Life in an Emergency Room

New Blogroll Added

2011-01-02T19:52:00.003-06:00

Check out the column on the right side of the page where I have a list of "Favorite Medical Blogs". During my limited years of medicine, I have collected some references that have come in handy for me. In particular, check out EMCrit and EMRAP. HIGHLY VALUABLE RESOURCES!!!

Our Day at the Fire Dept

2010-09-24T09:47:00.002-05:00

This past week, my residency program had the opportunity to spend time with the local fire department doing an "Extrication" course. We got to cut up cars, climb fire tours with fire hoses, intubate patients through windshields, and so much more.

It was such a great time and we really appreciated the help from the Praire Twp Fire Dept!

PGY2

2010-07-29T11:06:00.003-05:00

I am officially a PGY2 (post-graduate 2nd year resident)!!! I am so excited that I'm going to start rocking the above scrubs to work! The scrubs are called "Scrubs 2DYE4" and I made them this past week for my mother in law - who graciously modeled them for my camera - but I've got my own pair too. I don't care if doctors don't typically wear these kind of scrubs....I work in the ER where "everything goes!"

Last week I finished up my pediatric ER rotation. We rotate through this ER for one month each of my 4 years of residency. Since I was officially a PGY2, I got to carry the trauma pager which meant responding to all the high acuity patients. I found myself begging to get up to the helipad any time we knew the helicopter was coming...they were usually more than willing to let me escort patients down to the trauma bay. (I guess they aren't used to people as eager as me!!! Little did they know it just meant 15 min of a break for me while waiting for the copter! SUCKERS!!!)

Actually, I quite enjoyed having the trauma pager and getting to see the helicopters landing with my patients. I just really enjoy the ER and being an ER doctor....with all the copters, lights, and sirens that come with it!

I did have a few sad cases this past month, including 2 child abuse cases that will stay with me for a long time to come...as well as an 11 month old who came in after a car accident (he was NOT in a car seat OR a seat belt). But I also had some really sweet parents with super nice, well-behaved children.

The month was fun, but it was nice to score the whole last week off without any shifts.....basically a free week of vacation! We're down visiting Brandon's family now and having a wonderful time. Heading back to work will sure be tough though!!!

Man, I Love My Job!

2010-03-05T17:37:00.002-06:00

Last month, I was stuck in the ICU.

Not that I didn't like it...I just felt really out of my element. People in the ICU are really sick - and unfortunately, lots of them die. I just felt uncomfortable...as if I didn't know what to do for them. In the ER, I can rattle off all the labs, images, and medicines I want for most complaints. But in the ICU, when the patients come up all hooked to ventilators and with multiple different lines running multiple different drips - I'M LOST!

I LOVED all the procedures I got to do though. And when I finally got back to the ER this month, my first central line was no problem.

Waking up every single morning at 5:01am got old too. I kinda like sleeping in sometimes!

But now that I'm back in the ER ER ERRRRR, I'm so much happier! I've decided in my head that I need to take full advantage of being just an intern and do as many procedures on my patients as possible. Even if I don't suspect something in the abdomen, why not roll the harmless ultrasound machine in there and take a look around. What patient doesn't like seeing their own organs on the screen? I know that I would want to know what my kidneys looked like!

And who knows what you'll see? Like the sweet gall stones I found on my patient with abdominal pain...(black area in the middle is the gallbladder....white balls inside are the stones!) I wasn't surprised at all when the official ultrasound came back saying "Cholelithiasis".

Today, I even got to reduce a dislocated jaw!

I work with such great people - and it is so refreshing being back "home".

Delivering Bad News

2010-01-27T18:02:00.003-06:00

I had a tough night last night.

I had to tell a mother that her baby had cancer.

Certain things can mean a worse prognosis according to the attending I was working with. These include:
1) Male
2) Less than 2 yrs old
3) White blood cell count greater than 100,000

And there I was - telling the mother of a 16 month old baby boy with a white count of 144,000 that the reason he had bruises all over his legs was because he had leukemia.

I will remember that patient for as long as I live.

Practicing My ER Skills

2009-11-17T13:21:00.005-06:00

Back in September, our residency program had a practical skills lab where we got to perform venous cutdowns, diagnostic peritoneal lavage, chest tube insertion, cricothyrotomy, and emergency thoracotomy. It was SO MUCH FUN!!!!

Below are a few pictures of me practicing my mad skills!

Venous cutdown (You could do this when you can't get "normal" IV access - it involves making a small incision near the ankle and finding the vein there to insert the catheter.)

Here I am watching my partner perform cardiac defibrillation - shocking the heart. We do this when the heart starts acting up - by shocking the heart we are hoping to stun it back into a regular rhythm.

Now I get MY turn to shock the heart.

Here I am performing the thoracotomy. A thoracotomy is making a big incision on the side of the chest, spreading the ribs apart, and getting to the heart by pushing the lungs out of the way. We might do this in the ER when someone gets shot or stabbed - with the injury penetrating the heart. Because the heart continues to pump blood in this instance, you MUST control and close that injury, otherwise the patient will die.

Clinical Skills Lab was SO MUCH FUN and I can't wait til next time!

FAST Exam

2009-11-09T19:07:00.002-06:00

This is what an intern looks like while learning how to perform a FAST exam on a live patient. It was AWESOME!

Has It Really Been This Long?

2009-10-24T20:24:00.003-05:00

I promise - I have a very good excuse for why I have taken THIS LONG to post.

I've been on Block Nights for the whole month of October. I've been counting down the days since the first night shift I worked. Did you read the blog I posted a while back about being House Officer? Well, during the Block Night rotation, it means that I am H.O. EVERY NIGHT OF THE WHOLE DANG WEEK......

It means that I am in charge of everything that goes down in the hospital. Someone has a fever? Page me. Someone throwing up? Page me. Some old, frail person fall? Page me. Someone's heart stopped beating? Call CODE BLUE first. Don't worry about paging me...I'll be there. Someone needs to be admitted from the ER? Page me. Talk about responsibility! I'm left to deal with patients I have never seen, patients whose medical history I don't know..... And I'm relied upon by all the attending physicians in the hospital to keep their patients alive while they themselves can't be in the hospital. It is stressful!!!

Last week, on what could have been - actually it was, the worst shift of the entire month - I was called by a nurse to check on a patient who wasn't breathing very well.

RN: Doctor, can you come look at this patient? When he has his oxygen mask on, his O2 sat (Oxygen saturation of the blood) is 98%. But he keeps pulling off his mask and it drops to the 70's.

ME: Sure, I'll come take a look at him.

***What I see when I walk into the room: The patient appears to be sleeping...with his oxygen mask down on his chin. There is a tech sitting at the bedside - I assume he's there to prevent the patient from pulling off his mask. (Apparently not paying attention to the fact that the mask was around the guy's chin!)

ME: Well, let's start with putting the mask where it should be. And let's get an accurate pulse ox (the device that measures oxygen saturation).

TECH: Yes, the respiratory team had a tough time getting a good read on him earlier.

ME: (Thinking in my head): Oh boy.
****Tap patient on the shoulder*****
ME: Sir?
****No response****
****Shake patient's shoulder****
ME: SIR?
****No response****
****Sternal rub****
ME: SIR!!!!!
****No response****
ME: Okay. Please go call a RAPID RESPONSE.

TECH: On my way.

Please note that the RN who originally called me about this patient was no where to be found.

Long story short, I ended up having to intubate the guy (stick tube down throat so he could breath) and transferred him to the ICU. This was all while I was receiving pages from the ER for more admits......yikes!

And here was the page I received last night:

NURSE: Um, doctor? This patient you admitted with COPD exacerbation sounds really tight...but you didn't order any breathing treatments.
ME: Yes I did. Did you look at the orders?
NURSE: No, but the respiratory team told me.
ME: I wouldn't have admitted someone with COPD exacerbation without ordering breathing treatments. I swear I ordered them for this patient. Do you have the chart?
NURSE: Yes.
ME: Can you turn to the orders, please?
NURSE: Yes. Oh, here it is. Yes you did order it. Sorry.
ME: Thought so.

Hanging in There

2009-07-19T16:50:00.002-05:00

I'm sort of getting the hang of things....

I have decided that being the House Officer is a really awful job. My first 24 hr shift was last Sunday...and it was CRAZY busy. We were actually slow all day long until about 7pm...when things starting picking up. I ended up not having ANY sleep. In fact, I couldn't sit down for more than 2 minutes at a time. Tons of people got admitted...and I was in charge of all of them. I had people seizing on the floor at the same time other crazy things were going on. It was overwhelming and awfully tiring.......

I learned quite a bit though...and I figure that is the whole point!

Outside of house officer shifts, it has been a little busier on my Orthopedic service. In fact, they let me scrub in on a Total Hip Replacement and Total Knee Replacement last week. That's right.....little ol' Emergency Medicine intern got to scrub some big ortho cases! I learned that the scrub nurses don't get to see outside interns too often....only the general surgery, OB, and orthopedic people....so they liked having me around. Especially having a female around. It was pretty fun to get back into the OR....I really do like blood. Is that sick?? =)

The rest of the month should go pretty well. I have learned what is expected of me during this month and I feel like I'm doing a good job right now. The best thing is that all of my house officer shifts are done for the month....WOO HOO!

First HO Shift

2009-07-07T20:09:00.002-05:00

I had my first job as a HO today. Never thought of myself as a HO.

Actually, HO stands for House Officer...meaning I was in charge of everything going on in the hospital from 7am until 7pm today. Not everything I guess...but I was in charge of admitting all patients, giving verbal orders to the nurses (and remembering to go to the floor to sign those orders), changing bad orders, writing prescriptions for the doctors who had forgotten, etc. Basically if the nurse needed something done, I was the go-to person.

My day started off with a patient who needed "pre-medication" orders before getting an MRI. I asked the nurse politely, "Well, what do they normally write in this instance?". To which she responded, "Normally we'd just give a little Valium....but this patient has a heroin problem and we probably need to give them more. Plus they have chronic pain and are requesting morphine."

Great. Real great. Just what I needed for my first call.

I did exactly what the nurse told me to do. Then I ran down to the ER (my favorite spot) and was able to run my order by the doctor there. He laughed that I was having to deal with this....but said it would probably turn out okay and I probably wouldn't over-sedate the patient to the point that someone would be calling a Code Blue. I felt a little better after that.

Actually, it was kinda fun being large and in-charge. I got to write my DEA number 3 times today! Yippee!

Treading Water

2009-07-02T18:27:00.003-05:00

Well, I'm treading water.

I didn't get "pushed in" and I didn't "drown"...yet....but I jumped in on my own will and have been treading water for the past two days.

Actually, my first two days have been quite uneventful...quite boring in fact. I haven't gotten to scrub for surgeries (since I am an emergency medicine resident, it means that I don't get to scrub in....only the ortho residents do). It also means that I am at the paging will of the people above me. And since the ortho service is pretty slow, I haven't been getting paged. I've been down on two consults in the ER....and they have turned out to be my favorite parts of the past two days. The rest of the time I have walked around the hospital with the other two interns on the service trying to figure out what we are supposed to be doing. Now that I'm getting paid, it feels like I should be working...not walking.

The people on the service have been really nice. I like the senior resident with us - he is really laid back - and even apologized for not having anything for us to do yesterday (even though I had to stay still 6:45pm!). Today was not quite as bad...they finally told me to leave around 3:30. I've got to round this weekend though.....and it is the 4th of July. BUMMER!

Hope everyone has a good 4th!!! I hope rounds don't last too long!!!

It's Up To ME

2009-06-30T15:38:00.003-05:00

It's time for me to spread my wings.

Tomorrow is July 1. The day all the interns (first year residents) begin working in the hospital. And....I'm scared out of my mind!

From now on, I can't use the "I'm a medical student" excuse.

In the middle of the night, when I'm the house officer (in charge of everything in the hospital while the other residents and doctors are sleeping) and someone pages overhead saying there is a Code Blue (no breathing, no pulse), it is ME who has to respond. It is ME in charge of reviving the patient. It is ME prescribing the life-saving drugs. It is ME who decides if the patient needs intubation. It is ME who has to read the EKG and decide if we have to shock. It's up to ME!

I begin on an Orthopedic rotation in the morning. I've heard the schedule is do-able (at least as an emergency medicine resident...not so sure for the orthopedic residents!) but it is still a scary thought that I am now, finally, allowed to write prescriptions. I've also heard that as an EM resident, I probably won't see the bright lights of the OR (operating room) - but it means that I am in-charge of the patients in rooms while the surgeons are surgicizing.

"Doctor? This patient is spiking a fever. Can I give them some Tylenol?"

"Uhhhhhh..........I'm just a medical student.........I mean........I'm just an INTERN!"

Wish me luck! And DON'T GET SICK!!!

Finally....a SALARY!!!

2009-06-24T18:03:00.003-05:00

Today marked my very first day as a doctor.....as an emergency medicine intern to be exact.....and also the very first day of getting paid. WOO HOO!!!

We began orientation this morning at 10am (not too shabby...still got to sleep in a bit!) and got a full tour of the hospital and facilities. We had multiple lectures regarding insurance, human resources, and the computer system - and we were done by 5pm. Nice! (Although I doubt this will be my typical day!!!)

It was nice to see my classmates (9 of us graduated from med school together) and it was great to meet the other new interns, especially the other ones who will be working in the ER with me. They were all so kind...and all our personalities are similar...so it will be a lot of fun!

I found out my first rotation - beginning July 1 - will be Orthopedics. I like the operating room, so I'm really looking forward to this!!!

Tomorrow is another day of orientation....7:30am until 6pm (that's probably more like it...).
I'll keep ya'll posted!

Graduation Party!

2009-05-28T23:24:00.006-05:00

Right after my graduation last week, my parents held a small graduation party for me with family and close friends. It was so much fun...and I was glad to have Jeri, Scott, Cindy, Randy, Marie, Denny, Brandon, Mom, Dad, Kasey, Sam, Taylor, Grandma, and Jon there to celebrate with me!!!

How do you like my new, bright and shining diploma? This is going to go SO GREAT in our new office in Columbus! Thanks Mom and Dad!!!

When Randy showed up, it made Brandon's day...they are both big Cub fans! Brandon had to go upstairs and change his shirt!

