I woke up today in a bad mood.
The alarm went off at 5:20. It was dark out. I didn’t have time to eat breakfast or get coffee. I crawled onto my bike and had to rush to work to make it for a 6:30 shift.
Along the way I thought about the traffic ticket I had gotten a few months ago and how dismissive the judge had been to me. I thought about the doctor I had worked with yesterday who kept forgetting my name and dictated faster than I can type (this is the only doctor it happens with). I thought more about doctors I didn’t particularly enjoy working with, including the one who made a joke about a child with an intracranial injury which probably was a result of abuse. How could someone become so jaded that they make a joke about that?
I was pissed. But I made it to work on time.
I finished my short two hour shift with no problems. I have another 8 hour shift that starts at 10AM.
And while I was angry earlier, things are looking up. Why?
-The doctor who forgot my name yesterday made a joking apology this morning.
-I just listened in on a fascinating conversation between and intensivist and cardiologist about a child with fungal endocarditis. It was during rounds which meant about 10 other people were there. It was a respectful conversation, but the tension was palpable as there was clear disagreement on the best course of treatment for this child.
-I’m working with a great physician at 10AM.
-I have a cup of coffee next to me.
-I have the next two days off.
-I have an incredible job. I get to listen to teaching conversations between attendings and residents. I get to see patients with all sorts of crazy illnesses and injuries. I’m learning tons of medical terminology that should make a transition to medical school much easier. It’s awesome.
- If everything goes according to plan I will have started medical school this time next year. That above almost everything else puts a smile on my face. I’m enjoying the journey.
