Living the Dream

Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T13:04:00.001-06:00

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.

Trip to Maymont

2011-07-03T14:33:00.009-06:00

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

VCU Headed to the Final Four

2011-03-27T15:13:00.003-06:00

@ 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.

Who is this Guy?

2011-03-26T06:43:00.003-06:00

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.

VCU in the Sweet 16!!!!

2011-03-25T15:52:00.000-06:00

Chocolates

2011-03-21T14:22:00.002-06:00

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.

Double Take

2011-01-10T14:42:00.004-06:00

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.

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-26T07:33:00.003-06:00

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..........

World Of Jenks | Ep. 12 | Black & Gold

2010-11-26T08:06:00.002-06:00

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.

Being Thankful

2010-11-26T07:23:00.002-06:00

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.

Management of Concussions Presentation

2010-11-26T07:19:00.000-06:00

Management of concussions

View more presentations from LeslieHutchinsMD.

Sunset with Brian

2010-11-06T14:53:00.004-06:00

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

2010-11-06T14:45:00.003-06:00

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.

Sporting the Letter Jacket.....

2010-10-19T19:50:00.004-06:00

Class photo during half time at the Cooper vs. Permian Football Game

Kelly, Shelana, Celeste, Nikki, and Me @ Half Time

....Hopefully more photos to come once my friends forward them.

Back Home

2010-10-16T13:31:00.002-06:00

So I set up my vacation time where I would be able to come back for my 10 year high school reunion. So I'm back in Abilene for the first time since my sister's wedding which has been ~2 years. I am also going to spend some time in Dallas visiting the sister as well as East Texas visiting my grandparents as well as my aunt and cousins.....then back to work.

Last night spent some time with my fellow classmates at the game.

Cooper beat Odessa Permian (for all those non-Texas folks aka "Friday Night Lights).

It's weird being back. You don't feel that much time has past, but the player and the band have new uniforms. Shotwell (the stadium) now has paved parking and the field is now Turf.

It's great seeing everyone. Our dinner is tonight and it will be neat to see where everyone has moved and what they are up to.

Of course I forgot my camera.......(I did pack post-call and barely made it to the airport in time). However, maybe some will post some of the pics on their facebook page and I can post those later.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Mileage

2010-09-18T12:08:00.004-06:00

My Pontiac Firebird hit 150,000 miles last Sunday. I hope it keeps on running for many miles to come. (crossing my fingers).

I decided to post this because I think a lot of people have misconceptions of physicians. Yes, I'm just a resident, but I'm looking at +160,000 in loan debt (~$500) I am having to pay off every month right now and the other $1500 a month I try to defer each year because right now I can't afford that and have a roof over my head at the same time.

Especially with Detroit and the auto industry taking a bust and everyone complaining how American cars weren't dependable, I use to say if my Firebird could give me just ten years I would be happy. We are past that now, and I pray everyday that it keeps on running. However, when we passed the 150,000 mile mark, she made me proud and I took a picture.

A Message to Garcia

2010-09-07T14:43:00.003-06:00

A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard is a story that is a motto to our neurosurgery department.

A Message to Garcia takes place at the time of the Spanish-American War, when the United States decided to join the Cuban revolutionaries. President McKinley wanted to send a message to General Garcia in the mountains of Cuba, stating that the United States would join his effort.

President McKinley asks a number of people if they would be willing to carry this message. However, he was met with responses such as "How do I get to Cuba and, once I get there, what do I do?" and "What do I do when I meet General Garcia?" The President couldn't find anyone who would deliver his message. All he encountered were excuses or obstacles keeping them from doing so.

Finally, someone said, "Mr. President, I know someone who will deliver the message; it is Colonel Rowan." Colonel Rowan was invited to appear, and President McKinley said, "I have a message that I would like you to deliver to General Garcia." Colonel Rowan said, "The message will be delivered," and walked out, not asking how, why, or when.

Thus, there have been multiple times when obstacles occur and I must figure out how to get the task done. Sometimes the task seems pretty much impossible.

However, Friday, one such task came across my plate. Again, I thought of the motto and with the help of others, got the task solved. Many of times over the last two years, no one seems to notice. They notice when it isn't accomplished. However, today, my attending did notice.

I got a huge bag of treats to share and a Thank You note on my desk. I took a photo, to keep on my phone to remember that people do notice. I swear, it made my day, and to be honest, it made my year. So, I will keep on.....keeping on with our motto, and never looking back.

