OB Call

So remember in my last post how I talked about my current rotation? And then how I stated that it wasn't that bad? Well... I lied. Or at least it seems right now like I lied. Sure its an outpatient rotation. Sure its not quite as busy as other rotations. But then there is the 5 OB calls that I have to do. And that is definitely not cool. 5 calls? What am I, an intern? And OB calls none the less. The one I am currently on has gone okay, only a few laboring mothers. But still man... OB call?

I think its hilarious that today's more established (older) physicians have a hard time understanding why new doctors place lifestyle as an important factor in choosing a location. Here's an idea... maybe if you didn't give your residents three years of the worst lifestyle you can imagine (while still following RRC regulations) you might produce a group of people a little less concerned with making the punishment end. I might consider an in house call if I wasn't so incredibly, acutely aware of how terrible it is on your sanity, constitution, love life, and personal life. Oh sure, there are arguments about continuity. And I know continuity is important... but is it worth a doctor who is sleep deprived, unhealthy, unhappy, and probably not at his/her best? I don't think so. I know that I want my doctor, the person prescribing me dangerous chemicals, the person responsible for keeping watch for dangerous illness that could KILL ME to be WELL F***ING RESTED, and if at all possible: HAPPY. If you've worked over 12 hours and you walk into my room, I am finding a new doctor.

"Oh you don't want to do OB?" they ask, incredulously... NO, of course I don't want to do OB. Every OB/GYN or FM w/ OB I have met is overworked, sleep deprived, and either A) Doesn't have a family, B) Doesn't have a family nearby or C) Is miserable. Guess what... that sucks. So forgive me if I leave OB care to those masochistic/crazy enough to do it.

/rant.

Anyway, overall today could have been a lot worse so far. I know because I have worked those days. I hope and pray I get some sleep tonight. That would be fantastic. I might even get to enjoy my life tomorrow instead of passing out on the couch for 6 hours only to wake up with a headache and a mean case of insomnia.

As an update from last week, the interviews/negotiations went fantastic this week. Only one interview left before everything can be set in stone/legally binding ink. I am pretty sure I know where Mandi and I are going to be in a year and a half (Lord willing). Its a nice place, and I feel like I can do well there. Like I said, nothing is final, still some talking to do. But its nice to be moving along.

And last but certainly not least, I got to meet my little niece! Ava Wiseheart is adorable. I got to hold her and everything. Perhaps cooler than that was watching my dad hold her. I don't know if I can ever think of him as Grandpa Sawlaw... maybe it will take kids of my own? During my time in Monticello seeing her was the highlight, but time with Dad and PawPaw was priceless as well. Even got to wrastle with Rudy Dog.

And now, back to work.

Winter is Coming

The winds were howling today. I think maybe its time for Winter. Fall will be coming to a close sooner than we would like, and the three dog nights will be upon us again. The nice thing about Winter coming this year is the upcoming HBO series on The Game of Thrones. Possibly the best fantasy book out there, closely tied with The Name of the Wind, is being made into an HBO series starring THE Sean Bean (badass). I am looking forward to watching it. The slogan for the lead-role family in that series is "Winter is Coming". Its also inscribed on this sweet sword I want to buy to hang up:

Too bad its not out in time for Christmas. Maybe next year?

It can be found here. Thats okay though, I would rather have the Damascus version.

Moving on....

Well MNPS #1 is done. On to Gyne. I can think of worse fates than that. Especially considering the first half week was ATLS (which was pretty cool) and I have 4 days off the second week because of a sweet post-call schedule and some interviews. While I will admit that I could use the Gyne practice (most male physicians could) I just can't say with a straight face that I wouldn't rather have some time off.

In other news, went to my first Roller Derby match. That was fun. Got to see a few good hits, and really, how can I complain about a game in which one scores on a JAAAAAAAM!?

And, tomorrow (er... today?) we are going to go see Here Come The Mummies in Bloomington. That should be a fun show. And after that its off to Champbana to get some Z's at the hotel this practice is putting me up in. Hopefully Thurs goes well, I have never had a bad interview, its tough to do that when you have a job with great demand. And then a mini-repeat on Friday. Then back to call. Basically, I'm busy. But not to busy to have some fun.

An update as well to my continuity OB schedule. For those of you who don't know, all FM residents have to take care of a pregnant patient during the prenatal period for at least two visits, deliver her, and then take care of her afterwards to get a "continuity" OB credit. And we need 10 credits to graduate. This is notoriously one of the tougher requirements to fill. Especially if you're a dude doc. Especially if you're a dude doc who has no intention of doing OB like me. Anyway, I got my first continuity delivery last night. Everything went great. She pushed for a while, but she made great progress and before long a very cute little lady was born. Another patient on my list. Congrats to the mother and father who will remained unnamed. Fun to have that one under my belt.

So its 1235, and I think my insomnia might be curing itself at any moment. Time for bed.

2nd Year!

Well, it has been a really... really long time since I have posted. Its really pretty terrible. Almost a year! Jeebus. Oh well. So I am a second year resident now. Let my blogging schedule be a testament not only to my ADHD but also to the business of 1st year. Only now do I find myself with enough time to think about doing this again.

Its not that I never have free time. I do, its just that this ranks lower on the list. Not really a huge deal.

Anyway, I am going to treat this kind of like a "christmas" letter sort of thing. Some brief updates on whats going on with me, where I am at, and where we are going. There is a lot, and its crammed in pretty tight since it has been so long since my last update. And we are going to have bullet points... because they rule.

1. Finished first year! The light at the end of the tunnel is just that much brighter. Totally jaaaam.
2. Became a "Here Come The Mummies" fan. If you don't know them check them out. Image below:
   
   
3. Had a Few Parties: Check out Mandi's Musings for more details there. Can anyone say "Snowball Fight in Summer"?! Oh, and more parties to come.
4. I'm now an Uncle. Congrats to my sister, looking forward to meeting my niece soon.
5. Now on a quest to be the favorite Uncle: And no, I have no qualms about using money to achieve this.
6. Looking for Jobs: Have a few good leads on some positions after residency. As soon as I know and I think to update the blog there will be more on this to come. No spoilers yet.
   
7. New Interns: Now that I am a second year I get to work with the new class, they are quality people all around, and it has been a good time. Those poor suckers...
   
   

Well thats it in terms of updates. All and all life has gotten just a tad easier. Its pretty nuts to think of myself as over the hump of residency. I have 2/5 of my inpatient rotations done and my schedule is front loaded... by the end of March I am cached out with inpatient rotations and rounding weekends for the year. After that its the 3rd year glide. I'm pumped.

Its not all fun and games though. I have some big tests I have to plan for. And once again we have a possible move on the horizon. Even though it would be 1.75 years away, its crazy to have to start thinking about that again. And Mandi and I's relationship is maturing. Almost three years together! Time has flown by. And while that is definitely a GOOD thing, as with any marriage, partnership, friendship we are growing, and while growth is always good, it requires adjustment. Mostly by me, lets face it that lady is GREAT!

That should sum it up. Christmas is coming faster than I can believe. Santa (JonG) already has my list.

Keep looking up.

Tiger Striped Doc