Over the week of vacation, I've made a point to do very little medically related. I need to get mentally recharged for a month audition intermixed with a month and half of interviews.
To keep motivated I love National Geographic's Adventure Travel magazine as well as Wired magazine. Travel and gadgets keep me going. But here's a couple YouTube videos that are also motivational:
There's more great ones for giggles and spectacles at http://www.flixxy.com/.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Week of vacation
It's almost time to head to Delaware for my Christiana rotation. And while I'm getting excited to see the program, I'm going to miss playing with the family. I've spent a lot of time with the boys playing catch; mostly baseball and football. I feel a little guilty not having done a good job teaching the fundamentals of throwing a ball or catching a ball until now, but life has been crazy and soccer and swimming were all I could manage.
They are a little more confident with friends and in gym class now. Moreover, I'm still the cool dad :-).
All four of us swam together at the Arrowhead pool. The boys on their team and Becky and I on the Masters team. The coach had us doing hypoxia drills. Wow, I thought I was in decent shape, but 2000 yards of it wiped me out. The competitiveness of swimming with the other guys really pushed me.
I've also had a chance to work on a bunch of paperwork and small To Dos. I reviewed my Dean's Letter as recommended by the four EM PDs in Seattle a couple weeks ago. And I organized my four (so far) interviews. I scheduled my Morristown, NJ interview as early in the Christiana rotation as possible. It will be my work-up. Then I hope to take four or five more days off to interview at Christiana, UMaryland, Hopkins, Drexel, Georgetown and/or Cooper. It would save a ton of time and money.
I'm also enjoying hanging out, drinking wine with Becky and her sister in the evenings and playing a bit on the Xbox 360. Time to start printing all my logistical paperwork for the next month. And a couple more errands to try to squeeze in. Then it's off to Delaware.
They are a little more confident with friends and in gym class now. Moreover, I'm still the cool dad :-).
All four of us swam together at the Arrowhead pool. The boys on their team and Becky and I on the Masters team. The coach had us doing hypoxia drills. Wow, I thought I was in decent shape, but 2000 yards of it wiped me out. The competitiveness of swimming with the other guys really pushed me.
I've also had a chance to work on a bunch of paperwork and small To Dos. I reviewed my Dean's Letter as recommended by the four EM PDs in Seattle a couple weeks ago. And I organized my four (so far) interviews. I scheduled my Morristown, NJ interview as early in the Christiana rotation as possible. It will be my work-up. Then I hope to take four or five more days off to interview at Christiana, UMaryland, Hopkins, Drexel, Georgetown and/or Cooper. It would save a ton of time and money.
I'm also enjoying hanging out, drinking wine with Becky and her sister in the evenings and playing a bit on the Xbox 360. Time to start printing all my logistical paperwork for the next month. And a couple more errands to try to squeeze in. Then it's off to Delaware.
Baystate and saying goodbye to UMass
The day after visiting UConn I went to Baystate not really knowing what to expect. I reviewed the web site for the residency program but it didn't really give me a good idea of what to expect.
First, the hospital is very suburban. No high rise parking lots here. And it's a mix of stages built over probably fifty years. The existing ED is an older section and not expected to be upgraded for a few more years. The didactics were held in the newer wing and fine. Nothing spectacular, but nothing to fault either. Residents and students all got along, seemed to be having a good time and were learning a lot.
The ED itself is cramped! They take care of more patients per year (~120k) in a smaller space than I ever seen. It's very efficient but also a little chaotic. The main physician/nursing area is small enough that everyone can see the gigantic whiteboard used to track patients. Every square inch of hallway space is used with carts, beds and even recliners for the asthma patients. I am sure I would get a good education there, but I didn't get the warm fuzzies that I did at UConn.
The last two days of shifts were pretty easy. Busy as usual, but I was able to get in some suturing and run a few patients on my own. Nothing too crazy. The night before I left the owner of the house I stayed at mentioned a bunch of great restaurants nearby. Unfortunately the other roomie and I chose one with poor service and mediocre service. Then we topped it off with a funny but amateur comedy show. I packed and got a few hours sleep before starting the day of travel.
The trip back was long, a full day, but got me into Phoenix around 3pm due to the time zone changes. Becky picked me up and then we headed home to see the kids. I'm really glad I took the two days to see UConn and Baystate. While UMass has everything going for it on paper including high patient volume, a new ED, airflight service and a Hawaii elective, I felt more at home at UConn. I think that was recognized by UConn as well. They already sent me an invitation for an interview!
First, the hospital is very suburban. No high rise parking lots here. And it's a mix of stages built over probably fifty years. The existing ED is an older section and not expected to be upgraded for a few more years. The didactics were held in the newer wing and fine. Nothing spectacular, but nothing to fault either. Residents and students all got along, seemed to be having a good time and were learning a lot.
