Merry Christmas guys! Too bad I could not make it to the annual CHO party, but I really miss you all. I have nothing new to report - same job, same boyfriend, same car...oh, I found out that Natalie Cjvan..(how do you spell her name again?) is now a PICU attending at Kaiser Oakland, but for those of you who are still working at/for CHO, this is probably not news.
Love,
Karen
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Coffee Art
[more coffee art]
just thought there might be some coffee drinkers in this group who will appreciate this...
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
One of my favorite story lines of this election season.
The pertinent excerpts from Gen. Colin Powell's Meet the Press appearance:
- "I'm also troubled by, not what Senator McCain says, but what members of the party say. And it is permitted to be said such things as, "Well, you know that Mr. Obama is a Muslim." Well, the correct answer is, he is not a Muslim, he's a Christian. He's always been a Christian. But the really right answer is, what if he is?"
"I feel strongly about this particular point because of a picture I saw in a magazine. It was a photo essay about troops who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. And one picture at the tail end of this photo essay was of a mother in Arlington Cemetery, and she had her head on the headstone of her son's grave. And as the picture focused in, you could see the writing on the headstone. And it gave his awards--Purple Heart, Bronze Star--showed that he died in Iraq, gave his date of birth, date of death. He was 20 years old. And then, at the very top of the headstone, it didn't have a Christian cross, it didn't have the Star of David, it had crescent and a star of the Islamic faith. And his name was Kareem Rashad Sultan Khan, and he was an American. He was born in New Jersey. He was 14 years old at the time of 9/11, and he waited until he can go serve his country, and he gave his life. Now, we have got to stop polarizing ourself in this way. And John McCain is as nondiscriminatory as anyone I know. But I'm troubled about the fact that, within the party, we have these kinds of expressions."
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Thursday, September 18, 2008
applying for privileges
I just spent a frustrating last 2 hours completing a 2 inch stack of papers for CHO privileges. is there anything more redundant and frustrating?
I don't know what my primary malpractice carrier or coverage amount will be
I don't know my UPIN, NPI, Medical #, blah blah blah, or all these other acronyms.
I can't remember my undergraduate school address
I can't believe after writing a $300 check, sending in all my letters of reference, photocopies of all my most important documents, the CFMG requires me to do another application????
I don't understand why they cant just get the same freakin' info from the Med Staff Office at CHO....jeez
And if I am gonna sign some document, I'm gonna try to answer everything. So, hopefully "unknown" is an acceptable answer for CFMG, Blue Shield, Medical, etc.
I don't know what my primary malpractice carrier or coverage amount will be
I don't know my UPIN, NPI, Medical #, blah blah blah, or all these other acronyms.
I can't remember my undergraduate school address
I can't believe after writing a $300 check, sending in all my letters of reference, photocopies of all my most important documents, the CFMG requires me to do another application????
I don't understand why they cant just get the same freakin' info from the Med Staff Office at CHO....jeez
And if I am gonna sign some document, I'm gonna try to answer everything. So, hopefully "unknown" is an acceptable answer for CFMG, Blue Shield, Medical, etc.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
The current view of our candidates
Sorry, more political stuff I found funny.
------------------------------------------
I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight.....
* If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're 'exotic, different.'
* Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American story.
* If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
* Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
* Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.
* Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.
* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.
* If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.
* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.
* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.
* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.
* If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.
* If your wife is a Harvard graduate laywer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.
* If you're husband is nicknamed 'First Dude', with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.
OK, much clearer now.
------------------------------------------
I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight.....
* If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're 'exotic, different.'
* Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American story.
* If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim.
* Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
* Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable.
* Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.
* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience.
* If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.
* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian.
* If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.
* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society.
* If , while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant , you're very responsible.
* If your wife is a Harvard graduate laywer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's.
* If you're husband is nicknamed 'First Dude', with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.
OK, much clearer now.
just as I'm about to sign out....
Sunday 4:45PM
- waiting for Mia to give her sign-out on my little nuggets in the NICU.
- "Code Blue" rings over head.
- hmmm... am I supposed to go to this? Well the charge RN went so I'll hang back.
- a minute later, "Code Blue. OR C."
- hm... a code in the delivery OR? This can't be good. They probably need like a peds person there right? I better go.
- turns out it was the wrong overhead announcement. It was an asystolic infant and they were supposed to call the Neonatology staff on their respective phones.
- as I come in with the Neo (Lily) and Elaina Oteyza (PL-2), it was a crash C-section, coding baby with ALS RNs, intubated. Gave 2 rds of ET Epi, 3 rds of IV Epi after getting a UVC inplace, several mls of LR. 17 minutes go by and still no heart rate. Called code. Had to help deliver the news to the spanish speaking father.
- hopefully not foreboding the rest of the year.
hope everyone is doing well...
- waiting for Mia to give her sign-out on my little nuggets in the NICU.
- "Code Blue" rings over head.
- hmmm... am I supposed to go to this? Well the charge RN went so I'll hang back.
- a minute later, "Code Blue. OR C."
- hm... a code in the delivery OR? This can't be good. They probably need like a peds person there right? I better go.
- turns out it was the wrong overhead announcement. It was an asystolic infant and they were supposed to call the Neonatology staff on their respective phones.
- as I come in with the Neo (Lily) and Elaina Oteyza (PL-2), it was a crash C-section, coding baby with ALS RNs, intubated. Gave 2 rds of ET Epi, 3 rds of IV Epi after getting a UVC inplace, several mls of LR. 17 minutes go by and still no heart rate. Called code. Had to help deliver the news to the spanish speaking father.
- hopefully not foreboding the rest of the year.
hope everyone is doing well...
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
dude i dunno wanna work anymore
dude i don't want to work no more a list of recent dx i have had to make from my clinic in the last two days
appy
periorbital cellulitis
some eye ball growth thing i don't know what the heck it is
psoriasis
bipolar mania with psychotic features new onset
bb in foot
scabies
I should have been a lotto winner or race car driver.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
working for the man
So hi all from so cal. hope you all are doing well, sorry to the folks who kept calling me from LA, but i was stuck working. So far work has been good, my clinic is in shall we say the boonies. My patients atv and shoot things for fun. As long as they aren't shootin at me I don't really mind. the nurses at my clinic are the nicest people on earth. They shower me with affection and attend to my every need. one even gave me a snoopy mug, nice score free loot.
The down side is that I am working like a ton. I guess we are short of pediatricans in this region, which explains why i got this job so easily, beware greeks bearing gifts. basically i'm almost working six days a week. but i guess that's ok because i get paid overtime for that stuff and it's mainly urgent care stuff. Urgent care without certain annoying attendings is a pure joy.
Project six pack is progessing, while i'm probably not as good as mike and brad tx99 (whatever that mumbo jumbo thing is) i do see the early signs of definition. I bet by oct i'll have a 1-2 pack. My butt is also becoming a thing of glory.
See you all soon.
The down side is that I am working like a ton. I guess we are short of pediatricans in this region, which explains why i got this job so easily, beware greeks bearing gifts. basically i'm almost working six days a week. but i guess that's ok because i get paid overtime for that stuff and it's mainly urgent care stuff. Urgent care without certain annoying attendings is a pure joy.
Project six pack is progessing, while i'm probably not as good as mike and brad tx99 (whatever that mumbo jumbo thing is) i do see the early signs of definition. I bet by oct i'll have a 1-2 pack. My butt is also becoming a thing of glory.
See you all soon.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Hello from the unemployment line...
Hi everyone,
I am on the complete opposite spectrum to Tony who is a full-fledged "doctor". Been doing a whole lot of nothing. Alta Bates starts on Sept 13 and John Muir Sept 21. Otherwise, I've been sleeping, working out (infrequently), and studying for the boards (also infrequently). Honestly, I'm getting antsy and can't wait to start working. Especially hearing about Karen and Tony getting gift baskets.
Heading out to San Diego for the weekend and then Chicago for next week.
Anyone catch the political conventions? I don't know why I bother watching as it was basically a condensed collection of meaningless and self-congratulatory speeches.
This was a pretty funny video of Jon Stewart destroying Sen. Palin's pundits.
I am on the complete opposite spectrum to Tony who is a full-fledged "doctor". Been doing a whole lot of nothing. Alta Bates starts on Sept 13 and John Muir Sept 21. Otherwise, I've been sleeping, working out (infrequently), and studying for the boards (also infrequently). Honestly, I'm getting antsy and can't wait to start working. Especially hearing about Karen and Tony getting gift baskets.
Heading out to San Diego for the weekend and then Chicago for next week.
Anyone catch the political conventions? I don't know why I bother watching as it was basically a condensed collection of meaningless and self-congratulatory speeches.
This was a pretty funny video of Jon Stewart destroying Sen. Palin's pundits.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Simmering in Sacramento
Well, the Comcast guy has gone and I finally have internet access and can say "Hello from Sacramento!" Things are going well up here. Believe it our not I was able to defy all the doubters and find a place to live before I started my new job (Sure it was the Friday before, but I'll take what I can get).
