Raquel here, reporting from the humble abode I currently reside in. Location: Hoisington, Kansas. In our 3rd year we are required to do a rural rotation and I ended up four hours west of Kansas City in a town of 2,500. I was not looking forward to this family medicine rotation at all but I am happy to report it has been much better than expected. I LOVE small town medicine, much more fun than the big city in my opinion. Everyone has been so welcoming to us and are thankful for all we do here. Stark contrast from being treated as second rate citizens in the big KC. I kind of forgot how relaxing it is to live in a small town, it has been 7 years (I know, I can't believe it either). The pace is slower and no one is ever in a hurry. It seems that because of that, things are also more efficient. Who knew? I love that everyone knows everyone else and that true relationships are formed. I am also thrilled to report that since my arrival in rural Kansas, I have not had one inkling of a headache... For me not to have one headache in a time frame of two weeks is actually pretty remarkable. My body is trying to tell me something, I think.
I have one suitcase worth of clothing, a book bag of text and fiction books, my toiletries, iPod, and computer. Life is so much more simple, it makes me wonder why we clutter our lives with things we don't need when they inevitably just increase the maintenance and stress required to function. I am able to enjoy the weather, breathe the fresh air, enamor at the sky full of stars, and experience once again stress-free living. It's hard to explain but I feel like air, like a bunch of weight has been lifted. I am refreshed and ready to move onto 4th year, what a great gift it has been.
Ryan and I met halfway last weekend to go on a camping extravaganza. We had an awesome camping wedding shower thrown for us and are stocked up on the camping gear so we decided to make use of it! We had a great time. (Besides the 30 mph winds and 32 degree weather one night) One thing I demanded was to see the Wizard of Oz Museum. It was very cheesy, complete with the Wizard of Oz soundtrack playing over and over, and thousands of collector items from the movie but interesting none the less. I have to say the highlight of the weekend, though was visiting the President Eisenhower Library/Museum. It is remarkable what that one man accomplished in his lifetime. The history of our country is fascinating to me and that is what I enjoy most about the presidential libraries, they make our history palpable. If anyone gets a chance to visit it or any other presidential library, I highly recommend it.
I have droned on enough about inconsequential things but I am satisfied with my current feelings of contentment. Take some time for yourself this month, it will do you wonders.
Love ♥, Raquel
Currently Reading: "Fire" by Kristin Cashore Listening to: "Falling Slowly" by The Frames
I nearly missed my flight. My progressive laxity about arrival time before a flight out of MCI finally backfired. Typically the line for check in is two people long and security takes a mere five minutes to get through. However, the day I decide to arrive later, the lines are long and they almost didn't let me on my flight. I did what I do best and thankfully was able to whine my way onto the flight. Consequently, I was on track to meet Mom, Grandma, and Savannah at the Denver airport to join them on the rest of the trek to San Diego. Just seeing their bright and beautiful faces made my day. Ever since Savannah and I were in high school we have talked about doing a girls trip with the four of us and it has just never happened. There always seemed to be a good reason for not going but we decided that now was the time to stop talking about it and actually do it.
We arrived in San Diego late on Wednesday night and were a bit concerned about the lack of activity, strip clubs on every corner, and the creepy noises in our hotel room. When the power went out in our room all we could do was congregate on the one king bed and laugh, hoping the lights would come on soon. The power eventually did come back on and we decided to just get some rest. We woke the next morning to blue skies and realized we were not in the ghetto and that our small town worries were unwarranted.
We spent Thursday exploring the treasures of San Diego. In Old Town we had a full Mexican breakfast accompanied with margaritas, chips, and salsa. It's five o'clock somewhere, right?It felt like half the day was spent navigating the public transportation system. If you lived there it would be quite simple, but we are apparently challenged. Luckily, we were able to get everywhere we wanted to go regardless. The highlight of the day was taking the bus over the Coronado Bridge to the island of Coronado which houses the military base and the famous Hotel del Coronado. We spent some time on the beach and enjoyed the views from the hotel. After busing our way back to downtown San Diego we decided to walk around the Gaslamp District to get dinner where our waitress' name was Kate Walsh, born May 5, 1985 and also whom had a fraternal twin sister. Very strange. The only difference we could find was that she was not born in Fargo, ND but sunny CA.
