It is official....as of 9pm tonight the match for residency positions for 2011 is closed. All rank order lists from both applicants and programs are due at this time and then the real fun begins because then some mystical computer in some far away place will determine everyone's future. Ah, the wonders of computers and modern technology. Although, I have to wonder that if a computer is picking the final results shouldn't we have them before March 14th which is officially match day? All I can hope is that this "super match computer" is not the same one that collage football uses for the BCS bowls.
I have spent the last few hours making sure my list is certified (the process did border on obsessive compulsive for a few moments). I kept having this weird feeling that I would log in and my list would magically be un-certified. So, I would really log in and see the nice green lit letters "ROL Certified" which only demonstrated that my paranoia was unfounded. I would then log off only to start thinking "what happened if during my logoff I somehow switched my list to uncertified" in which case I would log in again and breathe comfortably knowing that my list was still certified. You can continue this tennis match of certified vs. uncertified in your head for the next 20 minutes and get a feeling of how it really played out in my world. I can NOW say that I am certified and no longer need to check.....or do I? :)
In other news....I am on my 3rd week of Medicine Sub I and I still want to kill myself everyday. I have gotten to the point where during rounds I look around the patient rooms and try to find all the ways to kill myself....sort of Macgyver style. For example, today a patient was wearing a nasal cannula for Oxygen delivery and I thought, "hanging by nasal cannula". Yesterday I glanced at a patient breakfast tray and thought "food poisoning via cyanide". This game is actually quite fun and briefly takes me away from the monotony and boringness of medicine rounds. I honestly don't know how internal medicine residents survive 3 years of residency!! Good news: I only have 6 more days.
Better news: 8 more days and I am out of Brooklyn!!! :)
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
V-DAY!!
Yes, this day has finally arrived. You know the one....where couples are to shower each other with tacky cards, fattening chocolates, over-priced dinners and nauseating words of love. I am grateful that I don't have to partake in this one day fantasy extravaganza. No....tonight I (and countless others across this single land) will be cozying up to our favorite men....Ben and Jerry's.....and enjoying every bite :)
In other news.....my rank list is certified. After much internal debate and struggle I have picked Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick, NJ as my number 1 with St. Luke's Bethlehem, PA as my very close (could definitely be number 1 but I had to choose) number 2. The process was not an easy one. I spent countless hours on the internet, googling the programs.....their respective cities....the cost of living.....if there was a women's hockey team near by...if there was a Panera bread. I placed RWJ and ST. LUKE'S on 2 post-it notes, firmly attached them to my wall, and then proceeded to switch their positions back and forth...forth and back for days as if my wall was a race track and the notes were horses jockeying for the win. In the end, I just had to pick one...I just wanted the process to be over with....so.....I picked and certified. And now I wait....4 weeks exactly....and then I find out where I will be for the next 3 years of my life.
I hate waiting.
I wish everyone a happy valentine's day :)
In other news.....my rank list is certified. After much internal debate and struggle I have picked Robert Wood Johnson in New Brunswick, NJ as my number 1 with St. Luke's Bethlehem, PA as my very close (could definitely be number 1 but I had to choose) number 2. The process was not an easy one. I spent countless hours on the internet, googling the programs.....their respective cities....the cost of living.....if there was a women's hockey team near by...if there was a Panera bread. I placed RWJ and ST. LUKE'S on 2 post-it notes, firmly attached them to my wall, and then proceeded to switch their positions back and forth...forth and back for days as if my wall was a race track and the notes were horses jockeying for the win. In the end, I just had to pick one...I just wanted the process to be over with....so.....I picked and certified. And now I wait....4 weeks exactly....and then I find out where I will be for the next 3 years of my life.
I hate waiting.
I wish everyone a happy valentine's day :)
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Snow day....
So I haven't written in a while...what else is new??
Today was supposed to be my second to last day in Anesthesia at Coney Island but due to a winter storm last night in NYC (13 inches of snow has fallen) the Q/B subway to Coney is suspended as are the buses in Brooklyn, so I am stuck in my apartment. Oh yeah, its been so long since I posted you probably did not know that I started Anesthesia....well I did, and its almost done! Actually it has been a great rotation. I have intubated almost 10 patients all under the watchful eye of the Anesthesiologist.....actually, only 2 of them because these two doctors are the only ones that actually teach and allow students to do things at Coney. In fact, when they are not working I just go home. I wish I could post their names because they deserve alot of praise but I haven't asked and that would be inappropriate.
Interview season is officially over for me. It ended last Wednesday. I traveled to Lansing, Michigan to interview at Sparrow Hospital....and I loved it!!! I have spent the last week tossing around how the top of my list will shake out. I have numbers 4-9 set....but programs 1, 2, and 3 are almost impossible to rank. I can see myself at all three of them completely happy with my choice. And that is why I spend my days thinking about New Brunswick, Bethelehem, and Lansing...obsessing over their order...continuously changing their ranks...spending countless hours searching about the areas on my computer....playing scenarios over in my head....thinking I have it set and then 2 minutes later changing my mind. It is tiring and nauseating. I can't wait to just finalize my list and be done.
Of course to fully appreciate my struggle I should briefly explain the match process. Applicants (like myself) get inteviews....go on interviews....and then rank programs based on where they want to be. Programs also rank their applicants based on who they want. Then, the lists get dumped into a computer and this computer tries to match all applicants with a program. They say the process favors the applicant first, taking into account where they ranked programs and where they want to be. The hard part is....you have no idea how a program ranks you....they may say they like you and will rank you high but you just never know. Just like a program doesn't know whether applicants are truthful about where they are ranking programs. To be an applicant and believe that a computer program makes the final decision is like being a college football fan and believing in the computer to successfully rank the BCS (it just doesn't always work as past experiences have shown). You have to blindly put your faith into this system which is very hard for someone like me. The downside of this whole process is if you don't match, that is you are not paired with a program on your list because their positions are filled. Then you have to scramble which involves calling/faxing/emailing programs and begging for a residency position....sometimes a position in an area of medicine that you are not interested in....i.e. family medicine or pediatrics. I won't even begin to describe the full scramble process as it seems somewhat barbaric to me....if I end up in it then I will explain it to you.
In short, I am trying my best to differentiate 3 solid programs that all will offer me exactly what I want in terms of training....that all have great residents and attendings (from what I could tell during interviews)....that all are in great areas to live in. In shorter terms...this process really sucks.....I have until February 23rd to finalize my rank list. And the Match occurs March 14th....the wait is simply agonizing.
Today was supposed to be my second to last day in Anesthesia at Coney Island but due to a winter storm last night in NYC (13 inches of snow has fallen) the Q/B subway to Coney is suspended as are the buses in Brooklyn, so I am stuck in my apartment. Oh yeah, its been so long since I posted you probably did not know that I started Anesthesia....well I did, and its almost done! Actually it has been a great rotation. I have intubated almost 10 patients all under the watchful eye of the Anesthesiologist.....actually, only 2 of them because these two doctors are the only ones that actually teach and allow students to do things at Coney. In fact, when they are not working I just go home. I wish I could post their names because they deserve alot of praise but I haven't asked and that would be inappropriate.
Interview season is officially over for me. It ended last Wednesday. I traveled to Lansing, Michigan to interview at Sparrow Hospital....and I loved it!!! I have spent the last week tossing around how the top of my list will shake out. I have numbers 4-9 set....but programs 1, 2, and 3 are almost impossible to rank. I can see myself at all three of them completely happy with my choice. And that is why I spend my days thinking about New Brunswick, Bethelehem, and Lansing...obsessing over their order...continuously changing their ranks...spending countless hours searching about the areas on my computer....playing scenarios over in my head....thinking I have it set and then 2 minutes later changing my mind. It is tiring and nauseating. I can't wait to just finalize my list and be done.
Of course to fully appreciate my struggle I should briefly explain the match process. Applicants (like myself) get inteviews....go on interviews....and then rank programs based on where they want to be. Programs also rank their applicants based on who they want. Then, the lists get dumped into a computer and this computer tries to match all applicants with a program. They say the process favors the applicant first, taking into account where they ranked programs and where they want to be. The hard part is....you have no idea how a program ranks you....they may say they like you and will rank you high but you just never know. Just like a program doesn't know whether applicants are truthful about where they are ranking programs. To be an applicant and believe that a computer program makes the final decision is like being a college football fan and believing in the computer to successfully rank the BCS (it just doesn't always work as past experiences have shown). You have to blindly put your faith into this system which is very hard for someone like me. The downside of this whole process is if you don't match, that is you are not paired with a program on your list because their positions are filled. Then you have to scramble which involves calling/faxing/emailing programs and begging for a residency position....sometimes a position in an area of medicine that you are not interested in....i.e. family medicine or pediatrics. I won't even begin to describe the full scramble process as it seems somewhat barbaric to me....if I end up in it then I will explain it to you.
In short, I am trying my best to differentiate 3 solid programs that all will offer me exactly what I want in terms of training....that all have great residents and attendings (from what I could tell during interviews)....that all are in great areas to live in. In shorter terms...this process really sucks.....I have until February 23rd to finalize my rank list. And the Match occurs March 14th....the wait is simply agonizing.
Friday, December 24, 2010
Merry Christmas Eve!!!
I am sitting in my parent's living room watching Family Guy with my brother and describing the anatomy of the butt to my brother who apprarently doesn't learn this stuff in school. The details of this topic will be left to your imagination.
So here is the rundown of our agenda for tonight and tomorrow. At 5pm we begin our journey to a family friend's house for dinner and drinking. Then back home for our own little present extravaganza and some more drinking (Red Cat for me and furry tonight :) We will watch xmas movies and cartoons for the night, then bedtime. Tomorrow, Santa comes to fill our stockings with fun things so we will all sit around and open our stockings....and ooh and ahh, then breakfast and some more xmas movies and cartoons. Dinner is tommorrow night at 5pm which includes lasagna (both vegetable and meat) and ham. Then after dinner is another movie. And xmas is done for another year.
I know I haven't explained my trip to Detroit yet....been very busy at home. But I have all of next week so hopefully I will remember to write again before I return back to Brooklyn.
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Take care :)
So here is the rundown of our agenda for tonight and tomorrow. At 5pm we begin our journey to a family friend's house for dinner and drinking. Then back home for our own little present extravaganza and some more drinking (Red Cat for me and furry tonight :) We will watch xmas movies and cartoons for the night, then bedtime. Tomorrow, Santa comes to fill our stockings with fun things so we will all sit around and open our stockings....and ooh and ahh, then breakfast and some more xmas movies and cartoons. Dinner is tommorrow night at 5pm which includes lasagna (both vegetable and meat) and ham. Then after dinner is another movie. And xmas is done for another year.
I know I haven't explained my trip to Detroit yet....been very busy at home. But I have all of next week so hopefully I will remember to write again before I return back to Brooklyn.
I wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. Take care :)
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
one down!
In Detroit. Today, I had my first interview....at St. John's Hospital. Went really, really well. Loved the hospital!! Loved the people there. Overall, I think I nailed it. I can only hope to match there. Second interview tomorrow at Sinai-Grace.
When I get home I will give you all a very special treat. A description of my trip here.....very eventful!! HAHA
I hope everyone had a wonderful night.
When I get home I will give you all a very special treat. A description of my trip here.....very eventful!! HAHA
I hope everyone had a wonderful night.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Happy Thanksgiving!!
Today is my first thanksgiving at home in 5 years!!! And already my family is annoying me :) :) My mom is barking about the Macy's parade and how she has seen more of the today show hosts than the actual parade. Fur is popping blocks. Dylan just woke up (almost 11:30am). Randi and Garry just showed up. And I have to cut the dogs nails....possible go for a run, especially if I will be gorging myself today...and help my mom as much as I can with today (although she has to do EVERYTHING her way ;) I also get to eat some delicious food and stuff myself absolutely silly. I love this day!
My weekend was awesome...I had a very special friend come and visit. I had not seen her for almost 2 years and it was really nice to see her and talk with her. I miss her tremendously. Unfortunately, I forget sometimes who is visiting me. Usually I have friends that come to stay with me who have no idea where they are, how to get anywhere, and need my internal GPS for guidance. Kate needs none of that...which means I annoyed her for 4 days with my insistance of helping her navigate the big city which she is capable of doing by herself. I think by the last day I had gotten that fact in my head but then she left to go back home....sorry!! Other than that, it was fun to walk the city and eat and talk and I enjoyed every moment she was there.
Tuesday I traveled on the train home....I'm glad I left the city early before the onslaught of travelers. Good news: no pat down for me at the train station as they never search anyone taking an Amtrak train. Bad news: no pat down shows how vulnerable our trains really are.
I have been thinking about the pumpkin pie that is in the fridge...I think I am going to go and steal a piece....hee hee!! I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe thanksgiving. Have a great day!
My weekend was awesome...I had a very special friend come and visit. I had not seen her for almost 2 years and it was really nice to see her and talk with her. I miss her tremendously. Unfortunately, I forget sometimes who is visiting me. Usually I have friends that come to stay with me who have no idea where they are, how to get anywhere, and need my internal GPS for guidance. Kate needs none of that...which means I annoyed her for 4 days with my insistance of helping her navigate the big city which she is capable of doing by herself. I think by the last day I had gotten that fact in my head but then she left to go back home....sorry!! Other than that, it was fun to walk the city and eat and talk and I enjoyed every moment she was there.
Tuesday I traveled on the train home....I'm glad I left the city early before the onslaught of travelers. Good news: no pat down for me at the train station as they never search anyone taking an Amtrak train. Bad news: no pat down shows how vulnerable our trains really are.
I have been thinking about the pumpkin pie that is in the fridge...I think I am going to go and steal a piece....hee hee!! I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe thanksgiving. Have a great day!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
I'm Bored!!!!
Actually, I have lots of cleaning to do before my special guest arrives on friday. But cleaning is boring without good music so I am busy looking for songs on Itunes to add to my collection. The reference of the title of this post is partly a joke. I am off from rotations until January 4th and I partly rubbing in to my friends who still rotating :) Of course, without the structure of something to do everyday I am a tad bit bored. So, I decided to log on and get typing since I have some recapping to do anyways...
I finished Cardiology on friday!!! :) It was a nice chill and relaxing morning and after rounds I said my goodbyes to everyone. I then headed into the city to Macy's to find some blouse tops. I scored big time by finding a nice pink and a classic white one ($24.95 each). I then headed home to rest up for the big birthday weekend. On Saturday, I met up with Daniel, Patrick, Yoshie, and the birthday girl herself, Ishie, for a wonderful weekend in Atlantic City!!! LOVED IT!! Lunch was at a nice Seafood restaurant where my 3 sliders (crab, lobster, salmon) were fantastic. Then we had some really bad $2 shots (hee hee). Then we walked the boardwalk, took photos, and avoided pigeons. After playing $20 in the machines and losing (no afternoon luck) we headed back to the hotel for wine and prepping for the evening. Then, off to the Borgata for an amazing buffett dinner. I housed 4 plates of food and dessert!!! Then, tried my luck again with Wheel of Fortune slots. I did manage to turn my $20 into $50 before I lost it all :( Then, it was back to the hotel for some more late night drinking and passing out. Woke up at 10:30am, checked out of the hotel and headed to breakfast at this cute diner around the corner. Then, back to NYC. It was a really nice weekend away with friends....I should do that more often :)
Monday was game face day. I had to travel to New Brunswick, NJ for my first interview (actually my 2nd but my first during interview season). I went out with the residents for their invitation social. The ones I met were very laid back and chill. The next morning, was my interview. The program director was great. The program looks amazing. And almost all of my interviews went really well, except for the one question from the Vice Chairman that threw we off for about 10 seconds but I think I recovered enough to not look like a total idiot :) I really, REALLY liked this program and would love to match there and I sold myself as hard as I could to show them this. Hopefully, it worked!!
So, today I am cleaning and writing post interview thank you notes. Good news: I received another interview offer. Bad news: SUNY Upstate (a top of the list program for me) did not offer me an interview :( That's twice I have been rejected from them, once for medical school and once for residency. Well.....their loss!!!
