Hey folks-
Another busy, busy week. I got to have the experience of taking a night of call with the rest of the resident team on Tuesday. And I thought call was tiring in my first language! I was definitely completely exhausted on Wednesday (call is 7am Tues until 3pm Wed); I even slept through my alarm and missed tae kwon do 
. But overall I got to have a really unique experience and hopefully was helpful on their busy night. I have been learning how to do admissions under their system, and I even copied down a case for a future Morning Report (watch out Dukies!). I spent most of my time in the NICU. They were explaining to me that since they can’t do TPN (IV nutrition) they have trouble saving babies much under 30 weeks gestation. As a comparison for my non-doc readers, in the US we can save little ones that have been in the oven about a month and a half less than that, albeit with complications. The residents and attendings are great; it was just sad to work with these little munchkins knowing that something we take for granted in our system may be all they would need to have a better chance. I also got the chance to help with some procedures, like placing an OG tube as an umbilical venous catheter (8Fr) and doing endotracheal suction on the ventilated kids.
The residents here are super! Not only are they very bright and dedicated, but they have been really accepting of me and friendly. I went out with a couple of colleagues after work on Thursday, and will be going to the beach with a group this weekend. We share a lot about the differences in our systems and management strategies between the two countries. I really really wish that some of them could come to Duke so that they could have a similar experience.
Fun experiences during the week:
1- Admitting a patient whose address was “2 blocks north of the Texaco”- see my previous posts about the address system here, but it made me wonder what they will do when they build another Texaco??
2- Watching a lizard scurry up the wall during tae kwon do class (held in an outdoor courtyard in a colonial building here in downtown)
3- Going to a Friday night movie for $2.50 !!! (Robin Hood just came out here)
4- Watching little kids feeding the pigeons in the hospital hallways (Peds is on the 4th floor and windows have to stay open for ventilation)
Enjoying hearing from all of you! Please let me know if there is something you are wondering about or any questions- I am always looking for more ideas of interesting things to write!
Abrazos- Kristie
Posted by Valerie on August 7, 2010 at 7:42 pm
Hey Kristie,
I am really enjoying reading your blog. I am fascinated by your experiences, and I love that you maintain your sense of humor.
The NICU must be heartbreaking. I’m sure it’s never an easy place to be, even under the best of circumstances. I was 30 weeks on Monday, so your description really struck me. It is hard to believe how much I take for granted with our system.
I love the address system! I’m thinking of ordering return address labels that just say house at the end of the cul-de-sac. Mabye I’ll get less bills.
Keep up the great work, and the great writing.
Posted by doctoramanzanaverde on August 8, 2010 at 5:50 pm
Awww, thanks Val! It really means a lot to me that you are reading and enjoying the blog- I am having a lot of fun with it! Woe, only a couple of months left huh?? So exciting!!!! I can hardly wait to meet the new munchkin!
And that sounds like a great bill reduction strategy…
Hasta luego- K