It's been awhile since I have posted.
I have been working 24/7 this year, but I still enjoy my job!
I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Sunday, July 03, 2011
Trip to Maymont
Last weekend, Brian got home from his trip to see his family. I had finished my morning rounds on the VA service, so we decided to go to Maymont on a date to visit the gardens. Right when we were finished, I got called back to the VA for a STAT neurosurgery consult, but nonetheless, Brian and I had a good early afternoon together. Brian took all the photos....so I can't take credit for them, but they are beautiful.
Brian & Me in the Japanese Garden.
Flowers in the Italian Garden.
@ the Petting Zoo
Sunday, March 27, 2011
VCU Headed to the Final Four
@ the 9:00 minute mark Coach Smart refers to Kansas having a 44% odds of winning a title vs. VCU's 0.9% chance. He quotes the movie Dumb and Dumber. Well, VCU's odds just got a little bit higher after the defeat of Kansas. Good job to Shaka Smart and his basketball team! Too bad I'm on call at the hospital next week for the Butler game.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Who is this Guy?
In November this past year, we got an email that instead of attending our weekly Neurosurgery Grand Rounds, we were going to crash the Department of Surgery Grand Rounds. Dr. Neifeld, the Department of Surgery Chairman, is a fan and supporter of VCU Basketball. He had organized for Coach Shaka Smart, the Head Men's Basketball Coach to lecture the residents and faculty on "leadership and teamwork". The email sent out defined the outline of the talk:
- Define philosophy of teamwork both on and off the court
- Outline how we apply leadership principles within our jobs, and how we strive to develop leaders among our student athletes.
- Describe how our world of leadership and teamwork might relate to those at the health system.
To be honest, I was a little skeptical. Who is this guy? How can basketball relate to surgery? What can this new coach teach me?
However, 10-15 minutes into his talk, Coach Shaka Smart had my attention. He was frank, honest, and had the attention of all the residents and faculty. I could see why he was invited to speak to us. Thus, his recent run and his team's ability to make it to the Elite 8 doesn't surprise me.
He touches a little bit on leadership of his team in the following news clip following the victory over Florida State. He has strong leaders on his team, in fact, he has a team of leaders.
VCU has Kansas, which is a big hurdle nonetheless. But this recent run in the NCAA March Madness tournament shows the rest of the country what I witnessed first hand at our Surgery Grand Rounds.
Coach Smart has potential, is not only a leader himself, but is able to create a teamwork atmosphere and make leaders out of his players. Thus, he has gone from who is this guy and why is his team in the tournament???? to a household name in the last 2 weeks.....
He has a promising career ahead of him.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Monday, March 21, 2011
Chocolates
So, I am on my last two weeks out here at the VA. (I do have to come out and rotate in June, so honestly, I'm not completely finished with my PGY-3 year).
Today, I had one of the worst headaches this morning. We were closing, and I scrubbed out to grab me some Motrin.
When I got to my desk, I had a box of chocolates and a note stating that one of my patients in spinal cord injury had wanted them given to me.
Let's just say, it turned my "frown upside down".
Back in January, I had met this patient. I was in a bad mood that day. All the demands of my job can be very daunting. He was so inspiring that I just was uplifted when I came out of his room. I told him, I think we needed to operate. It would make him better, and with his determination, he would get better. I remember him saying, "you know what is best, whatever you say."
Since his surgery, I check on him weekly, and sure enough....he gets better every single time I see him. He is determined to walk, and if anyone could, he has the heart and the determination to.
However, the box of cholocates was covered with a picture of flowers and a bible (which means a lot to me since I'm always missing church because I work all the time).
On the box of chocolates was a scripture:
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live...and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25-26
Once again, my patient made my day. He reminded me again why I do this job and in his own way he let me know I have been a witness to others concerning my faith.
Today, I had one of the worst headaches this morning. We were closing, and I scrubbed out to grab me some Motrin.
When I got to my desk, I had a box of chocolates and a note stating that one of my patients in spinal cord injury had wanted them given to me.
Let's just say, it turned my "frown upside down".
Back in January, I had met this patient. I was in a bad mood that day. All the demands of my job can be very daunting. He was so inspiring that I just was uplifted when I came out of his room. I told him, I think we needed to operate. It would make him better, and with his determination, he would get better. I remember him saying, "you know what is best, whatever you say."