I finished Cardiology on friday!!! :) It was a nice chill and relaxing morning and after rounds I said my goodbyes to everyone. I then headed into the city to Macy's to find some blouse tops. I scored big time by finding a nice pink and a classic white one ($24.95 each). I then headed home to rest up for the big birthday weekend. On Saturday, I met up with Daniel, Patrick, Yoshie, and the birthday girl herself, Ishie, for a wonderful weekend in Atlantic City!!! LOVED IT!! Lunch was at a nice Seafood restaurant where my 3 sliders (crab, lobster, salmon) were fantastic. Then we had some really bad $2 shots (hee hee). Then we walked the boardwalk, took photos, and avoided pigeons. After playing $20 in the machines and losing (no afternoon luck) we headed back to the hotel for wine and prepping for the evening. Then, off to the Borgata for an amazing buffett dinner. I housed 4 plates of food and dessert!!! Then, tried my luck again with Wheel of Fortune slots. I did manage to turn my $20 into $50 before I lost it all :( Then, it was back to the hotel for some more late night drinking and passing out. Woke up at 10:30am, checked out of the hotel and headed to breakfast at this cute diner around the corner. Then, back to NYC. It was a really nice weekend away with friends....I should do that more often :)
Monday was game face day. I had to travel to New Brunswick, NJ for my first interview (actually my 2nd but my first during interview season). I went out with the residents for their invitation social. The ones I met were very laid back and chill. The next morning, was my interview. The program director was great. The program looks amazing. And almost all of my interviews went really well, except for the one question from the Vice Chairman that threw we off for about 10 seconds but I think I recovered enough to not look like a total idiot :) I really, REALLY liked this program and would love to match there and I sold myself as hard as I could to show them this. Hopefully, it worked!!
So, today I am cleaning and writing post interview thank you notes. Good news: I received another interview offer. Bad news: SUNY Upstate (a top of the list program for me) did not offer me an interview :( That's twice I have been rejected from them, once for medical school and once for residency. Well.....their loss!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Veteran's Day....
Happy Veteran's Day! A big giant support hug goes out to all who have or currently are serving in the military. Without you, we would all be british......
Today meant a day off from work because city hospital employees do not work on national holidays and my boss told me not to bother making the trip in. Which means tomorrow is my last day of cardiology...YAY!!! Going to miss it...sort of. But, on to better and bigger things like interviews.
I have my first official interview on Tuesday in New Brunswick, NJ. I spent all day today preparing by researching the program and thinking about what I want to portray to my interviewers. I honestly have no idea what questions they will ask me so I pretended that I was an interviewer of potential applicants to my emergency medicine program and I thought about the things that I would want to know about the applicants. I am so happy I still retain some of my imagination from my childhood days.....it certainly came in handy today!!
After my last day tomorrow I am going shopping.....I need to buy 2 new dress shirts for my interview outfit. Then, this weekend its off to Atlantic City to celebrate my good friend's 30th b-day (hopefully I win some money).
Quickly....a big congrats to my friend Jesse for finishing the NYC Marathon. I am so inspired that I am thinking of running it myself next year. Of course, the minute my knee starts acting up I reserve the right to change my mind.
I just noticed that this blog seems to be all over the place tonight. That is what happens when you are not prepared!!! Which is why I need to get back to preparing for my big day on Tuesday. I hope everyone has a good night!! :)
Today meant a day off from work because city hospital employees do not work on national holidays and my boss told me not to bother making the trip in. Which means tomorrow is my last day of cardiology...YAY!!! Going to miss it...sort of. But, on to better and bigger things like interviews.
I have my first official interview on Tuesday in New Brunswick, NJ. I spent all day today preparing by researching the program and thinking about what I want to portray to my interviewers. I honestly have no idea what questions they will ask me so I pretended that I was an interviewer of potential applicants to my emergency medicine program and I thought about the things that I would want to know about the applicants. I am so happy I still retain some of my imagination from my childhood days.....it certainly came in handy today!!
After my last day tomorrow I am going shopping.....I need to buy 2 new dress shirts for my interview outfit. Then, this weekend its off to Atlantic City to celebrate my good friend's 30th b-day (hopefully I win some money).
Quickly....a big congrats to my friend Jesse for finishing the NYC Marathon. I am so inspired that I am thinking of running it myself next year. Of course, the minute my knee starts acting up I reserve the right to change my mind.
I just noticed that this blog seems to be all over the place tonight. That is what happens when you are not prepared!!! Which is why I need to get back to preparing for my big day on Tuesday. I hope everyone has a good night!! :)
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Rally for Sanity!!
I know I should have blogged about my amazing weekend on Monday, but I was recovering!! Today, I have the energy to tell you all about my adventure to DC and making history...so here goes.....
Jesse (my partner in crime) was gracious enough to allow me to stay at his place the night before our journey since the bus left from a place not too far from him. At 6:15am on Oct. 30th, we left the apartment and walked to where the unmarked chinatown bus would whisk us away. The bus stop was PACKED, but we made it on the bus and at 6:50am we were off. The ride down was not too bad....lots of people sleeping...and talking. The only negative was the 2 idiots directly behind us who were yapping at the top of the lungs. The whole bus could here their moronic, immature talk. Eventually they fell asleep which meant peace for the next 2 hours :)
We arrived in DC at 11:30am and walked towards the National Mall. Not even a few blocks in and we already started seeing the signs.....some of them were hilarious, like "Down with zippers!". Some poked fun at the teaparty...some at Obama....some were serious signs about real world problems...but most were just clever, funny, and obviously thought up over some drug induced state the night before. Jesse and I tried to move through the masses on the Mall, trying desperately to make our way near a speaker or even the stage. No such luck. Too many people crammed into one spot and no one wanted to move. There were people there who obviously had been there for hours with there blankets and lawn chairs out and they locked arms and would not let anyone through the crowd. Eventually, Jesse and I became tired of this and decided to leave the giant ball of human flesh and head to the outskirts of the Mall. We walked for a ways, taking in all the signs, and costumes and then we came to the spot where history would be made in DC. The construction site!!! We decided to join about 30 others in trespassing onto this site, climbing a retaining wall....then a whole house, to sit on the roof and have the best seats in the house! That lasted about 30 minutes when A) More people than the roof could hold were up there and I became paranoid that I would end of in a newspaper article about a roof collapse and more importantly B) The police showed up....since we were all trespassing. So, we got chased out of the construction site. And instead of trying to rejoin the crazy crowd, we walked through the National Mall, seeing the sites....Washington Monument, White House, the new World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial. Then, Jesse and I walked to a corner bar and did the most American thing ever....had a beer, a burger, and watched the rally on TV!!!!
We then headed to our hotel and rested. An old friend stopped who now lives in DC, so I got to spend some time with her before she headed back out to the streets to protect the citizens of DC (she's a cop there). Then, Jesse and I headed out on the town to take in the Halloween craziness in DC. Lots of crazy costumes....and cheap drinks. And then, it was back to the hotel for bed. On Sunday, we walked through DC chinatown (much cleaner than NYC's), saw some of the 35,000 runners of the Marine Corps Marathon, and walked through the National Aerospace Museum. Then it was back on the bus (with sandwiches and beer in our bags) to head back to NYC.
Overall, it was an amazing weekend....I had an awesome time and I owe a big thank you to Jesse for going with me. I would post pictures but blogger is acting up, so I will try to add them next time.....
Everyone have a great night!!
Jesse (my partner in crime) was gracious enough to allow me to stay at his place the night before our journey since the bus left from a place not too far from him. At 6:15am on Oct. 30th, we left the apartment and walked to where the unmarked chinatown bus would whisk us away. The bus stop was PACKED, but we made it on the bus and at 6:50am we were off. The ride down was not too bad....lots of people sleeping...and talking. The only negative was the 2 idiots directly behind us who were yapping at the top of the lungs. The whole bus could here their moronic, immature talk. Eventually they fell asleep which meant peace for the next 2 hours :)
We arrived in DC at 11:30am and walked towards the National Mall. Not even a few blocks in and we already started seeing the signs.....some of them were hilarious, like "Down with zippers!". Some poked fun at the teaparty...some at Obama....some were serious signs about real world problems...but most were just clever, funny, and obviously thought up over some drug induced state the night before. Jesse and I tried to move through the masses on the Mall, trying desperately to make our way near a speaker or even the stage. No such luck. Too many people crammed into one spot and no one wanted to move. There were people there who obviously had been there for hours with there blankets and lawn chairs out and they locked arms and would not let anyone through the crowd. Eventually, Jesse and I became tired of this and decided to leave the giant ball of human flesh and head to the outskirts of the Mall. We walked for a ways, taking in all the signs, and costumes and then we came to the spot where history would be made in DC. The construction site!!! We decided to join about 30 others in trespassing onto this site, climbing a retaining wall....then a whole house, to sit on the roof and have the best seats in the house! That lasted about 30 minutes when A) More people than the roof could hold were up there and I became paranoid that I would end of in a newspaper article about a roof collapse and more importantly B) The police showed up....since we were all trespassing. So, we got chased out of the construction site. And instead of trying to rejoin the crazy crowd, we walked through the National Mall, seeing the sites....Washington Monument, White House, the new World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial. Then, Jesse and I walked to a corner bar and did the most American thing ever....had a beer, a burger, and watched the rally on TV!!!!
