I text people like "yo I"m off until 130pm then I gotta stick a gigantic needle into someone's back"
20 November 2013
02 November 2013
Hospitals are not hotels
I have this dream where services are rendered round-the-clock, that we don't only do regular things during the day and tend to emergencies in the night.
My days consist of:
1. A third of my morning patients telling me to come back later in the day so they can sleep more. (no).
2. Conning nurses to teaching my patients how to take care of themselves.
3. Retreating somewhere quiet to finish my notes with Conan in the background.
4. Trying to fit in as much reading as I can get in. Interestingly, I do much much much more reading now, even with my limited time schedule than I ever did in the past. Feels like I'm in undergrad all over again.
The two current mistresses:
5. Appreciating the absurdity of hospital medicine.
I've been working on the keys to happiness in life and so far I still only have 2-3. There's a post I wrote a long time ago that summarizes two of them. I suppose there's one more:
1. Refer to post
2. Refer to post
3. Find 1-3 things worth spending money on and let the rest go by the wayside.
More on this later.
My days consist of:
1. A third of my morning patients telling me to come back later in the day so they can sleep more. (no).
2. Conning nurses to teaching my patients how to take care of themselves.
3. Retreating somewhere quiet to finish my notes with Conan in the background.
4. Trying to fit in as much reading as I can get in. Interestingly, I do much much much more reading now, even with my limited time schedule than I ever did in the past. Feels like I'm in undergrad all over again.
The two current mistresses:
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| Shrink-wrap recently removed. |
5. Appreciating the absurdity of hospital medicine.
I've been working on the keys to happiness in life and so far I still only have 2-3. There's a post I wrote a long time ago that summarizes two of them. I suppose there's one more:
1. Refer to post
2. Refer to post
3. Find 1-3 things worth spending money on and let the rest go by the wayside.
21 October 2013
06 October 2013
02 October 2013
18 September 2013
What is this? Coffee for ants!?
Delta you gotta stop giving these 'shot glass' coffee cups; IVE DONE 4 ALREADY.
26 August 2013
Going to learn how to change my oil
No more jiffy lube.
Hello Mobil 1 European Formula, 5 quarts for $25 at Walmart!?
21 August 2013
20 August 2013
10 August 2013
Night shift with Conan
Shit has not hit the fan yet. Every one keep your guns and knives in the closet please.
07 August 2013
08 May 2013
I was on TCH Neurosurgery a few weeks ago and I saw this.
Totally made my day. Sort of re-considered Pediatric Neurosurgery for some time. We'll see. The outcomes are good, but I heard about shunts and shunt malfunctions daily. Also, a lot of non-accidental trauma. :(
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| WHY ARE THEY ALL FOOD ANALOGIES. WHY. The chicken nuggets idea is particularly revolting. |
07 May 2013
Apartment hunting in Chicago
So I found a place to live.
It's nice. I think in the end, all I wanted was 1) Proximity to UIC and 2) utilities included.*
Now I just hope all the paperwork goes through without a hitch. Not that I have any reason to believe otherwise.
*: Back to Voyageur's style sauna in the winter. I sure hope my landlord doesn't find this post.
It's nice. I think in the end, all I wanted was 1) Proximity to UIC and 2) utilities included.*
Now I just hope all the paperwork goes through without a hitch. Not that I have any reason to believe otherwise.
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| Nothing like cold oranges to really make your day. Also, Chobani pineapple greek yogurt. |
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| See if you can spot the jar of Nutella. |
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| I like the 'river through the city' feel. |
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| So lucky there's a Starbucks on every corner. |
*: Back to Voyageur's style sauna in the winter. I sure hope my landlord doesn't find this post.
07 April 2013
29 March 2013
A saga begins
Two weeks ago, I matched. What I matched into is not important (to you), you will know me as a poor MD for years to come. But I am relieved.
To be perfectly honest, I was terrified to the point that I was watching a movie to get my mind off things, sitting on a very comfortable couch, waiting for that email. I'll paste that email in a bit. But before, I want to share something I've kept secret for years. My Fall 2004 grade report.
Oh my god. That winter I had gone to my uncle's house and was in a full panic when I saw the report. I wasn't getting into medical school, forget residency. If things didn't change quickly, I thought, I was ending up on the street, and I saw myself doing so, with a ragged beard, occasionally dropping by at home, only to leave once I couldn't take the disappointing looks nor money any more. I once painted a bleak picture of myself living in a trailer home (and doing some heavy duty illegal filesharing). The bleak pictures I create for myself are not over. But for once, I will take a breather and pretend life is not jumping from one crisis to another.
I urge you to (re?)read the post I made when I got an acceptance to medical school. The medical school saga is almost over, and has been a success. Same goes for Step 1 and admissions and interviews. I did catch some peaceful shuteye that night.
Anyway, here's the email!*
That's it! If this epic man child can climb from a 2.72 to hopefully being an attending neurosurgeon in 7 years**, pretty much anyone can.
In any case, thank you, UIC.
*: Social media, ugh.
