It has Begun

So week one as an official resident has come and gone.  I've grown soft over the last few carefree months; I'm not used to working everyday, nor am I used to working 9-12 hrs straight (I know, like I said: soft).  I have a trick though that makes it easier.  The husband of one of my classmates is currently doing a prelim year in Surgery.  He's going into Anesthesia, so working like a surgery intern is exceptionally painful.  Whenever I start feeling stressed, I just remember how easy I really have it compared to most residents.

Actually, working in the ED is quite fun and gratifying.  I don't know if the day will come when the traumas, acute abdomens, homeless drunks, and "emergency sore throats" grow stale, but for now I can't think of a better job in all of medicine.  At parties, who do you think has the best stories?

I'm trying to learn the balance between speed, efficiency and malpractice.  Most of the time it seems that the majority of my brain is dedicated to paperwork, protocol and dictations, while diagnosis takes a back seat.  Of course this is temporary; once I get the system all figured out I can start playing doctor more fully.  

Enough rambling.  I have some new videos up on YouTube.  One is Ella playing in the tub, which made Eli laugh real hard.  The other is one Malinda took of Ella giving me grubbies while I played Xbox.

Ella making Eli laugh

Ella grubbies Dad