. All my free time has been spent sleeping. Even when my mom calls me, she's like "you sleeping?" and I'm like yup and somewhat coherent. I don't think I have ever been this exhausted before. I just finished my last shift and tomorrow is the start of new rotation, Nephro.
I have definitely learn that it is with difficulty to get patients admitted when they needed to and to filter patients as they come into the ED. Some patients use the ED as their personal primary physician office so they come in for everything. Some of the things they come for, we would be skeptically say "really? that is emergency?" But what can you do. It's the American healthcare with Medicare and some PCP are not taking Medicare and ED cannot refuse patients who want to be seen. What a mess and definitely needs lots of cleaning up and politics are not doing much good now. Everything is very political within the hospital.
The staff has been great. I'm definitely going to miss them. They are protective of the residents and very willing to teach. It happened to me once where I called medicine admitting team to give them an admission but they were trying to argue with me that the patient doesn't need to be admitted. I just couldn't argue back so I handed to call over to my staff. Staff pretty much laid it into them and backed me up when the admitting staff mentioned that me as a new intern doesn't know what I'm doing. I was like "Wow, what a bogus!" All the admission calls has to be approved by ED staff before the calls are to be placed. I'm definitely glad that we interns are somewhat protected even though I do expect that we will get some verbal "teaching".
The ED was so busy that pretty much at the end of each shift, I'm tired that I just want to shower and collapse in my bed. Hardly even have to time to eat during the shift. Graham cracker and peanut butter has became the staple food during shift. I probably only end up eating one real meal a day for the entire month. I lost 5 lbs and I'm pretty sure that's the unhealthy way of losing the weight I'm really trying to lose.
That's my personal goal for intern year. Lose about 30 lbs. So 25 more to go.
It's been exhausting month ... 18 shifts in 3.5 weeks with just 1 full weekend. All my free time has been spent sleeping. Even when my mom calls me, she's like "you sleeping?" and I'm like yup and somewhat coherent. I don't think I have ever been this exhausted before. I just finished my last shift and tomorrow is the start of new rotation, Nephro.
I have definitely learn that it is with difficulty to get patients admitted when they needed to and to filter patients as they come into the ED. Some patients use the ED as their personal primary physician office so they come in for everything. Some of the things they come for, we would be skeptically say "really? that is emergency?" But what can you do. It's the American healthcare with Medicare and some PCP are not taking Medicare and ED cannot refuse patients who want to be seen. What a mess and definitely needs lots of cleaning up and politics are not doing much good now. Everything is very political within the hospital.
The staff has been great. I'm definitely going to miss them. They are protective of the residents and very willing to teach. It happened to me once where I called medicine admitting team to give them an admission but they were trying to argue with me that the patient doesn't need to be admitted. I just couldn't argue back so I handed to call over to my staff. Staff pretty much laid it into them and backed me up when the admitting staff mentioned that me as a new intern doesn't know what I'm doing. I was like "Wow, what a bogus!" All the admission calls has to be approved by ED staff before the calls are to be placed. I'm definitely glad that we interns are somewhat protected even though I do expect that we will get some verbal "teaching".
The ED was so busy that pretty much at the end of each shift, I'm tired that I just want to shower and collapse in my bed. Hardly even have to time to eat during the shift. Graham cracker and peanut butter has became the staple food during shift. I probably only end up eating one real meal a day for the entire month. I lost 5 lbs and I'm pretty sure that's the unhealthy way of losing the weight I'm really trying to lose.
That's my personal goal for intern year. Lose about 30 lbs. So 25 more to go.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Girls Night/ Weekend ...
Desperately in need of girl time and connections ... Help ...
So far, only been in the ED for about 3 weeks and have already felt very isolated. Before moving to Cleveland, I've always had some girlfriends with whom I could rant and rave to and just to meet up for lunch/dinner. I have yet to find my own group here.
So Friday nite, we had a interns' girls nite out with Tania and Deanna, a fellow anesthesia intern and derm intern. We went out to niteclub to dance and had drinks. Guys that nite were mostly creepers but we had a great time just dancing and being silly. We also had girls talk prior to going out as well. As usual, we talked about guys and the pickings that we have in Cleveland. It was fun.
Then I just had a quiet weekend with a phone call to Kirstin, just catching up. I really miss her. She was my biggest lifeline throughout med school. We were brought up in similar family lifestyle despite her being white and me Chinese. It was soothing to be able to talk to her and have her understand what's going on in our lives since we are both interns. I really want to make plans to go see her in Bronx sometimes soon. I need my Kirstin dose.
Then, Monday, I just spent a few hours before work with Sarah E and her 2 little adorable boys. It was calming to chitchat with her about finding our own niche in Cleveland as we both see Cleveland as a place for residency only. Her 2 little boys really reminded me of how much kids have and how innocent and naive we all were. They are so adorable and everything to them is so new to them. Her baby, Drew, is so content to just look around and getting used to what's happening in the world. Wondering what they think about everything that they see.
This was a good weekend to just reconnect with the world outside, away from the hospital. But I really miss the student times when we call for girls time we would go out, eat, chat or traveling. so much easier to set up. ::sigh::
So far, only been in the ED for about 3 weeks and have already felt very isolated. Before moving to Cleveland, I've always had some girlfriends with whom I could rant and rave to and just to meet up for lunch/dinner. I have yet to find my own group here.
So Friday nite, we had a interns' girls nite out with Tania and Deanna, a fellow anesthesia intern and derm intern. We went out to niteclub to dance and had drinks. Guys that nite were mostly creepers but we had a great time just dancing and being silly. We also had girls talk prior to going out as well. As usual, we talked about guys and the pickings that we have in Cleveland. It was fun.
Then I just had a quiet weekend with a phone call to Kirstin, just catching up. I really miss her. She was my biggest lifeline throughout med school. We were brought up in similar family lifestyle despite her being white and me Chinese. It was soothing to be able to talk to her and have her understand what's going on in our lives since we are both interns. I really want to make plans to go see her in Bronx sometimes soon. I need my Kirstin dose.
Then, Monday, I just spent a few hours before work with Sarah E and her 2 little adorable boys. It was calming to chitchat with her about finding our own niche in Cleveland as we both see Cleveland as a place for residency only. Her 2 little boys really reminded me of how much kids have and how innocent and naive we all were. They are so adorable and everything to them is so new to them. Her baby, Drew, is so content to just look around and getting used to what's happening in the world. Wondering what they think about everything that they see.
This was a good weekend to just reconnect with the world outside, away from the hospital. But I really miss the student times when we call for girls time we would go out, eat, chat or traveling. so much easier to set up. ::sigh::
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