We've finished up our first month of rotations and are walking away with a few pointers to apply during those that follow.
1. Be on time. And by "on time", I mean be early. I made it a point to arrive at least 10 minutes before my physician expected me, and I received several compliments about "being committed."
2. Treat everyone, regardless of their status or position, with respect. The nurses were initially a little tough on me, but "yes, ma'am," and expressing a willingness to learn went a long way. By the end of the month, I was being invited in on other cases that the nurses thought would be interesting for me to see.
3. Anticipate your attending's/physician's needs. Pay close attention to their routine - the supplies they keep stocked, the materials they prep in advance, etc. - and take the initiative to complete these small tasks for them. The more time you save them, the more time they have in return to teach you.
Tomorrow is orientation for our Rural Clinic in Aardmore, Oklahoma. I'm hoping to catch some babies on this one!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Sinister Sinuses
I've discovered one aspect of the first two years of medical school that I prefer to rotations.
I developed a nasty sinus infection last week. Fever, sinus pressure that made my ear drums feel as if they were about to burst, and congestion had me struggling to stay alert and on my toes. I ended up stuffing tissues up my nostrils underneath my mask so that I wouldn't have to leave the OR to blow/wipe my nose.
I refuse to call in sick for anything less than the Ebola virus - a good impression it does not make. First and second year, I would have heavily medicated myself, slept through my morning classes, and been nothing more than physically present in afternoon labs...and then played catch-up as soon as possible.
The up side of toughing it out? 3 more successful intubations. Woohoo!
I developed a nasty sinus infection last week. Fever, sinus pressure that made my ear drums feel as if they were about to burst, and congestion had me struggling to stay alert and on my toes. I ended up stuffing tissues up my nostrils underneath my mask so that I wouldn't have to leave the OR to blow/wipe my nose.
I refuse to call in sick for anything less than the Ebola virus - a good impression it does not make. First and second year, I would have heavily medicated myself, slept through my morning classes, and been nothing more than physically present in afternoon labs...and then played catch-up as soon as possible.
The up side of toughing it out? 3 more successful intubations. Woohoo!
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Intubation Intimidation Conquered
I followed an anesthesiologist today and experienced a lot of "firsts."
First experience in an OR not as the patient.
First observation of a surgery.
And, drum roll please (seriously, drum roll for me, because it's a big deal)... my first live intubation!
By live, I mean I wasn't practicing on a mannequin with plastic and rubber body parts. Parts such as teeth, which made a loud clicking sound if one applied too much force against them, signaling that they had been broken. I broke a lot of teeth on those mannequins, and thus was extremely nervous about performing on a real human being with real teeth. Yikes!
After watching the doctor perform the first, I was called into action. He guided me through the first step of inserting the laryngoscope blade, and asked me what I saw - the epiglottis. I pushed forward, hoping to see those vocal cords and smoothly slide the tube in...and I did! Signs on the monitor and a visual of the patient's chest rising and falling indicated that the tube was in the correct position.
It was over quickly, and soon I was being guided through the steps of a "lap chole" (gallbladder removal) by the surgeon, who was courteous enough to point out the structures as he navigated the surgery. It was amazing to watch from merely a foot away.
I'm loving this rural rotation and the opportunities I'm being presented!
First experience in an OR not as the patient.
First observation of a surgery.
And, drum roll please (seriously, drum roll for me, because it's a big deal)... my first live intubation!
By live, I mean I wasn't practicing on a mannequin with plastic and rubber body parts. Parts such as teeth, which made a loud clicking sound if one applied too much force against them, signaling that they had been broken. I broke a lot of teeth on those mannequins, and thus was extremely nervous about performing on a real human being with real teeth. Yikes!
After watching the doctor perform the first, I was called into action. He guided me through the first step of inserting the laryngoscope blade, and asked me what I saw - the epiglottis. I pushed forward, hoping to see those vocal cords and smoothly slide the tube in...and I did! Signs on the monitor and a visual of the patient's chest rising and falling indicated that the tube was in the correct position.
It was over quickly, and soon I was being guided through the steps of a "lap chole" (gallbladder removal) by the surgeon, who was courteous enough to point out the structures as he navigated the surgery. It was amazing to watch from merely a foot away.
I'm loving this rural rotation and the opportunities I'm being presented!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Family Fun
In the three weeks we had off between boards and beginning our rotations, we made it a priority to spend as much time with family as possible. While we didn't get to see everyone, we were able to spend some quality time with our nieces, whom we haven't seen since Christmas!
