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?
5 comments:
Psychiatry rocks (and provides me my paycheck)!!!!!!!!!!
That's so cool -- I read this article a few days ago and was thinking of linking to it on Facebook or something, but Anna!, md has beaten me to it! To f/u on what you said (about the expectation that health insurance cover ALL health care), here's a passage from the article that I found especially thought-provoking:
"We can’t imagine paying for gas with our auto-insurance policy, or for our electric bills with our homeowners insurance, but we all assume that our regular checkups and dental cleanings will be covered at least partially by insurance. Most pregnancies are planned, and deliveries are predictable many months in advance, yet they’re financed the same way we finance fixing a car after a wreck—through an insurance claim."
Axe: Peg just gave a lecture yesterday. She rocks.
Brumm...YES! That was my favorite quote from that. The gas vs. regular check ups things just is such a good comparison!
Psh, y'all just need to get some better car insurance--mine pays for all my gas and oil changes, plus a free flavor shot at any Starbuck's drive-thru.
Of course, my premiums are $26,413 a year, but I have the best Car Care System in the world.
USA! USA! USA!
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