This past week has been a whirlwind. I have so much to read up on, which is both daunting and inspiring. I have so much to learn and so much to reacquire.
I've helped deliver a baby, assisted in managing an inpatient with COPD and esophagitis with candidiasis, removed skin tags, done a yearly female exam. I observed a right colon resection, cryosurgery for wart removal, and unfortunately a circumcision. I was first assist on a gastrostomy tube placement, took biopsies of the stomach and esophagus during an upper GI endoscopy, and observed a laparoscopic gall bladder removal. I diagnosed a 3 year old who has respiratory allergies with atopic dermatitis (eczema). I've learned better ways to examine musculoskeletal complaints of the neck, lower back and foot.
The best part of this week has been all the people with which I have come in contact -- doctors, nurses, techs, as well as patients. Everyone has been very welcoming. One nurse kindly offered to share a table at lunch. A surgery tech asked great questions of me to make sure I was learning. A pulmonologist invited me in to watch an intubation that required bronchoscopy. A young lady in the hospital administration worked all morning to make sure I had a badge that allowed me into the places I needed to go -- a task that was quite possibly out of her job description. Patients have been so gracious in allowing me to see them and learn from their ailments.
And despite being in a small town, I have seen two zebras. Since it's a small town, I feel I better not disclose the names of those zebras as the other thing I have learned is that every one knows every one and often some personal things, too. So, naming rare cases could result in a HIPPA violation around here!
If this is what it's like to be a family doctor in a rural community, sign me up!
(My husband thinks that last line is cheesy, but it's truly how I feel right now -- the variety would keep me on my toes and interested for a long time)
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