Still working on furnishing the new place, but living in Midtown is great. I wanted to find a place with the feel of Oakland and Midtown definitely fits the bill. I am, again, a five minute walk from Safeway, but will miss having the Longs on steroids across the street as well. I'll settle for Rite Aid on my block though. The other trade off is now I have a Peet's in addition to a Starbucks. Anywho, I spend my days at home jacking up the A/C to get the temps down to the 70's which I had become acclimated to from staying in Monterey.
First day of work was just like residency. I felt like a 5 year old on his first day of kindergarten. I was scared, excited, confused...a little bit of everything. Going through the HR stuff was a bore, but since I'm a seasoned worker I was able to sign away my life faster than Michael Phelps can finish the 100 m freestyle. I, like Karen, received a nice little gift basket of all-things Sacramento...some Jelly Belly's, a nice calendar, Java City coffee beans...a nice gesture. The next 2 days was computer training and my brain was "saturated" as they say with all the information that they threw at us.
I actually started seeing patients on my 3rd day there. The first kid/teen no-showed. The second kid was an adorable 2 week old who's mother started asking me about preservatives in vaccines. I was like...um...yeah, we need those preservatives **cough** **cough** package and shipping **cough** **cough** safety...etc, etc. I muddled through it and realized that 6 weeks of vaca left me pretty dumb, not that I was that bright to begin with.
Thus far I have 3 patients per half day so that I can get used to the computer system. I must say that it is weird to have EVERYBODY calling me doctor, to have my very own MA who I am responsible for making sure she does a good job, and to have my very own huge patient panel. Visits have been a lot of fun, but I have that empty feeling at the end because there is nobody to say, "Yes, Tony I agree with your plan." Thus far I've met 6 kids on my patient panel consisting of 3 well newborns, a newborn with critical PS, a toddler with NF1, and your typical teen.
I must say that I do miss Children's some. It's amazing that so many people hold the hospital in high regard. All my colleagues think that I was very lucky to train there. Some of my parents have already asked if they could be referred there.
Anyways, I'm starting to ramble. If you're ever in the area give me a call. I'll make my way out to the Bay Area as much as possible. And keep an eye out for the occasional blog because I'll keep ya'll updated.
Still working on furnishing the new place, but living in Midtown is great. I wanted to find a place with the feel of Oakland and Midtown definitely fits the bill. I am, again, a five minute walk from Safeway, but will miss having the Longs on steroids across the street as well. I'll settle for Rite Aid on my block though. The other trade off is now I have a Peet's in addition to a Starbucks. Anywho, I spend my days at home jacking up the A/C to get the temps down to the 70's which I had become acclimated to from staying in Monterey.
First day of work was just like residency. I felt like a 5 year old on his first day of kindergarten. I was scared, excited, confused...a little bit of everything. Going through the HR stuff was a bore, but since I'm a seasoned worker I was able to sign away my life faster than Michael Phelps can finish the 100 m freestyle. I, like Karen, received a nice little gift basket of all-things Sacramento...some Jelly Belly's, a nice calendar, Java City coffee beans...a nice gesture. The next 2 days was computer training and my brain was "saturated" as they say with all the information that they threw at us.
I actually started seeing patients on my 3rd day there. The first kid/teen no-showed. The second kid was an adorable 2 week old who's mother started asking me about preservatives in vaccines. I was like...um...yeah, we need those preservatives **cough** **cough** package and shipping **cough** **cough** safety...etc, etc. I muddled through it and realized that 6 weeks of vaca left me pretty dumb, not that I was that bright to begin with.
Thus far I have 3 patients per half day so that I can get used to the computer system. I must say that it is weird to have EVERYBODY calling me doctor, to have my very own MA who I am responsible for making sure she does a good job, and to have my very own huge patient panel. Visits have been a lot of fun, but I have that empty feeling at the end because there is nobody to say, "Yes, Tony I agree with your plan." Thus far I've met 6 kids on my patient panel consisting of 3 well newborns, a newborn with critical PS, a toddler with NF1, and your typical teen.
I must say that I do miss Children's some. It's amazing that so many people hold the hospital in high regard. All my colleagues think that I was very lucky to train there. Some of my parents have already asked if they could be referred there.
Anyways, I'm starting to ramble. If you're ever in the area give me a call. I'll make my way out to the Bay Area as much as possible. And keep an eye out for the occasional blog because I'll keep ya'll updated.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
The real world
Hmm...not much activity here on our blog since the beginning of August. I am assuming that everyone is busy settling in our new jobs, new places, and new identities.
I had a rough start last week since there were 10 patients scheduled in my first half-day clinic. It has slowly gotten better (or maybe I am just used to the torture now), but it still feels like residency all over again: I am sharing a room with Sarah MacMahon, who has been extremely patient with my questions, and it feels like I am her intern and she is my senior again. I have been getting breakfast in the doctor's lounge, having lunch w/ my colleagues, and trying to go to every noon conference that provides free lunch.
What makes it fun is starting with a few other newbies, 2 other ones are also recent resident grads.
Alright, I should really do a few PREP questions tonight.
I had a rough start last week since there were 10 patients scheduled in my first half-day clinic. It has slowly gotten better (or maybe I am just used to the torture now), but it still feels like residency all over again: I am sharing a room with Sarah MacMahon, who has been extremely patient with my questions, and it feels like I am her intern and she is my senior again. I have been getting breakfast in the doctor's lounge, having lunch w/ my colleagues, and trying to go to every noon conference that provides free lunch.
What makes it fun is starting with a few other newbies, 2 other ones are also recent resident grads.
Alright, I should really do a few PREP questions tonight.
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Miss you guys
hey guys. i miss everybody. this is my first time blogging. congratulations to marina and jaime on their new little one and to rona and ryan on expecting. also, lisa and dan congrats on the new house. we're all growing up so fast.
well, lex and i did it. we are officially hitched. the wedding was great. it was raining right before the ceremony, but luckily the sun came out just in time. i will send out some pictures soon. it was hard to come back to work after 3 weeks of vacation in hawaii, but so far the hospitalist thing isn't so bad. although it did feel a little too much like residency the other night when i was woken-up for a 2:30am then 5am ED consult. but, rona's right the days off in between make it worth it. so, i guess it is time to get serious about studying for the boards. we need to have a party after the boards.
i hope to see some of you soon. i definitely think we should make guernville an annual trip. it was so much fun. lex is still making fun of me for my foot attire on our bike ride. oh and i can't wait to see mike and ted's abs.
all my love, josie
well, lex and i did it. we are officially hitched. the wedding was great. it was raining right before the ceremony, but luckily the sun came out just in time. i will send out some pictures soon. it was hard to come back to work after 3 weeks of vacation in hawaii, but so far the hospitalist thing isn't so bad. although it did feel a little too much like residency the other night when i was woken-up for a 2:30am then 5am ED consult. but, rona's right the days off in between make it worth it. so, i guess it is time to get serious about studying for the boards. we need to have a party after the boards.
i hope to see some of you soon. i definitely think we should make guernville an annual trip. it was so much fun. lex is still making fun of me for my foot attire on our bike ride. oh and i can't wait to see mike and ted's abs.
all my love, josie
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Starting work and other stuff . . .
I was officially inducted to the hospitalist group at Washington Hospital on the 15th. The other hospitalists assured me that it has been slow and that I would be fine. The day started off easy enough. Then 6pm hit, and the black cloud appeared. I was called to the ED for an admission. On my way down I was called from the OR - a routine C-section baby was born and was not breathing and lost his HR. They all assured me that this happens maybe 3 times a year. Hopefully that was it for me. Then off to the ED for my admission followed by 2 consults. I thought it was over and put my head down for 2 hours before I had another admission at 6am. It was like internship with a sick twist. My other shifts have been fairly busy with newborns during the day which is not too bad, but I have not escaped a night without 1-2 pediatric admissions each time. I think that those nights the others talk about where they sleep undisturbed must be a myth. But, overall I really like it and definitely am enjoying the days off between my shifts. The free time makes it all worth it.
As for other news . . . I am 12 1/2 weeks pregnant!! My due date is February 4th, and we are very excited. After about 1 1/2 months of morning/noon/night sickness, which is finally getting better, it was nice to see a fetus with a strong heartrate and all the correct body parts where they are supposed to be doing flips in my uterus during my screening ultrasound last week.
That's about it. Hope to see you all at the boards if not sooner!
Good luck with the studying,
Rona
As for other news . . . I am 12 1/2 weeks pregnant!! My due date is February 4th, and we are very excited. After about 1 1/2 months of morning/noon/night sickness, which is finally getting better, it was nice to see a fetus with a strong heartrate and all the correct body parts where they are supposed to be doing flips in my uterus during my screening ultrasound last week.
That's about it. Hope to see you all at the boards if not sooner!
Good luck with the studying,
Rona
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Orientation
Orientation is making me a little bit disoriented. Perhaps it's because I am not used to waking up so "early" any more, and perhaps I have become too Meditechized to adjust to the KP system. I found myself reaching for those F9's and magic keys, only to realize that my fingers can no longer dance on the keyboard like they used to at CHO.