Welcome to Boston

2010-08-01T18:22:00.003-06:00

So, this weekend I went to Buffalo for a Endoscopic Neurosurgery Conference, and I'm coming home changing planes in Boston. Much to my dismay, I have to go back through security to get to the terminal to catch my flight home to Richmond.

So I say to the Homeland Security Agent......I can't believe I have to go back through security, I have never had to do this at any other airport (not that I'm a frequent flyer but I have flown out of JFK, Newark, Ronald Reagan, Dallas, Atlanta, O'Hare, and Phoenix.....) & not once did I have to go back through. This meant, throwing away my water bottle. To my dismay, the agent tells me all the stuff "make sure you take off your belt and shoes....." Before he can't get much more out, I reply, I know how to go through security, I have had my fair share of traveling....just never been to Boston.

He grins and in the thickest Boston accent you can get he says, "well Miss, Welcome to Boston."

Four decades later, VCU doctor gets a special thank you

2010-07-23T16:52:00.002-06:00

Thought I would share the following newspaper article concerning my Chairman. I was able to meet Mr. Mason at our neurosurgery's grand rounds 2 weeks ago. Our grand rounds as well as the following article made me very proud of my Chairman, and an honor to be one of the residents he is training.

Bill Lohmann: Four decades later, VCU doctor gets a special thank you
By Bill Lohmann TIMES-DISPATCH COLUMNISTPublished: July 21, 2010

The first time Dr. Harold Young made Donald Mason's acquaintance, Mason was lying on a table with a hole in his head and death was a fair bet.
The scene was Vietnam, December 1969. Young was an Army surgeon and Mason a young soldier who couldn't get out of the way of an exploding grenade. His prognosis was poor, Young recalled.

Mason, in a coma at the time, remembers none of it.

Months later, Mason again found himself in Young's care at an Army hospital in Colorado, and still again in Kansas City. And then Young left the Army, and though Mason thought of the doctor often, he never knew Young's first name -- after all, there are a lot of Dr. Youngs across America -- and didn't know how to call him and say thank you.

That was until last Thursday when Mason, with a cane and a smile, walked into Young's office at VCU Medical Center and did just that.

"Fantastic, fabulous, glad, happy, proud. There's no words to describe it," Mason said yesterday of meeting Young as we sat in a conference room on the sixth floor of the medical center's Ambulatory Care Center -- the sixth floor, I might add, that has a name: The Harold F. Young Neurosurgical Center.

"To me," Mason said of Young, chairman of VCU's Department of Neurosurgery, "he's a hero."
Not many patients from his Army days have followed Young here, so Mason's arrival for a visit clearly delighted him. It's really quite something, Young said, "to see someone come back 41 years later that you treated in the jungle and has made something of his life and is grateful."
Mason's wife of 29 years, Donna, discovered Young's full name last month while combing through her husband's medical records and tracked him down through the Internet. They traveled to the East Coast from their home in Lebanon, Mo., to call on Young, to attend a reunion of his platoon in Connecticut and to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington.
"It's been quite the trip," Donna Mason said.

Don Mason, now 61, was a 21-year-old machine-gunner when his life changed forever. It was just after dark on a rainy night when the grenades started landing all around him in the mud.
"You'd hear a KER-THUD and then in a little while they'd go off," Mason said.

A medic, who later told Mason he "looked like a hopeless case," bandaged his buddy and put him on a chopper to Chu Lai where Young worked on him. His life saved, Mason's task turned to a long recovery from what has come to be known in more recent times as traumatic brain injury.
He has been medically retired since wartime. He has held occasional jobs but finds his brain doesn't function as it once did.

"I can do the job, but I have to do it in my own time," he said. "My brain, whenever I get too much in it, it's like overloading an electrical circuit."

His injuries have kept him from working, but not from doing good work. He volunteers for groups like the Red Cross, and he helped Donna oversee the establishment of a Fallen Warriors Memorial in their hometown. In addition to their kids, the Masons have taken in 46 foster children over the years, specializing in "failure-to-thrive" babies who have serious medical problems because of abuse, neglect or other issues.

"Most of them were [diagnosed as] unattachable and unadoptable," said Don Mason, "and every one of them learned to attach and got adopted."

The Masons adopted one of the children, a girl who suffered a brain injury before birth. But Don and Donna Mason know all about brain injuries, and they didn't give up on her. The child? She graduated from high school, got married and has children.

"This guy has nearly a lethal wound, yet he turns his life around," marveled Young, "and he's grateful and has given back so much.

"He's my hero."

Contact Bill Lohmann at (804) 649-6639 or wlohmann@timesdispatch.com.

