Sometimes I have to remind myself to not be so negative, or at the very least, look on the bright side occasionally (which I find blindingly bright). I call myself a realist to make myself feel better about the fact that I'm probably more aptly described as a pessimist. Point? I was listening to NPR the other day (see I told you I listen to NPR!) and they were discussing the new program put forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to help people 90 days delinquent on mortgage payments. Invariably the conversation centered on the people who are being seriously affected (not to imply anyone hasn't been seriously affected in some way) by the economic downturn, e.g. laid off and thus not able to pay their mortgages.
It got me thinking about my job security. I've often heard it said that healthcare is a 'recession-proof industry,' stemming from the argument that people get sick regardless of how bear a market is. I understand that logic for a hospital-based practice, but would contend that primary care visits and prescription refills, in such a market, could both decidedly decrease in order to save co-pays. Regardless, I am quite thankful that I do have job security -at least for the next year and a half (I can only be so optimistic).
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
I've Got A Feeling!
One of the most rewarding, yet incredibly humbling aspects of medicine is the perpetual learning curve. People 'in the biz' refer to it as being a lifelong learner. Not just individually, but globally, if we stopped learning or assimilating new information, we, in a sense, would stop evolving (or maturing for those who fear the word evolve). It is humbling to know that I will never know all there is to know within Internal Medicine. At the same time, however, for me, that is also what keeps medicine refreshing and challenging.
I recently stepped back into a 'basic science' laboratory in part to fulfill a residency requirement, but also to journey into a land that I am removed from in clinical medicine. This has been a challenge in another way. As I said previously, I enjoy learning new things each day, but being in the lab for me is less about daily learning and more of feeling completely aloof. I haven't done this sort of work since my early college years (8 years ago at least). Pipetting, dilutions, plating, etc; all basic lab techniques yet now completely foreign to me. To say it is humbling doesn't describe my emotions. It is actually frustrating to think that I spent four years getting a M.D., feel somewhat competent treating patients, and yet when placed in the lab its like I am a freshman in college. Have I learned nothing?! What have I been doing with my life?!
Let me reiterate the dichotomy I'm trying to draw, I enjoy the challenges the medical field brings each day, but I really do not enjoy feeling like a complete idiot! Yet invariably, at every turn of medicine, I do. I did as a first year medical student. I did as a third year medical student. I did as a brand new intern. Now I do again as I foray into the lab.
Will it ever end?
I recently stepped back into a 'basic science' laboratory in part to fulfill a residency requirement, but also to journey into a land that I am removed from in clinical medicine. This has been a challenge in another way. As I said previously, I enjoy learning new things each day, but being in the lab for me is less about daily learning and more of feeling completely aloof. I haven't done this sort of work since my early college years (8 years ago at least). Pipetting, dilutions, plating, etc; all basic lab techniques yet now completely foreign to me. To say it is humbling doesn't describe my emotions. It is actually frustrating to think that I spent four years getting a M.D., feel somewhat competent treating patients, and yet when placed in the lab its like I am a freshman in college. Have I learned nothing?! What have I been doing with my life?!
Let me reiterate the dichotomy I'm trying to draw, I enjoy the challenges the medical field brings each day, but I really do not enjoy feeling like a complete idiot! Yet invariably, at every turn of medicine, I do. I did as a first year medical student. I did as a third year medical student. I did as a brand new intern. Now I do again as I foray into the lab.
Will it ever end?
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Cash Is King!

I was filling up with gas at a local station recently and came across this sign. 8 cents more for credit card purchases?! Has anyone seen this before? I for one was taken by surprise and immediately pulled a $20 out.
I guess when the economy is tanking, there is only one certainty... cold, hard cash.
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