Here's a gift basket that I received from Kaiser. My chief also approved my educational leave to take a board review course (paid!). Feel so loved.
Onto something more depressing: the boards.Got this mug from a friend. I guess I can't use it until I am truly "100% board certified." Maybe it's finally time to start studying, so that I can justify using this mug in a few months.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
I just want you all to know...
I have offically launched project six pack. M. Cheng says I need a goal. I've decided to embark on project six pack. Basically I will eat nothing but vitamin supplements and exercise continously until my abdominals swell like little tumors. Today I ran up this enormous hill until I passed out. Forget round bellied funny guy Ted. The new Ted is coming, a toned muscular titan who eats small island countries for breakfast. Also he will not be funny, just very wry. Also for the first time in a very very long time I am officially well rested.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Homeowners
Hello,
So this is also my first time ever posting on a blog..yes I did have to ask Jay how to even post at all after spending 30 minutes trying to figure it out.
Dan and I are currently on our East Coast tour. We were in New York for a day or so then went up to the Berkshires. We are now right outside of Boston visiting Dan's best friend from college and their 4 month old baby and tomorow we head for New Hampshire for a wedding
So...we are officially homeowners and house poor. It is the house we were putting the offer on during our guernville retreat. We found out there is a lot of work that needs to be done so we spent a bunch of time haggling over the final price...so if any of you have any skills in electrical, plumbing, earthquake retrofitting..i'll trade you a free pediatric exam:). Once we move in mid August we will have a housewarming.
Life at Silva clinic is great so far..although now I am scared we will all get fired after all the Children's cuts since apparently they are only finished "for now"
Hope everyone is doing well..
Lisa
So this is also my first time ever posting on a blog..yes I did have to ask Jay how to even post at all after spending 30 minutes trying to figure it out.
Dan and I are currently on our East Coast tour. We were in New York for a day or so then went up to the Berkshires. We are now right outside of Boston visiting Dan's best friend from college and their 4 month old baby and tomorow we head for New Hampshire for a wedding
So...we are officially homeowners and house poor. It is the house we were putting the offer on during our guernville retreat. We found out there is a lot of work that needs to be done so we spent a bunch of time haggling over the final price...so if any of you have any skills in electrical, plumbing, earthquake retrofitting..i'll trade you a free pediatric exam:). Once we move in mid August we will have a housewarming.
Life at Silva clinic is great so far..although now I am scared we will all get fired after all the Children's cuts since apparently they are only finished "for now"
Hope everyone is doing well..
Lisa
Monday, July 14, 2008
The Beautiful Monterey Peninsula
Good to hear how everybody is doing. Thought I should chime in instead of you hearing about my goings on by proxy.
Moved out of my little piece of the world after Guerneville (remember how long it took me to find that place guys!). Was trying to make the deadline for getting out of there on time. Finally on July 1 at 1:30 am I loaded up the last of my stuff and cruised out of Oakland. I thought things were going great until I developed this bittersweet taste in my mouth as I got on the Highway 24 on ramp and drove past the "Childrens Hospital Oakland" neon lights. And then I thought..."Tonight someone is on call...AND IT'S NOT ME!!!!" I quickly revved up those RPM's and within seconds I was at the requisite 80 miles per hour and was out of there like a bat out of hell.
Monterey's been good. I realized that I really like living by myself...Mom: "Tony, can you do this? Can you do that? Please wash the dishes..." Tony: "Mom, I got here 7 hours ago, those were your same dishes from last week, and can't I at least get a hello?"
I forgot what the weather was like here...We are in the 70 degree season with daily afternoon fog. Heat wave? What heat wave? We do have the occasional light rain of ash coming from the Big Sur fires to spice things up though. I'm popping Zyrtec like mad.
Otherwise I pepper my week with walking to Peet's to study, driving up to Palo Alto to study with Leslie, swimming in my mom's pool, and biking on the Monterey Coastal Trail. Boards is scaring me. The implications of being an attending have not hit home yet. I prefer ignorance right now.
I'm about to head off to New York to watch Yankees vs. Oakland at Yankee Stadium and then will head to Philly and DC (any suggestions for things to do in Philly?)
Anyways, I find myself thinking of all you guys often (especially after sifting through tons of pictures and re-editing my contact list). I am hoping for the best for all of you. Keep posting...it keeps CHO close to the heart.
End of Manifesto
-Tony
Sunday, July 13, 2008
surviving in thailand
nice to see more people blogging.
congrats on nearing term Marina! Who is the lucky PL-2 to be at your delivery? LOL
Would I be fooling myself to think my fellowship will be as chill as Leslie's and Brian's?
While Tisha is in the hospital for the mornings, I try to read but only about page 200 in "Laughing your way..."
more thoughts from Bangkok:
- did not remember my 1st traditional Thai massage in 2002 to be painful. This trip, I had one for 2 hours long. They start at the feet and legs. In the first hour, I swear my legs were gonna develop compartment syndrome. I wanted to curse at the masseuse but she didn't speak English. Instead I would just yelp in pain followed by laughing (at the ridiculousness of the situation). I swear my CK was elevated and worried about not being able to or having blood in my pee.
- hands down, the street vendors are the best places to eat. I have yet to be disappointed with one or develop diarrhea.
- Tuk-Tuk are not worth it. Tisha and I almost died trying to save some money. The driver was speeding, running redlights, cutting across lanes, going down closed streets. Spend you baht on an air-conditioned taxi.
more pics
http://picasaweb.google.com/jayyeh/2008_Thailand
congrats on nearing term Marina! Who is the lucky PL-2 to be at your delivery? LOL
Would I be fooling myself to think my fellowship will be as chill as Leslie's and Brian's?
While Tisha is in the hospital for the mornings, I try to read but only about page 200 in "Laughing your way..."
more thoughts from Bangkok:
- did not remember my 1st traditional Thai massage in 2002 to be painful. This trip, I had one for 2 hours long. They start at the feet and legs. In the first hour, I swear my legs were gonna develop compartment syndrome. I wanted to curse at the masseuse but she didn't speak English. Instead I would just yelp in pain followed by laughing (at the ridiculousness of the situation). I swear my CK was elevated and worried about not being able to or having blood in my pee.
- hands down, the street vendors are the best places to eat. I have yet to be disappointed with one or develop diarrhea.
- Tuk-Tuk are not worth it. Tisha and I almost died trying to save some money. The driver was speeding, running redlights, cutting across lanes, going down closed streets. Spend you baht on an air-conditioned taxi.
more pics
http://picasaweb.google.com/jayyeh/2008_Thailand
Friday, July 11, 2008
Kickin it in Paly
Adolescent Fellowship weeks 1 and 2:
Week 1: On inpatient consults at Packard. There are no patients.
Week 2: Still on inpatient consults at Packard. There are still no patients.
Okay, I have really done a lot more than just sit in my office searching the internet. Half the time I am in clinic, which is pretty busy but not quite as crazy as CHO teen clinic. I am also starting on my research and will be participating in an intensive research development course up at UCSF.
Tony and I have delved back into studying for the boards and have attempted to bring Brian into our madness. Not quite sure yet how well Brian is coping.
Had a mini CHO reunion over the past couple of days. Brian and I had lunch with Christin Kuo yesterday. I also ran in to Eloa this morning. It is always good to have some CHO peeps around. Miss all of you though. Come visit!
Week 1: On inpatient consults at Packard. There are no patients.
Week 2: Still on inpatient consults at Packard. There are still no patients.
Okay, I have really done a lot more than just sit in my office searching the internet. Half the time I am in clinic, which is pretty busy but not quite as crazy as CHO teen clinic. I am also starting on my research and will be participating in an intensive research development course up at UCSF.
Tony and I have delved back into studying for the boards and have attempted to bring Brian into our madness. Not quite sure yet how well Brian is coping.
Had a mini CHO reunion over the past couple of days. Brian and I had lunch with Christin Kuo yesterday. I also ran in to Eloa this morning. It is always good to have some CHO peeps around. Miss all of you though. Come visit!
Thursday, July 10, 2008
choose your next sunscreen wisely...
yay for 37wks! fat is good....:) marina has inspired me to blog as this is also my very first time! exactly two weeks ago at this time i was finishing nightfloat, turning in my ID badge, and driving up to guerneville...can't believe it's been two weeks already. Residency already seems like a long time ago.....
it's nice and comfortably warm 85 deg here in SF this week. this is SF's "heat wave." i'm excited to finally be able to dig out my fun summer tanks, skirts, capris from the closet! as much as i complain about SF's eternal foggy misty windy springy days, living in the city has unfortunately turned me into a total wimp when it comes to heat....
so karen H and i are almost done with our first week of bootcamp! 5 more to go.....it's so nice to have an exercise buddy :) i'm totally getting my butts kicked. ian noticed that i was walking funny after the first couple classes and by the 3rd morning i could barely get out of bed...but i m glad for the endorphins.
okay, so i've spent way too much time on emails and browsing the internet these days. but this is interesting and certainly good to know next time when you buy sunscreen if you haven't yet heard about it:
it's nice and comfortably warm 85 deg here in SF this week. this is SF's "heat wave." i'm excited to finally be able to dig out my fun summer tanks, skirts, capris from the closet! as much as i complain about SF's eternal foggy misty windy springy days, living in the city has unfortunately turned me into a total wimp when it comes to heat....
so karen H and i are almost done with our first week of bootcamp! 5 more to go.....it's so nice to have an exercise buddy :) i'm totally getting my butts kicked. ian noticed that i was walking funny after the first couple classes and by the 3rd morning i could barely get out of bed...but i m glad for the endorphins.
okay, so i've spent way too much time on emails and browsing the internet these days. but this is interesting and certainly good to know next time when you buy sunscreen if you haven't yet heard about it:
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2008/07/10/BU6M11L7AG.DTL
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/summary.php
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Time Off...