Our favorite moments of their trip to Tulsa were definitely at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. It was so much fun to watch the girls' faces as they explored and discovered all the "fish."
The aquarium has several interactive exhibits and encourages touching the species on display, which is perfect for curious 2- and 4-year-olds. We spent the majority of our time at these stops along the tour. Rihanna absolutely loved the stingrays. When they swam to the opposite side of the pool, she quickly followed. She was fearless!
Uncle Aaron was Kyrah's buddy all weekend long, and came in very handy for the too-tall windows. He definitely got an arm workout! I loved seeing her little hand grab his and lead him back to the turtles (which she called frogs), which seemed to be her favorite.
It meant so much to us that Brian and Tracy made the long trip to visit with us. We so enjoyed their company, and are looking forward to the next time we're together. It just wasn't the same when we woke up the morning after they left and heard no little feet running down the hallway, nor their sweet giggles!
This past weekend we celebrated Macee's birthday as a family in Tulsa. After lunch at El Guapo's, we watched the 3D version (is there any other way?) of Brave. It's so exciting to see another redheaded princess! It's been way too long since The Little Mermaid era. :)
Our dad even watched it with us, which was huge, as he's not a huge animated film fan. Thanks, Dad!
Back at the house, we tried a new lemon cake for her birthday dessert - yum! - and finished up with presents. You know you're getting older when you couldn't be more excited to get a Keurig!
Aaron and I found a dinosaur cookie cutter for Macee - she's trying it out this weekend. We haven't grown up too much, obviously.
Happy birthday to my best friend and gorgeous sister! It's going to be another amazing year!
Our favorite moments of their trip to Tulsa were definitely at the Oklahoma Aquarium in Jenks. It was so much fun to watch the girls' faces as they explored and discovered all the "fish."
The aquarium has several interactive exhibits and encourages touching the species on display, which is perfect for curious 2- and 4-year-olds. We spent the majority of our time at these stops along the tour. Rihanna absolutely loved the stingrays. When they swam to the opposite side of the pool, she quickly followed. She was fearless!
Uncle Aaron was Kyrah's buddy all weekend long, and came in very handy for the too-tall windows. He definitely got an arm workout! I loved seeing her little hand grab his and lead him back to the turtles (which she called frogs), which seemed to be her favorite.
It meant so much to us that Brian and Tracy made the long trip to visit with us. We so enjoyed their company, and are looking forward to the next time we're together. It just wasn't the same when we woke up the morning after they left and heard no little feet running down the hallway, nor their sweet giggles!
This past weekend we celebrated Macee's birthday as a family in Tulsa. After lunch at El Guapo's, we watched the 3D version (is there any other way?) of Brave. It's so exciting to see another redheaded princess! It's been way too long since The Little Mermaid era. :)
Our dad even watched it with us, which was huge, as he's not a huge animated film fan. Thanks, Dad!
Back at the house, we tried a new lemon cake for her birthday dessert - yum! - and finished up with presents. You know you're getting older when you couldn't be more excited to get a Keurig!
Aaron and I found a dinosaur cookie cutter for Macee - she's trying it out this weekend. We haven't grown up too much, obviously.
Happy birthday to my best friend and gorgeous sister! It's going to be another amazing year!
Monday, July 9, 2012
Rotation Routine
We've developed a routine of sorts after a week on our first rotation. One that I quite enjoy.
We're currently working in different departments, so we often aren't able to meet up for lunch at the same time. I've been meeting my parents instead for a little midday chat before returning to the hospital for the afternoon, and Aaron grabs a quick bite whenever his schedule allows.
We're usually sent home for the day at different times, but today we finished up within minutes of each other and Aaron came down to see me, fresh out of a hip replacement surgery. I must admit, my heart fluttered the moment I saw him. Doesn't he look like he belongs in the OR?
His feet are on the large side, so he rips several pairs of booties each time before successfully sliding them over his shoes. I'm thinking we might need to replace those exposed laces fairly often...
I, on the other hand, stayed nice and clean today. From discovering metastasis of prostate cancer to the liver, to shortness of breath and atelectasis, to checking healing progress of fractures, I came across a lot of variety. I feel like I'm asking a question every 10 minutes, but it doesn't seem to be annoying anyone, and I'm soaking up the clinical knowledge like a sponge.