We then headed to our hotel and rested. An old friend stopped who now lives in DC, so I got to spend some time with her before she headed back out to the streets to protect the citizens of DC (she's a cop there). Then, Jesse and I headed out on the town to take in the Halloween craziness in DC. Lots of crazy costumes....and cheap drinks. And then, it was back to the hotel for bed. On Sunday, we walked through DC chinatown (much cleaner than NYC's), saw some of the 35,000 runners of the Marine Corps Marathon, and walked through the National Aerospace Museum. Then it was back on the bus (with sandwiches and beer in our bags) to head back to NYC.
Overall, it was an amazing weekend....I had an awesome time and I owe a big thank you to Jesse for going with me. I would post pictures but blogger is acting up, so I will try to add them next time.....
Everyone have a great night!!
Friday, October 29, 2010
Restoring Sanity!!!
I just purchased my bus tickets, $35 round trip from NYC to Washington DC. Killer deal courtesy of the Chinatown bus system. Never rode on one before, but the asians and broke college students do it all the time so I figure why not. I'm just hoping that the ride is smooth and that I don't get car sick (dramamine packed and ready to be taken at 6:30am tomorrow morning). And why I am trekking to DC....to RESTORE SANITY....or march for fear, I haven't really decided yet ;)
Since watching Jon Stewart live and hearing about his march on the capitol, I have waited for this weekend with excitement. How many other time in my life will I have the time to hop on a bus for fun and do something totally crazy like partake in a Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert march. I know its Halloween weekend, but I will have plenty of other halloweens to attend, but only one march for sanity. So, my bag is packed (very lightly) and my friend Jesse and I will be heading out tomorrow.....2 medical students on a simple mission to bring sanity to the world/DC!! :)
In other news....this week in Cardiology went quickly....slowly while there, sitting in the conference room waiting for something to do...but quickly now! Two more weeks of cardiology and then a very long break where I focus on my interview skills and selling myself to all programs that walk past my street corner (5o dolla make you holla).
Speaking of programs....I received an interview at St. John's hospital in Detroit. REALLY looking forward to it because I hear its a great program. Also received an interview at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. I am still patiently awaiting monday when my application will be complete and then I can expect 50 interview offers waiting in my inbox. Although not from Medical College of Georgia or LSU New Orleans, sadly they rejected me this week. Can't win them all on paper I guess.
Last bit of news, and this may be shocking to all who further read this....but I changed my name. Yes, you read that correctly. I spent almost 7 hours today in a court in Brooklyn, NY. I furnished all my papers (birth certificate, passport, address), filled out the necessary paperwork, paid $65 and waited. Lots of cases today before the judge, mostly banks vs. the common person who does not pay their outstanding credit card bills. Finally, my name was called and my paperwork was complete and I didn't have to go before the judge at all...7 hours not to go before the judge!! I know, it really sucked especially because I left my book at home in my other bag :( So, on paper furnished by the civil court in Brooklyn NY, my name has changed. I now have to have a legal notice printed in the newspaper, The Brooklyn Eagle next week, and return to the court with the affidavit of the printing, and then I will officially be Jill Marie S______. I'll fill in the blank for you all later :)
Have a wonderful and safe Halloween weekend. I will post all about my wonderful DC adventure on Sunday night! Take care :)
Since watching Jon Stewart live and hearing about his march on the capitol, I have waited for this weekend with excitement. How many other time in my life will I have the time to hop on a bus for fun and do something totally crazy like partake in a Jon Stewart/Stephen Colbert march. I know its Halloween weekend, but I will have plenty of other halloweens to attend, but only one march for sanity. So, my bag is packed (very lightly) and my friend Jesse and I will be heading out tomorrow.....2 medical students on a simple mission to bring sanity to the world/DC!! :)
In other news....this week in Cardiology went quickly....slowly while there, sitting in the conference room waiting for something to do...but quickly now! Two more weeks of cardiology and then a very long break where I focus on my interview skills and selling myself to all programs that walk past my street corner (5o dolla make you holla).
Speaking of programs....I received an interview at St. John's hospital in Detroit. REALLY looking forward to it because I hear its a great program. Also received an interview at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing. I am still patiently awaiting monday when my application will be complete and then I can expect 50 interview offers waiting in my inbox. Although not from Medical College of Georgia or LSU New Orleans, sadly they rejected me this week. Can't win them all on paper I guess.
Last bit of news, and this may be shocking to all who further read this....but I changed my name. Yes, you read that correctly. I spent almost 7 hours today in a court in Brooklyn, NY. I furnished all my papers (birth certificate, passport, address), filled out the necessary paperwork, paid $65 and waited. Lots of cases today before the judge, mostly banks vs. the common person who does not pay their outstanding credit card bills. Finally, my name was called and my paperwork was complete and I didn't have to go before the judge at all...7 hours not to go before the judge!! I know, it really sucked especially because I left my book at home in my other bag :( So, on paper furnished by the civil court in Brooklyn NY, my name has changed. I now have to have a legal notice printed in the newspaper, The Brooklyn Eagle next week, and return to the court with the affidavit of the printing, and then I will officially be Jill Marie S______. I'll fill in the blank for you all later :)
Have a wonderful and safe Halloween weekend. I will post all about my wonderful DC adventure on Sunday night! Take care :)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
And there goes the weekend.....
I'm sick.....and it's that time of the month. Could my life be anymore crappy? I can pinpoint the exact time when I thought to myself "I'm going to be sick soon". It happened Thursday night, when I was out in Gowanus at a Burlesque show with some of my friends (by the way, the show was fantastic!!!). I felt this slight tickle in my throat, grabbed my beer, took a few sips yet the tickle remained. I sipped some more and swallowed hard....tickle still present. That is when I first thought about it. By friday morning, the tickle was more like a small Gillette razor blade. Of course the cramps on the other end weren't helping. By friday night, full blown head cold...hardly any sleep. Saturday, still sick and still not a good night sleep. Today, throat is much better....but my nose is another story, and the entire box of tissues I have used has made me look like Rudolph! I am just really hoping for some sleep.
Okay, on to more positive things:
- Did I mention that the burlesque show was awesome!! It was intermixed with german polka music, dancing, beer, and of course bratwurst.
- I am currently on my Cardiology rotation which so far is very good (1 week down). Lots of ekg reads, and I'm getting good at it :) On friday, I had my very own ekg done and a echocardiogram...results of both were very good.
- I did make it out of the house briefly yesterday morning for my first volunteering session at Prospect Park. I helped to clean up Lookout Hill for this coming Saturday's Halloween Spectacular. I won't be able to volunteer for that because I will be in DC!! Have to March to Keep Fear Alive and Restore Sanity :)
- Today, I managed to venture out of the house for my tanning session. Have to look good for my interviews; no pasty whiteness here.
- I got an interview offer on Friday....WOOHOOO!! Traveling to Detroit on December 7th.
Speaking of interviews, this whole process is crazy. I spend all my time throughout the day checking my phone/email for interview offers. So far, I have 3 offers, and 2 rejections. But the real bulk of the offers will come after Nov. 1st when the Dean's letter is released. And I can only imagine the phone checking OCD that will occur when that happens. I may have to charge my battery every night!! Or, bring my charger to the hospital and charge it there!! I will have to go into more crazy detail about this whole interview process another night. I'm starting to get tired, and its only 8pm!! Hopefully, I can sleep tonight. Take care everyone :)
Okay, on to more positive things:
- Did I mention that the burlesque show was awesome!! It was intermixed with german polka music, dancing, beer, and of course bratwurst.
- I am currently on my Cardiology rotation which so far is very good (1 week down). Lots of ekg reads, and I'm getting good at it :) On friday, I had my very own ekg done and a echocardiogram...results of both were very good.
- I did make it out of the house briefly yesterday morning for my first volunteering session at Prospect Park. I helped to clean up Lookout Hill for this coming Saturday's Halloween Spectacular. I won't be able to volunteer for that because I will be in DC!! Have to March to Keep Fear Alive and Restore Sanity :)
- Today, I managed to venture out of the house for my tanning session. Have to look good for my interviews; no pasty whiteness here.
- I got an interview offer on Friday....WOOHOOO!! Traveling to Detroit on December 7th.