Since his surgery, I check on him weekly, and sure enough....he gets better every single time I see him. He is determined to walk, and if anyone could, he has the heart and the determination to.
However, the box of cholocates was covered with a picture of flowers and a bible (which means a lot to me since I'm always missing church because I work all the time).
On the box of chocolates was a scripture:
"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live...and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." John 11:25-26
Once again, my patient made my day. He reminded me again why I do this job and in his own way he let me know I have been a witness to others concerning my faith.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Double Take
So currently, I am rotating through the Richmond Veterans Hospital.
I was down in the spinal cord injury checking on a patient. I was walking out to the lobby when I heard "Hey Doc!"
I looked up, there was one of my old patients.
I replied, "almost didn't recognize you without your wheelchair....you're walking now....look at you!" In the same sentence I saw he was in his Indianapolis Colt's jersey. I replied, too bad about your team.....
He said, "I know...."
He introduced me to one of his friends...and said, "This was the Doc that made me better, if I ever break my neck again, I want her operating on me". I blushed.....
I do remember him. I remember the fact that he wanted me and only me to do the surgery. Which is quite unusual. Some patient's only want the attendings, but not him. I remember consenting him for the procedure. He could barely sign his initials.....now he was walking.
So after we talked about the past weekends football teams, we parted.
However, I took a double take, and watched him walk down the hall.....I couldn't believe it, but it was possible.....he was in fact walking.
I was down in the spinal cord injury checking on a patient. I was walking out to the lobby when I heard "Hey Doc!"
I looked up, there was one of my old patients.
I replied, "almost didn't recognize you without your wheelchair....you're walking now....look at you!" In the same sentence I saw he was in his Indianapolis Colt's jersey. I replied, too bad about your team.....
He said, "I know...."
He introduced me to one of his friends...and said, "This was the Doc that made me better, if I ever break my neck again, I want her operating on me". I blushed.....
I do remember him. I remember the fact that he wanted me and only me to do the surgery. Which is quite unusual. Some patient's only want the attendings, but not him. I remember consenting him for the procedure. He could barely sign his initials.....now he was walking.
So after we talked about the past weekends football teams, we parted.
However, I took a double take, and watched him walk down the hall.....I couldn't believe it, but it was possible.....he was in fact walking.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Winter Wonderland
Mom & Dad are visiting for Christmas. Had a wonderful day with them yesterday. Saw the movie True Grit which I recommend highly. We then celebrated Christmas Dinner and it began to snow even harder and I awoke to this Winter Wonderland picture this morning. I took the photographs from my second floor office, and as you can see, I still have procrastinated getting the newspaper. I'm waiting for everyone to get up so I can fix breakfast!! Anyway, I wish everyone a happy holiday season!
The newspapper in the driveway..........Friday, November 26, 2010
World Of Jenks | Ep. 12 | Black & Gold
World Of Jenks | Ep. 12 | Black & Gold
My mom asked me to watch this documentary on Herschel Sims, a running back for Abilene High School. Even though I bleed Red & Blue (Abilene Cooper High School), I must commend this young man. World of Jenks is a show on MTV where filmmaker Andrew Jenks spends time with individuals from all walks of life.
The last episode of the season is about Herschel Sims, a star running back for Abilene High School. It talks about the struggles he has undergone in his life, and how he has overcome them.
If you have 45 minutes to watch, I would recommend it.... Just click on the link above.
My mom asked me to watch this documentary on Herschel Sims, a running back for Abilene High School. Even though I bleed Red & Blue (Abilene Cooper High School), I must commend this young man. World of Jenks is a show on MTV where filmmaker Andrew Jenks spends time with individuals from all walks of life.
The last episode of the season is about Herschel Sims, a star running back for Abilene High School. It talks about the struggles he has undergone in his life, and how he has overcome them.
If you have 45 minutes to watch, I would recommend it.... Just click on the link above.
Being Thankful
I am a day late with this post, Thanksgiving was yesterday. And yes, I got the day off and spent it with my husband eating and baking!!!
On Wednesday, I cried for the third time in my residency career with a family. To be honest, I don't cry that often. The last time I did was on Christmas Day last year. I do pray though. I pray every morning on my way to work. I pray for my family and then for my patients. I pray for God to be there when I fall short and to be with them and their families.