After arriving home, we gather around the dinner table with my parents and share the details of our days. Every. Single. Detail...because my mom doesn't want to miss a moment! I do believe it's my favorite part of our new-found routine...as well as my mom's. :)
We're currently working in different departments, so we often aren't able to meet up for lunch at the same time. I've been meeting my parents instead for a little midday chat before returning to the hospital for the afternoon, and Aaron grabs a quick bite whenever his schedule allows.
We're usually sent home for the day at different times, but today we finished up within minutes of each other and Aaron came down to see me, fresh out of a hip replacement surgery. I must admit, my heart fluttered the moment I saw him. Doesn't he look like he belongs in the OR?
 |
| I'm so proud to be this handsome man's wife! |
I, on the other hand, stayed nice and clean today. From discovering metastasis of prostate cancer to the liver, to shortness of breath and atelectasis, to checking healing progress of fractures, I came across a lot of variety. I feel like I'm asking a question every 10 minutes, but it doesn't seem to be annoying anyone, and I'm soaking up the clinical knowledge like a sponge.
After arriving home, we gather around the dinner table with my parents and share the details of our days. Every. Single. Detail...because my mom doesn't want to miss a moment! I do believe it's my favorite part of our new-found routine...as well as my mom's. :)
Saturday, July 7, 2012
No Idea What I'm Doing...
One of my classmates posted this meme Monday on our Facebook group wall:
I was instructed to try to interpret CTs, MRIs, and plain films by myself Friday morning before presenting my "findings." My sentiments echo the picture above perfectly.
I witnessed achalasia, a hiatal hernia, several fractures, and gathered a few tips on differentiating between normal and pathologic findings.
Aaron had the opportunity to perform 2 knee injections, scope a knee, and sew a patient up.
Yesterday afternoon we attended our first set of resident lectures. The first was presented by the Director of the Internal Medicine Residency program at TCH and covered mesenteric (bowel) infarctions; a rare case had come through the hospital the night before. We sat at the end of the conference table, the only two in the room with short white coats rather than long and no title before our name. The residents sat in an ordered hierarchy of sorts, and we were at the bottom of the totem pole. No where to go but up from here :)
The first week was definitely a learning experience for both of us, and I can't wait to see what this next week has in store!
Hopefully a little more confidence...
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Year 3, Day 1
Yesterday marked our official entrance into third year. The purely academic portion of our medical training is complete, and we've now earned the right to enter into the clinical years.
We will work through 22 one-month rotations, each of which are one month in length. Two can be vacation months - thank goodness!
Our first rotation is in my hometown of Tahlequah in the clinic at WW Hastings Hospital. In addition to the clinic, we'll be given the opportunity to explore several specialties this month in hopes of narrowing down the fields in which we're interested.
It's all very exciting, although the first day might have been a bore for those who don't squeal at the small things, like being issued ID badges and touring the hospitals (we'll also spend time at Tahlequah City Hospital).
I felt so professional in my blue dress, white coat, and brown kitten heels. Surprisingly, it only took me 5 minutes to put together my outfit - a huge improvement over the hours spent deliberating over which top would make the best impression on my first day of high school. I was much more worried about arriving early and not looking as inexperienced as I truly am.
The residents were so helpful and went out of their way to walk us to the offices and departments we needed to visit to fill out paperwork. I'm pretty sure I'll have to find my own way on future rotations and am being spoiled.
Nice people, free food (my budget is doing a happy dance!), and no required readings this week. I'm in love with rotations already...especially the no reading part.
We will work through 22 one-month rotations, each of which are one month in length. Two can be vacation months - thank goodness!
Our first rotation is in my hometown of Tahlequah in the clinic at WW Hastings Hospital. In addition to the clinic, we'll be given the opportunity to explore several specialties this month in hopes of narrowing down the fields in which we're interested.
It's all very exciting, although the first day might have been a bore for those who don't squeal at the small things, like being issued ID badges and touring the hospitals (we'll also spend time at Tahlequah City Hospital).
I felt so professional in my blue dress, white coat, and brown kitten heels. Surprisingly, it only took me 5 minutes to put together my outfit - a huge improvement over the hours spent deliberating over which top would make the best impression on my first day of high school. I was much more worried about arriving early and not looking as inexperienced as I truly am.
The residents were so helpful and went out of their way to walk us to the offices and departments we needed to visit to fill out paperwork. I'm pretty sure I'll have to find my own way on future rotations and am being spoiled.
Nice people, free food (my budget is doing a happy dance!), and no required readings this week. I'm in love with rotations already...especially the no reading part.
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