So, my pager ended up kicking the bucket a little over a week ago, and I got a loaner pager until the page service got me a brand new pager.....(my 3rd in 3 years).

I made the comment that my pager went off so much last year, that I wasn't surprised that it no longer was working.

So the tech guy who fitted me with the new one, said we know how many pages everyone gets here due to billing purposes. Let me see where you are on the list for most pages in June.

So lets just say, even with my intern Jason helping carry the virtual pager for neurosurgery from time to time, minus the trauma doctors who carry the trauma pagers and get paged or alerted when traumas are coming in.......

I was the leading physician in the WHOLE hospital system for maximum pages.

The only people who beat me out were......"Radiology Transport Service".

Yes, I calculated, from the # of pages I got in June, it takes me ~2.5 working days to return them all, much less follow up on all of the demands from new consults to bowel meds.

No wonder I was in such a crappy mood......if you had your alarm going off like every other minute, I think anyone would be cranky.

However, no new records for me for the next three months. I just cover call every Thursday night so I'm not totally out of the line of fire, but at the VA I don't get nearly as many, and thus, I'm usually a lot happier.

Milestone

2010-07-03T10:46:00.002-06:00

So I made it through my Junior year of residency. That's a milestone in neurosurgery. It makes or breaks you, and there were many times I went home praying I didn't have a wreck since I was physically and emotionally exhausted and I could barely keep my eyes open.

Oddly enough it took 363 days for me to get a no hitter. That's where you don't get one consult overnight. I couldn't believe it.......I counted down to 6 AM rounds like it was New Year's Eve. Not one page from the ED or a medicine service who had admitted someone overnight. What a way to close out the year!

So now I am at the VA. I still have a lot of responsibility, but the work load is nothing compared to what it was last year. I will still be taking call every Thursday night, but for the time being, I am happy to have past the baton to the next Junior......

Happy Fourth!

The Trepanist

2010-06-23T18:52:00.001-06:00

The Trepanist from BikiTV on Vimeo.

I received the following email from the independent filmmaker Biki Kangwana and found his documentary interesting and decided to take him up on his offer.

I honestly don't know anything about trepanation. I have heard about it a few times. I have found ancient cultures and medicine to be fascinating. I once remember trying to read in detail the presentation of the neuro patients in the Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus and how the ancient addressed head trauma. From this video, I do find it interesting how there must be a low rate of infection and I'm interested to know how often they actually do arise with this practice and what type of medicines they use locally to reduce these risks? However, the rest of the information concerning how quickly the incisions heal as well as how the brain looks appears to be accurate when compared to my own experience. However, there isn't any footage of an actual operation, which personally I don't feel is necessary. The documentary does give us a glimpse of how they learned to deal with head injuries. I have enclosed the email, as well as summary he provided me with concerning the 10 minute clip.

Dear Leslie Hutchins,

I am a filmmaker working on a documentary on traditional trepanation which still occurs in rural Kenya. If you feel that this might be of interest to your network, please feel free to circulate the information.

Kind regards,

Biki Kangwana

The Trepanist

A hole is being carved into the skull of a man.

Sitting in a chair with his head slightly bowed, he watches his blood, flesh and bone collect into the bucket on his lap. Periodically, he will be instructed to walk to the pit latrine and empty the contents of the bucket. The hole is being drilled with an arrow-shaped tool, by a man with no formal medical training who does not use general anaesthetic. This is trepanation, the oldest know form of surgery, traced back as far as 6500BC and still practiced today.

This film is a conversation between cultures. Between the culture that depends on Mr Makori’s knowledge and a culture that considers him barbaric. The mediator in this conversation is context. A rich and layered understanding of life in rural Kenya will emerge from intimate, in depth character studies through the mundane and the morbid. We will witness the full spectrum of human emotion in a radically different setting.

Kisii, the district where Mr. Makori works, is a character in its own right. A highland region, elevated from the Lake Victoria basin, Kisii is blessed with frequent rainfall that arrives with thunder and lighting. This vast stretch of hills is lush and cultivated, with several rivers coursing the valleys. It is a deeply mystical place that demands a slower, more meditative pace of life and a sensibility and respect for the unknown.

Is there a doctor?