We had an awesome spread of food. Cheeseburgers, hash brown casserole, chips and dips, fruit, and veggies. Everything was SO GOOD!

The cookie cake was a hit....not too much was left over! BUMMER!

And the surprise for the day was this bouquet which showed up right before the party started. It was from Brandon's parents, grandparents, and brother/sister-in-law. THANK YOU! It was so nice and thoughtful...and they are still in bloom on our kitchen table!

Thanks everyone who came to the party. It was nice to celebrate with you guys!!! Thanks for supporting me all the way through medical school!

Trust Me...Now I'm ACTUALLY A DOCTOR!!!

2009-05-23T21:53:00.018-05:00

Well, I've done it! I have just graduated from medical school and am now, officially, a doctor!!! Holy cow! How scary....yet, how sweet!

As you can see, the title of my blog has now changed to "Life in an Emergency Room" as I am no longer a medical student. Don't let this fool you....it's still me and the blog will continue! Maybe not quite as frequently in the future....but I will definitely keep this up! Thank you to all my faithful readers for encouraging me, supporting me, and having confidence in me!

Graduation weekend was SO MUCH FUN! Our school did a great job of welcoming friends and family - and made the weekend one I will NEVER forget! I hope you all like pictures...because you're about to see all the fun events that went on...

Here I am out in front of my school. Each year, they put up a HUGE congratulations sign for the graduates. It never had much meaning to me until now. I felt butterflies in my tummy every time I saw it.... (**Note the awesome placement of my hands which make it look like I'm holding the sign....that took some extreme photography skills by Brandon!)

On Thursday night, we had a "Class of 2009 night at the ballpark" and watched the Iowa Cubs get smoked by the other team. I don't remember watching any of the game, but had a GREAT time catching up with classmates that I hadn't seen for 2 years while out on rotations. Thanks to my sister, Taylor, for enjoying the game with Brandon and I!

This was the idiot mascot pizza thing that decided the best place for him to stand for about 20 minutes of the game was right in front of us. This picture doesn't really do justice to where he was really standing....I swear, I couldn't see anything from the 1st base line to the pitcher for a whole 2 innings! Get out of the way!!!

On Friday at lunchtime, my school hosted a big graduation picnic. It was so good and so much fun! Thanks to Brandon, Sam, and all my family for celebrating with me!!!

When we got home from the picnic, I had a surprise hand-painted sign (from my mom) posted on the garage door! It is still weird to see "Dr." in front of my name....but, DANG, it looks good! =) Notice Brandon....who is showing what my school loans are going to do to our pockets!

On Friday night, Brandon and I attended the Graduation Banquet which was held at the Embassy Suites downtown. It was a very fancy and nice dinner...and since we were so dressed up, we couldn't help but take a "high school prom" picture.

My Grandaddy came to town for the weekend...and he happens to be the minister for our wedding in 2 weeks!!!

Here I am with one of my very best friends, Julie. She and I grew up together and ended up going to the same medical school! She will be starting her residency in Pediatrics while I am going to pursue Emergency Medicine. She's going to make such a great physician and I am so proud of her!

Graduation was this morning at a complex downtown. They did such a nice job decorating...and the arena was HUGE. I couldn't believe that many people would be attending the ceremony...but it was PACKED! This is a great view of the stage courtesy of my photographer and fiance, Brandon!

When my class came walking down the aisle, we were preceded by our college flag. I am SO PROUD to be a member of the Class of 2009 College of Osteopathic Medicine!

And here I am....walking down the aisle to get my diploma!!!

The ceremony was really great. The commencement speaker did an EXCELLENT job. The name thing took quite a while....but when I walked across the stage and got hooded.....man, what a feeling!!!

Here I am, afterwards, with my fiance Brandon. He is SO SUPPORTIVE of me and the career I have chosen to embark upon. I am SO GRATEFUL to have met him and I can't wait for our wedding in 2 weeks! Thanks, B.....you've been there for me this whole weekend....and I can't thank you enough!

Thank you also to my Grandaddy for being here this weekend. You are the BEST GRANDFATHER a girl could ask for...and so much more!

To my Grandma, THANK YOU for being here today! It really meant a lot to me!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to my Uncle Jon for being here today. Graduations can be a really boring experience...and you drove all the way up to be here for me!!! Thank you SO MUCH!

And finally, to my family.....

You guys are the best. I couldn't ask for any better parents or sisters. You guys have supported me all the way through and encouraged me to be the best doctor I could be. I really appreciate everything you do for me...and I love you guys so much! I will REALLY MISS YOU GUYS when we head off to residency.

Overall, the weekend was SO MUCH FUN.

I'M A DOCTOR!!! I'M A DOCTOR!!! HOLY COW....I'M A DOCTOR!!!

PS....Don't go to the hospital in July....that's when the interns start! =)

Congratulations are in order!!!

2009-05-12T19:56:00.000-05:00

It's nice to have a blog.....
I'm able to use it as a platform to congratulate people!

Special CONGRATULATIONS to the Graceland University Men's Tennis Team who is competing in the NAIA Team Nationals in Mobile, Alabama this week. They easily won their opening match and will be competing again tomorrow in the 2nd round. I'm very proud of the coach (AKA My Grandaddy) as well as the #2 and #6 players (My Cousins)!!!

Special CONGRATULATIONS to my cousin Brett, the #2 tennis player, who was honored last night with 2 very prestigious awards at the NAIA Nationals - "Regional Senior of the Year" and "Champion of Character". None of us were surprised that he ended with these special awards!!!

Special CONGRATULATIONS to the Graceland University Women's Tennis Team who was honored last night at the NAIA Nationals with the award of "Team National Champions of Character." Their help with the Rally Against Cancer, Race for the Cure, and Bras for the Cause pushed them ahead of the competition to win this special award. My sister happens to play doubles for the team...=) Way to go!!! What an honor!!!

Special CONGRATULATIONS to the Graceland University SIFE Team for their showing at the National competition in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. GU easily won their first round, but ended up in a tough 2nd round bracket. While they didn't make it out of this bracket, they have still done a wonderful job this year. They are definitely "Changing the World." My sister also happens to be a member of this team...=)

I am very proud of all of you!!!

2 1/2 Weeks!

2009-05-06T22:16:00.000-05:00

I can't believe that 4 years of medical school is done.

It has actually been done since April 17 when I finished rotations...and today is May 6...but who's counting?

It hit me today when I received a letter in the mail that was addressed to "Dr. _____, D.O." instead of "______, MSIV" (which stands for "medical student, 4th year.) Some people have started to jokingly call me "Dr. ____". I laugh and tell them that I will always be the same person and it is unnecessary to call me "Doctor". Inside, I'm beaming. I love the sound of "Doctor". (Sorry...probably tooting my own horn...but this has always been an honest blog.)

I don't like the sound of "Doctor" because of the uppity-ness of it. I don't like "Doctor" because it means I am better. I'm no better than anyone. I don't even like "Doctor" because it sounds prestigious.

Darn it, I just know how dang hard I have worked to become a doctor! To me, "Doctor" sounds like an accomplishment; a goal that was set and met. In fact, it has been the hardest thing I have ever worked for and achieved. (Kickboxing my way back into shape is a close 2nd...but I haven't achieved my goal yet!)

Graduation is May 23. I will be so excited to see my classmates and celebrate such a wonderful time. When I'm standing on stage, finally being hooded, I'm sure a tear will drop from my eye.

Playing for Change

2009-05-04T14:40:00.000-05:00

Four years ago while walking down the street in Santa Monica, CA the voice of Roger Ridley singing “Stand By me” was heard from a block away. His voice, soul and passion set us on a course around the world to add other musicians to his performance. This song transformed Playing For Change from a small group of individuals to a global movement for peace and understanding. This track features over 35 musicians collaborating from all over the world. They may have never met in person, but in this case, the music does the talking.

Please check out: Playing for Change

Congratulations!

2009-05-01T10:02:00.000-05:00

Congrats to my sister, Kasey, who was voted Captain of her Moot Court team at law school!

Way to go!!!

This is the Life!

2009-04-27T10:04:00.001-05:00

It has been 1 week since I finished up my rotations and ended medical school with a bang.

And.....

I am LOVING my time off! I am able to get odds-and-ends done....I'm able to take a nap when I want....or lay out in the sun.....or work on wedding stuff.....

I haven't been reading as much as I would have liked - I was hoping to get a few Emergency Medicine clerkship guides read before starting residency... It is going to be hard to motivate myself because I'm having such fun on this break!

I Pray...

2009-04-14T21:14:00.000-05:00

I pray for the 1 year old girl with tell-tale signs of sexual abuse who presented dead to the ER.

I pray for the man who hung himself and the family he left behind.

I pray for the couple in the head-on collision who were dead at the scene.

I pray for the 6 month old who died suddenly of SIDS and the parents who have to deal with this tragedy.

I pray for the woman who needed help but died...because her son wanted to finish his lunch first.

I pray that the son will feel the guilt of this decision...and learn from it.

I pray for the man who dropped dead of atherosclerosis because he can't change his family history.

But most of all, I pray that my family and friends will never have to experience death like I have during my rotation doing autopsies.

Where the Sun Don't Shine

2009-04-09T17:05:00.000-05:00

Below is a video for my fellow classmates and colleagues - who have chosen GI as their ultimate career! ENJOY!!! This is hilarious!

Economic Stimulus Plan: An AMA Point of View

2009-03-28T13:42:00.000-05:00

Apparently the American Medical Association has weighed in on the new economic stimulus package....

The Allergists voted to scratch it, but the Dermatologists advised not to make any rash moves.

The Gastroenterologists had sort of a gut feeling about it, but the Neurologists thought the Administration had a lot of nerve.

The Obstetricians felt they were all laboring under a misconception. Ophthalmologists considered the idea shortsighted.

Pathologists yelled, "Over my dead body!" while the Pediatricians said, 'Oh, Grow up!'

The Psychiatrists thought the whole idea was madness, while the Radiologists could see right through it.

Surgeons decided to wash their hands of the whole thing. The Internists thought it was a bitter pill to swallow, and the Plastic Surgeons said, "This puts a whole new face on the matter."

The Podiatrists thought it was a step forward, but the Urologists were pissed off at the whole idea.

The Anesthesiologists thought the whole idea was a gas, and the Cardiologists didn't have the heart to say no.

In the end, the Proctologists won out, leaving the entire decision up to the a**holes in Washington.

See For Yourself!!!

2009-03-22T21:03:00.000-05:00

My blogger has been messed up for a while. Or, should I say, I might have messed it up myself! Regardless, I haven't been getting emailed when people leave comments on my blog. Thank you for those of you who check up on me and have left kind comments! I appreciate your support and enjoyed finally reading those comments tonight! I think I have the settings changed and hopefully will receive notification a little sooner in the future!

While my comments were messed up, some of you stumbled upon "D.O. vs M.D." Congratulations - some of you have now become COMPLETE IDIOTS in my mind...not deserving the white coat you are gloriously sporting around.

I'd like to introduce you, kind readers, to Idiots 1, 2, and 3 in the comment section of this infamous blog.

And I quote:

Idiot 1 says: I am a clinician, and DOs spent their time manipulating while MDs learned how to treat the patient properly. DOs do not know what they are doing.
12:50 AM, September 13, 2008

Idiot 2 says: i have no confidence in d o s. They are mostly poorly qualified undergrads or professionals that want to be doctors. This is their only path.
12:39 PM, November 14, 2008

Idiot 3 says: DOs seem to be called second rate Doctors. They are wannabe MDs. I would have my health checked with a MD rather than a a glorified DO who wants to be called an MD. MDs are more skilled, properly trained and have excelled in School/Residency. It is clear that you get into MD program because you have done well in School. I can sleep better knowing well that an MD is taking care of me.
3:52 AM, November 16, 2008

It is quite clear why D.O.'s have such an uphill battle when there are people out there who truly believe the above comments. I have one word: KARMA. Someday, you will get sick. Someday, the doctor who comes into your room to take care of you may have the letters D.O. behind their name. Someday, one of your family members will be treated by a D.O. in the emergency room (maybe me!). Someday, you will feel like the idiot you are for writing these comments.

I have NEVER spoken negatively about M.D.'s. Go ahead and read every single one of my blogs and you will see this. Like I have said in multiple posts, there are good doctors and bad doctors...regardless of their distinction. The above comments are what I would like to call "bad doctors". The sort of people who are on their high horse and loving every minute.

If you 100% want to stand behind the comments you are making, why post the comments anonymously? Take ownership for your beliefs. Let my readers see the kind of comments that are thrown at D.O.s every single day.

We are definitely the underdogs...yes we are. But guess what? That is the position I'd love to be every single day!

If you are a pre-med student applying to medical school, GOOD LUCK!!! Whether you choose D.O. vs M.D. is up to you. Make the choice that is right for you. Don't let the above idiots sway your beliefs. I can only vouch for my own experience in a D.O. school - and I can honestly say that I have LOVED every single minute of my time. I feel like my education can stand up to any M.D. out there. And, no M.D. out there should take offense to that comment.

We are all in the same career for the same reason - because we want to make sick people better, because we want to be a part of life's greatest miracles, because we want to make a difference. In the end, it doesn't matter what letter distinction we have - we are trying to accomplish the same goal. Shouldn't we be more concerned about our patients and less concerned about letters? My original post was not a "Battle of the Letters" but rather a blog distinguishing the 2 for my curious readers. Instead, it turned into a hotspot for anonymous people to slam my profession.

In closing, please read what this AWESOME M.D. has to say - someone who is truly deserving of the long white coat he or she is wearing:

Awesome M.D. says: I got my MD last year at Harvard and my twin sister got her DO at VCOM about the same time. Since grade school I have always been behind her academically... and so was my MCAT. Just because I have the letters MD next to my name does it mean I have the right to look down on DOs or any other profession... or any other human being? For those low life MDs who look down on DOs and other human being, I want to let you know that you don't deserve to wear that white coat. And for your information, you low life MDs, my sister got 36 for her MCAT and 3.91 overall GPA for undergrad...she rejected Johns Hopkin and Yale MD programs for VCOM DO because Hopkin and Yale's interview only mention about her research and her scores instead of her personality and the caring aspects of a physician.
8:14 AM, January 12, 2009

Difference in Generations

2009-03-04T21:27:00.000-06:00

Unfortunately, I am part of the generation this comedian is making fun of....but he makes a GREAT point in this video!!!