Last Christmas, I went back to the resident room and called my dad. I had gotten off early and was talking to my dad this last Wednesday as well as I drove into the Walmart parking lot to buy some last minutes odds and ends before Thanksgiving.
God must have been listening because....
I was in the nut and dried fruit aisle and there was a full basket sitting there, with no owner around. It had bread at the front of it, so this lady pulled up in her scooter and asked me where I had gotten it. I was ready to say it was not my basket but I could show her where the bread was when I noticed it was one of my patient's spouses from the VA. I showed her the bread aisle and she went on to say how wonderful a physician I had been and her husband was somewhere up at the front of the store.
I remember when he had come in. Sometime in the evening hours, but I had stayed up there all night pretty much. The family had asked me to pray with them, I do remember that. I remember thinking in my heart it could go either way and to be truthful I wasn't optimistic.
However, I saw my patient while checking out. His wife said, this is Dr. Hutchins.....she is the neurosurgeon that took care of you, operated on you, and saved your life. He grinned from ear to ear.
We don't usually see the good outcomes. Sometimes their families will bring them back to the unit to visit, but they rarely remember that part in their hospitalization.
Only God could show me through others, I have a lot to be thankful for.
On Wednesday, I cried for the third time in my residency career with a family. To be honest, I don't cry that often. The last time I did was on Christmas Day last year. I do pray though. I pray every morning on my way to work. I pray for my family and then for my patients. I pray for God to be there when I fall short and to be with them and their families.
Last Christmas, I went back to the resident room and called my dad. I had gotten off early and was talking to my dad this last Wednesday as well as I drove into the Walmart parking lot to buy some last minutes odds and ends before Thanksgiving.
God must have been listening because....
I was in the nut and dried fruit aisle and there was a full basket sitting there, with no owner around. It had bread at the front of it, so this lady pulled up in her scooter and asked me where I had gotten it. I was ready to say it was not my basket but I could show her where the bread was when I noticed it was one of my patient's spouses from the VA. I showed her the bread aisle and she went on to say how wonderful a physician I had been and her husband was somewhere up at the front of the store.
I remember when he had come in. Sometime in the evening hours, but I had stayed up there all night pretty much. The family had asked me to pray with them, I do remember that. I remember thinking in my heart it could go either way and to be truthful I wasn't optimistic.
However, I saw my patient while checking out. His wife said, this is Dr. Hutchins.....she is the neurosurgeon that took care of you, operated on you, and saved your life. He grinned from ear to ear.
We don't usually see the good outcomes. Sometimes their families will bring them back to the unit to visit, but they rarely remember that part in their hospitalization.
Only God could show me through others, I have a lot to be thankful for.
Saturday, November 06, 2010
Sunset with Brian
Last weekend, Brian and I went out to eat on Saturday since I was on call on Sunday. (I escaped Halloween night and handing out candy). We spent the evening at a restaurant about 3 mile from our house called The Boathouse since I found a coupon in the local paper for $10 off. Anway, we had a wonderful time. Afterwards we sat on the lake for 15 minutes, enjoying the sunset.
It is interesting. A lot of people will ask me about Brian, especially a lot of people at VCU who I work with. They probably wonder what type of man is supportive to have his wife gone at least 70-90 hours every week. All I can say, I am very lucky. Whether it is date night or doing a TV marathon of all the shows we missed all week off the DVR, we try to enjoy the time we do have off together. Brian usually will have supper ready or I will bring something home. He also pretty much does the routine housework, unless I have a day off and the energy to be Mr. Clean. Again, I am lucky to have such a best friend.
Besides Brian, I have my family as well as some close friends and mentors, and most importantly my relationship with God. That is really how I do it day in and day out. Otherwise, I couldn't. My job is just that physically and emotionally demanding.
But the main thing I have learned in my profession, you must enjoy each and everyday you have. So even if you go even more than I do, be sure to take a break every now and then, especially with your loved ones, and enjoy the beauty God has blessed us with....enjoy the sunset.
Some iPhone Photos from My Vacation
My Grandparent's Okra....maybe because it was so dry this year, okra grew well in my garden as well.
Nana by the okra
Grandy in his Diesel
Blue Boy stays in the truck at the farm to keep him from chasing all the farm cats.
I strike a pose at my high school reunion....for all you wondering, I look exactly the same pretty much except now I wear glasses since I work such long hours my eyes wouldn't support contacts.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)