The ED itself is cramped! They take care of more patients per year (~120k) in a smaller space than I ever seen. It's very efficient but also a little chaotic. The main physician/nursing area is small enough that everyone can see the gigantic whiteboard used to track patients. Every square inch of hallway space is used with carts, beds and even recliners for the asthma patients. I am sure I would get a good education there, but I didn't get the warm fuzzies that I did at UConn.
The last two days of shifts were pretty easy. Busy as usual, but I was able to get in some suturing and run a few patients on my own. Nothing too crazy. The night before I left the owner of the house I stayed at mentioned a bunch of great restaurants nearby. Unfortunately the other roomie and I chose one with poor service and mediocre service. Then we topped it off with a funny but amateur comedy show. I packed and got a few hours sleep before starting the day of travel.
The trip back was long, a full day, but got me into Phoenix around 3pm due to the time zone changes. Becky picked me up and then we headed home to see the kids. I'm really glad I took the two days to see UConn and Baystate. While UMass has everything going for it on paper including high patient volume, a new ED, airflight service and a Hawaii elective, I felt more at home at UConn. I think that was recognized by UConn as well. They already sent me an invitation for an interview!
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
UConn visit
The drive to University of Connecticut was beautiful. The trees are all changing to Fall colors and there were numerous ponds and creeks along the way with forests of Fall trees lining the banks. Plus it was a sunny brisk day.
I found the parking lot and department offices in plenty of time to get lunch and be assured that my business casual (Prna pants, Quicksilver button down and Keen loafers) attire was fine. The two hours of lecture from noon until two PM was fun. The material was fine, but I really appreciated the camaraderie the residents displayed. Their was joking and teasing and plenty of talk about after work get togethers. They had DO residents and one older than me!
We then proceeded to their very cool sim lab with dummies and set-ups for ICU, Trauma and more. We donned hazardous environment suits and entered two sim labs for training in running codes for patients with highly contagious or poisonous exposures. It was challenging and a blast. I actually felt part of the team and was able to contribute a bit. The PGY-2 residents certainly knew more than me, but I never felt patronized or looked down upon.
Finally I headed to the Emergency Department to work with one of the PGY-3 residents for a few hours. We had a trauma and several really sick patients. But I was able to get feel for the ED and ask a bunch of questions. Even though they have paper charts (with efficient electronic ordering software) and the ED is a bit dark, I liked the place and the people I met.
I certainly hope I get an interview at UConn.
I found the parking lot and department offices in plenty of time to get lunch and be assured that my business casual (Prna pants, Quicksilver button down and Keen loafers) attire was fine. The two hours of lecture from noon until two PM was fun. The material was fine, but I really appreciated the camaraderie the residents displayed. Their was joking and teasing and plenty of talk about after work get togethers. They had DO residents and one older than me!
We then proceeded to their very cool sim lab with dummies and set-ups for ICU, Trauma and more. We donned hazardous environment suits and entered two sim labs for training in running codes for patients with highly contagious or poisonous exposures. It was challenging and a blast. I actually felt part of the team and was able to contribute a bit. The PGY-2 residents certainly knew more than me, but I never felt patronized or looked down upon.
Finally I headed to the Emergency Department to work with one of the PGY-3 residents for a few hours. We had a trauma and several really sick patients. But I was able to get feel for the ED and ask a bunch of questions. Even though they have paper charts (with efficient electronic ordering software) and the ED is a bit dark, I liked the place and the people I met.
I certainly hope I get an interview at UConn.
Monday, October 15, 2007
What's so great about New England?
Today I really had to question what's is so great about New England. It's overpriced, overtaxed, overly Liberal and filled with gruff, even mean, people. Ok, I was a bit unlucky today, but maybe it's another sign.
I was running late to my 11am shift because I slept in late. Had to catch up on sleep after a very busy week of shifts that never stayed at the same times (morning, afternoon, overnight, afternoon and then morning again). I also had a down comforter so I was comfy warm for the first time.
As I walked out to the car at 10:40a, here's what I saw:
Granted, it wasn't the sweetest ride to begin with, but WTF!?! How did my car get singled out when there were tons of other cars on the curb? How come I didn't hear anything (my window was only 20 feet away)?
Today just got worse and worse. After taking the pictures and talking to the police, I limp to the hospital. Luckily it was very close since the steering had play now measuring in feet! The mangled front hubcap was rubbing into the tire and brakes.
So I arrive late and can't find parking anywhere. I finally park in the spot the furthest away from the stairs thinking it's a safe spot. Par for the course, I found a parking ticket on my windshield when I returned later that night. However, on my way into Fast Track, 20 minutes late for my shift, VISA tells me that the car isn't covered by my credit card because the rental is over 15 days!!! Since I rented for one continuous month, they probably won't cover it. (I haven't decided whether to cancel it or just change next month's rental into two consecutive 14 day rentals.)