**: 4+5+7(+2) = 16-18 years.
To be perfectly honest, I was terrified to the point that I was watching a movie to get my mind off things, sitting on a very comfortable couch, waiting for that email. I'll paste that email in a bit. But before, I want to share something I've kept secret for years. My Fall 2004 grade report.
GPA: 2.72
Oh my god. That winter I had gone to my uncle's house and was in a full panic when I saw the report. I wasn't getting into medical school, forget residency. If things didn't change quickly, I thought, I was ending up on the street, and I saw myself doing so, with a ragged beard, occasionally dropping by at home, only to leave once I couldn't take the disappointing looks nor money any more. I once painted a bleak picture of myself living in a trailer home (and doing some heavy duty illegal filesharing). The bleak pictures I create for myself are not over. But for once, I will take a breather and pretend life is not jumping from one crisis to another.
I urge you to (re?)read the post I made when I got an acceptance to medical school. The medical school saga is almost over, and has been a success. Same goes for Step 1 and admissions and interviews. I did catch some peaceful shuteye that night.
Anyway, here's the email!*
Congratulations! You have matched!
Check the Match Site at https://services.nrmp.org/r3/ on Friday, March 15, 2013, at 1:00 PM eastern time to find out where you matched. Because you are matched, you are not eligible to participate in SOAP and you will not have access to the List of Unfilled Programs.
NRMP Staff
Follow us on Twitter: @TheNRMPLike us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheNRMP
That's it! If this epic man child can climb from a 2.72 to hopefully being an attending neurosurgeon in 7 years**, pretty much anyone can.
In any case, thank you, UIC.
*: Social media, ugh.
**: 4+5+7(+2) = 16-18 years.
28 January 2013
Change we can believe in
Obama was elected President in 2008, the year I started medical school. His re-election has come and gone, but I still haven't graduated. One day (it's approaching?). MD? What the f***.
I am glad I haven't changed much. I still see medicine and all it has to offer in a romantic light. I'm still a fool. I don't say much but someone recently told me my CV and experiences all scream "academic physician." I bet deep inside, I still believe that whittling away constantly at the unknown will eventually produce something of significant value. That's probably not true, but it does increase my chances.
Physicians are fascinated by suffering*. You'd think it was the opposite, but everyone sits and analyzes the failures. What happened? When was he first diagnosed? Then what happened? What happened two weeks before death? If you ever start to encounter a series of questions like this, let me just pare it down for you - the questions they're really asking is - What was that one singular moment that caused that monumental decline?
Take these two cases:
1. 63 y/o male dies 7 months after a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme.
2. 28 y/o female dies 4 months after contracting TB.
The first is interesting to me, but the second begs the question above. AIDS? Pneumonia? Car accident? What else happened? Physicians are fascinated by suffering.
Speaking of glioblastomas, look at this thing:
Terrifying isn't it? Sort of like an astronomer looking at the blistering surface of the sun, or a computer scientist watching his code compile, or getting on an expressway using an onramp that's downhill.**
Maybe it's the fact that after 100 years of research, mortality has not even doubled. Or the fact that people throw dozens of agents at it without significant benefit. Or the idea that even with a perfect resection, it always comes back. Like an intracerebral manifestation of evil, sending a chill wave across my torso.
Let me enjoy my pizza and Coke Zero*** please! (Heated up in a hostel oven).
*: In good and bad ways.
**: Try it
***: Nothing more refreshing than a cold Coke, but I can't afford the calories, so Coke Zero it is.
I am glad I haven't changed much. I still see medicine and all it has to offer in a romantic light. I'm still a fool. I don't say much but someone recently told me my CV and experiences all scream "academic physician." I bet deep inside, I still believe that whittling away constantly at the unknown will eventually produce something of significant value. That's probably not true, but it does increase my chances.
Physicians are fascinated by suffering*. You'd think it was the opposite, but everyone sits and analyzes the failures. What happened? When was he first diagnosed? Then what happened? What happened two weeks before death? If you ever start to encounter a series of questions like this, let me just pare it down for you - the questions they're really asking is - What was that one singular moment that caused that monumental decline?
Take these two cases:
1. 63 y/o male dies 7 months after a diagnosis of glioblastoma multiforme.
2. 28 y/o female dies 4 months after contracting TB.
The first is interesting to me, but the second begs the question above. AIDS? Pneumonia? Car accident? What else happened? Physicians are fascinated by suffering.
Speaking of glioblastomas, look at this thing:
Terrifying isn't it? Sort of like an astronomer looking at the blistering surface of the sun, or a computer scientist watching his code compile, or getting on an expressway using an onramp that's downhill.**
Maybe it's the fact that after 100 years of research, mortality has not even doubled. Or the fact that people throw dozens of agents at it without significant benefit. Or the idea that even with a perfect resection, it always comes back. Like an intracerebral manifestation of evil, sending a chill wave across my torso.
Let me enjoy my pizza and Coke Zero*** please! (Heated up in a hostel oven).
*: In good and bad ways.
**: Try it
***: Nothing more refreshing than a cold Coke, but I can't afford the calories, so Coke Zero it is.
27 January 2013
Hostels
First I thought this concept was ridiculous when a friend brought it up. But I've been using them like no tomorrow. I don't need an entire hotel room! Just a bed and a shower. Perfect.