This video is hilarious!

2009-03-03T21:11:00.000-06:00

Sleeping Dog Runs Into Wall - Watch more Funny Videos

My Proposed Plan

2009-02-19T16:01:00.000-06:00

We had a patient come in today for a check up. She was a nice lady, but a smoker with a lot of health problems. She needed all her medications filled - and, oh by the way - "I don't have insurance. I can't pay for my visit today. Do you have samples of these medications? I can't pay for them."

The doctor was very nice with the patient and gave her a big sack full of medicines to take home. Other than the fact that she was a smoker, I felt bad for the patient that she couldn't afford the medicines she needed.

The patient left and the doctor pulled me into her office.

"A few weeks ago, my friend and I went to the casino. Guess who was there? HER! She was at the slot machines playing....smoking her life away."

WHAT!!!???!?!

It made me really mad that this patient had portrayed herself as being someone who couldn't afford these meds she needed....but had enough disposable money to be playing the slot machines. And cigarettes are $4-5 a pack!

My proposed plan (although it would never fly with the casinos): In order to get into a casino, one must show I.D. which is hooked to a computer system. If that person "can't afford" insurance or a $15 copay, or is living on government assistance like welfare, they can't get in to the casino. Is that harsh? Yes, probably. But good grief...

Match Results

2009-02-09T16:20:00.000-06:00

I am OFFICIALLY going to be an Emergency Medicine resident.....................

***DRUM ROLL PLEASE***

in Columbus, Ohio!!!!

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers!!! This was my 1st choice program...and I couldn't be happier!

Match Day

2009-02-08T21:07:00.000-06:00

Hello Faithful Readers (or those who have just stumbled upon this blog....)-

Tomorrow is Match Day. Tomorrow I find out where I am going to be practicing Emergency Medicine for the next 4 years!

I didn't think I would be THIS nervous....but my stomach is already feeling the butterflies!

Please keep your fingers crossed!!!

Results will be posted for me at 11:00am!

I Can't Remember What I Forgot!

2009-02-02T20:13:00.000-06:00

I got slammed by the anesthesiologist today.

Not in a bad way - but in a wow-I-know-I-learned-this-at-some-point-but-I-can't-for-the-life-of-me-remember-the-answer sort of way. It made me realize that I need to go back and review basic physiology.

When on medical rotations, you sort of get into a groove. Everyone gives (well, most of the time) Versed, Fentanyl, and Propofol to put people to sleep. Then we use Sux before we intubate. I can pretty much guess the exact drug the doc is going to pick.....but today he asked me "why?". Darn.....he had to ask that question. So there I go, searching for the answer in the only book I carry these days.....my Emergency Medicine Manual. Guess what? An appropriate answer can't be found there.

Needless to say, I have done a lot of reading up on my anesthesia drugs tonight. Hopefully I'll have the correct answer in the morning!

Life is Short

2009-02-01T14:39:00.000-06:00

It's not too often that you speak to someone at 7am and pronounce them dead at 4:31pm. I am currently on an anesthesia rotation...and that is just what happened to me last Thursday.

Long story short, this patient was having a CABG/MVR (coronary artery bypass graft/mitral valve replacement). The patient was already in bad health....and had been on long term steroids, making the tissues harder to work with. We came off bypass (the first time) just fine...but when the surgeon spotted an area that needed more work, we had to put the patient back on bypass. Unfortunately, the patient didn't come off the second time as well. The grafts that the surgeon had just placed starting breaking apart. No matter how much blood we gave and how quickly the surgeon tried to fix things, the tissues couldn't take it - the patient died on the table.

This is the first time this has happened to me during medical school. I performed CPR once before...and the patient left the ER alive, only to die 12 hours later....but this happened right before my eyes.

Surprisingly, it didn't hit me as hard as I thought an experience like that might. I think I've had so much experience doing autopsies that death seems a huge part of LIFE to me. Actually, when I first met the patient at 6:50am that morning, I already had a bad feeling for the day....I think I had already prepared myself that the outcome may not be very good. Unfortunately, my prediction was correct.

Residency Update

2009-01-21T13:26:00.001-06:00

Hey Ya'll-

I've been in Tennessee for the past month and the Southern drawl is wearing off on me!

This hasn't been updated since November...and a lot has happened since then.

I received a VERY NICE phone call from the residency director in Columbus that left me feeling confident that Columbus was the right choice for me and my fiance. I ranked my choices last week....and will get the "for sure answer" on February 9. I am confident I will get into my first choice Emergency Medicine residency, but will feel much better when I see the contract! Exciting times are ahead!

Updates Ya'll

2008-11-03T20:46:00.000-06:00

It has been a VERY long time since I have been able to update my blog. I had a surgery rotation during the month of July with some long hours, then a Dermatology rotation in August with awesome hours. September was spent studying for my board exams. October I worked in the ER in southern Missouri - and now I am working in the ER in Ohio. Excuses, excuses. I should have been updating this!

So I mentioned my board exams... For anyone interested, I PASSED!!! Thanks for all the prayers!!! The Step II board exam consists of 2 tests - clinical knowledge and clinical skills. I had to fly to Philadelphia, PA for my clinical skills test. I saw and examined 12 "patients" and wrote out what I thought was going on and what my plan was. Five days later, I took the clinical knowledge written exam...which was similar but easier than Step I that I took over a year ago. I was relieved to know that I had passed both and my applications for residency would not be held up by a failed exam. Unfortunately, I haven't been home to celebrate yet!

Speaking of residency.... I have decided on Emergency Medicine as my career choice. I am VERY excited about this and have loved every minute I've spent in the ER. I see some crazy people sometimes...but it makes the job really interesting! I have applied to 10 different places...all over the country...and have interviews this fall.

I had a GREAT time during my Missouri rotation and was quite impressed with the program. The residents in the Emergency Medicine program were so nice - and they were great teachers. I felt like they provided great care at the hospital...and the nurses were SO AWESOME there. My interview was a few days before I left and it went really well. So far, this is my top choice for residency!

Now I'm working the ER in Ohio. It is going well here too....but I may not be as impressed with this program yet. It has only been a week though. I was just so darn impressed with my Missouri program that Ohio was going to have to be REALLY good in order to pass that program up. We'll see.....3 weeks left to decide.....and an interview in mid-November.

Side note:

Patient of the Night

So we had a male to female transgendered patient in the ER the other night who presented because of an intentional overdose. He, or shall I now say, she, was 40 something and wanted to "die as a man" and then "be reborn as a woman." Part of the rebirth process for him/her was to become infantile again. So...drum roll....he spent the night wearing a diaper, clutching a rag doll, and sucking on a pacifier. Sometimes he/she would watch cartoons...other times he/she would color in a Barbie coloring book. It was very interesting. And I'm not sharing this story in disgust - because that patient can choose to live how he/she wants...it doesn't effect how I choose to live. But come on.....it was pretty theatrical.....

So I guess that is all the medical school updates for now. I'll (try to) keep you posted on the interviews I have coming up!!!

Prayer

2008-06-11T21:37:00.001-05:00

At 7:00pm tonight, a tornado struck a boy scout camp in western Little Sioux, Iowa. According to our local news station, around 100 kids were there camping. At this point there are reports that 40 some people are injured and at least 4 have been killed.

I just watched a news reel on KCCI that made me sick to my stomach. The police and paramedics seem to be doing a great job of delegating and organizing - but it is just so sad to see the parents and community wondering what is happening there but not having any news. No one knows who is injured, no one knows who might have been killed.

The other thing that ticked me off was the news reporter butting into the conversations. When there is a concerned troop leader who has just showed up to help, but gets turned away by the police to go to the area where everyone is meeting - obviously looking sad and concerned - please don't stop him for 5 minutes to interview. What an inappropriate time!

My heartfelt prayers go out to this community and I am praying for the safety and recovery of these kids and troop leaders. I just want to cry!

Rotation Update

2008-06-11T15:40:00.000-05:00

So, I think I've got all my family practice rotations figured it! It took long enough...and I had to make a few phone calls to my big wig friends...but I got it done! My school didn't help me out at all....but, whatever. I ended up getting a rotation quite close to home and another rotation in Tennessee where I can stay with my fiance's family. It has all worked out really well!

Now to my new complaint regarding rotations... I can't get any Emergency Medicine rotations worked out yet! It does me no good (other than for the educational benefit) to rotate through the ER here in Des Moines because there are no residency options for me. My best choice is to rotate within hospitals that have ER residency programs....because when I apply and interview, they will already know me!

I'm looking at a few programs in Ohio and will, hopefully, find myself a few ER rotations.

Tired...and Hopeful

2008-05-27T14:20:00.000-05:00

1) I am tired! I've been on Internal Medicine Service for the past few weeks...and getting to the hospital every single morning at 6 is wearing me out! And I'm afraid I've got a few more months of getting up this early too - next is pediatrics and then surgery!

2) I am hopeful that I will get some Family Practice rotations set up in the next few days. I've been in touch with a doctor I worked with - who put me in touch with another doctor - who might be willing to take a student for 1-2 months next school year. Plus, the rotation would be close to town! I should be hearing in the next day or so - and that will make it so much easier to schedule everything else!

Suicidal Patients

2008-05-25T20:44:00.000-05:00

I've been at the county hospital for a month and a half now. And even though I've seen patients come in who have attempted suicide, I've seen way more in the past month and half than I have my entire third year of medical school. I don't know if this is a direct result of being in the county hospital or not - I just know the numbers I have seen.

I had a patient this past week who ingested, intentionally, way too much Tylenol. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is toxic to the liver when you get over 7,000mg. This patient presented to the hospital after ingesting - drum roll please - 25,000mg! Unbelievable! Can you imagine how bad life must have been in order to do this? Oh, and if that wasn't enough, throw in quite a bit of EtOH (that's how doctors write alcohol....we're so smart!) - which is another toxic agent to the liver.

We saved the patient's life - and, subsequently, transferred the patient to the psych ward. My guess is that I will see this patient again before my time is done at the county hospital.

I had another patient this week who presented with acute pancreatitis. Apparently the patient had been drinking about a gallon of vodka the few days leading up to the current attack. Of special note - the patient was also a chronic drug seeker. My favorite. And wouldn't you know...pain control is one of the top managements of pancreatitis? Yep.

The patient was also newly homeless.

While most patients only need a few days in the hospital to get the pancreas back to "normal", this patient seemed to like the hospital and stayed about 6 days. No surprise to me...or the resident...or the attending....when we learned that the patient was taking smoke breaks during the day and bringing back dirty laundry that needed to be washed. And when we told the patient that we were planning to discharge, the patient actually said, "Well, I have some phone calls I need to make. Maybe tomorrow would be better."

I saw the patient a few days after discharge, sleeping in a car in the hospital parking lot. Looked like there was freshly cleaned laundry in there too.

I'm guessing there might be another "pancreatic attack" before I'm through.

On another note, please take a look at "Ah Yes, Residency". This post is awesome - and please note "The Shadow" which sums up my medical student experience!

Scheduling Rotations BAD: Family Achievements GOOD

2008-05-15T19:52:00.000-05:00

I struck out again today - twice - trying to schedule family practice rotations. What the heck!?!?!? I put in another couple of requests, but at this rate, I'll be lucky to stay in the Midwest for these 2 months, let alone in Iowa. Cross your fingers!!!

Despite the bad luck with school rotations, my family has had excellent luck this past week. Well, not so much "luck"....more like bad-a$$ skill! (Sorry Mom! - I'll wash my mouth out with soap right now!) I could preface the following by saying, "I'm not bragging," but, darn it, I'm just so dang proud of everyone right now that I am pleased to be able to brag about my family.

1) My youngest sister was named "Prom Queen" of her high school last weekend. In a class of 700+, it really was an honor just for her to be nominated! (I sound SO CHEESY!!!) I don't think her Senior class could have chosen anyone better!

2.) Okay, so this example did include a little bit of luck - okay, a lot of luck! The same sister AKA "Prom Queen" won a dang bike at After Prom. Anyone need a bike?

3.) Same sister - different example. While playing in the Regional Tennis Finals today at Indianola, "Prom Queen" and her doubles partner WON!!! That's right - District and Regional doubles champions!!! That earned them a bid at the State Tournament in two weeks! They played great today and won 3 straight matches to work their way through the bracket.

4.) My other sister - we'll call her "Hollywood" - is a presenter for the Graceland SIFE team who was competing at Nationals the past couple of days in Chicago. After an impressive opening round, they moved on in the competition - competing again this morning and making the final four. After their afternoon presentation, they were named "2nd Runner Up" in the entire nation! My parents were able to be in Chicago and they said it was another excellent showing by the GU SIFE team. I know the SIFE team is bummed that "Hollywood" - their top presenter - is graduating next week!!!

5.) Finally, I need to brag a little bit about the Graceland Men's Tennis team - and not just because my grandfather is the coach or my cousin is the #2 player on the team. The GU tennis team was also competing in their National tournament this week in Mobile, Alabama. Never before has GU made it through 2 rounds of the tournament - and this year, they did!!! Top 8 in the Nation, baby!!! They knocked out the 6th seed in their 2nd round - becoming instant celebrities among the schools - before being beaten by the 3rd seed yesterday. It was the best finish a Graceland team has ever had...and I'm so proud of my grandfather, cousin, and the rest of the team!

So there you have it. I'm glad you've allowed me to brag a little bit - it's always nice to be so proud of your family!

Dang Rotations!

2008-05-14T11:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I have unsuccessfully been trying to submit 4th year rotation sites for the past 2 hours. At my school, because we don't have an affiliate hospital, we are left to find rotations on our own. So even though I don't have any desire to do Family Practice, I still have to schedule 2 months worth during my 4th year.

I understand the importance of Family Practice and I'm not knocking this as a career. It's just not in my cards. I'm planning to do ER - which you could argue functions somewhat as family practice anyway - because it is more exciting to me. I like to "think on my toes" and be a "jack of all trades".