Hello everyone! Well, this is officially my first time placing a post. I log in every now and then to read what is new, but I have never actually written anything.
Sorry to hear about all the layoffs, but glad to hear that for the most part everyone else is doing well (whether you're hard at work or not).
I can't say I have been doing much myself. However, I have moved out of the Bay and have returned to the scorching heat in the Central Valley - the reason I missed out on Guerneville. We have also been working on the baby's room, which is all decked out now as we await the arrival of our baby. Tomorrow is 37 weeks!!! Baby is just putting on fat at this point and making it harder for me to deliver. That's ok though 'cause I am asking for an epidural from the start.
I'll make sure to keep you all posted. Until then.....
Sorry to hear about all the layoffs, but glad to hear that for the most part everyone else is doing well (whether you're hard at work or not).
I can't say I have been doing much myself. However, I have moved out of the Bay and have returned to the scorching heat in the Central Valley - the reason I missed out on Guerneville. We have also been working on the baby's room, which is all decked out now as we await the arrival of our baby. Tomorrow is 37 weeks!!! Baby is just putting on fat at this point and making it harder for me to deliver. That's ok though 'cause I am asking for an epidural from the start.
I'll make sure to keep you all posted. Until then.....
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Fellowship
Well my first week was only a 3-day week, but here's how it went.
July 1st - Show up at 7am for the tuesday physiology lecture. They forget that I'm starting today, so I chill by myself for 45 minutes. Could have slept in. I'm on anesthesia, so later I intubate a kid and put in an IV. I remind everyone I'm not a 2nd year resident, however much I may look like one. Fill out more forms.
July 2nd - Show up to clinic, supposedly to "observe" my first AM. My first patient arrives and I realize I'm not just observing. But hemoptysis is cool.
July 3rd - More anesthesia. I'm in an LMA room. Sort of boring, but I hear lots of gossip about the hospital and the layoffs. I almost nod off in the OR after 3 consecutive mornings of getting to work at 0700. I leave work at 5:30 even though this is a light month and I'm supposed to get off at 3:30, because others are running late to review PFT's with me.
July 4th - I actually have off!!! I feel grateful. Hope you all enjoyed it as well!
July 1st - Show up at 7am for the tuesday physiology lecture. They forget that I'm starting today, so I chill by myself for 45 minutes. Could have slept in. I'm on anesthesia, so later I intubate a kid and put in an IV. I remind everyone I'm not a 2nd year resident, however much I may look like one. Fill out more forms.
July 2nd - Show up to clinic, supposedly to "observe" my first AM. My first patient arrives and I realize I'm not just observing. But hemoptysis is cool.
July 3rd - More anesthesia. I'm in an LMA room. Sort of boring, but I hear lots of gossip about the hospital and the layoffs. I almost nod off in the OR after 3 consecutive mornings of getting to work at 0700. I leave work at 5:30 even though this is a light month and I'm supposed to get off at 3:30, because others are running late to review PFT's with me.
July 4th - I actually have off!!! I feel grateful. Hope you all enjoyed it as well!
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Bangkok (days 1-4)
finally got into bangkok after >24hrs of travel
just some random thoughts:
- new BKK airport sorta looks like CDG with glass/cement tubular structures
- the weather right now borders between hot&humid and raining cats and dogs...
- speaking of which, not as many dogs in the streets as I remembered in 2002
- food is just as cheap (and as good) as I remembered. (wait a minute, maybe that wasn't the best observation following the previous one)
- iPhone is popular here as well. The iPod knockoffs are really obvious.
- why is it that asian people love pens and pencils? I dunno but I got my 0.4mm blue and black gel ink pens!
- Samijevit Hospital (where Tisha is "working") = opulent. There are marble floors, spiral staircases, expansive waiting areas with new chairs and couches, free bottled water. It even has a Starbucks and Au Bon Pain inside. Valets parking the BMWs and Benzes. This hospital is of course a private hospital and caters to affluent Thais and a lot of Japanese nationals. I wonder if the quality of medical care matches the ridiculously nice appearance.
photos (work in progress)
http://picasaweb.google.com/jayyeh/2008_Thailand
jay
just some random thoughts:
- new BKK airport sorta looks like CDG with glass/cement tubular structures
- the weather right now borders between hot&humid and raining cats and dogs...
- speaking of which, not as many dogs in the streets as I remembered in 2002
- food is just as cheap (and as good) as I remembered. (wait a minute, maybe that wasn't the best observation following the previous one)
- iPhone is popular here as well. The iPod knockoffs are really obvious.
- why is it that asian people love pens and pencils? I dunno but I got my 0.4mm blue and black gel ink pens!
- Samijevit Hospital (where Tisha is "working") = opulent. There are marble floors, spiral staircases, expansive waiting areas with new chairs and couches, free bottled water. It even has a Starbucks and Au Bon Pain inside. Valets parking the BMWs and Benzes. This hospital is of course a private hospital and caters to affluent Thais and a lot of Japanese nationals. I wonder if the quality of medical care matches the ridiculously nice appearance.
photos (work in progress)
http://picasaweb.google.com/jayyeh/2008_Thailand
jay
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Fellowship Update...
As expected, I'm getting worked as a fellow from the get-go. Here's how my first week went:
7/1 - Met with my program director. Discussed my summer goals, which includes starting a reflection journal. Saw one patient with her. Applied pressure therapy (strong hugs and squeezes) for the first time. It worked...until it got too overwhelming for the patient, in which he signaled by spitting on my attending. Went home in the afternoon and napped.
7/2 - Fellows orientation in the am. Got my new email address. Bicycled around campus. Got my ID badge. Kicked it with the child psych fellows at their bbq lunch (BTW, Sornya's hubby, Dan, is a 1st year fellow there so it looks like I'll be playing fantasy football next season). Listened to a lecture on how to interview adolescents. Took the CalTrain home in the afternoon and napped.
7/3 - Woke up at 9am. Checked email and did some errands. Went in the afternoon and discussed research ideas with my research adviser. Thursdays are my designated "research" days.
7/4 - Played with fireworks. Lovely fireworks.
So, I don't know what Renee's complaining about. She's got it easy. So jealous of you guys who have time off before starting bank-rolling jobs.
On a serious note: Bummer to hear about the layoffs. Hope morale's not too low. Still, I have major CHO withdrawal. Its lonely being the only fellow, and everything is so pristine and manicured here! I miss playing Frogger on MLK.
7/1 - Met with my program director. Discussed my summer goals, which includes starting a reflection journal. Saw one patient with her. Applied pressure therapy (strong hugs and squeezes) for the first time. It worked...until it got too overwhelming for the patient, in which he signaled by spitting on my attending. Went home in the afternoon and napped.
7/2 - Fellows orientation in the am. Got my new email address. Bicycled around campus. Got my ID badge. Kicked it with the child psych fellows at their bbq lunch (BTW, Sornya's hubby, Dan, is a 1st year fellow there so it looks like I'll be playing fantasy football next season). Listened to a lecture on how to interview adolescents. Took the CalTrain home in the afternoon and napped.
7/3 - Woke up at 9am. Checked email and did some errands. Went in the afternoon and discussed research ideas with my research adviser. Thursdays are my designated "research" days.
7/4 - Played with fireworks. Lovely fireworks.
So, I don't know what Renee's complaining about. She's got it easy. So jealous of you guys who have time off before starting bank-rolling jobs.
On a serious note: Bummer to hear about the layoffs. Hope morale's not too low. Still, I have major CHO withdrawal. Its lonely being the only fellow, and everything is so pristine and manicured here! I miss playing Frogger on MLK.
LA is too Hot!
Dude LA is too hot, I've been unpacking in 95 degree weather. And tomorrow I'll be going to Vegas were it will be 110 !!! 110 doesn't water boil at that temp. I will vaporize instantly! My mom told me I got really fat and she poked at my belly and told me to palpate for masses- I imagine she thinks I have a wilm's. All in all moving home is going as expected.
I long for the East Bay and it's eternally cool mists.
84 people fired WTF. CHO is going insane. Also juicy juice I heard the chiefs to be are Rajeev, Kensho and Vivian!
Well you all better keep blogging to facebooking or else I'll not know what goes on in Oaktown.
Muchas Smoochas
Ted
Also my brother thought it would be funny to shave the cat is the whole world going crazy!