Speaking of interviews, this whole process is crazy. I spend all my time throughout the day checking my phone/email for interview offers. So far, I have 3 offers, and 2 rejections. But the real bulk of the offers will come after Nov. 1st when the Dean's letter is released. And I can only imagine the phone checking OCD that will occur when that happens. I may have to charge my battery every night!! Or, bring my charger to the hospital and charge it there!! I will have to go into more crazy detail about this whole interview process another night. I'm starting to get tired, and its only 8pm!! Hopefully, I can sleep tonight. Take care everyone :)
Friday, October 15, 2010
MICU OUT!!
Today at 1:30pm marked the last time I would set foot in MICU as a 4th year medical student in an elective on the 7th floor of Coney Island Hospital...can you tell how happy I am?? ;) The fellows were great, the patient diversity in terms of disease was great, the attendings were great but the 4 hour rounds in the morning were dreadful. The only good thing...I found a new game on Itunes called Pocket Frogs and now I am addicted!! Basically you have to grow and tame frogs, then breed them, then sell them for money. Its like the stock market for medical students on ICU rotations!! So far I am up to 4 scenaries and 32 frogs!!
Monday, I start Cardiology and I am hoping for the best. My main goal is to become more comfortable with reading ekg's and knowing which medications to use for the different cardiac pathologies. I will keep you informed of my progress...
By the way, I am celebrating my end of the 4 week rotation in MICU by drinking (and finishing) the half a bottle of Saki in my refrigerator while simultaneously cleaning up my external hard drive from the endless crap I have stored over 4 years. Panic set in at one point when I thought I deleted an entire file of really, really, REALLY important information.....only to realize that in my buzzed state I had the wrong file open....haha!!!
Tomorrow is a very busy day which includes: getting up, drinking coffee, eating breakfast, working out, going to the post office, tanning, taking my suit jacket to the tailor, and eating lunch. And that is all before 1pm, so the remainder of the day has yet to be determined. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe friday night!!! :)
Monday, I start Cardiology and I am hoping for the best. My main goal is to become more comfortable with reading ekg's and knowing which medications to use for the different cardiac pathologies. I will keep you informed of my progress...
By the way, I am celebrating my end of the 4 week rotation in MICU by drinking (and finishing) the half a bottle of Saki in my refrigerator while simultaneously cleaning up my external hard drive from the endless crap I have stored over 4 years. Panic set in at one point when I thought I deleted an entire file of really, really, REALLY important information.....only to realize that in my buzzed state I had the wrong file open....haha!!!
Tomorrow is a very busy day which includes: getting up, drinking coffee, eating breakfast, working out, going to the post office, tanning, taking my suit jacket to the tailor, and eating lunch. And that is all before 1pm, so the remainder of the day has yet to be determined. I hope everyone has a wonderful and safe friday night!!! :)
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
That sucked....
So, last night I was in the middle of blogging about my weekend and my Columbus Day off, when a giant storm composed of thunder, lightning, rain, and hail swept through Brooklyn. I didn't lose power (Go National Grid) but Comcast was not so reliable....internet gone....blog gone. I really can't remember my entire blog and don't want to spend the time trying to remember, so today is a new day which means a new blog.
First things first...I hate my school. Even more now then ever before. On Friday I got a nice email from my clinical coordinator informing me that the Family Medicine elective I scheduled in Schenectady is out of network. That basically means that I would have to spend a ton of time, energy, and money trying to get the elective approved. Family medicine is in very high demand because you need the elective to practice in California and Texas AND there are not enough spots for all the students that want it. I was a little pissed, so I emailed the associate director of ClinEd who back in March had told me about this rotation and asked her what was going on. I heard back from her today. Good news....the elective is still an affiliated elective and I should have no problems with paperwork. Although I am happy everything has worked out, I still feel like making a voodoo doll of my clinical coordinator and poking it about 100 times for the scare she gave me!! If only I knew what she looked like....
This is my last week in Medical ICU. I'm kind of happy about it because these daily rounds that take 4 hours are killing me. Although, I have found a way to make the time go by alot faster. I downloaded Angry Birds from the Itunes Store last night and spent all morning playing. I am on level 14....and the time flew by!!!
Tonight I am in a mental tug of war as to what to do with myself...specifically where to eat. I have been extraordinarily good in my eating and thanks to Insanity I have slimmed down and I am looking good :) Tonight is an off day where I get to rest and I am thinking that sushi is in order. Of course, where there is sushi there is saki!! My other option is to order in some chinese (steamed of course) and watch a movie...and I have saki in my fridge as well :) :) Right now....sushi is winning.
Well, I hope everyone as a great night. Talk to you soon.
First things first...I hate my school. Even more now then ever before. On Friday I got a nice email from my clinical coordinator informing me that the Family Medicine elective I scheduled in Schenectady is out of network. That basically means that I would have to spend a ton of time, energy, and money trying to get the elective approved. Family medicine is in very high demand because you need the elective to practice in California and Texas AND there are not enough spots for all the students that want it. I was a little pissed, so I emailed the associate director of ClinEd who back in March had told me about this rotation and asked her what was going on. I heard back from her today. Good news....the elective is still an affiliated elective and I should have no problems with paperwork. Although I am happy everything has worked out, I still feel like making a voodoo doll of my clinical coordinator and poking it about 100 times for the scare she gave me!! If only I knew what she looked like....
This is my last week in Medical ICU. I'm kind of happy about it because these daily rounds that take 4 hours are killing me. Although, I have found a way to make the time go by alot faster. I downloaded Angry Birds from the Itunes Store last night and spent all morning playing. I am on level 14....and the time flew by!!!
Tonight I am in a mental tug of war as to what to do with myself...specifically where to eat. I have been extraordinarily good in my eating and thanks to Insanity I have slimmed down and I am looking good :) Tonight is an off day where I get to rest and I am thinking that sushi is in order. Of course, where there is sushi there is saki!! My other option is to order in some chinese (steamed of course) and watch a movie...and I have saki in my fridge as well :) :) Right now....sushi is winning.
Well, I hope everyone as a great night. Talk to you soon.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
7:19am
Here I sit, all dressed up at my computer, trying desperately to convince myself that I should get on the subway and go into work. I'm not too convincing right now. I haven't been too convincing over the last hour. I've been up since 5:30am....showered....full of delicious breakfast (eggs, english muffin, coffee). I have even checked every email account, all my regular internet pages (ESPN, uticaod.com, CNN, Facebook, Foxnews, nylottery.org) and I have searched wikipedia for Susan Sarandon, Natalie Portman, Mark Zuckenburg, Jon Stewart, and some atheist (see below). I have also searched for all the scoop regarding Mark Sanchez and listened/read all the gossip. I was about to leave and get on the subway when I thought "I should blog". So, here I am...:)
Why Mark Sanchez you ask? Well, I went to the Daily Show last night and it was awesome!! I love Jon Stewart and although the whole process was long (waiting in line, going through security, waiting for the show to start), it was worth it. Of course, he talked about the whole Sanchez fiasco, poked some fun, had everyone laughing. Then he had some atheist on to talk about his new book. Don't misrepresent my last comment....I myself am an atheist, I just felt that this guy did not represent me AT ALL!! He was stiff, like a deer in headlights during the 10 minute interview. I really don't recall what he said because I sort of zoned out, although I was brought back to laughter when Jon made a comment about the 10 commandments being put on Styrofoam for easy toteability! After the interview I thought, "I should read his book maybe it will be more entertaining" but then I forgot the name of the book and spent this morning searching the internet for the details which I found easily because I am a super internet sleuth. His name is Mark Harris and the book is entitled The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values. All this effort makes me want to read the book more.
Of course, after the show I got some really good Thai food at a place whose name escapes me...I tried to google "Thai food in NYC" and got like 500 restaurants...maybe I should google "Thai food 9th ave".......nope, still can't find it. The food was really good and the wine was even better ;) I thought on the subway ride home that I should blog not only about last nights adventure but my super fun weekend in the city. On saturday I went kayaking at Pier 40, had a homemade ice cream cookie sandwich at Milk and Cookies in the West Village, and then proceeded to lose my metrocard, got really angry, ordered some chinese, bought a bottle of Sake and went home and drank my $89 investment away (currently working on getting reimbursed by MTA). Sunday felt better, worked out, went to the movies to see The Social Network, had really good pizza and a cupcake and went home.
So the point of this entire blog today is to point out the fact that 4th year medical students really have way too much time on their hands because not only can they leave their rotation at noon to get into the Daily Show line but they can also sit in front of the computer and search endlessly for things just to fill time and blog about their NYC adventures so they can put off getting on the subway to go to work. Okay, 7:42am....time to get going. Have a great day.