Becky talked to Geico and they inform us that they'll cover it after the $500 deductible. So I file the third stinking claim for the morning and proceed to work a slow, uninteresting shift. At the Attending was cool. He was a hospitalist moonlighting in the ER. Nice guy that was fun to talk to considering that he owns multiples of just about every toy I've ever dreamed of owning. Plus he travels at least once a month. Helps that his wife is a physician as well and they have no kids. I wouldn't trade the kids for anything, but puts it all in perspective.
Enterprise was across the street from the hospital so I headed over there. They upgraded my vehicle and were very nice about taking my credit card for $500. I can't complain about their service at all.
I can only hope that my trip to UConn in Hartford tomorrow is better. It's a bigger, nicer car (if you can call a Chevy Cobalt nicer). I'll get out of the big city. Maybe the sour taste for all of New England will melt away with the drive through the forests of fall trees.
I was running late to my 11am shift because I slept in late. Had to catch up on sleep after a very busy week of shifts that never stayed at the same times (morning, afternoon, overnight, afternoon and then morning again). I also had a down comforter so I was comfy warm for the first time.
As I walked out to the car at 10:40a, here's what I saw:
Granted, it wasn't the sweetest ride to begin with, but WTF!?! How did my car get singled out when there were tons of other cars on the curb? How come I didn't hear anything (my window was only 20 feet away)?Today just got worse and worse. After taking the pictures and talking to the police, I limp to the hospital. Luckily it was very close since the steering had play now measuring in feet! The mangled front hubcap was rubbing into the tire and brakes.
So I arrive late and can't find parking anywhere. I finally park in the spot the furthest away from the stairs thinking it's a safe spot. Par for the course, I found a parking ticket on my windshield when I returned later that night. However, on my way into Fast Track, 20 minutes late for my shift, VISA tells me that the car isn't covered by my credit card because the rental is over 15 days!!! Since I rented for one continuous month, they probably won't cover it. (I haven't decided whether to cancel it or just change next month's rental into two consecutive 14 day rentals.)
Becky talked to Geico and they inform us that they'll cover it after the $500 deductible. So I file the third stinking claim for the morning and proceed to work a slow, uninteresting shift. At the Attending was cool. He was a hospitalist moonlighting in the ER. Nice guy that was fun to talk to considering that he owns multiples of just about every toy I've ever dreamed of owning. Plus he travels at least once a month. Helps that his wife is a physician as well and they have no kids. I wouldn't trade the kids for anything, but puts it all in perspective.
Enterprise was across the street from the hospital so I headed over there. They upgraded my vehicle and were very nice about taking my credit card for $500. I can't complain about their service at all.
I can only hope that my trip to UConn in Hartford tomorrow is better. It's a bigger, nicer car (if you can call a Chevy Cobalt nicer). I'll get out of the big city. Maybe the sour taste for all of New England will melt away with the drive through the forests of fall trees.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Getting Comfortable At UMass
Only nine days and seven shifts left at UMass. The two days off I'm going to drive out to the UConn and the Baystate/Tufts EM programs in Hartford, CT and Springfield, MA, respectively. I'll get to meet some residents at their didactic conferences, then spend a couple hours in the ER shadowing a senior resident.
I am definitely getting more comfortable here. The residents have all been pretty cool. And the Attendings have been very good as well. The "systems" side of things (EMR, charting, admitting, protocols) still have kinks to work out. They may be long-term issues, but I get the feeling these issues have gotten more obvious since the new ED opened a year ago.
No super exciting cases. I've sutured lots of lacerations, seen a few traumas and learned how to treat many kinds of patients. The didactics continue to be one of this programs strong points. And the morning shifts we usually get a good 30 minute lecture in the ED from an Attending. The volume is high, and while there's not too much penetrating trauma, there's a ton of acute cases that need monitoring, airways and eventually ICU beds.
I spent the weekend in Seattle with the family which was terrific. Friday I arrived early and spent most of the day playing with the boys. You could just tell they needed some daddy time. Even at 9 and 11, they enjoyed the tickling, wrestling, hugs, etc. Becky did too; wink, wink. Saturday we met Becky's brother Paul and his family. It was a cold, gray Seattle day but the enjoyed playing at my old stomping ground, Greenlake. We even had some Spud's Fish & Chips for old time sakes.
Saturday night we went Becky's older brother's, Dave's, house. It was a huge family gathering mostly to send Paul and his family off to Zurich for the Microsoft job he just accepted there. The food was good. Everyone seemed to be doing well. And the kids (lots of cousins and second cousins) played great together. Only once or twice was there a scream followed by everyone looking at me "Dr. Grady" for some reaction. My mother seems to be well too, and I enjoyed driving her Prius around.