I long for the East Bay and it's eternally cool mists.
84 people fired WTF. CHO is going insane. Also juicy juice I heard the chiefs to be are Rajeev, Kensho and Vivian!
Well you all better keep blogging to facebooking or else I'll not know what goes on in Oaktown.
Muchas Smoochas
Ted
Also my brother thought it would be funny to shave the cat is the whole world going crazy!
CHO cuts 84 jobs
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2008/06/30/daily29.html
This is so sad; HEAL, rheum, and BERT have been cut. I wonder who/what else is being affected.
On a positive note, I am enjoying my vacation and I love sleeping in. I still need to unpack all the boxes and make my room more livable.
Just want to take a poll on what is everyone planning for the summer? I am going to be busy meeting up with all the friends whom I have neglected in the last 3 years, planning my Vegas trip/attending my brother's wedding, and fulfilling my bridesmaid duties in my friend's wedding. It is starting to feel like 5 weeks of vacation is not enough!
This is so sad; HEAL, rheum, and BERT have been cut. I wonder who/what else is being affected.
On a positive note, I am enjoying my vacation and I love sleeping in. I still need to unpack all the boxes and make my room more livable.
Just want to take a poll on what is everyone planning for the summer? I am going to be busy meeting up with all the friends whom I have neglected in the last 3 years, planning my Vegas trip/attending my brother's wedding, and fulfilling my bridesmaid duties in my friend's wedding. It is starting to feel like 5 weeks of vacation is not enough!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Guernville Part 2
What can I say-it was wonderful. Big props to Kavitha for organizing. We missed everyone that couldn't make it. I had such a great time. Lisa and I really did our version of a triathalon-run, bike, canoe. Other memories-ice cream with all the mix-ins, the Snoopy museum, Ted's toast, going to bed at 11:00 because we are old and tired after three years of residency. Thanks for the great times! Can't wait to come back next year!
Monday, June 23, 2008
Last day at Claremont Clinic
I was greeted by a "PC-special" the minute I walked into clinic today - a 3-fer, one of them with CP/DD/GT/Sz (the typical CHO kid). Great. Then, all the patients on my list decided to show up to celebrate my last day of clinic with me. I lost count of how many patients I saw today, but I am glad I will never have to see another Gateway, another "perfect patient" from you-know-who, or another NIC.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
41 Secrets Your Doctor Would Never Share
from:
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/41-medical-secrets/article75920.html
If You Only Knew ...
Reader's Digest offered two dozen doctors a chance to tell it like it really is, and general practitioners, surgeons, shrinks, pediatricians, and other specialists took the challenge. Some wanted to be anonymous; some didn't care. But all of them revealed funny, frightening, and downright shocking things that can help you be a better, smarter patient.
We're Impatient
• I am utterly tired of being your mother. Every time I see you, I have to say the obligatory "You need to lose some weight." But you swear you "don't eat anything" or "the weight just doesn't come off," and the subject is dropped. Then you come in here complaining about your knees hurting, your back is killing you, your feet ache, and you can't breathe when you walk up half a flight of stairs. So I'm supposed to hold your hand and talk you into backing away from that box of Twinkies. Boy, do I get tired of repeating the stuff most patients just don't listen to.
--Cardiologist, Brooklyn, New York
• I was told in school to put a patient in a gown when he isn't listening or cooperating. It casts him in a position of subservience.
--Chiropractor, Atlanta
• Thank you for bringing in a sample of your (stool, urine, etc.) from home. I'll put it in my personal collection of things that really gross me out.
--Douglas Farrago, MD, editor, Placebo Journal
• One of the things that bug me is people who leave their cell phones on. I'm running on a very tight schedule, and I want to spend as much time with patients as I possibly can. Use that time to get the information and the process you need. Please don't answer the cell.
--James Dillard, MD, pain specialist, New York City
• I wish patients would take more responsibility for their own health and stop relying on me to bail them out of their own problems.
--ER physician, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• So let me get this straight: You want a referral to three specialists, an MRI, the medication you saw on TV, and an extra hour for this visit. Gotcha. Do you want fries with that?
--Douglas Farrago, MD
• I used to have my secretary page me after I had spent five minutes in the room with a difficult or overly chatty patient. Then I'd run out, saying, "Oh, I have an emergency."
--Oncologist, Santa Cruz, California
• Many patients assume that female physicians are nurses or therapists. I can't tell you how often I've introduced myself as Dr. M. and then been called a nurse, therapist, or aide and asked to fetch coffee or perform other similar tasks. I have great respect for our nurses and other ancillary personnel and the work they do, but this doesn't seem to happen to my male colleagues.
--Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, Royal Oak, Michigan
• The most unsettling thing for a physician is when the patient doesn't trust you or believe you.
--Obstetrician-gynecologist, New York City
• It really bugs me when people come to the ER for fairly trivial things that could be dealt with at home.
--ER physician, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Your doctor generally knows more than a website. I have patients with whom I spend enormous amounts of time, explaining things and coming up with a treatment strategy. Then I get e-mails a few days later, saying they were looking at this website that says something completely different and wacky, and they want to do that. To which I want to say (but I don't), "So why don't you get the website to take over your care?"
--James Dillard, MD
• I know that Reader's Digest recommends bringing in a complete list of all your symptoms, but every time you do, it only reinforces my desire to quit this profession.
--Douglas Farrago, MD
Pills, Pills, Pills
• Sometimes it's easier for a doctor to write a prescription for a medicine than to explain why the patient doesn't need it.
--Cardiologist, Bangor, Maine
• Those so-called free medication samples of the newest and most expensive drugs may not be the best or safest.
--Internist, Philadelphia
• Taking psychiatric drugs affects your insurability. If you take Prozac, it may be harder and more expensive for you to get life insurance, health insurance, or long-term-care insurance.
--Daniel Amen, MD, psychiatrist, Newport Beach, California
• Ninety-four percent of doctors take gifts from drug companies, even though research has shown that these gifts bias our clinical decision making.
--Internist, Rochester, Minnesota
Bills, Bills, Bills
• Doctors respond to market forces. If the reimbursement system is fee-for-service, that results in more services. If you build a new CT scan, someone will use it, even though having a procedure you don't need is never a good thing.
--Family physician, Washington, D.C.
• I really do know why you're bringing your husband and three kids, all of whom are also sick, with you today. No, they are not getting free care.
--Douglas Farrago, MD
• Doctors get paid each time they visit their patients in the hospital, so if you're there for seven days rather than five, they can bill for seven visits. The hospital often gets paid only for the diagnosis code, whether you're in there for two days or ten.
--Evan S. Levine, MD
• Twenty years ago, when I started my practice, my ear, nose, and throat procedures financially supported my facial plastic surgery practice. Today, my cosmetic practice is the only thing that allows me to continue to do ear, nose, and throat procedures, which barely cover my overhead.
--Ear, nose, throat, and facial plastic surgeon, Dallas/Fort Worth
Free Advice
• Avoid Friday afternoon surgery. The day after surgery is when most problems happen. If the next day is Saturday, you're flying by yourself without a safety net, because the units are understaffed and ERs are overwhelmed because doctors' offices are closed.
--Heart surgeon, New York City
• In many hospitals, the length of the white coat is related to the length of training. Medical students wear the shortest coats.
--Pediatrician, Baltimore
• Often the biggest names, the department chairmen, are not the best clinicians, because they spend most of their time being administrators. They no longer primarily focus on taking care of patients.
--Heart surgeon, New York City
The Darker Side
• It saddens me that my lifelong enjoyment and enthusiasm for medicine has all but died. I have watched reimbursement shrink, while overhead has more than doubled. I've been forced to take on more patients. I work 12- to 14-hour days and come in on weekends. It's still the most amazing job in the world, but I am exhausted all the time.
--Vance Harris, MD, family physician, Redding, California
• In many ways, doctors are held to an unrealistic standard. We are never, ever allowed to make a mistake. I don't know anybody who can live that way.
--James Dillard, MD
• Not a day goes by when I don't think about the potential for being sued. It makes me give patients a lot of unnecessary tests that are potentially harmful, just so I don't miss an injury or problem that comes back to haunt me in the form of a lawsuit.
--ER physician, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Doctors often make patients wait while they listen to sales pitches from drug reps.
--Cardiologist, Bangor, Maine
• It's pretty common for doctors to talk about their patients and make judgments, particularly about their appearance.
--Family physician, Washington, D.C.
• Everyone thinks all doctors know one another. But when we refer you to specialists, we often have no idea who those people are. Generally, we only know that they accept your insurance plan.
--Pediatrician, Hartsdale, New York
• In most branches of medicine, we deal more commonly with old people. So we become much more enthusiastic when a young person comes along. We have more in common with and are more attracted to him or her. Doctors have a limited amount of time, so the younger and more attractive you are, the more likely you are to get more of our time.
--Family physician, Washington, D.C.
• Plan for a time when the bulk of your medical care will come from less committed doctors willing to work for much lower wages. Plan for a very impersonal and rushed visit during which the true nature of your problems will probably never be addressed and issues just under the surface will never be uncovered.
