The Week in Review:

Earlier in the week I attended the memorial of our Academy director who died recently and unexpectedly. It was really nice to hear from his family, friends, colleagues and other students like myself. I have to admit I did not know him as well as the others did as I was part of a different academy until this year. I remember once being in the OR on surgery and he was the anesthesiologist, he spent the whole time joking around with the nursing staff. In the short time I knew him, I can say that he was very loud, gregarious, and extremely truthful person who always shared his opinion.

As the week progressed I did more of the same as last week: I jabbed some poor victims, did a gazillion full physicals, and just chatted with my patients who were more there for the social rather than the medical. Family Medicine is a very social specialty, with emphasis on getting to know your patients and their families. For example, I would see mother and children one day then aunt the next day.

I find that aspect quite interesting probably because I like to chat as a general rule. Then again I guess I don’t chat too much considering two of my staff told me I had a rather surgical approach as well. I guess it just depends on the situation. If they were there just for a blood pressure or diabetes check up I don’t mind chatting but if there is an acute problem I like to get to the bottom of it. Well that’s my story and I am sticking with it.

Other interesting things that happened this week: I became increasingly convinced I had strep throat especially after seeing all these kiddies with it. Yesterday I felt really crappy and stayed in watching Ray, excellent movie I highly recoomend, and eating Indian food with an old friend. Today I mustered up the courage to ask my staff to look examine me and tell me if they think my pharyngitis is bacterial or viral in nature. She thinks it is likely viral so that is a good sign, I really didn’t want to take antibiotics.

Okay I am famished... I hope there is something to eat in my fridge!