When I was in LA a few days ago I was at a hostel in West LA, which... was okay. My first American hostel experience. The bathrooms were a bit dirty, the bed was "made" and I could feel the springs dig into my side when I slept, and the towels were a bit musty. The internet was fast and it was a convenient location so I rolled with it. People also kept coming in and out of the 8 person dorm room and slamming the door. COME ON.
Last night I stayed in another one in SF, this time, $29 a night, but so much nicer. Much better breakfast, nice beds to sleep in. The downside being, downtown SF is loud at night. I also rediscovered how good toasted bagels are.
In my morning tiredness I also fell off my bunk. This being the result:
Look at those bird-like Frodo Baggins legs. Jesus, I need to moisturize. (and work out) (and nurse my bruises). If I was some old lady, I would have had a vertebral/hip fracture from that fall. But everything turned out okay. I muttered "ow" and moved on to take a shower and get some coffee.
I came back to get my stuff before my bus to LA left and a German guy who was sleeping in the same room accosted me in broken English as I packed my stuff - "UWoau man, was that you who fell off the bed this morning! I saw that man are you okay!"*
Yes, damn it, I'm fine. Feeling a bit worse now that it was witnessed.
Anyway, will let you guys know more about this Santa Monica Hostel I'm heading towards. I'm also fairly certain we (CA shuttle bus) left someone at a Burger King in the middle of no where since he could not be found.
*: Deliberately left out commas for emphasis
When I was in LA a few days ago I was at a hostel in West LA, which... was okay. My first American hostel experience. The bathrooms were a bit dirty, the bed was "made" and I could feel the springs dig into my side when I slept, and the towels were a bit musty. The internet was fast and it was a convenient location so I rolled with it. People also kept coming in and out of the 8 person dorm room and slamming the door. COME ON.
Last night I stayed in another one in SF, this time, $29 a night, but so much nicer. Much better breakfast, nice beds to sleep in. The downside being, downtown SF is loud at night. I also rediscovered how good toasted bagels are.
In my morning tiredness I also fell off my bunk. This being the result:
Look at those bird-like Frodo Baggins legs. Jesus, I need to moisturize. (and work out) (and nurse my bruises). If I was some old lady, I would have had a vertebral/hip fracture from that fall. But everything turned out okay. I muttered "ow" and moved on to take a shower and get some coffee.
I came back to get my stuff before my bus to LA left and a German guy who was sleeping in the same room accosted me in broken English as I packed my stuff - "UWoau man, was that you who fell off the bed this morning! I saw that man are you okay!"*
Yes, damn it, I'm fine. Feeling a bit worse now that it was witnessed.
Anyway, will let you guys know more about this Santa Monica Hostel I'm heading towards. I'm also fairly certain we (CA shuttle bus) left someone at a Burger King in the middle of no where since he could not be found.
*: Deliberately left out commas for emphasis
20 January 2013
Post, D, Post!
Christ, I need to start writing again. My goal for 2012 was to surpass 2011. Yeah right. 5 posts? Are you kidding me? No wonder I've been going crazy.
I was on a flight back to Houston from LA and I was reflecting on myself over the last year, how things had changed, etc. I feel like I've slowed down a little. The me from years ago would easily look down on the me from today. At the same time, I also feel like I've grown less cocky.
I'm almost done with my interviews, got 2 left (to be done within a week) and then I wait for match day, which is a spectacle. Leave me out of it, please. Can't I just wake up on match day, look at my email, and go back to bed? Sleep. That's what I want. Going to med school is like running a series of marathons.
I'm working in Starbucks right now, on my Thinkpad (for writing) and iPad (for reading). It looks ridiculous but it works well since my Thinkpad is outrageously slow for more than one app open. My battery cycle count is 649. Holy shit! This nuclear powered battery still has a lot of life in it. I think I'll clean out my Thinkpad (read: getting rid of old star trek episodes but don't worry, they're somewhere else too..) and use it until it dies. Which will be never, because I got this before the Chinese screwed with Thinkpad design.
I was on a flight back to Houston from LA and I was reflecting on myself over the last year, how things had changed, etc. I feel like I've slowed down a little. The me from years ago would easily look down on the me from today. At the same time, I also feel like I've grown less cocky.
I'm almost done with my interviews, got 2 left (to be done within a week) and then I wait for match day, which is a spectacle. Leave me out of it, please. Can't I just wake up on match day, look at my email, and go back to bed? Sleep. That's what I want. Going to med school is like running a series of marathons.
I'm working in Starbucks right now, on my Thinkpad (for writing) and iPad (for reading). It looks ridiculous but it works well since my Thinkpad is outrageously slow for more than one app open. My battery cycle count is 649. Holy shit! This nuclear powered battery still has a lot of life in it. I think I'll clean out my Thinkpad (read: getting rid of old star trek episodes but don't worry, they're somewhere else too..) and use it until it dies. Which will be never, because I got this before the Chinese screwed with Thinkpad design.
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