Preceptor

Actually before I get into some stuff, I just want to say - my resolutions are going perfectly. I've cut out canned food, which leaves about 30 cans in my cupboard or so, most of which are fruit cans, which are the worst (sugary syrup...).

I've been spending more time outside, although I have yet to invade the Baylor courtyard (the one that's locked from the Luby's entrance). I'll find time to sneak out the other way and just watch everyone behind locked doors.

Most of the time, preceptor is very ho-hum. Yes, it's interesting applying clinical skills for the first day or so, but once you know how to do them, it gets boring. Especially if every other kid has a fever and strep (and cries after swabbing their throat).

Some of them are very nice about it though. Actually it's not so bad. Most of those kids are afraid of the white coat and the syringes that accidentally find their way into my pockets.*

The moms though, completely vicious. One mother bitched for 20 minutes about how the doctor was late and she'd been waiting for 30 minutes. 20 MINUTES! What am I supposed to say to that? "Yes. Uh huh." Actually I remembered the relationship-building phrases from the other day - [in robotic monotonous voice] - "Yes. *beep beep boop* I completely understand."**

Another mother told me the doctor "poked her child last time he was here." Of course my mind is constantly in the gutter, so I tried hard to keep from laughing.

Another time, I was looking into one of the kids' ears and I saw a very fine pearly-looking tympanic membrane and upon viewing this marvelous specimen, I said "hrmph." Instantly the mother looked at me and said "What? what's wrong?" I told her there was nothing to worry about (about the ear drum anyway). She asked the doctor multiple times later if the kid's ear drums were normal.

Jeezus. Calm the fuck down.

Really though. Preceptor is great. The drive back? Not so great.***

*: or so they think.
**: my impression doesn't quite show up well on the interwebs.
***: has improved significantly though. :)