--Vance Harris, MD
• At least a third of what doctors decide is fairly arbitrary.
--Heart surgeon, New York City
• Doctors are only interested in whether they are inconvenienced -- most don't care if you have to wait for them.
--Family physician, Washington, D.C.
The Sensitive Side
• When a parent asks me what the cause of her child's fever could be, I just say it's probably a virus. If I told the truth and ran through the long list of all the other possible causes, including cancer, you'd never stop crying. It's just too overwhelming.
--Pediatrician, Hartsdale, New York
• Most of us haven't been to see our own physicians in five years.
--Physical medicine specialist, Royal Oak, Michigan
• When a doctor tells you to lose 15 to 20 pounds, what he really means is you need to lose 50.
--Tamara Merritt, DO, family physician, Brewster, Washington
• If a sick patient comes to me with a really sad story and asks for a discount, I take care of him or her for no charge.
--Surgeon, Dallas/Fort Worth
• Though we don't cry in front of you, we sometimes do cry about your situation at home.
--Pediatrician, Chicago
Shocking Stats
60% of doctors don't follow hand-washing guidelines.
Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
96% of doctors agree they should report impaired or incompetent colleagues or those who make serious mistakes, but ...
46% of them admit to having turned a blind eye at least once.
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine
94% of doctors have accepted some kind of freebie from a drug company.
Source: New England Journal of Medicine
44% of doctors admit they're overweight.
Source: Nutrition & Food Science; Minnesota Medicine
58% would give adolescents contraceptives without parental consent.
Source: New England Journal of Medicine
Anatomy of a Doctor's Bill
Just how much of the $100 your doctor charges for taking 30 minutes to investigate your stomach pain goes into his pocket? After paying the bills, he gets less than half. The breakdown, according to Robert Lowes, senior editor at Medical Economics:
$3.50 for malpractice insurance
$3.50 for equipment, repairs, and maintenance
$6 for supplies, including gowns, tongue depressors, and copy paper
$7 for rent and utilities
$11 for office expenses, such as telephones, accounting fees, advertising, medical journals, licenses, and taxes
$28 for secretary, office manager, and medical assistant salaries and benefits
$41 Amount that goes into the doctor's paycheck
Over the course of a year, that adds up to $155,000, the annual salary of the average family physician. That number rose just 3.3% between 2002 and 2006, while expenses increased nearly 25% over the same period.
http://www.rd.com/living-healthy/41-medical-secrets/article75920.html
If You Only Knew ...
Reader's Digest offered two dozen doctors a chance to tell it like it really is, and general practitioners, surgeons, shrinks, pediatricians, and other specialists took the challenge. Some wanted to be anonymous; some didn't care. But all of them revealed funny, frightening, and downright shocking things that can help you be a better, smarter patient.
We're Impatient
• I am utterly tired of being your mother. Every time I see you, I have to say the obligatory "You need to lose some weight." But you swear you "don't eat anything" or "the weight just doesn't come off," and the subject is dropped. Then you come in here complaining about your knees hurting, your back is killing you, your feet ache, and you can't breathe when you walk up half a flight of stairs. So I'm supposed to hold your hand and talk you into backing away from that box of Twinkies. Boy, do I get tired of repeating the stuff most patients just don't listen to.
--Cardiologist, Brooklyn, New York
• I was told in school to put a patient in a gown when he isn't listening or cooperating. It casts him in a position of subservience.
--Chiropractor, Atlanta
• Thank you for bringing in a sample of your (stool, urine, etc.) from home. I'll put it in my personal collection of things that really gross me out.
--Douglas Farrago, MD, editor, Placebo Journal
• One of the things that bug me is people who leave their cell phones on. I'm running on a very tight schedule, and I want to spend as much time with patients as I possibly can. Use that time to get the information and the process you need. Please don't answer the cell.
--James Dillard, MD, pain specialist, New York City
• I wish patients would take more responsibility for their own health and stop relying on me to bail them out of their own problems.
--ER physician, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• So let me get this straight: You want a referral to three specialists, an MRI, the medication you saw on TV, and an extra hour for this visit. Gotcha. Do you want fries with that?
--Douglas Farrago, MD
• I used to have my secretary page me after I had spent five minutes in the room with a difficult or overly chatty patient. Then I'd run out, saying, "Oh, I have an emergency."
--Oncologist, Santa Cruz, California
• Many patients assume that female physicians are nurses or therapists. I can't tell you how often I've introduced myself as Dr. M. and then been called a nurse, therapist, or aide and asked to fetch coffee or perform other similar tasks. I have great respect for our nurses and other ancillary personnel and the work they do, but this doesn't seem to happen to my male colleagues.
--Physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, Royal Oak, Michigan
• The most unsettling thing for a physician is when the patient doesn't trust you or believe you.
--Obstetrician-gynecologist, New York City
• It really bugs me when people come to the ER for fairly trivial things that could be dealt with at home.
--ER physician, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Your doctor generally knows more than a website. I have patients with whom I spend enormous amounts of time, explaining things and coming up with a treatment strategy. Then I get e-mails a few days later, saying they were looking at this website that says something completely different and wacky, and they want to do that. To which I want to say (but I don't), "So why don't you get the website to take over your care?"
--James Dillard, MD
• I know that Reader's Digest recommends bringing in a complete list of all your symptoms, but every time you do, it only reinforces my desire to quit this profession.
--Douglas Farrago, MD
Pills, Pills, Pills
• Sometimes it's easier for a doctor to write a prescription for a medicine than to explain why the patient doesn't need it.
--Cardiologist, Bangor, Maine
• Those so-called free medication samples of the newest and most expensive drugs may not be the best or safest.
--Internist, Philadelphia
• Taking psychiatric drugs affects your insurability. If you take Prozac, it may be harder and more expensive for you to get life insurance, health insurance, or long-term-care insurance.
--Daniel Amen, MD, psychiatrist, Newport Beach, California
• Ninety-four percent of doctors take gifts from drug companies, even though research has shown that these gifts bias our clinical decision making.
--Internist, Rochester, Minnesota
Bills, Bills, Bills
• Doctors respond to market forces. If the reimbursement system is fee-for-service, that results in more services. If you build a new CT scan, someone will use it, even though having a procedure you don't need is never a good thing.
--Family physician, Washington, D.C.
• I really do know why you're bringing your husband and three kids, all of whom are also sick, with you today. No, they are not getting free care.
--Douglas Farrago, MD
• Doctors get paid each time they visit their patients in the hospital, so if you're there for seven days rather than five, they can bill for seven visits. The hospital often gets paid only for the diagnosis code, whether you're in there for two days or ten.
--Evan S. Levine, MD
• Twenty years ago, when I started my practice, my ear, nose, and throat procedures financially supported my facial plastic surgery practice. Today, my cosmetic practice is the only thing that allows me to continue to do ear, nose, and throat procedures, which barely cover my overhead.
--Ear, nose, throat, and facial plastic surgeon, Dallas/Fort Worth
Free Advice
• Avoid Friday afternoon surgery. The day after surgery is when most problems happen. If the next day is Saturday, you're flying by yourself without a safety net, because the units are understaffed and ERs are overwhelmed because doctors' offices are closed.
--Heart surgeon, New York City
• In many hospitals, the length of the white coat is related to the length of training. Medical students wear the shortest coats.
--Pediatrician, Baltimore
• Often the biggest names, the department chairmen, are not the best clinicians, because they spend most of their time being administrators. They no longer primarily focus on taking care of patients.
--Heart surgeon, New York City
The Darker Side
• It saddens me that my lifelong enjoyment and enthusiasm for medicine has all but died. I have watched reimbursement shrink, while overhead has more than doubled. I've been forced to take on more patients. I work 12- to 14-hour days and come in on weekends. It's still the most amazing job in the world, but I am exhausted all the time.
--Vance Harris, MD, family physician, Redding, California
• In many ways, doctors are held to an unrealistic standard. We are never, ever allowed to make a mistake. I don't know anybody who can live that way.
--James Dillard, MD
• Not a day goes by when I don't think about the potential for being sued. It makes me give patients a lot of unnecessary tests that are potentially harmful, just so I don't miss an injury or problem that comes back to haunt me in the form of a lawsuit.
--ER physician, Colorado Springs, Colorado
• Doctors often make patients wait while they listen to sales pitches from drug reps.
--Cardiologist, Bangor, Maine
• It's pretty common for doctors to talk about their patients and make judgments, particularly about their appearance.
--Family physician, Washington, D.C.
• Everyone thinks all doctors know one another. But when we refer you to specialists, we often have no idea who those people are. Generally, we only know that they accept your insurance plan.
--Pediatrician, Hartsdale, New York
• In most branches of medicine, we deal more commonly with old people. So we become much more enthusiastic when a young person comes along. We have more in common with and are more attracted to him or her. Doctors have a limited amount of time, so the younger and more attractive you are, the more likely you are to get more of our time.
--Family physician, Washington, D.C.
• Plan for a time when the bulk of your medical care will come from less committed doctors willing to work for much lower wages. Plan for a very impersonal and rushed visit during which the true nature of your problems will probably never be addressed and issues just under the surface will never be uncovered.
--Vance Harris, MD
• At least a third of what doctors decide is fairly arbitrary.
--Heart surgeon, New York City
• Doctors are only interested in whether they are inconvenienced -- most don't care if you have to wait for them.
--Family physician, Washington, D.C.
The Sensitive Side
• When a parent asks me what the cause of her child's fever could be, I just say it's probably a virus. If I told the truth and ran through the long list of all the other possible causes, including cancer, you'd never stop crying. It's just too overwhelming.
--Pediatrician, Hartsdale, New York
• Most of us haven't been to see our own physicians in five years.
--Physical medicine specialist, Royal Oak, Michigan
• When a doctor tells you to lose 15 to 20 pounds, what he really means is you need to lose 50.
--Tamara Merritt, DO, family physician, Brewster, Washington
• If a sick patient comes to me with a really sad story and asks for a discount, I take care of him or her for no charge.
--Surgeon, Dallas/Fort Worth
• Though we don't cry in front of you, we sometimes do cry about your situation at home.
--Pediatrician, Chicago
Shocking Stats
60% of doctors don't follow hand-washing guidelines.
Source: CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report
96% of doctors agree they should report impaired or incompetent colleagues or those who make serious mistakes, but ...
46% of them admit to having turned a blind eye at least once.
Source: Annals of Internal Medicine
94% of doctors have accepted some kind of freebie from a drug company.
Source: New England Journal of Medicine
44% of doctors admit they're overweight.
Source: Nutrition & Food Science; Minnesota Medicine
58% would give adolescents contraceptives without parental consent.
Source: New England Journal of Medicine
Anatomy of a Doctor's Bill
Just how much of the $100 your doctor charges for taking 30 minutes to investigate your stomach pain goes into his pocket? After paying the bills, he gets less than half. The breakdown, according to Robert Lowes, senior editor at Medical Economics:
$3.50 for malpractice insurance
$3.50 for equipment, repairs, and maintenance
$6 for supplies, including gowns, tongue depressors, and copy paper
$7 for rent and utilities
$11 for office expenses, such as telephones, accounting fees, advertising, medical journals, licenses, and taxes
$28 for secretary, office manager, and medical assistant salaries and benefits
$41 Amount that goes into the doctor's paycheck
Over the course of a year, that adds up to $155,000, the annual salary of the average family physician. That number rose just 3.3% between 2002 and 2006, while expenses increased nearly 25% over the same period.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Burning the Midnight Oil
Hello from Night Float Land!!!! I miss everyone. It is pretty lonely being the only one up all night. I do get to hang out with the ED peeps sometimes but often I am in and out of patient rooms and they are super busy. When it's really good I am lying on the couch, but inevitably I get paged.
Went to Tony's concert today (yesterday now)-it was very excellent, y'all missed out on an amazing performance. The first half was Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1. The pianist was amazing! I was mesmerized by her fingers flying all over the piano. It almost makes me want to go take piano lessons again-but they were a disaster at the age of six and she is 10 years younger than me and I would never be as good as her... Oh well. The second half of the concert was Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with a great choral component. I always like going to Tony's concerts, it makes me feel so well rounded and cultured to go see the symphony.
What else is going on? Senior Skip Day coming up. I have bombarded you all with too many emails as unofficial class president about that, but I am excited because it will be after my very last night float shift at the hospital. Only four more night float nights to go!
Am officially living in Paly (Palo Alto) x 1.5 weeks. The move in is still in progress but our apartment is slowly becoming more liveable. The piles of boxes is slowly shrinking as I find places for everything. I am not loving the commute. I find that everyday there is some new reason why it takes me 1.5 hours to get home in the morning. 880 sucks sometimes. It also hurts that I drive past my old apartment (which is 6 minutes away from the hospital) on the way home. One day I will invite all of you over to hang out. There is a pool in our complex and a hot tub. We are also 3 blocks away from the Stanford Mall in case anyone wants to get their shop on.
Okay, enough blogging, get back to work, blah, blah, blah...
Went to Tony's concert today (yesterday now)-it was very excellent, y'all missed out on an amazing performance. The first half was Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 1. The pianist was amazing! I was mesmerized by her fingers flying all over the piano. It almost makes me want to go take piano lessons again-but they were a disaster at the age of six and she is 10 years younger than me and I would never be as good as her... Oh well. The second half of the concert was Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 with a great choral component. I always like going to Tony's concerts, it makes me feel so well rounded and cultured to go see the symphony.
What else is going on? Senior Skip Day coming up. I have bombarded you all with too many emails as unofficial class president about that, but I am excited because it will be after my very last night float shift at the hospital. Only four more night float nights to go!
Am officially living in Paly (Palo Alto) x 1.5 weeks. The move in is still in progress but our apartment is slowly becoming more liveable. The piles of boxes is slowly shrinking as I find places for everything. I am not loving the commute. I find that everyday there is some new reason why it takes me 1.5 hours to get home in the morning. 880 sucks sometimes. It also hurts that I drive past my old apartment (which is 6 minutes away from the hospital) on the way home. One day I will invite all of you over to hang out. There is a pool in our complex and a hot tub. We are also 3 blocks away from the Stanford Mall in case anyone wants to get their shop on.
Okay, enough blogging, get back to work, blah, blah, blah...
Thursday, June 5, 2008
another day on day admit
it is 9:59pm. it is that time of the morning when everyone has left the lounge, and the day admit resident is all alone. what should i do? i cleaned yesterday (including tossing nasty stuff from the fridge), i have checked and rechecked my email multiple times since 7am, i shopped online, checked facebook, and organized my purse. what a waste of a nice day. keedra supported my going to emerville to go shopping, and although there may be a resident out there that would risk it, i just can't. i'm bored. any suggestions?
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Last Days in Oakland
Well, my time in Oakland is winding down to a close. Susan just finished her last real work at CHO. I am moving out of my apartment tomorrow-going down to Palo Alto. The great countdown in the lounge is less than 30 days. Lisa is sitting next to me, bored out of her mind. She has nothing to say.
The very last "sign-out" party is tonight-not that we were ever that big on sign-out parties. There are a lot of other fun things happening soon as well-PROM!!! Oh wait, I'm not going to Prom... Well, there is graduation, Senior Skip Day, and our big trip out to Gurneville!
I had my last continuity clinic yesterday. It was kind of sad to say goodbye to my patients that I have seen for 2-3 years. I am also spending my last few daylight hours in the hospital as I start Night Float tomorrow.
Okay, this is not a very inspired blog post but it has been a long time since anyone blogged and since I am so busy on Day Admit I thought I would say a little.
The very last "sign-out" party is tonight-not that we were ever that big on sign-out parties. There are a lot of other fun things happening soon as well-PROM!!! Oh wait, I'm not going to Prom... Well, there is graduation, Senior Skip Day, and our big trip out to Gurneville!
I had my last continuity clinic yesterday. It was kind of sad to say goodbye to my patients that I have seen for 2-3 years. I am also spending my last few daylight hours in the hospital as I start Night Float tomorrow.
Okay, this is not a very inspired blog post but it has been a long time since anyone blogged and since I am so busy on Day Admit I thought I would say a little.
Friday, April 25, 2008
Monday, April 21, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
End of wards musings
I can't believe it is almost here. I am closing in on the last hours of my time on the wards (with the caveat that I may possibly be jeopardized). I am just speechless, I'm not sure what to say. The end has been good, I have been working with a good intern and there have been fun times hanging out with people on call. But I am not going to miss it that much.
In other news, Lisa and I completed our half-marathon on Sunday. I beat Lisa by 0.1 seconds. Okay, that is what the official time says, but we really just did it together. It was hard for me because I was a little undertrained and have the tendonitis from a tight IT band to prove it. Lisa did great even though she has been exhaused from the ED. Props to Susan Soto for training with us even though she didn't have the glory of crossing the finish line with us. If anyone else is interested, we are planning on doing another half marathon June 1. The three of us have created a running club, it is the 5'1" Running Club and the only requirement for joining is that you consider yourself to be 5'1" tall.
Oh, and a shout out to Karen Chiu who made the awesome PL-3 countdown sign.
In other news, Lisa and I completed our half-marathon on Sunday. I beat Lisa by 0.1 seconds. Okay, that is what the official time says, but we really just did it together. It was hard for me because I was a little undertrained and have the tendonitis from a tight IT band to prove it. Lisa did great even though she has been exhaused from the ED. Props to Susan Soto for training with us even though she didn't have the glory of crossing the finish line with us. If anyone else is interested, we are planning on doing another half marathon June 1. The three of us have created a running club, it is the 5'1" Running Club and the only requirement for joining is that you consider yourself to be 5'1" tall.
Oh, and a shout out to Karen Chiu who made the awesome PL-3 countdown sign.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Cool story from NPR.org
A Victim Treats His Mugger Right
Julio Diaz has a daily routine. Every night, the 31-year-old social worker ends his hour-long subway commute to the Bronx one stop early, just so he can eat at his favorite diner.