Here is where my problem lies:

The class below mine is now required to stay in-state for 3rd year. While I understand my school's purpose for doing this - keeping students closer and having more control over education - it poses quite the dilemma for my class. In the past, 4th year students had precedence over 3rd year students. That makes sense. Well, now that they have to stay in-state, the 3rd years get precedence over 4th years. Hmmm... That means 4th year students either 1) have to travel out of state for required rotations or 2) get stuck with left-over spots which could be anywhere in the state. This is a bummer - especially when you don't want to do Family Practice.

So, back to my unsuccessful attempts - I've already struck out 3 times for rotations near Des Moines. I've resubmitted a few of them with different dates, but I'm not too hopeful. Thankfully, everything has worked out well for me in the past - and I'm hoping this will be no different. But, still....it's very frustrating!

On a good note, I did get a Pediatric ICU/Peds ER rotation scheduled. Despite the fact that I will be dealing with really sick kids (which is just plain sad!) I think this will be a good addition to my schedule heading into an ER residency!

Very Special Blog

2008-05-07T20:59:00.000-05:00

Please check out the very special post I wrote on my NEW very special blog =)

Trust Me...I'm (Halfway) A Doctor

2008-04-02T18:49:00.000-05:00

I got to thinking today while I was in the ER seeing patients. ("Thinking"....what a concept!) A nurse had just asked me what drugs and labs I was planning to order for a patient I had just seen. To which I responded with perfect practice, "I'm just the medical student...I can't make that decision. Let me talk to the doctor and I'll let you know."

I might have been able to make a few good guesses about what the doctor would order....but chances are, something would have been wrong.

It is sort of nice not having any responsibility for the patient. I can't mess up. Well, I can.....but there is someone to catch my mistake. Plus, unless I knowingly do something harmful to the patient (like punching him in the face), I can't be held responsible.

What a scary thought to think that in a little over one year I will be the responsible one. The nurses will ask me that question and I'll have to respond with an appropriate drug and lab. I won't have the luxury and safety of saying, "I'm just the medical student..." By then I will be a doctor. Gosh....scary!

ER Patient of the Day - Part 2

2008-03-29T14:34:00.000-05:00

ME: What brings you in here today, sir?

IDIOT PATIENT: I have weakness all over.

ME: When did this start?

IDIOT PATIENT: Oh, I've had this about 2 years.

ME: Did something happen? Why did you choose today to come in for this problem?

IDIOT PATIENT: No reason. Just thought it was time to get it checked out.

Give me a break Mr. Idiot Patient....what the heck are we going to do in the ER for you to treat this generalized weakness that has been present for 2 years? You dummy!

ER Patient of the Day

2008-03-25T17:38:00.000-05:00

***100+ white female in the ER for confusion***

PATIENT: Get in here!

ME: Hi, ma'am. Do you need help?

PATIENT: No. What do you want?

ME: Well, I heard you call for someone...so I came to see if you needed help.

PATIENT: No one helps me. You all have broken my cookies. MY COOKIES ARE BROKEN!

ME: Your cookies are broken?

PATIENT: I am over 5 years old. You all want me to die!

ME: We don't want that. We are here to help you.

PATIENT: Get out of here!

***I start leaving the room***

PATIENT: Get back in here, sir!

***Please note: I am NOT a sir......last time I checked in the mirror, I was female.......***

ME: Yes, ma'am?

PATIENT: Get someone here to help me.

***Here is when I call for a nurse...not knowing what to do with my 3rd year medical student experience***

NURSE: Can we help you, ma'am?

PATIENT: Get this off of me!!!

***Patient rips out IV. As the nurse goes to grab it from her, she starts whipping the nurse with the tubing***

PATIENT: That's mine!

NURSE: You have pulled your IV out. Stop hitting! We need to reattach this.

PATIENT: You aren't helping me. Someone has to help me all the time.

NURSE: We ARE helping you.

PATIENT: ***Looking to me*** Who are you?

ME: I'm the medical student.

PATIENT: Well, you're NOT doing a very good job at it!

ME: ***Already starting to laugh at the situation*** Oh man! You're the first patient that has EVER told me that! I'm sorry to hear you say that.

PATIENT: I'm going to tell your folks and they are NOT going to be happy about it!

Hahahaha!!! I have been laughing at this situation the rest of the day. First she whipped the nurse with her pulled-out IV tube, then told me I was not doing a good job. It was so humorous! Better than that, when I passed her room about 5 minutes later, she had no idea who I was! Hahaha....I will remember her for a LONG time!

Check it out!

2008-03-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

I meant to write a blog about my sister's recent engagement....but I guess I forgot!

Lucky for you, you can check out their new website dedicated to the planning of "The Big Day".

It is a really fun site to look at...and I'm sure will be updated by my sister, Kasey, quite frequently! I'll look forward to creating one whenever it's time for ME to get married!

Great Perspective

2008-03-07T10:06:00.001-06:00

I've posted quite a few things that have been forwarded on to me from my Aunt Bobbie. Here is another great one.....apparently written by Jay Leno....although this cannot be confirmed. Either way, whoever wrote it.....it's a great perspective!

"The other day I was reading Newsweek magazine and came across some poll data I found rather hard to believe. It must be true, given the source, right? The Newsweek poll alleges that 67% of Americans are unhappy with the direction the country is headed, and 69% of the country is unhappy with the performance of the President. In essence, 2/3's of the citizenry just ain't happy and want a change.

So being the "knuckle dragger" I am, I started thinking. 'What are we so unhappy about?' Is it that we have electricity and running water 24 hours a day, 7 days a week? Is our unhappiness the result of having air conditioning in the summer and heating in the winter? Could it be that 95.4% of these unhappy folks have a job? Maybe it is the ability to walk into a grocery store at any time, and see more food in moments than Darfur has seen in the last year? Maybe it is the ability to drive from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean without having to present identification papers as we move through each state? Or possibly the hundreds of clean and safe motels we would find along the way that can provide temporary shelter? I guess having thousands of restaurants with varying cuisine from around the world is just not good enough.

Or could it be that when we wreck our car, emergency workers show up and provide services to help all, and even send a helicopter to take you to the hospital? Perhaps you are one of the 70% of Americans who own a home. You may be upset with knowing that in the unfortunate case of a fire, a group of trained firefighters will appear in moments and use top notch equipment to extinguish the flames thus saving you, your family and your belongings. Or if, while at home watching one of your many flat screen TVs, a burglar or prowler intrudes, an officer equipped with a gun and a bullet-proof vest will come to defend you and your family against attack or loss. This all in the backdrop of a neighborhood free of bombs or militias raping and pillaging the residents. Neighborhoods where 90% of teenagers own cell phones and computers.

How about the complete religious, social and political freedoms we enjoy that are the envy of everyone in the world? Maybe that is what has 67% of you folks unhappy.

Fact is we are the largest group of ungrateful, spoiled brats the world has ever seen. No wonder the world loves the U.S., yet has a great disdain for its citizens. They see us for what we are. The most blessed people in the world who do nothing but complain about what we don't have, and what we hate about the country instead of thanking the good Lord we live here.

I know, I know. What about the President who took us into war and has no plan to get us out? The President who has a measly 31% approval rating? Is this the same President who guided the nation in the dark days after 9/11? The President that cut taxes to bring an economy out of recession? Could this be the same guy who has been called every name in the book for succeeding in keeping all the spoiled ungrateful brats safe from terrorist attacks? The Commander-In Chief of an all-volunteer army that is out there defending you and me?

Did you hear how bad the President is on the news or talk show? Did this news affect you so much, make you so unhappy you couldn't take a look around for yourself and see all the good things and be glad? Think about it...are you upset at the President because he actually caused you personal pain OR is it because the 'Media' told you he was failing to kiss your sorry ungrateful behind every day?

Make no mistake about it. The troops in Iraq and Afghanistan have volunteered to serve, and in many cases may have died for your freedom. There is currently no draft in this country. They didn't have to go. They are able to refuse to go and end up with either a "general" discharge, an "other than honorable" discharge or, worst case scenario, a "dishonorable" discharge after a few days in the brig.

So why then the flat-out discontentment in the minds of 69% of Americans?

Say what you want, but I blame it on the media. If it bleeds, it leads; and they specialize in bad news. Everybody will watch a car crash with blood and guts. How many will watch kids selling lemonade at the corner?

The media knows this and media outlets are for-profit corporations. They offer what sells, and when criticized, try to defend their actions by "justifying" them in one way or another. Just ask why they tried to allow a murderer like O.J. Simpson to write a book about 'how he didn't kill his wife, but if he did he would have done it this way'...Insane!

Stop buying the negativism you are fed everyday by the media. Shut off the TV, burn Newsweek, and use the New York Times for the bottom of your bird cage. Then start being grateful for all we have as a country.

There is exponentially more good than bad. We are among the most blessed people on Earth, and should thank God several times a day...or at least be thankful and appreciative."

Grand Cayman, Here We Come!

2008-03-05T12:07:00.000-06:00

My brain is fried.

I just realized that I haven't really had a break since I started my clinical rotations on August 6, 2007. That is 7 months without a break! Well, okay....I had a week off at Christmas...but that holiday is just so dang busy that I can't really count it as a break!

I usually get home from the clinic or hospital and am so tired that I'm hitting the sack by 9pm! Then I wake up at 5:30 or 6am to start it all over again. Is it bad to just want some time AWAY from the patients, lab values, X-rays, physicians, and studying?

My family - including my sister's fiance, my boyfriend, and other sister's friend - are leaving for a week and a half trip to Grand Cayman in one week. I can't wait!!!

Here is a brief list of what I am excited about:

1. Stepping off the plane to the smell of salt water in the air

2. Stingray City

3. Scuba diving

4. Snorkeling with my boyfriend

5. Cliff diving at Pedro's Castle

6. "Beaching it"

7. Getting tan

8. Playing tennis in the evening

9. Walking along Seven Mile Beach

10. Eating a meat-pie after diving

11. Messing around with my sister's underwater camera

I'd like to say that I won't study at all while I'm there. But in all honesty, I'll probably have some board review books to look through while I'm soaking up the rays. Even though I should take advantage of the sun, I also know that I've only got 6 months before my next medical board exam. YUCK!!!

Anyways, my boyfriend and I will be leaving Tennessee on Monday to drive back home. Then we'll be leaving late Wednesday night to head to Cayman. I'll keep a "vacation diary" while we are gone!!! We'll miss you all!!!

ATTN: Panera Peeps

2008-02-26T07:16:00.001-06:00

Well, I'm in Chattanooga, Tennessee!!!

It's 8:15, I don't have to be at work yet, and I'll get off by 4:45....this is the life! Radiology is the life!!!

I'm at Panera right now. Not quite the same as my Panera....but that's just because they don't know my name yet! I'm eating a BACON, EGG, AND CHEESE Sandwich here....freshly grilled on Ciabatta bread. It's AWESOME!!!

Since I'm not there to do it, will one of my Panera peeps ask Tana when our Panera will get these? The funny thing is that I first tried those Crispanis here....and now I get to first sample this sandwich here. Panera Iowa must just be a little behind!

Anyways, I'm having fun so far!! I'll keep you all updated!

Dear Anonymous

2008-02-16T15:25:00.000-06:00

I've had four, count them, FOUR anonymous responses to a post I had written called D.O. vs M.D.. Why it took people this long to start responding, I don't know. I wrote the post on March 1 of 2007. Whatever the reason, it has sparked some good discussion. Maybe people will respond to this post by 2009! We'll see!

To anonymous person #1 who decided to respond by writing up a bunch of statistics: I'm not sure what your point was. You've used statistics from a medical journal that is 2 years old....in order to point out that D.O.'s make up only 6% of the total population of doctors. And??? I mean, maybe you were saying that D.O.'s were few and far between...and that is the reason people have a tough time finding one even if they are looking. Or it may have been a snide way of pointing out that there are a ton more M.D.'s, therefore, making M.D.'s better. I'm not sure. But, again, I'm not sure what your point was.

To anonymous person #2 who responded to the above mentioned comment: It is completely true that there are fewer D.O.'s in general. (I don't know what the above person was trying to point out!) However, I would like to respond to your comment that "M.D.s do their clinical rotations in a teaching hospital affiliated with their medical school, while D.O.s do their clinical rotations in community hospitals and local doctor's offices." This isn't actually true. Some D.O. schools have affiliated hospitals for students, some do not. My school, Des Moines University in Iowa, does not. Therefore, we do rotations at other hospitals. I guess it just depends where you go to school. I'm not really sure where you pulled that information from, though.

To anonymous person #3 who responded to the above mentioned comment: You said the same as me. Or, shall I say, I said the same as you. Well done! Doing well on your COMLEX or USMLE is important, as is doing well on rotations.

To anonymous person #4 who, to be honest, ticked me off: Congratulations on getting into medical school. That is a major achievement! (I promise, I'm being genuine.) Whether you were in the M.D. program (as you mentioned) or a D.O. program, you have worked hard to get to this point. You had to have done well on the MCAT and I'm sure you'll do well on your boards.

Thank you for prefacing your comment with "I don't know much about D.O.s." That, in fact, was why I wrote the post in the first place.

You were offended by my comment that D.O.s treat the patient and not just the symptom. But, I was not meaning that M.D.s thought differently. In fact, I led out my entire post that it is dumb to think one is better than the other. I don't think I'm better because I'm a D.O. I don't think I'm better, period. I just think I have one other thing in my "pocket", so to say, that an M.D. doesn't. I don't use OMT (osteopathic manipulative treatment) very often. In fact, I use it rarely. However, there have been those occasional patients, coming in complaining of low back pain, that I have been able to fix. The hands of a 3rd year medical student have fixed the problem, not the numerous shots of steroids they have received in the past. Actually, I use my OMT skills more on the M.D.s I am learning from, than I do on patients. Mostly because 1) they are curious 2) their necks, shoulders, backs, etc hurt 3) they want to see if I really can "pop their neck" in the exact place it has been bothering them for the past 2 weeks. (And, YES I CAN!)