2010-06-05T07:45:00.005-06:00

So my husband works at Benedictine High School, who had their graduation last night. I'm in the unit this month, so all day, I was working to be on top of everything so I could leave by 6:30 PM to make it there by 7:30 PM. However, things happen like they always do and I didn't leave the hospital till 8 PM, putting in at least another 14+ hour day so I made it to graduation 90 minutes late. Luckily, Brian taking pictures for the yearbook (he is over that class) was downloading his photographs when I arrived so he showed me a seat that was open, and went back to what he was doing. Of course, I missed the speech by our governor, Bob McDonnell, which was one of the reasons I wanted to go, as well as spending time with Brian.

However, I guess tonight showed me God is always in control. I initially was upset, because my fellow resident taking call knew I wanted to make it. I never leave early, but I had told them the circumstances and how I wanted to get out in time. My husband had had a colleague reserve me a seat, which ended to be on the total other end of the gym than where I ended up. As I got into my car to drive from the hospital to the school after sending my husband a text that said pretty much sorry honey but I running late, I thought how this is how my life is probably going to be. My future kids will hate me for missing their sporting events, because something came up.....which always happens in my profession. However, I got over my pity party and got to the gym just as they were handing out degrees.

Thirty minutes hadn't gone by, than an older gentleman fell-out no less than 15 feet from where I was sitting. Panic hit the bystanders and people were calling for a doctor. Oddly enough, I didn't have any adrenaline go through my veins. I have had so many events take place this year that it doesn't phase me anymore.

When I first went into medicine, I always wondered if a situation like this would occur. One of my family members had had a similar event, more like a syncopal episode, and an Ob-Gyn came up to help out until EMS was called. I was in undergrad at the time, and had wished I had known what to do at the time.

I don't know what happened, but it looked like to me this gentleman had a generalized seizure. We kept him on his side until it was over, then I turned him over and propped him up on my lap with an athletic trainer's assistance to keep him from aspirating. A sweet lady was doing CPR motions, but I told her his pulse was good and that wasn't needed. He was postictal, (non-responsive) which is normal following a seizure and slowly came around right when EMS arrived. People were worried that he wasn't waking up initially, but I told them this was normal and just to give him time. A father, an ER doc, also came and checked on him, I told him what had happened, and he helped arrange EMS and what hospital to transfer him to.

It's hard being a doctor out of the hospital. When seizures happen in our unit, I have the nurses check vitals, check a glucose, get ativan (medication) to stop the seizures. I had none of that. It makes you appreciate the medical bubble I live in.

At most, maybe I helped keep the situation calm. I do know people where probably thinking....."how the hell is this 18 year-old looking girl" a physician. I might never be at the right place at the right time again, however, I think God had me there for a reason, and made me late on purpose. I hope the gentleman is okay, as well.

The Pager

2010-06-01T13:46:00.005-06:00

So across the nation, MS4's are making the transition to MD's and are graduating. Yesterday, marked my the anniversary of when I became a physician. (To be honest, I was so busy on call that I didn't even realize that until on my way home post-call from work this morning).

Starting July 1st, new Md's will flood our training hospitals and the first initiation is holding the on call pager. It didn't take me long to realize, that holding onto the pager was similar to the early elementary game of hot potato I use to play. "No one wants it!" So as soon as you get it, you pass it off as soon as you can.

As a medical student, I use to think, COOL.....I'm getting paged. Or a trauma came into the ED, I can't wait to go down and see it. However, I have learned as a resident the pages are endless. I can't sit down and eat without my pager going off at least once, and these aren't long breaks....usually 5-10 minutes max. I always get frustrated when I go to the bathroom and it goes off. I usually average 100-150 pages while on call. One day I had over 200, and I lost count.

I know longer think the pager system is cool. I think it is so 1980's anyway. Don't get me wrong. I love my job, "I'm Living the Dream". However, I think anyone who works 28 hours straight without a nap, without anytime to eat except on the run, and can't use the bathroom in peace would get frustrated from time to time about the little object that keeps them from having any peace and quiet. So, I have come to terms that this business is associated with the pager. Ultimately, at least for now, I will still have call at least once maybe twice a week, but if I can just get to July 1st, I will no longer be the Junior neurosurgery resident and will no longer be responsible for the "neurosurgery pager". I am more than happy to pass that hot potato to someone else. When I got it last year, I was eager, now more than ever, I am eager to pass it on.

My Green Thumb

2010-05-27T17:31:00.000-06:00

1/2 of my potatoes and shallots

They Hatched!!

2010-05-09T13:40:00.001-06:00

Updated Photos

2010-05-08T05:42:00.003-06:00

Brian and I were stuck in traffic and guess who passed us two weeks ago!

I never go shopping, but in the last four months I have purchased two pairs of danskos since I am on my feet sometimes anywhere between 14-18 hours a day......and 26+ hours on those call days. I splurged and got me this pair last week.

