Long time, no writey

So the hubby says I should write on my blog more. He's probably right. Not much has changed. Still chugging through medical school. Surgery starts Monday, so the odds that I have more time to blog are slim to none.

On a reflective note, here are a few things I have learned that have surprised me in medical school.
1. When I first started medical school, I was shocked when physicians brushed off patients' complaints or "put off" complaints for another visit. But when you're in clinic and it's 11:30 and you have 5 patients left to see and your afternoon clinic starts at 1, you start prioritizing. A little shocked that even I do this. Could also be that at this level, it's a bit easier to pick out the more benign complaints and put them off.
2. It's easy to fall into the habit of judging patients and their families. When you walk in a room and are immediately assaulted by the acrid smell of smoke and body odor, it's easy for the patients to automatically get put into the lower class slot. I find myself wondering why that mother didn't brush her child's hair before bringing her to the doctor, and don't stop to consider what might have been going on to make that a lower priority. And God forbid I ask her how she's feeling. That's for psychiatrists, right*?
3. I have learned a lot. And I still know so little. It's a little scary to think that in a few years, I will be seeing patients on my own with minimal supervision. That first night on call with an attending at home not wanting to be called - terrifying thought.

I'll get there. First I have to get through surgery.

*Just in case you didn't catch it, I was being sarcastic here. It's part of being a good physician to think about your patients AND their families and do what you can.