You wondered when we were trained in OMM (osteopathic manipulative medicine) if we are taking the same curriculum as you. Well, we do the same as you....2 years of didactics/patient encounters....and the following 2 years doing rotations in hospitals/clinics. But our schools shove the OMM into the first 2 years. So, we're taking all the basic sciences and systems courses, but ALSO taking OMM. We typically had one or two lectures a week...followed by a one and half hour lab based on that lecture. Therefore, anywhere from 3-5 hours per week, for two years, of OMM. Not a whole lot more time commitment each week (because I can manage lab the day before a test), but a TON of information learned over the course of 2 years.

I do find it funny that you asked that question in this way: "What is your schedule? Is it the same as medical schools..." Which implies to me that D.O.s weren't really in medical school. Maybe that was just a mistake....but maybe it wasn't. When my brother-in-law mentioned to his M.D. friends that I was going to a D.O. school, their response was, "Oh, so she's not in medical school." Hmmmm..... YES. I'm in medical school. Ask all my friends at Panera - they see me studying and working my buns off. We, as D.O.s are working VERY HARD in MEDICAL SCHOOL.

Also, you mentioned that 3x as many D.O.s failed the USMLE compared to M.D.s. First of all, the USMLE isn't our board exam....we take the COMLEX. And just as M.D.s would have a tough time with all the OMM on our exam, we would have a tough time with the M.D. exam. Sure, we learn the same information.....but we are taught to look at things a little bit differently. I'd like to know where you got that statistic though.....I'd be interested to see that. Actually, I'd be more interested to see how the M.D.s would do on our exam. I'd bet you'd find 3x as many M.D.s failing the COMLEX vs D.O.s. Not because you are less educated....but because you have learned differently. But, that will never happen. M.D.s have never been made to take the COMLEX..... Hmmmm.

Finally, you said that the D.O. entering MCAT score was 26 while the score for M.D.s was 31. I can't speak for all schools, I can only speak to the program I am in at DMU. As a student interviewer for 2 years, we saw MANY excellent candidates come through the doors. MCAT scores ranged anywhere from 23 - 42 while I was interviewing. Probably similar ranges to M.D. schools. The 23 might be a little lower....but, still similar. Anyways, I remember one day interviewing this guy who scored A+ all the way through college and had a 42 on his MCAT. Sounded like a good guy on paper. But talking to him? The guy was looney! He had no character to him. He had no spark. In fact, he was outright weird. He couldn't communicate with the interviewing panel and only had one-word answers. Needless to say, we all rejected him. He did not come to our school.

At DMU, I always thought we did a good job admitting good people...not just how they looked on paper....but how they were in person. If this meant they had an MCAT score that was a couple points lower, who cares??? My class still had a 96% pass rate on the first attempt of boards. Must have chosen good candidates........

You're right to say that D.O.s have an uphill battle. That's because there are so few of us!!! (Please refer back to my response to anonymous person #1).

Man, what good conversation!

Strange Wilderness

2008-02-13T16:06:00.000-06:00

Does this movie look as funny to you as it does to me? I just get a kick out of this trailer!!!

Strong Woman? More Like PUSHOVER!!!

2008-02-11T13:55:00.000-06:00

Give me a break!

I don't care what your political view may be. Democrat? Fine. I'll just counteract your vote. Republican? Fine. More votes for my side. But voting aside, I have to tell you what this patient said on Friday.

Pretty quickly into the conversation, she knew I was NOT a Hillary fan. Never have been, never will be. Just can't stand her to be honest.

Do you know what she had the audacity to say????

And I quote: "Hillary is a STRONG woman! It takes a STRONG woman to stay with her man. When she entered into that vow of marriage, she took that to heart. She stuck by her man despite what he did. That is one STRONG woman! Young girls should learn from her example!"

ARE YOU KIDDING ME???

Standing by "her man" after he did what he did? What a joke! That's a PUSHOVER in my book. She should have been a "STRONG" woman by sticking to her guns....and telling her husband that he couldn't treat her that way. Fooling around with another woman in the White House is NOT a good role model. I don't care what anyone says. Hillary Clinton is NOT a strong woman for that!!! Young girls should NOT learn from that kind of example. This isn't the 1950's. This is 2008. Get real!!!

Phew.....needed to get that out!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!!!

2007-12-21T21:18:00.000-06:00

This is one AWESOME Christmas choir! If you get bored, keep watching! It is REALLY GOOD!

Another New Career Path!

2007-12-12T19:19:00.000-06:00

That's right ladies and gentleman...you heard it here first. I'm 2 days into Anesthesia....and now....that's what I want to do!

Forget Pediatrics - school physicals get old...and I don't think my immmune system can take it.

Forget Psychiatry - I've psyched myself out of that. Alzheimer's is sad - I don't like that.

Forget Plastic Surgery - Too many demanding patients with body dysmorphic disorder.

Forget OB/Gyn - Okay, just joking!!! This is still WAY up there on my list. But man, oh man, they work HARD!!!

I'm drawn to anesthesia (which I didn't think I would be) because 1) they DO actually perform procedures 2) they seem to work WAY BETTER hours than OB 3) they get to experience all sorts of medicine but don't have to deal with crappy patients - they just put them to sleep.

Who knows. I'm so lost in this process. Everyone says that in less than a year from now I need to know what to do. When I mention OB, everyone says, "Don't do that!!!" I haven't mentioned Anesthesia to any of the doctors yet...maybe that will be my experiment tomorrow! It is just so hard! Maybe now I am feeling what all my friends felt after college - What do I do with my life? All my friends - or most of them - have steady jobs at big companies - and are already making good money. Then here comes me....still in school....not sure what to do....not making ANY money....and extremely in debt. Quite overwhelming.

I'm going to try to update my blog more frequently. I'm sure I have many avid readers....and I remember how it felt waiting for the final Harry Potter to be written. I don't want my readers to feel that way.... =)

SHARKWATER

2007-11-03T16:20:00.000-05:00

Please support this movie and support the effort to stop killing sharks!!!

Amazing Tribute

2007-11-01T14:09:00.000-05:00

Even though I don't drink alcohol, I do want to pass this video on. Budweiser produced this commercial soon after 9/11. It was only shown one time during the Super Bowl in 2002 as a tribute to those people whose lives were touched by the tragic event.

Well, Now I Want to be a Pediatrician!

2007-10-29T08:18:00.000-05:00

Great. Just great! What am I going to do when the time comes for me to choose an area of medicine to practice? I'm not like some other students....who go into med school knowing EXACTLY what they want to become (know-it-alls!!!). I'm one of those students who likes EVERYTHING they try. In fact, ask either of my parents and they will tell you that once I start something I like, my undiagnosed OCD kicks in and I will keep doing it until the next activity comes along.

Case in point: Pediatrics. I LOVED IT! Despite the fact that I battled a bout of bronchitis, a raging sore throat, and croup for 3 out of the 4 weeks I was in peds, I STILL loved it. Working with kids was awesome! And cute. Even while they coughed in my face with runny green snot coming out their nose, they were cute.

So here is the battle playing out in my head...

I have loved both OB/Gyn AND Pediatrics. I thought I would love Psych.....but I psyched myself out of that one with my stint in Corpus Christi. Even though I'm not in this whole thing for the money, it DOES sort of play a role in the decision making process....just being honest. If you take two things you love, why not choose the one that sets you up better in the future? But then think of lifestyle.....and this is where the battle comes for me......because I think more about the LIFESTYLE than I have ever thought about the money I could make. Do you choose the mega salary that takes you away from your family? Or do you sacrifice a big chunk of that salary to have a family life too? It seems like an easy answer to me. I would choose my family every single time. (Hi Mom!!!!) But then why does everyone always say, "Don't do pediatrics!" I don't get it. The doctors I worked with only worked 4 out of 5 days....and they only had call time (from home) maybe 3 days a month. Sounds like a pretty good lifestyle to me.

Can anyone shed some light on this? Honest, I think I could make a pretty good pediatrician....

7 Year Old Sings The National Anthem

2007-10-13T10:16:00.001-05:00

What amazing talent!!! And just like my Aunt Bobbie mentioned when she sent this video to me, someone needs to teach these basketball players some "Anthem Etiquette"...

Psychiatry Case Study

2007-09-05T20:21:00.000-05:00

A 62 year old female is being treated in a psych ward. She has been there for the past 6 months. You get called on a consult to come visit with her.

DOCTOR: Hello, Miss ______. Tell me how you are feeling today.

PATIENT: I am feeling great. Just fine. No problems.

DOCTOR: What is going on in your head today?

PATIENT: Nothing at all. I am feeling great. Just fine. No problems.

DOCTOR: I hear you told the nurse you were going on a trip.

PATIENT: Oh, yes. We are going to Africa. On a safari. We are leaving soon.

DOCTOR: Oh, really?

PATIENT: Yes. To Africa. I have a flight soon.

DOCTOR: I see. I also hear you think you are pregnant.

PATIENT: Yes. (*Patient frowns) I'm afraid so. Dr. ____ told me I was.

DOCTOR: Well, how old are you? Do you think you are pregnant at that age?

PATIENT: I'm 62. My sister had her baby at 67.

DOCTOR: Really? Are you having any symptoms of being pregnant?

PATIENT: Oh yes. (*Sick face) I have been feeling sick in the morning. And I can feel the baby.

DOCTOR: Are you going to follow through with the pregnancy?

PATIENT: Oh yes. I have had 2 miscarriages. That is too sad.

DOCTOR: So let me get this straight. You are 62. You feel you are pregnant. And, you are going on a trip to Africa???

PATIENT: Yes.

DOCTOR: Okay. So, who is the father of the baby?

PATIENT: (*Starts rambling) I don't know who the father is. I was raped. I was raped by 17 men. They raped me. It was very sad. Very traumatic. But they were all killed. You see, I was in the Marines. And they didn't want those men to do that again. So, they killed them all. Shot every single one of them. It was bad. I am going on a trip to Africa. I leave soon. And I am pregnant.

DOCTOR: You were in the Marines?

PATIENT: Yes.

DOCTOR: When?

PATIENT: 4 months ago.

DOCTOR: I see. Well, lets plan to talk again tomorrow. Okay?

PATIENT: Sure. Bye doc!

What's your diagnosis????????

SCHIZOPHRENIA. This patient was displaying delusional thoughts, disorganized thinking and speech, and had a history of hallucinations. She was matter-of-fact about her answers...saying she had been in the Marines 4 months ago, had been raped by 17 men and was pregnant, and was planning a trip to Africa. It was reality to her. However, she had been in a locked facility the whole time. None of her stories had actually happened.

Interesting, huh???? Want to know a secret?????

This is one of my patients today!!! Yep. Very interesting!!! We'll see what happens tomorrow!

Can I get an AMEN???

2007-09-02T14:15:00.000-05:00

My day thus far:

8:07am - Wake up. Shower in freezing water. Get ready.

9:20am - Leave nasty apartment. Go to Starbucks. Pay too much for iced tea. Attempt to read a psychiatry book.

10:20am - Leave Starbucks. Drive 25 miles to go to church.

10:45am - Arrive at church to find sign on door saying church is being held at location near apartment where you started.

10:46am - Drive to the other church being held at the location near the apartment where you started.

11:05am - Arrive at new church location. Find no cars in the parking lot and a closed sign on the door.

11:06am - Call home. Come up with funny jokes about not being able to attend church this morning. Laugh on the outside. Mutter profanities on the inside.

11:08am - Decide to go to boyfriend's church, located 3 miles from apartment.

11:10am - Show up at new church. Find the congregation leaving. Learn that their service was at 10:00am.

11:12am - Go explore. See huge sign for Old Navy but drive around for 27 minutes before locating it.

12:47pm - Get back to nasty apartment. Mingle with roommates until they leave to study. Don't study. Watch TV instead.

2:27pm - Get bored watching "America's Next Top Model". Write this blog.

2:28pm - Hope that people laugh.

I'm Here!

2007-09-01T17:44:00.000-05:00

Well, I made it to Corpus Christi and I'm not quite sure what I think of it so far.

After a 3 day trip, including a stop in Wichita to see my boyfriend, Brandon, a HORRIBLE route through Dallas/Ft. Worth traffic during rush hour, and a stay at a Days Inn that reminded me of a Hitchcock movie, I finally made it to Corpus Christi today at 11:45am. I had looked up the free student apartment on the internet before getting here....and I learned a very valuable lesson today. Don't believe what you see on the internet!

When I got in, I had been instructed to go to the hospital (across the street) to pick up the apartment key from security. They had no record of me staying in the apartment...and wouldn't give me the key. Finally I talked the security guard into calling the "after hours" number to get information. I had contacted the medical education office 3 times before arriving...making sure I was on the list for the free housing. I was told that I had a spot at the apartment, no problem. He finally gave me the key...but I sort of wish that they would have had to put me up in a hotel instead!!! I walked into an apartment which can only be best described as the sort of apartment you might find a college football player living in...smelly and dirty with old Goodwill mismatched furniture. The 2 students (who are sharing the free apartment with me) were very nice...but they have their dirty dishes all over and I'm not planning on cleaning up after them. Boys. We'll see how it goes!

I don't begin until 7:30am on Tuesday...and I have been told by many people that this is a great rotation and everyone is very excited to teach. So, hopefully I will learn a lot. The only problem is finding things to do until then!!!

Can you believe there is NO PANERA and NO QUIK TRIPS here??? Not only that, but the other coffee shops around (IE Starbucks) don't even offer free internet. The only way I finally figured out for connecting to the internet was to use the phone line and use a dial up connection. Slow, but working okay so far.

I did find a Jamba Juice. In fact, that is what I enjoyed as my lunch today. That might be the best part of my experience so far. Oh, I was also just invited to a BBQ that another student is hosting. Apparently there are about 20 Texas students here...and only 1 of me. I'm not a big fan of uncomfortable situations....and I sort of feel like I have been thrown into the middle of one. Again, we'll see how it goes!!!

I will keep you all updated!!!
Wish me luck!!!

What is a D.O.?

2007-08-26T20:17:00.001-05:00

Here is a quick little video that describes the difference between an M.D. and a D.O. It is kind of cheesy....but it gets the point across well. Enjoy!!!

OB Update

2007-08-24T21:33:00.001-05:00

I got pee'd on by a newborn baby boy today. I delivered the little rascal, cute as can be, and when I was clamping the cord for the dad to cut, the little guy sent a stream right at me! It was a "Rite of Passage" so to say...and we sure had a good laugh at it afterwards. (He pee'd on his mom too...right after he had gotten all cleaned up!!! HAHA!)

I also delivered another baby girl today. She was a cutie too. The new, proud parents were so overwhelmed with happiness...it was just so fun to play an important role in the event!

I have been so pleased with this rotation.....and it definitely puts OB at the top of my "list" at this point. I only have one more week....but am so glad to know that I will be back in November doing another OB rotation.

Next week, I head to Corpus Christi, TX for my psych rotation. I will keep everyone posted!

Hurricane Waves

2007-08-20T20:09:00.000-05:00

Well, I heard from my family this morning and afternoon and they are all safe and doing well. The storm started hitting in the middle of the night....with heavy winds and rain. I am just glad that the eye of the hurricane was about 100 miles south of Grand Cayman. I can't imagine what it would have been like, or how I would have felt being back home, if they had been in the way of a direct hit.

When they woke up this morning, there were some trees down around the property. They were not able to get away from the condos...as the curfew had not been lifted yet. They noticed the waves were getting really big....and coming all the way up to the retaining wall that surrounds the condos.

This afternoon, they said the waves were even bigger....crashing up and over the 4 foot retaining wall. For Grand Cayman, and particularly 7 Mile Beach where they are staying, these waves are HUGE!

Here is a video I found on YouTube that shows some of the waves in Grand Cayman today, flooding up and onto the street.

Thank you all for the thoughts and prayers!

And, check out KCCI News Channel 8 for the story on my family!

Hurricane Update

2007-08-19T19:19:00.001-05:00

Well, now it looks like the eye of the hurricane is going to pass just south of the Cayman Islands. It has been wobbling back and forth between north and south....so I guess I'm not quite convinced that my family is out of the woods yet.

My whole entire family has been scuba diving in the Cayman Islands for the past couple of weeks. Grandfather, aunts, uncles, cousins, parents, and sisters. Not me. =(

Anyways, when Hurricane Dean took shape and they knew they were in the path of the storm, everyone started trying to find earlier flights off the island. Everyone except my immediate family was able to get off the island safely. My parents and two sisters are now stuck on the island until Friday. They were supposed to come home tomorrow.

The hurricane is going to be around Cayman sometime in the middle of the night tonight. They have gotten some good "hurricane advice" from a family friend, who also happens to be a retired colonel from the Navy Seals, and they are prepared for the worst. They have stocked up on fresh water, have cooked the food they have, and have supplies like candles and flashlights ready. They have all of their bags packed in case of a quick evacuation. My family knows that the weather may get pretty scary tonight...but I am praying for their safety.

I will probably lose contact with my family for the next couple of days. We aren't quite sure yet when the power will be shut down on the island....

Please keep my family in your prayers!!!

And, watch KCCI News Channel 8 tonight at 10:00pm!!! They interviewed my family by phone today!

Hurricane Dean

2007-08-19T11:21:00.001-05:00

Maybe I Should Quit Medical School....

2007-08-12T18:15:00.001-05:00

And do THIS all day long!!! This is the coolest form of art that I have EVER seen!!!

The Greatest Miracle

2007-08-11T10:21:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, I got to deliver 2 beautiful baby girls. By myself. As a third year medical student. It was the most awesome and intense experience anyone could imagine. If there is anything that can show the true miracles God can create, that was it. I felt truly blessed to be a part of that experience with those families....and I will forever be grateful that I was the one to deliver their baby girls. I still can't believe it!!!

Cutting Suture

2007-08-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

Today, I got to cut suture during the hysterectomy!!! And, I didn't forget to take off my ring when scrubbing in this time!!!

Amazing the things that can excite a 3rd year medical student just starting her clinical rotations...

Day 1: 42 Patients

2007-08-06T20:33:00.000-05:00

Today was the first day of my third year. Clinical rotations. 42 patients seen today...31 after 1:00 this afternoon. Talk about a crazy first start to my OB/Gyn clerkship!!!

I was pretty nervous last night getting ready for the big day. Being the huge dork that I am, I laid out my whole outfit. I even stuffed the pockets of my white coat with the necessities (planner, ACLS cards, extra pens, stethoscope, tape measure) and I pre-read about Cesarean Sections (knowing that was what I was doing at 7am this morning). I charged up my handheld computer, played around with it for a little bit to remind myself of how to log patients, then said a prayer hoping that I wouldn't be "PIMPED"....or if I was, at least maybe know the answer.

I slept well last night. Managed to fall asleep by about 10:30...and woke up quite rested this morning at 5:30am. I even made my ritual stop by Panera for some iced tea.

We had a C-section this morning at 7am. So, I was there at 6:45 and ready to go. I scrubbed in with the doctor and tried to show off the skills that I had learned during my Basic Surgery Skills class. He wasn't going to have to teach me anything this morning.....I knew it.

After I backed into the surgical suite and was waiting for the scrub nurse to gown me, I realized the rookie mistake I had just made. (Okay, okay, okay.....I didn't notice it....the nurse noticed it.....but it sounded cooler if I had actually noticed even though it still made me look like an idiot.) I had forgotten to take off my ring.

I had to go back out to the sink, remove the ring........and SCRUB IN ALL OVER AGAIN!!! I even missed the initial incision in the abdomen, darnit. Strike one. At least they didn't give me a bad time!!!

Overall, the rest of the day went without a hitch. We were so busy, but it made the day go really fast. I didn't really do much besides observe today......I did get to measure the abdominal growth of the OB patients.....it was a ton of fun!!! I even got PIMPED a couple of times....and, can you believe it, I knew the answers!

Tomorrow morning I start out with a hysterectomy. Hopefully I remember the ring this time!!!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

2007-07-23T23:13:00.000-05:00

As any medical student will tell you, there is one great thing about being done with Step I Boards. TIME OFF!!! Whether it be a week or a full month, it is really nice knowing there is no studying to be done.

I only needed one weekend to finish Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows...and all I can say is WOW!

*** I do solemnly swear not to give away the ending ***

That means you can keep reading!

WARNING: Do NOT read the Wikipedia site regarding this specific book.

The darn thing gives everything away. Glad I found it AFTER I finished the book!!!

You know those movies that you watch and at the end say, "Ooooooohhhhhhhhh." Then you decide you have to watch it again in order to catch everything you missed the first time around? Take, for instance, The Sixth Sense. (I think there are clues in that movie that I would still miss.)

Well, Harry Potter was just that and a whole bag of tricks!!! (*READER IS TO SNAP FINGERS WHILE SAYING THAT*)...(And, I just noticed the well-timed pun that I had right there!) This book brought everything together full-circle. I couldn't put it down...but I didn't want it to end....yet, now, I can go read them all again!

Besides the Bible, this series illustrates the best examples of LOVE, LOYALTY, TRUST, FRIENDSHIP, and HOPE. I feel like I have grown up with Harry Potter. I cried like a baby all weekend long.

If you haven't read these books, shame on you!!! You are missing out on the best stories you could ever read. I, for one, will be reading these to my kids as they fall asleep at night. (NO...I do NOT have kids yet.....I am just saying.....)

CHEERS!! To all the HP Fans!!!

It has been a fun ride!

Are You Kidding Me???

2007-07-20T16:18:00.000-05:00

I found a funny website today called News of the Weird and ironically, the Des Moines Register was quoted!

Compelling Explanations
"Jonathan Powell, 17, was convicted in April of sexually assaulting a college student in Iowa City, Iowa, after his DNA was found in several places on her body. Powell explained the DNA by claiming that he had merely bumped into the woman accidentally while jogging and had become so "entangled" with her that he was unable to free himself for about "45 minutes." [Des Moines Register, 5-1-07]"

People can be SO DUMB!

This Video Speaks to Good Morals!!!

2007-07-18T22:09:00.000-05:00

Look What I Can Do!!!

2007-07-17T23:29:00.000-05:00

My blog coach, Mike Sansone, would be proud of me! I figured out how to add a cool graphic to the side of my page!

GREAT NEWS!!!

2007-07-16T11:05:00.000-05:00

Other than the quick posts I made about the Betty Ford Center, it has been quite some time since I actually updated this thing. 1) I was finishing up classes 2) I was studying for my board exam 3) I was in California for a week 4) I was in Tennessee for a week 5) I was trying to enjoy some of my summer.

I was also scared to update this. Why???

Because I was so dang scared to write ANYTHING about my board exam!!! What if I made a post that I was so excited about being done with all that board stuff....but then didn't pass and had to retake? What if I wrote posts about the rotations coming up....but then didn't pass and had to retake....and not be able to start rotations until I passed? And what if I posted about the board exam and had TONS of people (more than I already had) that were rooting for me and I had to let them down? You can see where I am coming from.

But........GREAT NEWS!!! Yesterday, June 15, 2007, at 3:32pm.....I found out.......THAT I PASSED!!!! I am so happy to be able to share this news with you all......and, honestly, SO RELIEVED!

Now I definitely get to start my rotation in 3 weeks!!!

Thank you to EVERYONE who sent prayers my way and were in my corner. I needed all that extra encouragement! I am scared thinking that my next board exam is a little over a year from now, but I am SO HAPPY to have gotten through the first one!

Hope you all have a GREAT week!!!! I know I will!

Betty Ford Center - Day 4

2007-06-22T00:40:00.002-05:00

Sorry....I skipped Day 3! Too tired yesterday!!!

Today we had a really good lecture on drugs of abuse from a Physician Assistant here at the Betty Ford Center. We talked about symptoms.....how to counteract the effects with other drugs....withdrawal effects.....and overdose consequences. We discussed clues that might alert us to whether or not a patient is seeking drugs....and how to protect ourselves as physicians. The guy lecturing was very charismatic and funny! He quizzed our medical knowledge and it was a very interactive lecture. I learned a ton from him and hope he will be lecturing again tomorrow. Coincidentally, he was a recovering crack cocaine addict who had been sober for 16 years.

We also got to sit in on an AA meeting that was only meant for doctors. We had 5 physicians that had become addicted to either drugs or alcohol....and they shared their stories with us. That really opened my eyes to this horrible disease.

Tomorrow is my last day....and I am going to be sad to leave. I have completely changed my "stereotypical" view of a addict. Now I know there is NO typical view of an addict. Addiction affects all walks of life and knows no boundaries. The disease doesn't look like anything. It looks like everything.

Have a fabulous night!!! Until tomorrow....

Betty Ford Center - Day 2

2007-06-19T23:31:00.000-05:00

Once again, I have just had an AWESOME day here at the Betty Ford Center.

This morning we got to sit in on a "Treatment Planning Update" (TPU). The purpose of the TPU is for all of the care-givers - including the doctor, nurse, therapist, case manager, counselor, personal trainer, nutritionist and spirituality counselor - to give updates on the management of the patient. For example, the spirituality counselor might get some information from the patient that might be useful for the counselor. It gives them all the chance to find out how the patient is doing in ALL aspects of their life.

This evening we had a lecture on the history of Alcoholics Anonymous and then later got to attend an AA meeting. It was a wonderful experience. It is a chance for alcoholics to see that they aren't alone. Their stories aren't unique. Their stories won't surprise anyone. They have friends in the other members. And, by sharing their stories and trying to help other alcoholics achieve sobriety, they are inevitably helping themselves to maintain sobriety. Again, it was a wonderful experience.

I will keep you all updated again tomorrow!
Have a wonderful day!

Betty Ford Center - Day 1

2007-06-18T22:12:00.000-05:00

Today was an amazing day!!!

I feel like I am not here as an observer....I am here as a participant. Although I am "Brooke the Medical Student," I am not here to give advice or judge people...I am here to get an inside-out view of addiction and use this experience to later help me in my career.

As I was writing my required journal entry this evening, I was posed with the question "What have you learned today?"

Today, I learned that alcohol and drug addiction is only a symptom of another underlying issue. Every story that was shared during small group was something I could see in myself. The emotions, the feelings, and the experiences were all ones that I had had myself. Although I don't turn to alcohol or drugs to cope, I am no different and no better than any of the patients in the Betty Ford Rehabilitation program.

Tomorrow we do it all over again. I expect that the patients will continue to open up a little more as they get to know and trust me. For as intense as today was, I expect that each of the next few days will be even more so. I feel truly blessed to be a part of this program and to be a part of the recovery of each of these women.

Have You Missed Me?

2007-06-17T23:10:00.000-05:00

Well, well, well.....I'm BACK!!!

A lot has happened since my last blog. I finished my "book" portion of medical school (AKA the first two years) and I took my Step 1 COMLEX Board Exam. I got quite a few more rotations scheduled for next year and, best of all, I finally got a little break from studying!!!

In a previous blog, I wrote that I had been accepted to attend the Betty Ford Rehabilitation Center's Summer Institute for Medical Students in Palm Springs, California. Well, I'm here....and it is HOT! My friend, Abby (another DMU student who was accepted for the same week out here) and I couldn't believe that it was THAT hot! But even more than that, we couldn't believe how many people would actually CHOOSE to play golf in this weather!!!

We got in on Saturday, but since the program doesn't start until tomorrow, we decided to rent a car and drive to the coast. Even though MapQuest gave us 18 complex directions to follow, we found our way to Long Beach and had a wonderful time!!! Today we went to Laguna Beach....and after working our way into a gated community, we found both LC's and Kristen's houses. That was probably the highlight of my day. I hate to admit it, but watching 18 year old high school drama on MTV is really quite addicting!!!

Anyways, my program begins in the morning....so I will try to update my blog frequently while I am on this trip. Sorry for the leave of absence from this blog for a while....studying for my board exam actually became a priority!

You all have a wonderful evening!!! Until next time.....

Chi-Town

2007-04-16T17:19:00.000-05:00

I just got back from Chicago for the weekend....and we had an AWESOME time!!! It was nice to get away for the weekend and not worry about school. (And I think having a weekend to look forward to actually helped motivate me for school....I did really well on my test last Friday!!!)

My boyfriend, Brandon, and I......plus Brandon's brother, Shane, and his girlfriend, Michelle, met up on Friday afternoon. B and S are HUGE Chicago Cubs fans....so being in Chicago was a real experience for them! Friday night we enjoyed dinner at the Grand Lux.......Saturday we went to the Sear's Tower and shopped on Michigan Avenue......Saturday night we went to a Stephen Kellogg concert (A really GREAT entertainer if he ever hits your town!!!).......and on Sunday we went to the Cubs game. It was an overall GREAT time!!!