Why Mark Sanchez you ask? Well, I went to the Daily Show last night and it was awesome!! I love Jon Stewart and although the whole process was long (waiting in line, going through security, waiting for the show to start), it was worth it. Of course, he talked about the whole Sanchez fiasco, poked some fun, had everyone laughing. Then he had some atheist on to talk about his new book. Don't misrepresent my last comment....I myself am an atheist, I just felt that this guy did not represent me AT ALL!! He was stiff, like a deer in headlights during the 10 minute interview. I really don't recall what he said because I sort of zoned out, although I was brought back to laughter when Jon made a comment about the 10 commandments being put on Styrofoam for easy toteability! After the interview I thought, "I should read his book maybe it will be more entertaining" but then I forgot the name of the book and spent this morning searching the internet for the details which I found easily because I am a super internet sleuth. His name is Mark Harris and the book is entitled The Moral Landscape: How Science Can Determine Human Values. All this effort makes me want to read the book more.
Of course, after the show I got some really good Thai food at a place whose name escapes me...I tried to google "Thai food in NYC" and got like 500 restaurants...maybe I should google "Thai food 9th ave".......nope, still can't find it. The food was really good and the wine was even better ;) I thought on the subway ride home that I should blog not only about last nights adventure but my super fun weekend in the city. On saturday I went kayaking at Pier 40, had a homemade ice cream cookie sandwich at Milk and Cookies in the West Village, and then proceeded to lose my metrocard, got really angry, ordered some chinese, bought a bottle of Sake and went home and drank my $89 investment away (currently working on getting reimbursed by MTA). Sunday felt better, worked out, went to the movies to see The Social Network, had really good pizza and a cupcake and went home.
So the point of this entire blog today is to point out the fact that 4th year medical students really have way too much time on their hands because not only can they leave their rotation at noon to get into the Daily Show line but they can also sit in front of the computer and search endlessly for things just to fill time and blog about their NYC adventures so they can put off getting on the subway to go to work. Okay, 7:42am....time to get going. Have a great day.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
MICU adventures
Last week I started in MICU. Fortunately, the motto of MICU is "we only take them to our service if we can improve there quality of life". Throughout the day, many consults come in from attendings on the floor for patients that may need extra help. The consult team has to decide, do we take this patient or not? Last week, an 85 year old man with 4th stage laryngeal cancer was turned down because coming to our floor wouldn't benefit him at all....the guy is on his deathbed and palliative care is a much safer option than bringing him to a floor that does all they can to save people. I am sure there are some in the hospital that do not like the fact that MICU is so picky when it comes to taking patients, but when you have limited resources and staff, you can afford to be picky.
Yesterday was the start of week 2 and it was nothing but exciting (from a medical standpoint). Because of my love of emergency I was given the 23 y/o patient who accidentally overdosed on iron pills. It was quite interesting to see her progression throughout the day....the iron was destroying her liver, GI tract, and kidneys....she was slowly dying before us. My superior senior resident was on the phone with all of the major hospitals (Mt. Sinai, NYU, Columbia) trying desperately to transfer her out because what she really needed we couldn't provide....a liver transplant. The problem: the patient was not a citizen of this country and therefore does not qualify for the $500,000 procedure. As the day progressed she looked worse and worse. The critical care fellow had a great idea to rectify the situation....have the patient sign out AMA (against medical advice) and drive to either Mt. Sinai or NYU and go to the emergency department. Sounds weird but it happens all the time and it works because of federal law....once a patient shows up at the ED care has to be given and if that patient happens to be in liver failure and she shows up at the ED of a liver transplant hospital, well then guess what?? Her chances of receiving the necessary care just increased. The problem with this....the patient was just too unstable even for her family to drive her. Unfortuntely for this patient, she just picked the wrong hospital to come to that morning. Eventually, by mid afternoon, NYU agreed to take her and she was quickly whisked away to their medical ICU. But whether or not she gets the liver transplant is anyone's guess...she may just spend her last days in the MICU at NYU instead of Coney Island.
Oh, I also got to show my superior CPR skills yesterday on an elderly patient who coded on our floor. We got her back....but only long enough for her family to come to the hospital and say goodbye....she passed away about an hour later :(
Okay, back to work. Have a great day!
Yesterday was the start of week 2 and it was nothing but exciting (from a medical standpoint). Because of my love of emergency I was given the 23 y/o patient who accidentally overdosed on iron pills. It was quite interesting to see her progression throughout the day....the iron was destroying her liver, GI tract, and kidneys....she was slowly dying before us. My superior senior resident was on the phone with all of the major hospitals (Mt. Sinai, NYU, Columbia) trying desperately to transfer her out because what she really needed we couldn't provide....a liver transplant. The problem: the patient was not a citizen of this country and therefore does not qualify for the $500,000 procedure. As the day progressed she looked worse and worse. The critical care fellow had a great idea to rectify the situation....have the patient sign out AMA (against medical advice) and drive to either Mt. Sinai or NYU and go to the emergency department. Sounds weird but it happens all the time and it works because of federal law....once a patient shows up at the ED care has to be given and if that patient happens to be in liver failure and she shows up at the ED of a liver transplant hospital, well then guess what?? Her chances of receiving the necessary care just increased. The problem with this....the patient was just too unstable even for her family to drive her. Unfortuntely for this patient, she just picked the wrong hospital to come to that morning. Eventually, by mid afternoon, NYU agreed to take her and she was quickly whisked away to their medical ICU. But whether or not she gets the liver transplant is anyone's guess...she may just spend her last days in the MICU at NYU instead of Coney Island.
Oh, I also got to show my superior CPR skills yesterday on an elderly patient who coded on our floor. We got her back....but only long enough for her family to come to the hospital and say goodbye....she passed away about an hour later :(
Okay, back to work. Have a great day!
Thursday, September 16, 2010
2 more days
My time at Methodist is almost over. Only 2 more days of work in the peds ED and and exam left, where has the time gone?? I was going to blog about my Tuesday morning shift last night, but I was so exhausted that I fell asleep around 6pm :) So, it was not surprising to wake up at 5am today :) I have to go in at 8am, so I have some time to write now. Lets start with sunday's shift, then I'll fill you in on Tuesday's.
Sunday, I was in the peds ED with Micah another 4th year student. And unfortunately, it was very slow. The shift was 4pm-12am (I missed the final episode of True Blood, although Chelsea and Matt were kind enough to let me make it up Monday night :). I have come to the realization that I just don't like peds ED. As you all know, I am not much of a "kid" person, but its more than that. I get so annoyed when parents know nothing about their kids illness: when it started....how high the temperature was (most don't even own a thermometer or know how to use it)...how to dose medication properly...or the worst, waiting until the child looks like death before coming in to see someone and then getting mad at us because their child needs to be admitted and that would cut into their precious time. Seriously??
So, I have a 13 year old girl on Sunday who is having knee pain and swelling. Very bright and intelligent girl, answered all of my questions with complete sentences, not just "I don't know" unlike Mom who seemed to be bothered by the whole experience of being away from home and the television. Anyway, I find out that this young girl was run over by her cousin on a bicycle one week ago. Over the last 7 days she has been limping and the pain and swelling have increased. So, what does her mother do....she brings her into the Emergency Department at 9:30pm on a Sunday. We send the girl for x-rays....the mother complains about everything (putting the gown on (her daughter, not herself), going across the hall, waiting for the radiologist to read the films). We tell the mother there is no sign of fracture....the mother complains (what a waste of time, this ED is horrible and I'm not coming back, how much longer do I have to sit here). We ace wrap the knee and give the girl some crutches to use for the next week AND the mother complains (how is she supposed to go to school with crutches (I seriously almost laughed in the mom's face for this statement). My daughter needs a note to stay home from school, what?? you aren't giving one, fine then one for gym for the next month. What do you mean for only 2 days until I follow up with ortho I am not taking her to no ortho doctor. How am i supposed to get her to the bus stop, I want a voucher for a taxi company for the next month....etc, etc, etc. This went on for almost 20 minutes, until finally the doctor gave the mom all of the paperwork and told her to leave. Interestingly enough, the daughter was fine with the directions and fully understood everything we were saying. I almost felt bad for the girl having to put up with a mom like that.
