Veterans

It's been a hot minute. My purpose of opening this blog was to jot about DAILY events at work 1. as a stress reliever and 2. so that I might sell a book one day or get a TV script, since America loves medical shows. Anyhow, that is obviously not happening, cos when I get home, I plop on my bed or couch to sleep or veg.

So I have spent the last 1.5 odd weeks at the ICU in the Veterans Hospital and it's been such an eye opener. The hospital itself is beautiful, pretty clean and has a first class computer system where tests, medical records, xrays etc can all be accessed online. Not feeling the cafeteria though. But despite all the amenities, the patients themselves are some of the saddest I have ever seen. In addition to all their regular medical problems, ALL of them that actually served in some war all have some mental illness/substance abuse/alcoholism component which makes treating them harder, yes, but makes it that much sadder.

So I have learnt that no matter how good those army benefits sound, is it really worth it when you can't function in society afterwards? I am definitely grateful to all the young soldiers out there fighting for their country 'cos someone has to do it...but I can't help but feel sad for them too.

Orientation

Day 1 of orientation was great overall! I had that feeling of being a newbie and having to introduce myself to others, feeling awkward, sure i looked fat in my white pants etc. But I was so glad, that the residents were nice. The chief resident is HILARIOUS! had us quaking with fear initially, but he was just joking.

First impressions:
I come from a private med school/hospital so I have been a little spoiled. This hospital is associated with a state university so like all state funded thingies, is not maintained well in certain areas. They are not completely rid of paper charts, while i can't remember the last time i saw somethng not on computer. However, I am psyched at being exposed to something different.

- this hospital is a freaking maze, i hope i learn my way quick!
- I LOVE that the cafeteria has starbucks and a chinese restauant
-fellow intern B is cute and pretty chatty. He's engaged so don't worry I am not entertaining lustful thoughts.
- this hospital doesn't have much money. I don't even know if I have any perks, this one they've been hiding the contracts from us :)

Congrats

Wow I can't believe I am attempting a new blog. Anyways I didn't like how my professional life sometimes crossed into my other blog, so i decided to have an outlet for my expriences as a newly minted physcian. With all the mental/emotional pressure physicians are prone to, here's hoping that this will be cathartic. Forgive the wacky colors, I just needed something mega cheery for the days I feel like killing myself after work.