I was at the local department store, and almost mistook this bottle for “Mr. Clean”. I wondered if Mr. Universal was more potent than Mr. Clean, but decided not to take the chance.

misc humor

This week, the NYTimes posted an article regarding unprofessional online behavior from medical students. Having gone to medical school, I see nothing surprising about pre-professionals using profanity or abusive language. As as college student, I viewed medical students as a pristine coterie of refined intellectuals–in retrospect, they are no different from any other graduate student in a similar age group.

The fact is that the majority of medical students are young adults who are likely halfway through maturity. They have been wildly successful in earlier life, and have managed to sidestep many consequences of inappropriate behavior through intellect. Some, fresh out of college, have never held a real job. Others have fed off the silver-platter, growing up in families of wealth or power. This group, regardless of their lineage, tries to blend into their socially acceptable age group.

This translates to posting their thoughts on Facebook, mySpace, or any other online social networking group. Like to whine about how your clinic patients irritate you on your Facebook wall? Probably not a great idea.  What about posting hilarious but true information about your hospital on your blog? <grin> Just remember, there are consequences to all of your actions…

medicine, misc humor

Many things suck. Spilling fish sauce onto your white pants right after you washed them ranks high on my list of sucky things.

For those of you unfamiliar with fish sauce, it’s a condiment made from fish extract like anchovies. It’s a common ingredient in Vietnamese cooking. It also is tasty if you stir fry it with spinach or bok choy. Its odor is incredibly pungent, however.  Many people find the smell repulsive.

On an unrelated note, isn’t it ironic that “Squid” and “Oyster” are two brands of fish sauce (see photo)? I prefer Squid brand.

misc food

One of my attendings mentioned that she examined inmates routinely during her residency training.  These criminals would often sit in the same waiting room as regular patients, of course with supervision. After all, everyone needs eye care, right?

That anecdote reminded me that residents at one of the Georgian ophthalmology programs actually had a clinic in the local penitentiary. One day a week, the resident on service would sign in cataracts and other surgical cases in the “jail clinic”. In retrospect, it actually doesn’t sound too bad–no insurance issues to deal with (I’ve had my surgeries canceled because my patient didn’t have the right insurance) or accidental consumption of breakfast the day of surgery. Having prison inmates as your patients is a great system. They actually show up to your clinic on time and do what they are told. As their physicians, we’d be contributing to the governmental system.

In fact, my residency shares many similarities to that of a prison clinic. Last month, I examined an open globe laceration in the ED, similar to what I’d see in prison fights. Another one of my clinic patients came into the ED handcuffed (and foot-cuffed) to the exam chair. The only difference between my patients and those at the prison is that the cops guarding my patients are smoking outside the hospital while I am alone examining the criminal. What fun.

Indeed this is an exciting moment in my training career…

medicine, misc humor, ophthalmology

It is difficult to find time to relax while in residency. For the ophthalmology resident, the time consumption of residency can be overwhelming, especially if your non-call days run from 7am-7pm (Sometimes 9:30pm). Many of our hobbies and pastimes are neglected in favor of more career-oriented activities.

I spoke with Drew Mays, an ophthalmologist at UAB, about the stresses of residency and a career. Drew won the Van Cliburn Amateur piano competition a few years ago while being program director of the UAB residency. He is tangible evidence that you can allocate time for your hobbies. To those of you who are unfamiliar with this venue, it consists of a gathering of would-be classical pianists who decided to pursue a career outside of music. Drew assured me that there will be a time after my training where I will find sufficient time to pursue my hobbies. He tells me that during residency, we have to prioritize our options to create the maximal ‘amount’ of happiness.

Not too profound advice, but it is indeed a fact that we lose sight of (no pun intended). The next time you feel lost in the midst of your training, think about Drew’s reassurance. It can help get you through the day.

misc hobbies, inspiration, life