beginnings

I began my new job this week.  It has definitely not been like I expected.  I thought I would be bored with the lack of patients but nothing could be further from the truth.  It takes me so much longer to see patients.  I really feel like I don’t know what I am doing.  I keep saying, “I miss my probables!”  In the hospital setting, you can diagnose someone with probable xxxxx and that is it.  Its is not allowed anymore.  You have to name it and claim it.  And to make it worse, you don’t get all the lab and image data that you get in the hospital.  You just get a patient.  It is sooo very different but my sweet physician that I have gotten myself in to this endeavor with, is so kind and patient and just walks me though my diagnoses without being frustrated with me.  That part has been great.

So, for some stories.  Monday we had a lot of glitches in the system.  I felt so badly for our patients but they didn’t seem to mind.  They were all thoroughly pleased with their care despite all of the faults in our systems.

Tuesday, I was left alone in the clinic by myself for the first time.  What was my first patient alone but a rash . . . one of my great weaknesses . . . and no less, on a man’s loins.  Doesn’t get much better than that.  Then I drag some poor guy in my room with me to be my chaperone while examine this man’s loins.  It was wonderful.

Also, Robert and I saw a lady together who we thought was going to be a drug seeker.  We saw her and just in asking routine history questions, this lady bursts into tears and starts telling us about her horrible life.  Robert started talking to her about forgiveness.  He told her that unforgiveness really only traps her.  She is the one left suffering.  It was amazing because this clicked in her head immediately!  She thanked him for explaining that to her and it was like she had been given new life.  She was referred to a counseling center which she was terribly excited about and she is going to come back and see us in a month so we will see what comes out of this relationship.

Yesterday, the guy that has been doing our marketing for us brought in banners for us to hang on the outside of the building to advertise our opening.  He rolled out the first banner and there was immediately and 5ftx8ft picture of my face.  It was absolutely mortifying.  No one should have to see their face blown up 5 million times.  So now, if you drive down 1st Ave N., you will not be able to miss my face.  Welcome to Woodlawn!!

So, it has begun.  I will continue to share our stories.

Love.