Sunday Becky drove me into Seattle for the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Scientific Assembly's Residency Fair (whew!). I spent in obvious reasons and made it to the 10am meeting. We had several good lectures until about 2pm on improving residency applications, being a good resident and interview tips. The rest of the afternoon was the "fair" part of the program where 100 EM residency programs hosted tables in a ballroom.
I was able to see most of the programs I've applied to and got a lot of positive feedback. Sure they hadn't seen my application, and they were selling there programs, but my confidence in getting more interviews was definitely increased. In case I didn't already mention it, St. Vincent's in Toledo, OH where I rotated at last year for Peds and Surgery has already invited me for an interview. Anyway, I met a lot of program directors and current residents while getting excited about seeing many of these programs I only know from a web site.
The day was worthwhile and I was happy to have attended, but I don't think it would be worth going if you don't family nearby or some other reason to make the trip. Becky, the kids and I had a nice dinner together and then I changed out of my suit and played a little flashlight tag with the boys. All too soon, Becky was back in the car driving me to the airport for my red eye flight back to Boston.
After the trip home, I'm ready for this rotation be over. However, there's still more to learn and more to prove. I don't know if I'll get a LOR from this rotation simply because I haven't gotten to know any one Attending very well. And I'm still trying to decide whether or not to ask the PD, Dr. Cukor, for an interview while I'm here.
Well one more rotation after this, Christiana in Delaware. The residents at the ACEP meeting were very nice. I'm excited about that program as well as several of the one's nearby; UMaryland, Hopkins, Georgetown and one in Phili I can't remember right now.
Off to an evenign shift now, then my only overnighter tomorrow. 237 days left in the short coat.
I am definitely getting more comfortable here. The residents have all been pretty cool. And the Attendings have been very good as well. The "systems" side of things (EMR, charting, admitting, protocols) still have kinks to work out. They may be long-term issues, but I get the feeling these issues have gotten more obvious since the new ED opened a year ago.
No super exciting cases. I've sutured lots of lacerations, seen a few traumas and learned how to treat many kinds of patients. The didactics continue to be one of this programs strong points. And the morning shifts we usually get a good 30 minute lecture in the ED from an Attending. The volume is high, and while there's not too much penetrating trauma, there's a ton of acute cases that need monitoring, airways and eventually ICU beds.
I spent the weekend in Seattle with the family which was terrific. Friday I arrived early and spent most of the day playing with the boys. You could just tell they needed some daddy time. Even at 9 and 11, they enjoyed the tickling, wrestling, hugs, etc. Becky did too; wink, wink. Saturday we met Becky's brother Paul and his family. It was a cold, gray Seattle day but the enjoyed playing at my old stomping ground, Greenlake. We even had some Spud's Fish & Chips for old time sakes.
Saturday night we went Becky's older brother's, Dave's, house. It was a huge family gathering mostly to send Paul and his family off to Zurich for the Microsoft job he just accepted there. The food was good. Everyone seemed to be doing well. And the kids (lots of cousins and second cousins) played great together. Only once or twice was there a scream followed by everyone looking at me "Dr. Grady" for some reaction. My mother seems to be well too, and I enjoyed driving her Prius around.
Sunday Becky drove me into Seattle for the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Scientific Assembly's Residency Fair (whew!). I spent in obvious reasons and made it to the 10am meeting. We had several good lectures until about 2pm on improving residency applications, being a good resident and interview tips. The rest of the afternoon was the "fair" part of the program where 100 EM residency programs hosted tables in a ballroom.
I was able to see most of the programs I've applied to and got a lot of positive feedback. Sure they hadn't seen my application, and they were selling there programs, but my confidence in getting more interviews was definitely increased. In case I didn't already mention it, St. Vincent's in Toledo, OH where I rotated at last year for Peds and Surgery has already invited me for an interview. Anyway, I met a lot of program directors and current residents while getting excited about seeing many of these programs I only know from a web site.
The day was worthwhile and I was happy to have attended, but I don't think it would be worth going if you don't family nearby or some other reason to make the trip. Becky, the kids and I had a nice dinner together and then I changed out of my suit and played a little flashlight tag with the boys. All too soon, Becky was back in the car driving me to the airport for my red eye flight back to Boston.
After the trip home, I'm ready for this rotation be over. However, there's still more to learn and more to prove. I don't know if I'll get a LOR from this rotation simply because I haven't gotten to know any one Attending very well. And I'm still trying to decide whether or not to ask the PD, Dr. Cukor, for an interview while I'm here.
Well one more rotation after this, Christiana in Delaware. The residents at the ACEP meeting were very nice. I'm excited about that program as well as several of the one's nearby; UMaryland, Hopkins, Georgetown and one in Phili I can't remember right now.
Off to an evenign shift now, then my only overnighter tomorrow. 237 days left in the short coat.
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