Tuesday, December 13, 2011

FMS ending.

Its almost over. I have really liked this rotation for a lot of reasons. Tons of learning, both systems learning and professionalism learning, but also (more fun) academic learning. Its amazing how fast one can process new information with the incentive of patient health and wellness. That said, I have really disliked this rotation because I have had 24/28 days getting up at 0530, and not getting home until an average time of 1820. Thats a LONG time away from home everyday. And it gets old. It gets old really really fast.

Its still a great job though, with a great opportunity to learn. I may have to force myself to say that through gritted teeth, but that doesn't make it any less true. And its during rotations like this that I feel the march towards residency completion all the more. To think that I have three days left of my first FMS rotation... after this I only have one more rounding rotation... ever. Thats astounding to me.

And I learned something really fun today. One of my attendings was telling a story about a tradition in his family of the 11th commandment. Everyone knows about the 10 commandments, even if they can't list them everyone gets the idea. Don't steal, don't bear false witness (different than lying btw), don't worship false gods, don't murder, etc... But what this attending has proposed is an 11th commandment that I can really get behind.

So what is the 11th commandment? Thou Shalt not Whine.

Now, first let me say I mean this with no blasphemy intended. Of course this commandment isn't something that we should consider holy. I am not comparing my attending or myself to Moses or anything like that. This is meant as a play on words, and a quirk on a theme. Some of you might be surprised at such an honest disclaimer from me. Usually I just bull through this kind of stuff and damn anyone who doesn't like it. But I take blasphemy seriously, and I hope everyone knows that I mean this in a different way.

That said, I think its a great rule to live by. Especially here in the US. Whining, I think is a function of a sense of entitlement. After all, one cannot complain unless one feels that he/she is entitled to something better. And really, I live a pretty good life. 0530 mornings and everything included, it ain't a bad gig. And whining only belittles myself.

So no more whining! Or less anyway ;)

Stay healthy! And a happy end to FMS to you as well!