Friday started with us heading to the port of call to board our cruise. We were having a good time enjoying the sunshine and discovering the ship. Little did we know that as soon as the ship left the port we would all feel every movement. Mom was so sick she missed dinner! So Grandma, Savannah, and I went without her. Leave it to Grandma to tell the waiters that it was our birthday... they made us both get up with all the waiters and dance to "Get Low" by Lil Jon in front of everyone. Most would know by now that we really didn't dance but more were laughing with bright, red faces. At least one of our table members got up towards the end of the song and showed us how to get low... I'm glad some people like being the center of attention. Thanks, Grandma! It was an awesome birthday.
Mom got some medicine to help with her sea sickness and she felt much better the next day. The day was spent exploring the cruise ship and enjoying each others company. On Sunday we had a port of call in Ensendada, Mexico. We decided to spend our time at the flea market and blow hole of Ensenada. The forty minute bus ride out there was humbling to say the least. I am baffled by how people live and the extent of poverty. The flea market was overwhelming. I think having white skin preempted sellers to maul us about buying their products. It was truly beautiful out there, though. Ensenada means "a bay surrounded by hills" in Spanish. I was amazed at the under utilization of the land surrounding the water. The culture difference astounds me. Once back on the cruise, we were heading to the sunning area on the forward of the ship and Savannah fell half-way down the stairs. It seemed strange at the time but later we realized that it was an Earthquake!
The trip was awesome. We would have had fun together no matter where we had gone. Whether it was about the sewage smell in our room, Mom's dress that was way too big, the squishy worms, scratching noises on our door, or the cruise comedian, we were laughing. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much. The women in my life are my best friends and I am so glad we decided to go on this trip together. I love you guys.
♥ Raquel
Currently Reading: "Graceling" by Kristin Cashore Listening to: "I Keep on Loving You" by Reba McEntire
The title of my blog is a direct quote from the real Dr. Patch Adams who I had the pleasure of meeting yesterday. He is the definition of a true humanitarian. I was very excited when I heard Dr. Hunter "Patch" Adams was going to speak at our school. I wasn't sure what to expect but he did not disappoint. This man has devoted his life to the pursuit of spreading happiness throughout the world one patient at a time. The movie is a loose interpretation of his book Gesundheit and from what he told us most of the story is true, but the time line is off a bit. He even does his "clowning" six times a year throughout the World.
His views on life are extreme but his message is clear, you can control how you want to live your life. If you want to be happy, you have to make a conscious decision to do it. When a student asked Dr. Adams how he stays happy while going through difficult times in his life he stated that no matter what he is going through, it is nothing compared to what others in our world endure daily and he remains thankful for everything in his life. I admit I am an optimist, but not to that extreme. Dr. Adams was mentioning that he could not comprehend why the most vital contributors to the future success of our country, teachers, are also the most underpaid profession around. Coming from a family of teachers I couldn't have agreed with him more. He was appalled by the fact that the most watched television program each year is the Superbowl, hence the comment. I guess Dr. Adams not only made me think about my future in medicine but how I go about my personal life as well. Some things that stuck:
"Unless you have fun in everything you do, you are not living."
"The joy of medicine is the intimacy of it."
"We have a new health care reform bill, yet no where in the bill does is say anything about health care or reform."
Overall, I am very happy I had the opportunity to meet such an incredible man. I am only sorry that I forgot my camera :(. Oh well, can't change it now.
Last weekend Matthew also came down for a visit which was a lot of fun. We ended up getting about nine inches of snow and made the trek through the storm to Lawrence to watch the KU vs. Northern Iowa game. It was a lot of fun but wow the Jayhawk fans are passionate! It was quite the upset. Thanks for coming to visit Matthew!
I am heading out to San Diego and a cruise with Grandma, Savannah, and Mom on Wed! I am very excited for some warm weather and a girls weekend! We have been talking about doing a trip like this for several years and finally got it planned.
I am almost done with my 2nd internal medicine rotation and after that go on to do two months of family medicine; this year has just flown by! I am getting nervous about applying to residency and starting my 4th year soon. I am still on track to do pathology but you never know, I may still change my mind.
I am also looking forward to doing my rural rotation in Alexandria, MN for the month of July! It was officially confirmed this week. Hopefully I don't make too much a fool of myself.
Spring has sprung again in Kansas City and I could not be more thrilled! I would definitely not say this winter has been bad by any means in comparison to a winter in MN but it has been longer and colder than the past two. Ryan and I have spent our weekend doing the spring cleaning in our apartment and getting odds and ends done we have been putting off a while.
