Huh, How About That?

Last night, I'm preparing to discharge someone from the ED.  When I'm leaving the room the patient says, "I know it isn't related to why I'm here but I have another question..."

I stop, turn around, and say "Sure, go ahead."

"I've heard something about Obamacare and just want to confirm that it's true."

"Okay," I say, awaiting the question.

"Well, it's true, isn't it that when you sign up for Obamacare, you have to get a computer chip implanted in your arm?" pondered the 20-something sitting in front of me.

After I struggled for 10 seconds to be sure that I had processed the query and had, indeed, heard the patient, I responded, "No. That is absolutely not true."

I was so shocked that I couldn't muster more of a response.  I did turn around to repeat myself, however, before I left the room.

Tips O' The Day

Tip #1: Don't do heroin.  Just don't do it.  Ever. Ever in a million years. Never do it.  Don't shoot it into your veins. Don't slam it into your muscles.  Don't pop it under your skin. DO NOT DO IT.

Tip #2: Don't ever buy prescription drugs on the street.  You'll get addicted to Oxycontin, let's say. After time, you won't be able to afford the habit which will prompt you to switch to a more to a more economical drug: heroin.  (See Tip #1)

By the Numbers

Internal medicine                           by the numbers | Infographics

Out of the Forest

It's been far too long since I've last posted.  I'm renewing my commitment to update more frequently. Thus, it begins anew (again... but for real this time).

So much has happened since I last wrote.  Here's a brief recap:

• My dad's lymphoma recurred.
• My son celebrated his first birthday (and is, now, a week away from his second).
• I matched at the Family Medicine residency program of my choice.
• I graduated medical school and was joined by an amazing group of friends and family for the celebration.
• I was selected by my classmates to deliver a commencement address at graduation. (I think I nailed it by earning the day's only standing ovation!)
• I actually started residency and am almost a third of the way through the first year of it!
• My wife and I celebrated our ten year wedding anniversary.
• I survived my first inpatient rotation in Internal Medicine.
• I'm enjoying my Emergency Medicine rotation.
• I'm overworked, underpaid, and just plain exhausted ... the charming life of a resident.

From graduation: