Well, I’m finally back in action, both Brainphreak-wise and medically. My first week as a paid MD ended yesterday, and I figured it was a great way to start getting my ‘phreak on again! There are several other entries I need to write: Match Day, Graduation, our new house, etc, but I don’t want to put off firing this baby back up any longer. So, without further ado: Doc Scooter’s first week as a peds intern at Hope Children’s Hospital.
Saturday, 6/16
I decided a few days beforehand that it’d be nice to get as many of the new interns together as possible, so I invited everyone over for an afternoon get-together. It got off to a slow start, but ended up being very nice. Six of the thirteen of us ultimately made it, which I count as pretty good turnout. We had wine and cheese and cupcakes from the excellent bakery around the corner that were frosted in honor of this year’s cicada invasion. The folks who made it were very grateful that we invited them over, and it helped quell my first day jitters a lot to have five friendly faces to look forward to. I was a bit wistful at the end of the day, because I couldn’t help but think of my buddies from med school, “the cool castle,” and the warm camraderie we had, but I know this group of interns will grow to be great friends in no time at all.
Sunday
Father’s Day. We took Dan and “Granddad Ferocious” out for a very nice champagne brunch in Barrington. I ate three servings of grilled asparagus to keep myself away from the very alluring chocolate fountain and remain faithful to my South Beach dedication. Then we went back to Dad and Peg’s for presents and swimming. Max now has a purple “super suit” (pictures to follow) that looks like a cross between a shortie wetsuit and the torso of a robot to keep him afloat. This is a very good thing.
Monday
My first big day! I had to be at the hospital at 6:45am. Evidently, they are pulling no punches in the interest of “easing us in”. Also, Dan was leaving town for two days, but kindly arranged his flight so he could help me get out of the house in the morning before he left. As I mentioned, it was really nice to know half the people already. My anxiety problems are greatly amplified by the unknown, and already knowing the place and some of the people made it a lot easier. The other interns are just as nice as the ones I met on Saturday, and a few of them expressed regret at not being able to make it. I assured them we’d do it again. The really nice thing about my class is that I found no matter who I was walking with or sitting next to, we could strike up a very nice conversation. Definitely the spirit of family that attracted me to this program is in effect in my new intern group.
We did ID photos first. Good thing I’m a morning person, and now I have a badge that says Sarah Sheldon, MD. They aren’t going to have a hard time getting me to wear it! Then we zipped over to the parking office for our stickers. The rest of the day was dedicated to Neonatal Resuscitation. As in, saving babies lives in the delivery room. Way to jump right in! It made me miss my kids, because talking about tiny babies who need help first thing out reminds me of a couple scrawny little fellows I once knew…
Tuesday
Basic Life Support, or BLS. This is your typical Red Cross CPR course. If you decide to have a heart attack, I’m a pretty handy person to have around at the moment.
The afternoon was devoted to hammering out our schedules as a group. I’m happy to report that I got both of the vacation blocks I asked for and managed to work out my trip to NH for Jeff’s wedding. Also, I’m generally pleased with the schedule I ended up with, since I got both NICU blocks in the winter (fewer babies in winter…don’t ask me why) and my ambulatory block during Christmas, which means at least a four day weekend for the holiday. We finished in record time, so I got out early enough to pick Max up, as he was getting the boot from daycare for fever and vomiting.
Wednesday
Hospital orientation day. Sat in an auditorium listening to pointless lectures all day. Got up with the boys four times the night before. Drank a lot of free coffee. ‘Nuff said.
Thursday and Friday
We had our third and final CPR course. Yes, we require a lot of life support training. This one was PALS, which stands for pediatric advanced life support. It was fun except for the part where a bunch of respiratory therapists and nurses were making fun of/complaining about residents for about half an hour. I know people hate the interns. I’d just rather they were a little more discreet about it. I’m going to get hazed on the floors, I have a feeling.
On Friday afternoon, all but one of us interns went to a local beer garden to enjoy each other’s company and a few frosty brews. Dan joined us and was very impressed at how quickly and solidly we’ve bonded with each other. I definitely like that we are already committed to hanging out as a group.
Well, that’s my first week. Glad to be back in action! More fun and adventure to follow!