Last weekend we were able to go up to Minneapolis to participate in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation walk at the Mall of America with my little brother Joey and the rest of our family. Our team was named "Joey's Jawas" (Star Wars reference for those who don't know). I didn't realize the event would be so inspiring and stir up so many emotions. After the one hour walk around the mall, the 18,000 participants congregated in the atrium for the celebrationof raising 1.9 million dollars for Type I diabetes research. When they did a shout out to the mom's of kids with Type I diabetes Joey looked at my mom and patted her on the back before he gave her a hug. My mom and I both had tears in our eyes. It has not been an easy year for Joey and for him to reach out like that was neat to see. I can't imagine having to do the things he does every day especially at his age, I am so proud of his courage. Joey, you inspire us all! I am very happy we made the trek. It was also Peyton's birthday so we got to spend the night at the Waterpark for America as well, that place was packed!
Peyton and her friends were "arguing" the whole weekend over who is better for Bella, Jacob vs. Edward, and I found it very funny. As I was watching them I couldn't help but wonder what happened to that zest and goofiness I also had in middle school? As adulthood rears it's head, it's like we are supposed to conform more and more to societal rules. Maybe we change because of our increased responsibility, maybe it's because everyone else changes, or maybe it's just a part of life. All I know is it was refreshing to see their enthusiasm for life and the careless way they carry themselves. I believe that person is still there in all of us, we just have to find it.
As busy of weekend as it was, we were fortunate to not only spend a night at Savannah's awesome apartment but see some friends we have not seen in a while. Life gets busy and Ryan and I have reflected on how sad it is we don't see some of our closest friends anymore, and we don't even have any kids! Seriously though, thank you to all our friends who met up with us. Even if it was for a few hours, it is always nice to see all of you.
Ryan and Matthew with baby Lily!
I have started my second Internal Medicine rotation this month at an outpatient clinic. My experiences working in clinics until now have been sub invigorating. However, this one has been a lot of fun so far. I think my experience is different now because the doctor I am working under let's me have an active role seeing his patients and loves to teach. I am taking this month to hone in on my OMT and prescribing skills. One thing I really appreciate on this rotation is my preceptor's passion for health and advocating for his patients. He encourages every single one of his patients to exercise daily and eat a more healthy diet. In accordance with this, I have begun the 12-week healthy heart plan he encourages his patient's to do and that he and all of his partners follow. I encourage you to start this journey with me as well! The entire program can be found at Go Red For Women. I will keep you updated on how it goes.
Love ♥,
Raquel
P.S. Just because it's for women does not mean men cannot participate!
I have been working in a psychiatric ward for two weeks now. All I can say is it has been one crazy ride, no pun intended. I am currently working with a physician who specializes in geriatric (elderly) psychiatry and so far I am loving it. It is not a field I thought I would enjoy but there is something special about geriatric patients. They have the most amazing stories and are genuinely appreciative of everything you do for them, even if all you do is listen. Maybe I have not lived long enough yet but I feel my generation has grown up in a world where everything has been given to us. They speak of times of war, depression, long-term distance relationships, sickness, and poverty. Maybe when I reflect on my life as an eighty-five year old, I will realize that what we have endured is similar to that of our elders.
I also enjoy the variety of psychiatry. I have accompanied my doctor for nursing home visits, to the courthouse where she testified on a patient's behalf, and inpatient care. My doctor awed me when she was on the stand with the eloquence she presented herself with and the compassion she emulated for her patients. It is truly admirable. As much as I like it, I have had a difficult time reconciling the fact that regardless of a patient's actions, you must still treat them with utmost respect because they have a disease. I have been sworn at, had an entire jug of water thrown on me, and talked about dolls with their heads spinning and through it all I have to keep smiling. Psychiatry has definitely moved up my list of specialties I would consider doing, though pathology is still the front runner.
Ryan and I ventured up to Minnesota last weekend to watch my brother Mitchell play basketball. It was a very nice weekend.
Happy Valentine's Day! Ryan and I decided to get brunch this morning then we headed to Independence, MO, the hometown of former President Truman. We visited the Presidential library dedicated in his honor. Again, this did not disappoint. The history and background information is so neat to see.
Thanks for reading, until next time. ♥ Raquel
Currently Reading: The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry Listening To: History in the Making by Darius Rucker
So I know I have not blogged much recently. I have fallen into the swing of 3rd year rotations and it is no longer new but progressive. Does that make any sense? I feel more comfortable every day with what I'm doing. It's a strange transition from not having any idea what's going on to competence in the management and care of a patient. My head is no longer blank but full of ideas. I guess that is what is supposed to happen. I still have not decided on a specialty, but am leaning towards pathology. It's a long story I will save for another day. My next rotation is psychology at the veteran's hospital in Kansas City. I'm very nervous for this rotation as I do feel like I am jumping in deep water for this one. All I've heard is how great the experience is so I'm keeping an open mind.
In other news, Ryan is changing positions at Hallmark... again. He is transferring to the corporate offices in downtown Kansas City instead of Topeka. From what I understand his job will be somewhat similar to what he was doing in Topeka but will have a heavier emphasis on the engineering side of production. I am so excited and proud of him! Ryan, you deserve it, don't ever think otherwise. He will not be starting his new position for a few weeks as they need him to help make the transition smooth.
Ryan also surprised me one night I was at the hospital late (taking out an appendix) with my build-a-bear from Kacie dressed in a new outfit, surgical scrubs (I'm on my 2nd surgery rotation). I could not stop laughing. I have the best husband. I brought Buford (the bear) to the clinic the next day and my preceptor told me my husband must be whipped :) I told him I couldn't have asked for anyone better. Until next time...
Love ♥, Raquel
Currently Reading: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen Listening to: American Honey by Lady Antebellum (new album came out today!!)
Happy 15th Birthday! Each year that passes is another we have not shared with you here on this Earth. Recently the doctor I am working with and I had a conversation about you. He was talking to me about how babies like you do not usually make it long enough to spend any time with their families who love them dearly. I told him about a strong, beautiful girl I had the privilege of being the sister of so many years ago, You. I told him how though we only got two precious days with you, we would never trade them for anything. I told him how happy we were to hold you in our arms if even for a short time. A bittersweet memory. Happy we met you, sad you had to go, but also thankful you did not suffer and instead live in a Paradise we here can only imagine.
That doctor and I recently delivered a baby that may not live much longer. We talked about how even when all the right decisions are made, sometimes things happen with no reason why, but yet somehow still fit into God's great plan. I still don't know why God needed you up there with him and I may never know. Maybe that is okay, maybe it's for us to figure out on our own. I trust His judgment, though difficult to deal with sometimes. Our beautiful angel.
As another Christmas nears, I not only celebrate the birth of Jesus but yours as well. It is definitely a day to celebrate, our true miracle. I will never forget. As long as I live, I will keep your memory alive. Happy birthday my precious Riley. Your Loving Sister, Raquel
In memory of Riley Elizabeth Garcia, December 20 1994 - December 22 1994
I got home this morning at 6 AM, 24 hours after I left home for the day, in a sort of trance. On my mind was a family. A family that had patiently awaited the birth of a new member of their family all day long.
After the regular day events were over I headed over to labor and delivery to help the midwife and observe. We checked on the patient every couple of hours and the progression of labor was slow but sure. I found things to do but by 2:30 AM I was exhausted and the midwife told me to lay down for a while and she would come wake me up when it was time to deliver, little did I know how grateful I would be she told me to do this. I woke up to the alarm I normally set for Ryan at 4:30 AM wondering why she hadn't come to get me yet. I headed back out to the floor from the physician's lounge to a strange setting. I knew immediately something in the air was wrong. All the lights were off, an eerie buzz pervaded over, and there was only one person at the nursing station to tell me the events that unfolded in the two hours I slept. They never came to get me because things got ugly fast. I don't want to delve into details but in the end mom was okay and baby stabilized yet was being flown to another hospital. I witnessed the scary side of OB. A memorable, beautiful moment was stripped from this wonderful family. I will never forget the look of horror on my preceptor's face as he told me I was free to go. I understand that medicine isn't always pretty and that as a medical student we should see all angles of it. However, in this instance I was glad I was asleep, thankful I did not witness the traumatic event. I'm not going to lie and say this didn't scare me because it did. Could that happen to me? Scare may not even be a big enough word, terrified is more like it. I'm glad I had the day off today to sleep and clear my head as I'm not sure how I would have seen patients today in the mindset I'm in. I feel so bad about the whole situation, for everyone involved. I prayed to God last night to watch over that family and keep the baby safe. That's all I can do.
So sleepy. I was at the hospital yesterday for 19 hours seeing patients, monitoring women in labor, assisting with C-sections, and helping deliver babies. I'm finally doing what I have waited for. The ten year old in my old journals would have told you she wanted to be an obstetrician and since yesterday I hadn't given up on that.
Witnessing the birth of a baby is one of the most spiritual and intimate things I have ever been a part of. I was assisting in the delivery of a healthy baby girl at one in the morning today, 24 hours after labor started. After the birth, we put her on her mom's chest, content. Her dad's eyes were welled up with tears in complete elation over the beautiful creation he made with the woman he loves. I felt like an intruder on the special moment. It is such a gift to be a part of something so beautiful. However, I couldn't help but think that when I look back at this month of OB/GYN someday it will simply be a fond memory.
My doctor and I were on call last night and he missed his only daughter's Christmas program where she played the part of an angel. I'm not sure if this event led to our conversation this morning but he told me something that I cannot ignore. He told me that if I take any advice from him over the month it is to choose a specialty where I'm not required to sleep over at the hospital three nights a week. He said that the birth of a baby is a beautiful thing and in medical school the rush of it is there but when you give up your family life year after year, the novelty wears away and the regret sets in. Regret over missing the event's in your child's life. Regret that you're only home four days a week. I'm sure not every obstetrical practice runs the same but regardless the time commitment is great.
The average work week for OB/GYN residents in residency is 80 hours a week. In the prime of my life, I don't want to sacrifice family for my career. I have wanted to go into obstetrics since my little sister Riley passed away and I wanted to become a doctor to make a difference and keep her memory alive. As little as a month ago I felt that if I didn't go into OB/GYN I would be giving up my dream and letting her down. I have realized that she would be proud of me no matter what I choose to do in this life. People make change, not titles. I don't think delivering babies is what I'm meant to do. By not going into it, I will preserve my ardor for the miracle. I have every intention of working long hours the rest of the month to be a part of as many deliveries as I can and leave it content and with a greater appreciation for the field.
I have also found that as much as I try otherwise - I have the mindset of a nurse more so than a physician. I deliver the babies with the nurse midwives and am more attuned to the way they practice. This is even more true in the field of obstetrics. I have noticed the OB/GYN doctors are much more eager to get a C-section. As the midwife told me last night if you are not a patient person, you should not be in obstetrics. There were several times last night when we could have told the laboring woman forget it, we're done, time for a C-section but we didn't. We gave her the time she needed and the last hour went without a hitch and she delivered a beautiful (and apparently stubborn) baby girl. Maybe my philosphy will make me a better physician.
Ryan and I are having a Christmas/Bunko party at our apartment next weekend which will be fun and then the next weekend we are heading to WI for Christmas. I will post pictures and update soon. Hope everyone has a safe and blessed Christmas holiday. God Bless.
Love ♥ Raquel
Listening To: "Bad Romance" by Lady Gaga Reading: The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
I have not written in so long. I would attribute this absence to a culmination of writing a twenty page paper on the globalization of health care, two ten page written finals on health care law and policy, attending surgeries, and being on call the past 9 of 13 days. I do not mention this as a complaint but a mere statement of what I have been up to. I haven't posted any pictures either because for some reason I couldn't get them to upload.
As for my surgery rotation, I love it! I went into it thinking I had nil interest but I was wrong. I'm not saying I will be a surgeon as the hours and demands are high but I have a greater appreciation for the field. My preceptor has let me do a lot in the operating room with him. Every day he lets me do more to the point where I do (almost) all the cutting, suturing, tying knots, pointing out anatomy, and dressings. This blog is not for ones with a sensitive stomach but watching the peristalsis of the small intestine while holding the liver out of the way is so neat. Another patient had their entire stomach up in their chest cavity and I got to pull it back down, who does that? I just cannot get over how much fun I'm having. I'm sad its over next week, though I do get one more surgery rotation in January. Not only is the surgery rewarding but having a patient take your hand when you see them the next day and have them tell you how much better they feel and how thankful they are for what you've done makes it worth the effort.