So, my final adult ED shift was Tuesday morning 12am-8am. I was hoping it was going to be busy and was it ever, the time flew by and I was so happy, although the night had its moments, specifically with the nursing staff. We were so slammed that patients were waiting 6 hours to be seen by a doctor. I was working with a 2nd year resident who did a great job for having so many high acuity patients at one time. Unfortunately, the nurses were not doing a great job at all. I had to do most of the IVs and blood draws on our patients, and was asked by one nurse to do her job because "I am too busy right now" and then she proceeded to sit down and talk to another nurse for 15 minutes. Then, at one point our patient needed pain meds so the resident asked me to go to the nurse and inform her the order was just placed and to give the medication. As I am telling the nurse this, she says "I am going on break, it will have to wait" and she walks away. I was floored. I understand you haven't received a break yet, but neither have I...or my resident....or the attendings for that matter because its so froggin busy. Luckily I found a nurse willing to give the meds for our patient.
The one thing about Emergency Medicine that I love is the team atmosphere. It really takes effort from everyone in that department for a successful night. The clerks...the nurses....the transport team....the xray techs...the residents....the doctors....and even med students. What sucks about Emergency are those nights when this system falls apart.
So, today I have a peds ED shift 8-4pm. Tomorrow is my written final and oral presentation. And my final shift is Sunday from 8-4pm. Soon, it will be Monday and I will be back at Coney Island, my first home, doing medical ICU :)
Sunday, I was in the peds ED with Micah another 4th year student. And unfortunately, it was very slow. The shift was 4pm-12am (I missed the final episode of True Blood, although Chelsea and Matt were kind enough to let me make it up Monday night :). I have come to the realization that I just don't like peds ED. As you all know, I am not much of a "kid" person, but its more than that. I get so annoyed when parents know nothing about their kids illness: when it started....how high the temperature was (most don't even own a thermometer or know how to use it)...how to dose medication properly...or the worst, waiting until the child looks like death before coming in to see someone and then getting mad at us because their child needs to be admitted and that would cut into their precious time. Seriously??
So, I have a 13 year old girl on Sunday who is having knee pain and swelling. Very bright and intelligent girl, answered all of my questions with complete sentences, not just "I don't know" unlike Mom who seemed to be bothered by the whole experience of being away from home and the television. Anyway, I find out that this young girl was run over by her cousin on a bicycle one week ago. Over the last 7 days she has been limping and the pain and swelling have increased. So, what does her mother do....she brings her into the Emergency Department at 9:30pm on a Sunday. We send the girl for x-rays....the mother complains about everything (putting the gown on (her daughter, not herself), going across the hall, waiting for the radiologist to read the films). We tell the mother there is no sign of fracture....the mother complains (what a waste of time, this ED is horrible and I'm not coming back, how much longer do I have to sit here). We ace wrap the knee and give the girl some crutches to use for the next week AND the mother complains (how is she supposed to go to school with crutches (I seriously almost laughed in the mom's face for this statement). My daughter needs a note to stay home from school, what?? you aren't giving one, fine then one for gym for the next month. What do you mean for only 2 days until I follow up with ortho I am not taking her to no ortho doctor. How am i supposed to get her to the bus stop, I want a voucher for a taxi company for the next month....etc, etc, etc. This went on for almost 20 minutes, until finally the doctor gave the mom all of the paperwork and told her to leave. Interestingly enough, the daughter was fine with the directions and fully understood everything we were saying. I almost felt bad for the girl having to put up with a mom like that.
So, my final adult ED shift was Tuesday morning 12am-8am. I was hoping it was going to be busy and was it ever, the time flew by and I was so happy, although the night had its moments, specifically with the nursing staff. We were so slammed that patients were waiting 6 hours to be seen by a doctor. I was working with a 2nd year resident who did a great job for having so many high acuity patients at one time. Unfortunately, the nurses were not doing a great job at all. I had to do most of the IVs and blood draws on our patients, and was asked by one nurse to do her job because "I am too busy right now" and then she proceeded to sit down and talk to another nurse for 15 minutes. Then, at one point our patient needed pain meds so the resident asked me to go to the nurse and inform her the order was just placed and to give the medication. As I am telling the nurse this, she says "I am going on break, it will have to wait" and she walks away. I was floored. I understand you haven't received a break yet, but neither have I...or my resident....or the attendings for that matter because its so froggin busy. Luckily I found a nurse willing to give the meds for our patient.
The one thing about Emergency Medicine that I love is the team atmosphere. It really takes effort from everyone in that department for a successful night. The clerks...the nurses....the transport team....the xray techs...the residents....the doctors....and even med students. What sucks about Emergency are those nights when this system falls apart.
So, today I have a peds ED shift 8-4pm. Tomorrow is my written final and oral presentation. And my final shift is Sunday from 8-4pm. Soon, it will be Monday and I will be back at Coney Island, my first home, doing medical ICU :)
Monday, September 06, 2010
PS Done
With the help of my sister and her amazing english language skills, my personal statement is done!! I uploaded it to my application on Saturday and sent it to all 76 programs. So, everything on my end is complete. I am just waiting on 2 letters of recommendation, one from Maimonides which should be sent out at the end of this month and the other from Methodist, my current rotation. So now I just sit back, relax, and wait. Of course, I am busy preparing myself for interviews, formulating answers to questions that may be asked. I want to come across as very confident with no signs of stress or nervousness as if this interview thing is something I always do in my spare time. Hence, the preparation now.....
So last night I went out in the big city with a friend for drinks and sushi. While walking towards Washington Square we come upon a jumper. Easy to pick out because A) Everyone was looking up B) There were 8 police cars and 2 firetrucks C) There was red tape blocking the area off D) There was a gigantic inflatable device waiting to catch said jumper (almost looked like the ones used in movies for the stunt men). I didn't see the jumper, although everyone on the ground watching this scene were pointing saying "There he is....." "Look, I see him...." "He is going to jump...." And of course, they were pointing in all different directions and areas of the building, so I am not sure exactly where he was. But I would say he was at least 30 stories or higher in this building.
But, then it occurred to me what SHOULD happen next. The police should just push the guy off the building onto the giant bouncy thing. Why you ask?? Well, here is my explanation. First, it is obvious that this jumper has been up there for a while since the police had time to unroll red tape everywhere and blow up a giant inflatable bouncy device directly underneath him. Second, the police should be getting their money's worth for all of the time and energy spent on this one person by at least using the giant bouncy. And lastly, if this person was really serious about committing suicide they would have jumped already, long ago, BEFORE the police got a chance to respond. I don't doubt that this man is depressed or has issues, but he is crying out for help and attention and not at all interested in killing himself. So, push him off the building onto the bouncy. That drop alone (and the almost heart attack like scare that comes from it) in a person who really doesn't want to jump will prevent any future ideas of jumping. He will land safely....think "Holy Shit, I will never do that again" and will be taken to a psych facility for treatment. Of course, there is a small chance he is serious about jumping and in that case, next time he will do it well before the police get an opportunity to use their toys. I would hope though that the time spent in a psych ward for his "push" and the help from psychiatrists would lead to treatment of his disease and prevent any future episodes.
So, tonight I work 8pm-8am. I am hoping that we get more than intoxicated patients on this Labor Day. Have a great day, oh and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister. I don't have a present for you this year, but I promise in a few short years to make it up to you ;)
So last night I went out in the big city with a friend for drinks and sushi. While walking towards Washington Square we come upon a jumper. Easy to pick out because A) Everyone was looking up B) There were 8 police cars and 2 firetrucks C) There was red tape blocking the area off D) There was a gigantic inflatable device waiting to catch said jumper (almost looked like the ones used in movies for the stunt men). I didn't see the jumper, although everyone on the ground watching this scene were pointing saying "There he is....." "Look, I see him...." "He is going to jump...." And of course, they were pointing in all different directions and areas of the building, so I am not sure exactly where he was. But I would say he was at least 30 stories or higher in this building.
But, then it occurred to me what SHOULD happen next. The police should just push the guy off the building onto the giant bouncy thing. Why you ask?? Well, here is my explanation. First, it is obvious that this jumper has been up there for a while since the police had time to unroll red tape everywhere and blow up a giant inflatable bouncy device directly underneath him. Second, the police should be getting their money's worth for all of the time and energy spent on this one person by at least using the giant bouncy. And lastly, if this person was really serious about committing suicide they would have jumped already, long ago, BEFORE the police got a chance to respond. I don't doubt that this man is depressed or has issues, but he is crying out for help and attention and not at all interested in killing himself. So, push him off the building onto the bouncy. That drop alone (and the almost heart attack like scare that comes from it) in a person who really doesn't want to jump will prevent any future ideas of jumping. He will land safely....think "Holy Shit, I will never do that again" and will be taken to a psych facility for treatment. Of course, there is a small chance he is serious about jumping and in that case, next time he will do it well before the police get an opportunity to use their toys. I would hope though that the time spent in a psych ward for his "push" and the help from psychiatrists would lead to treatment of his disease and prevent any future episodes.
