This past Monday I started my surgery rotation. To say the least I was incredibly nervous thinking my life as know it was about to end. No more time to workout and cook and sleep and just kind of chill a little bit every day. I'm happy to say that is not the case at all (though I am one of the lucky ones) I've started out on a specialty service, burn. We are part of Cook County's trauma team :) And most days don't round with the docs until around 8 or 9. So sorry for my friends on other gen services and specialties at county who need to get there by 4 to get notes written to round by 6... suckers! I'm usually there from only about 6am til 3 or 4. Plenty of time to live life. Plus its scrubs and ponytails or braids all day everyday. I never thought I'd be happy about scrubs 'til this past week
Now I can't say I've seen anything that would your socks off yet, we have no huge burns right now either acute or that have been in the unit for some time. But between inhalation injuries (these are bad!), some chronic ugly suppurative HUGE unhealing wounds, and some small skin grafts, bilateral knee amputations, and chemical burns I've learned a lot and it's only been 1 week. And its not only knowledge I've learned its small procedures.... suturing, ABGs, blood draws, Naso-gastric tube placement, central lines, dressing changes :) I will admit to grabbing a few butterflies to practice drawing blood quickly on myself --> sans turnicate and successful!
Everyone is so chill and relaxed, even in tough situations. Regarding our two main surgeons; I don't think they are afraid of anything that could be thrown our way. One is a huge teddy bear and the other I've heard referred to as "Dr. Granola"...appropriate assessment. While I still have no desire to be a surgeon, I respect that. The other students and I are actually treated as part of the team and included in pt care and pushed to learn and be one step ahead. Great lectures during rounds, great formal lectures, great presentation and note writing tips and lots of laughs all day. I LOVE IT!
Last night I took my first 30 hour call. Ok so it actually came out to 29 hours and 32 minutes (but who's counting). I got a bit of sleep and nothing crazy came in.... unfortunately. All I can say is I'm thankful for the new laws that keep interns from taking these calls. While we still do as students in some places (some friends taking call every 4th night!) it won't necessarily be my future. I can honestly say that when I got home around 12:30 today I felt like I'd beaten myself up. My feet, my legs, my head, everything hurt. I've heard others describe is as feeling like they just ran a marathon. Speaking from experience... that is not nearly accurate but maybe a half marathon when not in ideal shape. I was so hungry when I got home and, let me tell you, I couldn't eat a bite after finishing the full until about 7 hours later. (yet another marathon reference, I'm so bummed I'm not running tomorrow, I'm looking for some good April/May marathons, I could use recs!) But to be honest regarding call... I feel like a baller and legit medical student now. While I just said I'm glad these calls are for the most being phased out, I have both positive and negative feelings about their worth. I do think we all should experience them.
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| BICU work station |
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| The old building, closed now |
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| The new Stroger! |
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