But one night last month, as Diaz stepped off the No. 6 train and onto a nearly empty platform, his evening took an unexpected turn...
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
what am i doing next year?
haha amazing huh, I know I know you wish you had 5 minutes of your life back
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Friday, February 1, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Is your computer screen dirty?
this is funny. click this link.
http://www.linein.org/media/screenclean.swf
if that doesn't work, try this mirror site
http://www.smoothmarketplace.com/screenclean.swf
http://www.linein.org/media/screenclean.swf
if that doesn't work, try this mirror site
http://www.smoothmarketplace.com/screenclean.swf
Thursday, January 24, 2008
No More ER
I completed my very last shift in the ER yesterday (unless I get jeopardized). It was a little weird to walk out and know that I may never have to do a 9-7 shift ever again. As I was presenting my last patient I told the attending that it was the very end of my very last shift in the ER and he said "That makes me really sad." That was nice to hear that I will be a little missed. It also makes me sad to think that the end of the year is coming and with that comes all of us splitting up and going somewhere else to make the big bucks or something. Of course I am excited about all the new things that we will be doing, but we will no longer be together. Brad told me a few days ago that he had a dream that I left for fellowship months early and there was a going away party and he was sad. We need to have a big end of residency/going away event. Does anyone have any ideas? Vegas? Beach? Tahoe?
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
The best of CRS
Cost Of A New Baby- Babies are Expensive! hahaha
Swimming Safety: Preventing Diarrhea from Contaminated Water- Don’t go Swimming if you have diarrhea no sh*t
Electric Eel Shocks-Your child may feel shocked, stunned, or partially paralyzed after contact with an electric eel. How often does this happen?
Fast Food- it has a list of common items and caloric content
McDonald's Happy Meal with a cheeseburger, small fries, and a 12 ounce soda has 670 calories and 26 grams of fat: DUDE i want one right now
Smearing of Fecal Material-Don't get any poo-poo on your bed or the walls. Poo-poo is messy. Poo-poo goes in the toilet: Wow I’ve been doing it wrong all this time
Fever Myths and Facts- this isn’t humorous I just wish every baby was sent home with this from urgent care
Excessive Gas (Flatulence) does not need to be released by inserting anything in the rectum. Good advice
Screaming and Shouting-Screaming is a super-duper temper tantrum unleashed by a youngster with exceptional vocal cords and lungs: Where else but in Peds do you give someone a piece of literature with the words- “Super Duper”
Swimming Safety: Preventing Diarrhea from Contaminated Water- Don’t go Swimming if you have diarrhea no sh*t
Electric Eel Shocks-Your child may feel shocked, stunned, or partially paralyzed after contact with an electric eel. How often does this happen?
Fast Food- it has a list of common items and caloric content
McDonald's Happy Meal with a cheeseburger, small fries, and a 12 ounce soda has 670 calories and 26 grams of fat: DUDE i want one right now
Smearing of Fecal Material-Don't get any poo-poo on your bed or the walls. Poo-poo is messy. Poo-poo goes in the toilet: Wow I’ve been doing it wrong all this time
Fever Myths and Facts- this isn’t humorous I just wish every baby was sent home with this from urgent care
Excessive Gas (Flatulence) does not need to be released by inserting anything in the rectum. Good advice
Screaming and Shouting-Screaming is a super-duper temper tantrum unleashed by a youngster with exceptional vocal cords and lungs: Where else but in Peds do you give someone a piece of literature with the words- “Super Duper”
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Merry Christmas Kid!
Check out this kids reaction to getting a christmas gift.
Happy Christmas Kid - Watch more free videos
Happy Christmas Kid - Watch more free videos
Monday, January 7, 2008
Did anyone watch american gladiators?!
Haha amazing. Makes me miss the old one. Here is a list of differences
1) Change in color scheme. Bring back those AMAZING TIGHT red white blue outfits.
2) The gladiators are less scary. Two exceptions. Toa's polynesian dance was pretty scary. Wolf looks unclean, like a biker dude possibly HEP C +
3) Maybe i missed it but what happened to the Assualt? You know where they shot a cross boa or a bazooka thing? I loved that. Powerball was cool someone got injured!
4) Hulk Hogan and Muhamed Ali's daughter. Really awful commentators.
5) Trash Talking- I've never been a big fan of it. What happened to good
sportmanship.
Anyways I'm going to start training to be a contestant. After about 5 million squats I think I'll be ready
1) Change in color scheme. Bring back those AMAZING TIGHT red white blue outfits.
2) The gladiators are less scary. Two exceptions. Toa's polynesian dance was pretty scary. Wolf looks unclean, like a biker dude possibly HEP C +
3) Maybe i missed it but what happened to the Assualt? You know where they shot a cross boa or a bazooka thing? I loved that. Powerball was cool someone got injured!
4) Hulk Hogan and Muhamed Ali's daughter. Really awful commentators.
5) Trash Talking- I've never been a big fan of it. What happened to good
sportmanship.
Anyways I'm going to start training to be a contestant. After about 5 million squats I think I'll be ready
Sunday, January 6, 2008
I heart Toby from the "Petite Asian Women Club"
So, last night was my second to last PICU call and Toby is cross covering the other team. Now, I love Toby and part of what I love is that he is so friendly, complementary, and pleasant to be around. By no surprise all of the nurses that have ever interacted with Toby also love him for likely many of the same reasons. This love is so strong that they shower him with gifts, hugs, kisses, and baked goods at any opportunity.
I will also acknowledge that Toby is easier to pick out of the CHO line up being that he does not belong to the "Petite Asian Women Club" that consists of any number of fairly interchangeable, at least superficially, petite Asian women.
So, here I am finishing up a month in the PICU, I felt like I did a pretty good job, had good interactions with the nurses, provided quality, thoughtful care for my patients, you know, all around good work. And then Toby starts his cross covering. We're having a good night, saving ward-status patient's lives and all as the hospital is full and the patients can't get beds. Toby and I are sitting at the computers typing away, doing doctoring work, when we overhear the nurses on the other side of the room-"Toby is our favorite fellow!" The nurses then poke their head around the corner-"Hey Toby, you are our favorite fellow." "Are you a fellow? No, well, you're still our favorite." And then silence.
Hmm, no comments for me, I guess I'm just an ordinary member of the "Petite Asian Women Club."
I will also acknowledge that Toby is easier to pick out of the CHO line up being that he does not belong to the "Petite Asian Women Club" that consists of any number of fairly interchangeable, at least superficially, petite Asian women.
So, here I am finishing up a month in the PICU, I felt like I did a pretty good job, had good interactions with the nurses, provided quality, thoughtful care for my patients, you know, all around good work. And then Toby starts his cross covering. We're having a good night, saving ward-status patient's lives and all as the hospital is full and the patients can't get beds. Toby and I are sitting at the computers typing away, doing doctoring work, when we overhear the nurses on the other side of the room-"Toby is our favorite fellow!" The nurses then poke their head around the corner-"Hey Toby, you are our favorite fellow." "Are you a fellow? No, well, you're still our favorite." And then silence.
Hmm, no comments for me, I guess I'm just an ordinary member of the "Petite Asian Women Club."
Thursday, January 3, 2008
gypsy
I have met two gypsy families in ED2 within the last two days. The first family got toys for every single kid in that room, grabbed a stack of blue chugs, a stack of diapers, and who knows what else by the end of the visit. The 2nd family did not grab anything that I could see, but here's my enlightening conversation with the mom when I was discharging her kid:
Gypsy mom: "I usually don't say this to anyone, but I can sense very strong vibrations from you."
Me: "What do you mean?"
Gypsy mom: "You are going through a lot of changes in your love life"
Me: (very puzzled, thinking to myself, "changes in MY love life?")
Gypsy mom: "or at least you are expecting big changes"
Me: (still puzzled, trying to think of what changes I might be expecting...)
Gypsy mom: "Here's a flyer from me. Come see me for a palm reading consultation."
Me: (still thinking of what changes should I be expecting from my boyfriend of 4 years...maybe I should bombard him with questions tomorrow)
And I heard some other gypsy family read an attending's palm and told him that he, unfortunately, had very bad luck his love life.
Interesting families here we have at CHO, huh? And why are they all coming to us now? And how come all their grandmothers look soooooo similar?
Gypsy mom: "I usually don't say this to anyone, but I can sense very strong vibrations from you."
Me: "What do you mean?"
Gypsy mom: "You are going through a lot of changes in your love life"
Me: (very puzzled, thinking to myself, "changes in MY love life?")
Gypsy mom: "or at least you are expecting big changes"
Me: (still puzzled, trying to think of what changes I might be expecting...)
Gypsy mom: "Here's a flyer from me. Come see me for a palm reading consultation."
Me: (still thinking of what changes should I be expecting from my boyfriend of 4 years...maybe I should bombard him with questions tomorrow)
And I heard some other gypsy family read an attending's palm and told him that he, unfortunately, had very bad luck his love life.
Interesting families here we have at CHO, huh? And why are they all coming to us now? And how come all their grandmothers look soooooo similar?
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