Scribbles

"Always check your equipment before getting started." It doesn't just apply to central lines or chest tubes. It also applies to that delirious 90 something gentleman who just won't seem to listen, who keeps getting out of bed, who just says "Huh?" despite you yell-speaking, who spits out the nitroglycerin every time you drop it … Continue reading “There’s Nothing You Can Do That I Haven’t Done Before.” #2

My fellow once told me a story about how after she made a terrible operative mistake, she went to talk to her mentor. The mentor, before she started, told her that there was no mistake she could make that he hadn't already made. Because while mistakes shouldn't happen, they do. And in the act of … Continue reading “There’s Nothing You Can Do That I Haven’t Done Before.” #1

Sometimes, thorough, detailed, justified communication can be helpful. I think it depends at what stage you are and how big a picture you can grasp. You don't quite need to know why what's happening is happening but it motivates you, helps you grow, and provides confidence in your superiors. Sometimes, though, maybe particularly in times … Continue reading A Pitfall of Overcommunication

As I sat on my bed tonight and listened to other residents discuss publications and maximizing research years, I thought about how silly this seemed to think about applications and emails and journals in two years time when I had no idea what the next two weeks or two months would look like or if … Continue reading Dual Realities

In no particular order From my PA colleague in the SICU: "If you're re-intubation rate is not at least 50%, you're not extubating enough people."

On my way back home today, I listened to a revealing and frankly, inspiring, episode of EMCrit about "deliberate practice." We've all heard a little bit about it - "Practice perfect makes perfect." That's the simplest way to put it. So rather than rehash what I heard, I wanted to talk about The Med Student. … Continue reading Deliberate Practice #1: The Medical Student

My workout today was interrupted by a bulky brown guy quizzically smiling and approaching me. He looked familiar to me. And as it turned out I looked familiar to him. So much so that he asked "Hey any chance you're Gazi?" Normally, I am terrible with names and good with faces. I won't remember what … Continue reading Time Warp