I'm not on call this weekend so Ryan and I are decorating our apartment this morning and then we're going out to happy hour with some friends before heading to New Moon! It is so nice to have nothing to worry about with school and just enjoy the weather and weekend off. If you think we're decorating too early, we probably are, but not as early as last year. Ryan and I are heading to Minnesota for Thanksgiving next weekend and I want to come home to a decorated apartment. I'm very excited to go home and see everyone. Anyhow, sorry if this blog is a bore. I've been contemplating the purpose of this blog. I'm not sure if its for me, family, or what my theme is. Maybe it doesn't need a theme or target audience. I initially started it to remember everything that has happened that I can look back on someday. Maybe that's theme enough.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and God Bless, Raquel
Currently Reading: "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott Listening To: Revolution by Miranda Lambert (Rocking!)
I remember driving the non-air conditioned 1993 Volvo the 600 miles to my destination in complete solitude. The sun was blazing hot on the black leather seats, the windows down traveling 75 miles per hour. I was beginning a journey. A journey I had worked very long and hard to travel on; I was on my way to begin medical school. For the time being I had to leave behind the love of my life. I knew I would miss him and my family but also that the isolation from them was the best way for me to reflect and focus my attention. In parallel to my approach with most things in life, I was not apprehensive or nervous. I was merely excited, unaware of my naivety of the situation.
I have never felt I was a “natural” at anything, whether it was sports, academics, or arts. I persevered with hard work. Medical school presented a completely different challenge. I found myself in a pool of 250 of the smartest and most motivated people I have ever competed with. I was the underdog for the first time. Nothing has been more humbling.The enormity of information we were responsible for overwhelmed me. The night before the exam preparations were not going to cut it anymore. Another problem for me was the pace. I learn using endurance, not sprinting. Thriving off endurance while competing with a heap of sprinters in a 100 meter race doesn’t give much advantage, and I fell behind.
I would consider those first five months as a confidence swallowing battle that consumed every aspect of life. I was merely treading water, simply trying to stay afloat until the ship came. My ship rescued me in January and I began to swim again. My ship was my husband, Ryan. He is not the reason I began swimming again, but he gave me the will and purpose to. I do not think the curriculum of medical school got easier, but that I figured out how to manage it more efficiently. The race was now a marathon. Perhaps I adapted to make the game fit my strengths instead of playing it the way everyone else did. I had the advantage now; I knew how to run this race.
I was able to balance life again. I started to enjoy nature, I read books for my enjoyment, and I began cooking… Before I knew it, the first two years were over. I had gotten through it, though not entirely unscathed. I may have learned how to study more effectively, but progressively through those two years, life drained from me like a sieve. I did what I could to slow the process, but it’s difficult to completely prevent it. I would never do anything differently, however. The friends I have made are lifelong – we have a requited understanding of each other.
As the transition from the classroom to the wards has occurred, the life in me has slowly rejuvenated. I am energized by the patients yet plagued with the decision I must make in the next year on what specialty I want to go into. I hope the rotations will give me the insight I need to make the decision a natural one. The past two years have been a rollercoaster of emotions and tribulations, but I wouldn’t have it any different. Somehow I know this is where I was supposed to be, like some divine hand played a role. I am certain of it.
We have been very busy the past few weeks. We got to take a weekend trip to Boston with Tim and Cindy, went to an underground brewery with Joe and Angela, and carved pumpkins. I start my surgery rotation on Monday and I will be assistant on four surgeries! I have a lot to read up on this weekend. I am very excited for this rotation, mostly for the novelty of it. I doubt I will go into surgery, but who knows, maybe this will change my mind.
♥ Raquel
Listening To: All I Ask For Anymore by Trace Adkins
Things have been better around the hospital. I think I got unlucky my first couple of days with the negative interactions with nurses I had but I've found that the majority are very nice and good at what they do. I know the hostile nurses now and just avoid them. So far I am loving Internal Medicine, but not for the reason I thought I would. I thought I would like the diversity of patient cases but it's the patients I enjoy the most. Dr C gives me 3-5 patients to see on my own and he gives me all the time I need to talk to them and their families. By the time I am done I'm sure the patients are sick of all my questions! I am also surprised by how many questions of theirs I am actually able to answer. I am energized by being around people. I am also learning a ton, things are sticking so much better by applying them. Some things are difficult but I find that by holding a hand and voicing words of encouragement go a long way. I have the rest of this month in Internal Medicine with Dr C while I'm finishing my MBA classes. Next up is surgery... wow do I feel unprepared for that. Hopefully they're not too hard on me.
