So far, I've complete two weeks on dermatology (awesome hours, nice residents, small surgery bonus), two weeks on radiology (booooring, and my grades probably reflect that I was bored the entire time), four weeks on neurology (a completely mixed bag that I both loved and wanted to tear my hair out over), and one week on psychiatry.
I've learned a lot so far, but rather than dwelling on medical trivia, I thought I'd pontificate on those things that have a larger life meaning.
-I'd rather be frustrated with the medical system in place than become apathetic that we're not providing good care (see article below).
-I love "crazy" people. (meaning, I love my psychiatry rotation, in lay terms) They are fascinating, and rarely all that crazy. They're often just normal, magnified.
-When you work more than 14 hours in a day, a iced chai is in order, with no guilt.
-Leave work at work, as much as you possibly can.
-You'll always remember a face and a person better than a chapter in a book.
Here's an interesting article I came across in The Atlantic Monthly. I haven't even finished it yet, but I think his general premise about American's (through little fault of their own, since the system has evolved this way because of various legislation and tax benefits) propensity to expect their health insurance to pay for ALL health care, even routine, as erroneous, and a big part of the reason we end up paying more for health care is a good one. After all, if you were paying out of pocket, wouldn't YOU be more likely to find out how much it cost and why?