So, tonight I work 8pm-8am. I am hoping that we get more than intoxicated patients on this Labor Day. Have a great day, oh and a big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my sister. I don't have a present for you this year, but I promise in a few short years to make it up to you ;)
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
September 1st!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, I am aware that the title of this blog has alot of exclamation points. Its just my way of saying that today marks the official upload day for residency applications...and I just electronically sent my application!!! YAY!!! Of course, that was after ERAS conveniently subtracted $1525 from my bank account. Wow....applying for a job is very costly.
I have been lucky in that my application process has gone fairly well. I think it has alot to do with my preparation skills. I had most of my application completed in mid August and certified MyEras on August 27th. All of my letter writers are marked in the system, and so far, two letters are in the gate ready to go. My photo is uploaded....my transcript is sent. I also spent 1 week at the end of August researching all of the Emergency Residencies throughout this country and narrowed my list to 76 programs this past weekend (thank you to Microsoft and their wonderful product called the spreadsheet :).
There is only one thing I am missing. My personal statement....the paper albatross that has been swinging around my neck since March. I have tried and tried with numerous attempts and countless drafts to get it just right with no such luck. This is my opportunity to really shine and sell myself and I want it to be absolutely perfect. So, I called in some help in the from of my sister, who is not only a speed-reading demon (hello, I finished the final book of Harry Potter in 2 1/2 hours) but an equally fantastic writer. I am hoping she can help me bang out the last little details leaving me with a concise, polished, and striking statement about myself that will quickly draw the reader in and make them think "Wow, I need to meet this girl". And once that is uploaded, my application will be complete.
And then....I wait....for interview invites to roll in. I hate waiting.
I have been lucky in that my application process has gone fairly well. I think it has alot to do with my preparation skills. I had most of my application completed in mid August and certified MyEras on August 27th. All of my letter writers are marked in the system, and so far, two letters are in the gate ready to go. My photo is uploaded....my transcript is sent. I also spent 1 week at the end of August researching all of the Emergency Residencies throughout this country and narrowed my list to 76 programs this past weekend (thank you to Microsoft and their wonderful product called the spreadsheet :).
There is only one thing I am missing. My personal statement....the paper albatross that has been swinging around my neck since March. I have tried and tried with numerous attempts and countless drafts to get it just right with no such luck. This is my opportunity to really shine and sell myself and I want it to be absolutely perfect. So, I called in some help in the from of my sister, who is not only a speed-reading demon (hello, I finished the final book of Harry Potter in 2 1/2 hours) but an equally fantastic writer. I am hoping she can help me bang out the last little details leaving me with a concise, polished, and striking statement about myself that will quickly draw the reader in and make them think "Wow, I need to meet this girl". And once that is uploaded, my application will be complete.
And then....I wait....for interview invites to roll in. I hate waiting.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
12 hours shift...here I come
Today is shift #3 at Methodist ED....12 hours. No big deal as long as there are patients today.
My last shift was Wednesday, overnight....12am-8am. I was lucky to see 5 patients. Nights like that are wonderful for the residents...chill, relaxed. But for me, I would describe it another way: long! At some point during the night, you start to feel like a stapler...a piece of equipment just waiting to be used. Every once in a while someone glances over and sees you sitting there, waiting... yet they quickly continue their conversation about nothingness with the other residents while you continue to stand there. I had nights like these in 3rd year as well. Terrible nights. I would rather have patients coming out of the woodwork with shady complaints of back pain....or a drunk patient. At least they are entertaining and make history gathering fun. Unfortunately in medicine, and especially in the emergency department you never know how a night will turn out...whether it will be extremely busy or painfully slow. My luck turned into the latter.
Let me stop being a downer and say that there were 2 positives for the night. One, I was able to do an abdominal ultrasound on a gentleman with right upper quadrant pain. The 2nd year resident could not locate his gallbladder and after about 15 minutes gave up. He did allow me to continue to try, and after about 5 minutes of my own skilled probe work, I found it!! (Thanks Maimo for the skills you taught me). Unfortunately, I did not know how to use the U/S machine...they are all different. So, I could only save pictures....no measuring...no sweeping pictures. The resident was very impressed though :)
The second positive....got to see my resident sew a tongue laceration on an elderly lady with possible tongue cancer. She was hemorraging from the mouth, coughing up blood....after 3 sutures, no more blood. I never saw that before, so it was a nice experience. Now I am ready to conquer my own tongue lac in the future!!!
I am hoping that today makes up for Wednesday night. I'm thinking Sunday, nice day out, bound to be some accidents requiring suturing....and residents ALWAYS seem to want the medical student to suture. Not sure why that is but I love suturing. I can see myself as a resident doing all my own sutures...sorry medical students but this is all mine!!! HAHA!!
Of course because I am working until 11pm I miss out on True Blood. Now I have to wait until tomorrow to see Sookie :(
My last shift was Wednesday, overnight....12am-8am. I was lucky to see 5 patients. Nights like that are wonderful for the residents...chill, relaxed. But for me, I would describe it another way: long! At some point during the night, you start to feel like a stapler...a piece of equipment just waiting to be used. Every once in a while someone glances over and sees you sitting there, waiting... yet they quickly continue their conversation about nothingness with the other residents while you continue to stand there. I had nights like these in 3rd year as well. Terrible nights. I would rather have patients coming out of the woodwork with shady complaints of back pain....or a drunk patient. At least they are entertaining and make history gathering fun. Unfortunately in medicine, and especially in the emergency department you never know how a night will turn out...whether it will be extremely busy or painfully slow. My luck turned into the latter.
Let me stop being a downer and say that there were 2 positives for the night. One, I was able to do an abdominal ultrasound on a gentleman with right upper quadrant pain. The 2nd year resident could not locate his gallbladder and after about 15 minutes gave up. He did allow me to continue to try, and after about 5 minutes of my own skilled probe work, I found it!! (Thanks Maimo for the skills you taught me). Unfortunately, I did not know how to use the U/S machine...they are all different. So, I could only save pictures....no measuring...no sweeping pictures. The resident was very impressed though :)
The second positive....got to see my resident sew a tongue laceration on an elderly lady with possible tongue cancer. She was hemorraging from the mouth, coughing up blood....after 3 sutures, no more blood. I never saw that before, so it was a nice experience. Now I am ready to conquer my own tongue lac in the future!!!
I am hoping that today makes up for Wednesday night. I'm thinking Sunday, nice day out, bound to be some accidents requiring suturing....and residents ALWAYS seem to want the medical student to suture. Not sure why that is but I love suturing. I can see myself as a resident doing all my own sutures...sorry medical students but this is all mine!!! HAHA!!
Of course because I am working until 11pm I miss out on True Blood. Now I have to wait until tomorrow to see Sookie :(
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Methodist minus 1
Last night was my first shift at Methodist, 8pm - 8am....very busy! Here are some of the things I got to do:
- ABG on a gentleman with COPD
- Vaginal ultrasound on a woman 5 weeks into her pregnancy
- Biliary ultrasound on a young woman with abdominal pain
- IV placed successfully followed by 2 not so successfully (a little out of practice ;)
- 8 sutures in a right medial wrist laceration from a young man who went to dunk and shattered the backboard...he miss the dunk
- Thumb spica placed on a gentleman who couldn't decide if his right or left wrist was injured more (he kept changing his story). So, the resident finally told me to put it on his right
I am on again tonight from 12am - 8am and I am hoping it is equally as busy as last night. I will let you know tomorrow :) Everyone enjoy your night!!
- ABG on a gentleman with COPD
- Vaginal ultrasound on a woman 5 weeks into her pregnancy
- Biliary ultrasound on a young woman with abdominal pain
- IV placed successfully followed by 2 not so successfully (a little out of practice ;)
- 8 sutures in a right medial wrist laceration from a young man who went to dunk and shattered the backboard...he miss the dunk
- Thumb spica placed on a gentleman who couldn't decide if his right or left wrist was injured more (he kept changing his story). So, the resident finally told me to put it on his right
I am on again tonight from 12am - 8am and I am hoping it is equally as busy as last night. I will let you know tomorrow :) Everyone enjoy your night!!
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