In other news:

Check out my horoscope from today's Des Moines Register:

And I quote......"Your confidence goes far deeper than a smile - it's knowing you're the captain of your own ship. Whether your mind is on a pirate ship or a Harlequin romance novel, the distinguishing feature is pure excitement."

Maybe I should read my horoscope more often!!!

Good News!

2007-04-06T16:26:00.000-05:00

I just got some good news that I wanted to share with my loyal fans...

At the beginning of March, I decided to apply for a Summer Institute for Medical Students at the Betty Ford Rehabilitation Center out in Palm Springs, California. It is a week long program that immerses medical students in the care and management of patients who have substance abuse problems.

We get to spend time with the patients, share in small group discussions with them, and learn how to deal with addiction. I have been really anxious waiting to hear back!

This morning, I received a call from California telling me I had been accepted into the program during the week of June 18!!!!! I am SO EXCITED about this opportunity!!! Not only do I get to spend time at the Betty Ford Center in Palm Springs, but they pay for my flight, hotel, and food! Plus, one of my good friends at school, Abby, was accepted for the same week!!!

Maybe I'll get to see Keith Urban! (I'm pretty sure he spent time there!)

Happy Easter Everyone!!!

Feelin' Hot Hot Hot......

2007-03-22T20:08:00.000-05:00

Just a quick blog to say: We are having a GREAT TIME in Grand Cayman!!! We got in on Monday afternoon and have been on-the-go ever since! We have made 3 dives...and have seen 3 spotted drums (our favorite fish), 1 nurse shark, and TONS of other fish. We have not seen any turtles yet....which is surprising....but I am sure we will before the end of the week.

Tomorrow we are planning on going to Stingray City and we are really looking forward to that!!!

Everyone is getting tan...and the weather has been BEAUTIFUL!!! We hope everyone is doing well back in the States! I don't think any of us want to come back yet!

We're Outta Here!!!

2007-03-18T16:54:00.000-05:00

It is spring break time again....and that means: no more school, no more books, and no more teacher's dirty looks!

My family and I - along with my boyfriend, Brandon, my sister's boyfriend, Ryan, and my other sister's friend, Emily - are heading to Grand Cayman for a week! We are really excited to be heading back there...it is our favorite island!

Our plans are: Scuba diving, "beaching it", tanning, snorkeling, scuba diving, scuba diving, and scuba diving. That's right - we LOVE diving!

Brandon, Ryan, and Emily have never been to Grand Cayman before, so we are really looking forward to showing them around. We're hoping to take them cliff diving at Pedro's castle, snorkeling at Eden Rock, and all over the island - including Hell!!! Everyone is VERY excited!

I will try to keep this updated while we are gone - but no guarantees!!! Who really wants to be blogging while staying on an island??? Not me!!!!

You all have a GREAT week!!!

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood...

2007-03-10T15:15:00.000-06:00

And guess who is STUCK INSIDE ALL DAY LONG?????

Last night...a FRIDAY NIGHT, after a LONG WEEK of school, with 2 tests and 8 required events......I should have been sitting on my couch relaxing. INSTEAD, I had to be at school from 5-9pm studying Physiology for the Boards.

Today....a BEAUTIFUL Saturday with the sun shining, birds chirping, and snow melting....I should be enjoying the weather (or TV and Panera).....and instead, I am STUCK INSIDE ALL DAY LONG (from 8am-5pm) studying Physiology for the Boards. Man oh man.....what a rotten deal this is! As physicians, aren't we supposed to understand the benefits of getting our daily dose of Vitamin D? (For you non-doctors.....Vitamin D comes mainly from the sun.)

Anyways.....please feel sorry for me. I have to do this all over again tomorrow....... And, now, instead of being able to enjoy my evenings, I am going to have to study for my NORMAL classes. Oh well...............I guess the Board exam is pretty important!!!

Life is Precious!!!

2007-03-03T21:17:00.000-06:00

Take one look at this picture......you can see this driver crashed through the guardrail....as he or she was driving from the right side of the picture towards the left.....

Now.....you can see just how lucky this driver was!!!! Life is PRECIOUS!!!

D.O. vs M.D.

2007-03-01T13:05:00.000-06:00

I have had some inquiries as to what the difference between an M.D. and a D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) is....so I thought I would write a little blog about it. There was a recent "letter to the editor" excerpt written in TIME magazine where an M.D. made some derogatory comments about about D.O.'s. The President of the American Osteopathic Association responded to this letter with some good thoughts:

"Hands Off the Osteopaths
I am deeply disappointed that Scott Haig, M.D., referred to osteopathic physicians (D.O.s) as "osteopathic manipulators" and lumped osteopathy in with what he calls "nothing-really-works-anyway-therapies" [Feb. 12]. D.O.s are physicians who receive extra training to examine and treat patients using a technique called osteopathic manipulative treatment. They also deliver babies, perform brain surgery and serve as family physicians to the underserved. D.O.s have been advocating solutions to issues such as Medicare physician-reimbursement cuts and medical-liability-insurance increases. Haig has done a disservice to 59,000 D.O.s in the U.S., including the former physician to President George H.W. Bush, the former U.S. Army surgeon general and physicians for professional sports teams.
JOHN A. STROSNIDER, D.O., PRESIDENT
AMERICAN OSTEOPATHIC ASSOCIATION"

Here is how I explain the difference to people:

I think it is crazy, and stupid, to say that one profession is better than the other. I have come across so many doctors in my life....some are awesome, have great bedside manner, and care very much for their patients. Some doctors are in it for the money. Regardless of whether you are a D.O. or M.D., you can find doctors - both good and bad.

When looking at medical schools, it came down to two for me: The University of Iowa (M.D.) and Des Moines University (D.O.). As I researched the schools further, DMU had more of the qualities I was looking for. I wanted to go to a small school....I wanted teachers who had open-door policies and were always available.....and I wanted to learn with a hands-on approach. DMU fit that mold for me....and I have been VERY happy with my decision to go there.

A D.O. has all the same training as an M.D. We take the same curriculum.....have similar schedules......have to pass the state licensing boards......and can practice in any area of medicine. D.O.'s, however, are ALSO trained for 2 years in a modality of treatment called Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. The philosophy of osteopathic medicine is that the body has the inherent capacity to heal itself...and by aiding the body's own mechanisms, we can help heal the patient. We strive to treat the patient as opposed to just the symptom. It is with this training that I feel I have something different to offer patients. I can treat them the same as any M.D. would - but I can utilize this treatment as well.

I feel proud to be a student of an Osteopathic medical school...and I will be proud to carry the letters D.O. after my name.

Joke of the Day

2007-03-01T10:55:00.000-06:00

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Father, Super Dog...able to leap tall fences in a single bound.

FOUND DIRTY WHITE DOG.

Looks like a rat .. been out a while.

Better be a reward.

COWS, CALVES: NEVER BRED.

Also 1 gay bull for sale.

NORDIC TRACK

$300 Hardly used, call Chubby.

GEORGIA PEACHES

California grown - 89 cents lb.

JOINING NUDIST COLONY!

Must sell washer and dryer $300.

WEDDING DRESS FOR SALE .

WORN ONCE BY MISTAKE.

Call Stephanie.

FOR SALE BY OWNER:

Complete set of Encyclopedia Britannica, 45 volumes

Excellent condition.

$1,000 or best offer.

No longer needed, got married last month.

Husband knows everything

Med School Update

2007-02-21T21:56:00.000-06:00

I've kept you all updated on my rotations.....but it has been a while since I updated you on what is going on at school and in my life.

First off, I have battled my procrastination problems!!! Well, almost. But, I don't have a test the rest of the week...so what better time to update my blog than now? Usually, I update this the night before a test.

Secondly, my tests have been going GREAT lately. I'm pleased to say that I have forged my way into the "above average" category with my scores. It may be due to the fact that I have actually put some effort into studying lately....or the fact that I am doing more "quality" studying....but it also helps that over half of my class is already going psycho with board studying and neglecting regular studying. Whatever....I'm ABOVE AVERAGE!!! Hahaha...

We just finished Reproduction and have just started Renal. Did you know that breast feeding requires higher caloric intake than pregnancy itself? I just found that so interesting..... Renal? Not so fun so far.... The physicians have been throwing out terms that we have never heard of....and it is REALLY confusing. I'm working my way through it....first test is on Tuesday....I'm hoping to keep the ABOVE AVERAGE streak alive!

I also just had my SPAL (Standardized Patient Assessment Lab) on Monday...and that went really well. I'm pretty sure I diagnosed the patient correctly....and when I gave the oral presentation to the attending physician, she told me that I was "the first student she was able to ask questions to because she knew I understood what I was doing." Wow! What a compliment!!! I really had her fooled!!! (Nah...I actually DID know what I was doing this time!)

Everything else is going awesome! I have Neonate lab one week from today and I am really excited about that. I've also got a TON of lunch lectures coming up in ER club. (Did I ever mention that I am the Secretary of ER club??? Again....ABOVE AVERAGE! YESSSSSSSS!!!)

In other news: I spent the weekend of February 9 down in St. Louis with my boyfriend, Brandon. We stayed with my Aunt and Uncle's family and had an AWESOME time!! They took such good care of us! The above picture is from the top of the Arch....what a view! It was a really fun trip and I hope the two of us can meet there again!

I hope this blog finds everyone happy and healthy! Have a GREAT rest of the week!!!

I Wish I Was This Creative On Tests:

2007-02-16T10:43:00.000-06:00

Dr. Brooke, DO, OB/Gyn

2007-02-06T21:14:00.000-06:00

BREAKING NEWS!!!

My OB/Gyn request for August was accepted and added to my schedule!!!

I am SO EXCITED to be working with this doctor at Iowa Methodist Medical Center!!!

I'm still looking to find a Psychiatrist (not for me....for my rotation).....so if any of you know one, please let me know! (And I'll keep it a secret.....psycho!)

I've Got Hook-Ups!

2007-02-03T20:49:00.000-06:00

Official update on the rotation for August:

I thought of the GREATEST idea! I know an OB doc in town....who has told me in the past that he usually doesn't have students come through because they are so busy.....but he would make the exception for me!!!

And if you recall from a past blog, OB was one of the options we had....but one that all the clinical coordinators didn't think we could get. HAHAHA! They were WRONG!

I called his office on Thursday and left a message with the front desk for him. Within an hour, I received a call back from him saying that it should be NO PROBLEM! Right after that, I went and met with one of the clinical coordinators to make sure it was possible for me to use this contact. She told me that she couldn't believe I was able to find a doctor in town willing to take me.....apparently, they have gone around town trying to get spots for students......and this was an office they couldn't get!

I am SO EXCITED!!!

1. I will be in a hospital where I would like to practice in the future
2. Within 6 months, I could be delivering a baby!!!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!

Rotation Update

2007-01-24T15:26:00.000-06:00

So here is the deal: I am trying to figure out where I want to go in August.

Back a few months ago, we had class meetings telling us the "plan" for 3rd year. At that time, they told us that the start date was September 3. We were also told that we had the option of starting August 6 if we wanted to get ahead of the game. Some people thought they would do that (like me) and others thought they would just start at the regular start time.

Since then, we learned that 1) if you don't start on the "optional" August 6 time, you will lose 4 weeks of vacation time 2) we can only do a primary care rotation during that time 3) we should not plan on getting a rotation in Des Moines because they will be taken by 4th year students and 4) we shouldn't even think about doing OB because there won't be any spots. Interesting.

So we had a class meeting on Tuesday where this information was explained to us. Basically, if I don't want to lose 4 weeks of vacation time (and be able to use it during my 4th year) I'm going to have to do some junk rotation in some po-dunk place. That is probably such a horrible way to look at it......because there are some really great rotations that are available. However, I got the impression of, "Good luck....they probably won't be available."

I emailed my coordinator today about the possibility of doing a month rotation in St. Louis, which was listed as a potential site. I found out that we won't know if there are spots left there until I submit my request to go there. A few minutes later I received ANOTHER email telling me that, "Nope that is wrong. If you aren't going there for your hospital {which I'm not}, you can't go there for a rotation."

Great.

I'll keep you all updated as the drama continues.....
But PLEASE....cross your fingers for a GOOD SPOT!!!

Tales of the Morgue

2007-01-22T11:28:00.000-06:00

I have had an overwhelming response about a previous Autopsy Blog that I posted....so as a treat for my loyal followers, I've decided to start a recurring post called "Tales of the Morgue". Just like those crazy TV shows, "All names and places have been changed to protect the innocent".

Quite a while ago, I had a case of an older woman who had died alone in her apartment.....who luckily, was found after a short time. (I seem to be a magnet for majorly decomposed bodies when I am on-call.......I'll break you in before I start telling of THOSE stories....) Anyways, there was some question as to whether it was suicide or accidental drug overdose....an autopsy was definitely in order since the death was unattended and the cause unknown.

She was a frail appearing women.....looked like a drug-addict to me. Thin skin, lesions all over the body....bruises, nasty teeth, horrible hygiene. Pretty gross.

Before the case starts, we always do an external exam. The doctor takes pictures of how the body is presented to us and documents anything unusual or abnormal on the outside of the body. Part of the external exam is looking into the eyes, nose, mouth, etc. The doctor wants to know what color eyes they have, what shape their teeth are in.....and so on.

In this instance, nothing seemed abnormal about the eyes or nose. But, when we got to the mouth, we noticed something in there. One of the doctors reached in and pulled out this little patch......it looked like a little birth control patch......or patch someone would have for pain.

Immediately, the doctor says, "This is a pain patch. She's been chewing on a pain patch!" WHAT???? Yes...apparently, this is a new trend.......even for older women. She had had back pain and was getting a patch to use (which I have since learned is about 100 times more powerful than morphine!!!). Instead of using the normal, popular drugs that people use (like cocaine, ephedrine, heroine), others have found that chewing on pain patches can give them quite the high. This woman had been chewing on pain patches.........and it cost her life.

I'm not quite sure whether this was ruled a suicide or accidental overdose........but it still sticks out in my mind. Some people come up with some really weird things to mask what is REALLY going on....