Ryan and I also just returned from WI for his Grandma Marian's funeral. I am amazed by that woman, she had her entire service planned from the readings and music to how she wanted her flowers arranged; she even wrote her own obituary. I was sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful lady, she had such a big heart. Without her, the wonderful man on life's journey with me would not be here and for that I am grateful. Thank you Marian for the love you shared and for always making me feel like I was part of your family.
May the angels lead you into Paradise. May the martyrs come to greet you on the way. May they lead you home to the holy city, to the new and eternal Jerusalem.
May the choirs of angels come to welcome you. May they take you to the arms of Abraham, where Lazarus is poor no longer, and there may you find rest, rest eternal.
Light eternal shine on You. May you rest in peace. Amen.
Maybe hostile is an exaggerated word, but that has been others attitude towards me the past couple of days in the hospital. I admit, I am a fresh 3rd year medical student, I don't know what the heck I am doing. I have loved every minute so far of my rotation in internal medicine. However, there is much unwarranted animosity directed at me. I felt sad today because I had two nurses scold me, one for simply sitting in the wrong seat. How am I supposed to know what the assigned seating at the nursing station is? I try to alleviate the strain by introducing myself and putting on a friendly face, but it is not reciprocated. I do admit it is probably difficult for them to have new medical students rotating through every month, it is just not enough time to acclimate. But, I have always gotten along well with nurses, I used to be one of them (at least a nurses aid). I even had a patient tell me she didn't like doctors because they are only in it for the money. I politely corrected her and said not ALL doctors are in it for the money, a pool I consider myself to be a part of. I think she felt bad afterwards as she apologized and we were able to talk on the same level thereafter. I was offended, though. I have done everything I can to be friendly, not be in the way or inconvenience anyone, and to lend a helping hand however I can. Maybe it just isn't enough. I have never believed in the hierarchy of the medical system. Everyone's role is important. Collaboration and not dictation. Any suggestions on how to lessen this tension and hostility? I want so badly to be liked and spoken to in a polite manner. I don't expect nor want to be hailed but I also do not feel that my wearing a white coat should preclude others to be rude to me, as I am not to them. I do understand, however, that it is impossible for me to get to know all 200 nurses working in the hospital in two months. Perhaps that is the crux of the problem and not me.
Besides that, I have loved working in internal medicine at the hospital. The fast pace suits me well. I like talking to the patients and letting them know I am there for them if they need anything and to put a smile on their face. My prayer for this week is for limitless knowledge capacity to always have an open heart. Oh, and that my preceptor sees me as an asset by the end of the two months and not a hindrance to his work. :)
What have Ryan and I been up to the past three weeks?
We attended a Royals game at Kauffman Stadium on a seventy degree evening outdoors, bliss. The Twins winning was just icing on the cake.
We went to the free Friday night concert at Crown Center and saw Jo Dee Messina perform. I got to go right up to the stage and get a picture. Kacie and Tessa, I didn't have the privilege of going under the stage and getting lost in VIP afterwards... ringing any bells? Haha!! She was very good, though the place was packed. All I have to say is don't mess with a redneck and their free concert, had to be there I guess...
Labor Day weekend in Minnesota at the State Fair. I wish I could say this was the best state fair experience I have had. However, I can't. I think the inability to walk further than one block in an hours worth of time, losing every member of our party at least once, and the gastroenteritis that pervaded the family that night and day afterwards made it memorable but not in a good way. However, the trip was worth it. I had questioned making the trip as I thought the time was not sufficient but as Ryan pointed out any time with family is better than no time. Always a man of words, my husband. :)
I got to spend a night at Savay's new apartment and I think Ryan was shocked to find someone even more of a neat freak than me - it has always been this way as Savannah will attest. Nanny, you have made quite the pad for yourself and I hope I can stay with you again soon. Ryan joked around with me on the ride home that someday when Savannah and I are menopausal and both married, we will still be sleeping together watching Felicity while our husbands sleep on the couch. I told him I hope that's the scenario. Don't get between me and sleepovers with my siblings, I cherish them more every time; even if it means taking turns cleaning up remnants of nausea through the night. Nothing better.
Thank you everyone for the hospitality and love. We hope to come visit again soon.
♥ Raquel (& Ryan)
P.S. I have taken a temporary leave of absence from Facebook in pursuit of other endeavors. I feel it will free up more time for reading books and exploring new and healthy recipes. I'm sure I will reactivate in due time when I am in withdrawal of picture updates. Capisce?
Ryan and Matthew with baby Lily!