PS.....DO NOT DO THIS AT HOME!

PANERA

2007-01-21T17:40:00.000-06:00

I sat back quietly when people starting posting blogs about Panera. I let people have their opinion....threw in my own opinion when I felt it necessary....

But it has gotten to the point where I feel like I have to go into "Protection Mode" for the place I love and call "my library."

I love Panera. The employees are great, the food is great, the atmosphere is great. Sure, there is the occasional time that the line is out the door and only one register is open....but that doesn't happen too much. More often than not, the employee is waiting with my big glass (for iced tea) before I have gotten up to the counter. They all know my name...all know I am in medical school...and all are VERY nice.

I am willing to sit back while people voice their opinions. I understand that blogs are public emails. But enough is enough.

When I read a blog that calls the employees (who are now people that I consider my friends) WUHOTs, that has taken it too far. WUHOT stands for "Walks Upright, Has Opposable Thumbs". Some of the employees work there to make ends meet. They are high school students working while taking classes. They are moms and dads taking care of their kids.

You can dislike the food, or service, or music...whatever. There are places and restaurants I don't really care for either. But don't bad-mouth the employees....

They are my friends.

Something must be wrong...I'm being PRODUCTIVE!

2007-01-21T12:10:00.000-06:00

No serious. I really am being productive.

I managed to get myself out of bed this morning at 9am. That's right....on the WEEKEND! My only opportunity to sleep in!!! (Okay, who am I kidding? I sleep in all the time! I feel like I have the "Med Student Syndrome" where I convince myself I am suffering from all sorts of problems. I always feel weak and fatigued in the morning....it can't be that I am lazy. I think I have anemia. Which, I've learned is only a SYMPTOM...NOT a diagnosis. So, really, I probably have Iron Deficiency Anemia. But NOT laziness.)

After showering, I headed to the library. (Not the typical library one might picture...my "library" is Panera.) I was so dead-set on getting to my library that I braved the nasty weather hitting Iowa and started my trek there. I swerved out of my condos, slid getting onto the main road, and got myself stuck in the snow for 5 minutes at the entrance of Panera. However, after spinning my tires for a while and speaking some choice words in my head, I remembered the little "gas then brake" trick once learned in Drivers Ed. I wiggled my way out of the snow drift, parked my little blue bug, got my huge glass of iced tea....and have been productive ever since!

I finished all of last week's lectures (there's a first time for everything...) and finished writing some board review questions for my study partners. I got a chance to check all my email accounts and read all the announcements on my school portal.

I decided I had to waste a little time (hence, this blog) but now I've got to get back to work. I have two tests this week......Wednesday is Infectious Disease....Friday is Endocrine. And then??? My boyfriend comes to town!!! That will be a nice reward for a hard week of studying!

You all have a GREAT week!!! Wish me luck on these tests!

Rotation Nightmare

2007-01-18T22:28:00.000-06:00

I've just spent the past hour and a half looking up rotation sites and I am no closer to figuring out where I want to go than I was an hour and a half ago. I am getting to the point where I just feel overwhelmed with the amount of options I have.....yet, the lack of options I want. Does that make sense?

Let me try to explain a little bit about how my third year is arranged:

1. It is divided into 3 blocks...Sep-Dec, Jan-April, May-Aug.

2. We have to spend 1 of those blocks in a core hospital...I will be at Broadlawns Hospital in Des Moines during the 3rd block.....May-August.

3. We have to spend 1/2 of another block in a core family practice clinic...I will be in Webster City during the first 1/2 of the 2nd Block.......Jan-Feb

4. The rest of the time is spent in electives.....OB/Gyn, Peds, Pysch, Primary Care......with a couple other choices of my liking.

So basically, I have to figure out what I am doing during Sep-Dec and Mar-April.

Back to my opening statement about being overwhelmed with my options yet lack of options I want: I feel like every rotation type I look up, there are tons of locations....but nowhere I really want to go. Or, I find a place I want to go and they are not accepting students. It is quite frustrating.

The other thing that is frustrating is the lack of guidance I receive. I have felt VERY pleased with my school and am VERY happy to be where I am....however, any time a question is brought up about rotations, no one seems to give a straight answer. That, or they give answers that aren't correct. I wish I had someone who was able to sit down with me, just me, and help steer me in the right direction. I don't know if I am supposed to find a rotation in a place where I want to do residency....heck, I don't even know how to find residencies! As far as I'm concerned, that is 2 1/2 years away! To be honest, I don't even know what kind of doctor I want to be!!! How am I supposed to arrange my schedule to "get my foot in the door" when I don't even know what door I want to go through???

Man oh man....I can't wait to get this stuff all figured out!!! This is a nightmare!

Rally Against Cancer

2007-01-10T10:20:00.000-06:00

I decided it was time to write a quick blog about a benefit I have had the privilege of being involved with for the past 6 years.....

I guess I should first give a little history of the event and tell how I became involved with such a great cause. Ten years ago this January, my grandmother died of endometrial cancer. It was a tough time for my family...we had always been very close...but that truly defined and made us the family we are today.

My Aunt Michelle got involved with a cancer benefit down in St. Louis soon afterwards...and I think it did her heart good to know she was helping raise money to combat such a horrible illness. When my mom began looking for a similar cause to become involved with, there was nothing in the Des Moines area to meet her needs. My grandmother had been treated at the John Stoddard Cancer Center at Iowa Methodist Medical Center here in Des Moines...and my mom decided that if she couldn't find a benefit, she would start one.

She contacted the hospital and everyone ran with the idea. This year will now celebrate 6 years!!! The Rally Against Cancer has now become a premiere event for the hospital...helping to raise money for the patients and families of the John Stoddard Cancer Center. Money raised has helped purchase recliners for every room, Internet accessible computers for any patient to use, and fish tanks in the waiting rooms. Money has also been contributed to the center's Stereotactic Radiation equipment and the BRAND NEW PATIENT CARE COORDINATOR position at the hospital!!! To date, the benefit has netted nearly $500,000....with $180,000 being raised just last year!

It has done my heart good being able to work with my parents and the countless others who make this benefit possible. And the good news is that YOU CAN HELP TOO!!! This year's event is on January 27.....check out ticket information at the John Stoddard Website!!!!

Look what I found!!!! TIME!

2007-01-03T21:59:00.000-06:00

Well, well, well...look who's BAAAACCCKKK!!

Some might think that I would start out the semester fresh and ready to go!! After 1 1/2 weeks break, I should be ready to get back to the books.

I'm NOT.

My intent this morning was to wake up and start going through the lectures that I chose not to attend. Instead, I slept in until 8:45....took an extra long shower.....went to Panera at 10:00 where I found my mom with a couple of her friends.....hung out with them until they left......checked emails for quite a while.......came back and ate lunch......then FINALLY went to class at 1:00. Basically, I didn't do ANYTHING that I planned on. Great way to start the semester, Brooke!

My day got a little better as it progressed though.......I managed to make a grocery list during the 1:00 lecture. I also made up a big "To Do TODAY" list. I finished everything on the list except for 1 thing!!! Back on track!!!! I was able to go to the grocery store, put my bills and Thank You cards in the mail, make dinner for my family, check my email again, wash the dishes, and fold laundry. The only thing I didn't accomplish on THAT list was going through my lectures that I missed today. Folding clothes was much more important at the time. So was watching Dr. 90210 on BRAVO. I thought it would be a good educational experience...I have thought of becoming a plastic surgeon.

All in all, I DID manage to get through 1 of the 4 lectures I missed. It was BORING though! I thought I would write a blog instead of the other 3. I can do those tomorrow.

By the way....the picture in this blog is supposed to represent the new class we started today....INFECTIOUS DISEASE. I'm not sure about it yet (I didn't do those lectures) but it sure didn't look like fun when I skimmed through the handouts. Who wants to memorize a whole bunch of pathogens again??? Not me. But apparently I need to know them.......

We also started our ENDOCRINE course today. Not really my cup of tea. Oh well....I'll give it a couple more lectures before I judge. Nevermind. I don't like this class either. But I guess to be a good doctor, I've got to understand it all!!!

Have a wonderful night. I'm about to accomplish the last item of my TO DO list............ watch another episode of 24!

It's Been a While!

2007-01-02T22:13:00.000-06:00

Just a quick post to let my loyal followers know that I haven't forgotten this blog!!!

I have just been enjoying my break from school WAY TOO MUCH!!! Unfortunately, I get back to the books tomorrow morning. I just found out that I am 26 tests away from starting rotations.....ACTUALLY, 27 if you include the Board exam in May. Man oh man....LOTS of studying is about to begin!

In other news: My boyfriend, Brandon, was in town this past week from Tennessee and we had a GREAT time! Most of the time was spent either at Panera, watching football, or becoming addicted to the show "24". It was nice to be around him again.....and I am anxious to see him again when he comes up for the Rally Against Cancer on January 27.

I will update you all more once I get back into the swing of things!!!

CHOP Up Some Meat and Add Some RITUXIMAB Seasoning

2006-12-11T09:39:00.000-06:00

If you are in medical school, you will understand what I mean when I say there is a crap-load of information you are expected to learn in such a short amount of time. The best analogy (that I have heard on many occasions) is that med school is comparable to trying to take a drink of water from a fire hydrant.

So how do you learn this information??

Well, for your pleasure, I have included a list of things I have learned....and the way I have learned them. Some may contain language that my mom might not be proud of.....but hey, if it is a "testable" item, I have to find some way to learn it, right?

Flumazinil is a Benzodiazapene anatagonist. What? Well, there is a guy named Ben who LOVES pumas. But as you know, if you were to get stuck in a pin with tons of pumas, you would have a problem. You would need something to oppose all those pumas. Ben is lucky and remembers, "Fluma Puma." FLUMAzinil takes care of the pumas for BEN. (Corny story I know....but I learned about this drug in September...and I haven't forgotten it since!)

The McLeod Phenotype is a weakened Kell blood antigen and can cause Chronic Granulomatous Disease. You are probably thinking there is no way in heck that I have a story for this one....but you're wrong. In fact, right after I finish this blog, I have to call my friend KELLy using the McLeod phonebook to see if she is feeling better....she suffers from Chronic Granulomatous Disease. Maybe I chose the wrong career path when I went into med school......shoulda been a writer.

Stipple cells are associated/found with lead poisoning. Stipple nipple! Stipple nipple! Somehow when my friend and I were trying to remember this, we came up with that saying. I just thought of someone getting a nipple piercing with lead (???? who knows ????). Stipple nipple!

Hemophilia A is a deficiency of Factor 8. Hemophilia B is a deficiency of Factor 9. Hemophilia AAAAaaaaaaaaate. Get it? Sounds like 8. Hemophilia BBBBBenign.

Anatomy of the midbrain, pons, and medulla. For you non-med students, these are components of the brainstem from top to bottom. If you were to take cross-sections of each of these, the mibrain looks like a bird, the pons looks like a monkey, and the medulla looks like a seal. How do you remember that???? Well, AIR is above the LAND which is above the WATER. Easy as pie.

There are 12 Cranial Nerves that are sensory, motor, or both. This one is something I learned in undergrad...and it has stuck with me ever since. My cousin (sophomore in college) even asked me the other day if I knew a good way to remember all of these in order......and lucky for him, I remembered my little sentence and he was all set. I won't bore you with the names of all the cranials nerves...you probably lost interest in this blog with "fluma puma". But the sentence is a life saver! Drum roll please....... "Oh, oh, oh! That trick ass, fat virgin ganster vanished a ho!" (Insert apology to my mother for using the a$$ word!!!) All the cranial nerves...in order....I to XII. And how do you remember if they are sensory, motor, or a mixture of both kind of nerves???? Another drum roll....... "Some say marry money, but my brother says big booty makes money."

And finally...you are probably wondering what the heck my blog title means.....

CHOP therapy + Rituximab = Best therapy for treating Diffuse Large Cell Lymphoma. Easy. Don't you see how good of a story-teller I am now??? All you gotta do is CHOP up a large piece of meat and add some Rituximab seasoning. Yummy!

Brooke: Autopsy Technician

2006-12-07T18:30:00.000-06:00

I decided to take a little break from studying surgery this evening and started playing around with this whole "blog" thing. I hadn't really searched around too much and hadn't realized how MANY blogs there really are!!!

I typed "Medical School" into the search and was blown away by the number of students and doctors sharing their experiences on here!!! I would click on one site and it would lead me to MORE medical blogs........

COOL!!!

Check out: Ah Yes, Medical School.....HILARIOUS blog!!! He talked all about patients entering the ER and how he thought some people stopping showering for 4 months prior to coming in......

It reminded me of my job. For those of you who don't know, I have been an autopsy technician for the past 2 1/2 years. I think my log sheet is at 227 autopsies now. And I have seen some CRAZY things.....not just gunshots, hangings, stabbings, accidents, etc......but CRAZY things. One guy I worked on had taken coat hanger wire, wrapped it around his neck, rigged the two ends into a drill, and spun the drill until it strangled him. CRAZY. Another guy hung himself out in the woods at the end of hunting season, knowing full well that he wouldn't be found until the NEXT hunting season. CRAZY. (AND SICK!!!)

Since we have to remove the clothes for the case, we often joke that people should make sure to be naked when they die. They should also go to the bathroom (number 2) and clip their toenails. It would also be nice for them to cut their hair really short. And they shouldn't really eat too much beforehand either. Is that too much to ask??

It is always amazing to me what some people are hiding beneath their clothes...... A high school teacher with a GIANT piercing at the end of his penis and nipple rings.....and a perforated nasal septum (COCAINE anyone?). Or how about "Miss Sally Homemaker" with the giant tattoo covering her back? CRAZY.

Anyways, I'm anxious to start looking around more.....but it will have to wait until this weekend. Or maybe Christmas Break when I get a mental rest from school........

THANK YOU!!!

2006-11-25T17:28:00.000-06:00

I must have some VERY powerful friends and family!

THANK YOU SO MUCH for the well-wishes and special prayers regarding my rotations. (See previous blog.)

I am VERY HAPPY to say: I GOT THE DES MOINES ROTATION!!! I ended up with my FIRST CHOICE hospital for next year!!! There were 52 students who wanted the 12 spots at Broadlawns....and I LUCKED OUT with one of them!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!