I found this Bird's nest underneath my deck this past week. I reached my phone above and it and took a picture and I was surprised to find three eggs.

My garden is growing now.....turnip greens are on your left, shallots on your right.

These are my potatoes in the front and snow peas in the back.

This is my bed full of onions and garlic.

I grew a handful of radishes as well, here are two of the varieties....the red one is as big as a half-dollar.

Counting Down

2010-04-24T11:31:00.006-06:00

Jason Koger Testimony

2010-04-03T14:57:00.008-06:00

A little over a year ago, I posted this clip from CNN concerning a gentleman named Jason Koger who was electrocuted by a down power line and ended up losing both his arms.

I was blessed with the privilege of communicating with him after my post.

I hope he doesn't mind, but recently he directed to me to the webside that Vanderbilt Hospital has set up for trauma survivors. He has a video clip of his testimonial that is also available on YouTube. Especially on this Easter weekend, his faith is an inspiration to me as well as others.

I will have a patient come back to the ICU every month or two to let us know how they are doing. I told one about a month ago I had told his wife I didn't know if he would make it the night he came in. There was another lady who came in September 15th, 2009. I will remember that date for the rest of my career because her neuro exam was very poor and I was afraid she had already herniated. However, I looked at her scan decided to do an emergent ventriculostomy (I was so quick I didn't realize she was still on the helicopter flight board so the flight paramedics were stuck waiting for me to finish my procedure before they could go). Six hours later, she started following commands and every 2-3 months now her sister calls the unit and tells the nurses to be sure to tell me thanks for saving her sister's life.

However, I'm the first to say, the patients are the true heroes here.

Their faith has always amazed me, and I learn from it daily.

Here is Jason's testimony. His faith is reflective in his story. I know he and his family have had to work hard in his recovery. He has served as an inspiration to me as well. He is in the works in starting his own foundation. I hope he doesn't mind me sharing his story again and I wish him the best. Most of all, it means a lot to me that he has kept me updated on his progress.

The Beginnings of My Vegetable Garden

2010-03-27T13:19:00.002-06:00

Snow Peas

Potatoes

Asparagus

Onions & Garlic

Under Pressure

2010-03-24T08:27:00.005-06:00

So everytime this song comes on Pandora Radio which is usually playing while my chief and I are operating, he looks at me and says....this is your song for the rest of your residency, and then he asks to turn up the volume until it is over.

However, it could just be me, but honestly the opening reminds me too much of Vanilla Ice with "Ice Ice Baby" (which I can't embed since it has been disabled by You Tube by request). To be honest, once the lyrics of Ice Ice Baby go into my head, it is really hard to think about "being under pressure" which is probably a good thing.

Funny

2010-03-20T11:32:00.003-06:00

So this past week we were performing an operation which only required the patient to have conscious sedation and not general anesthesia, so they are awake for the procedure, however, the anesthesiologist gives them pain medication as well as medication to help them relax.

I had one of the cutest patients ever.

She kept asking the anesthesiologist resident to either scratch her nose, lip or leg throughout the procedure because it was itching. When we were finished and I was taking down the drapes, I heard her say "good, now I can itch my boob because it was itching but I couldn't ask the doctor to scratch that."

Then while walking to recovery she was saying hello to everyone we passed. She then said, "I try to be nice to everyone....I think everyone should be nice to each other". Then the anesthesiologist said, "well, unfortunately not everyone is as nice as you are." She then said, and unfortunately my professionalism was not there because I started laughing after she said this.... "well those not nice people can just go straight to hell."

Rock Band for Xbox

2010-03-18T16:41:00.002-06:00

So this past Monday, one of our attendings had the neurosurgery residents over to her house for dinner, a review session, and some time to hang out away from the hospital. At the end we ended up playing on her children's x-box. I took a turn at the drums, however, I did record two of my fellow residents at the microphone singing. I figured it would be too mean to post the video's here, but I am hanging onto them for their Roast at graduation...

The Messenger

2010-02-20T07:14:00.004-06:00

I have a hard job. It's physically demanding, sometimes a I swear on a day that I'm on call I probably walk 3-5 miles in the hospital going back and forth between the ED, ICU, floor, and seeing consults. It's mentally exhausting too, their is so much information I realize I don't know, I'm trying to make an effort to read when I get home no matter if I just finished a 14-16 hour day which is the norm. And then there is the emotional side. I pray every morning for my patient's and their families. Yesterday, I had to do one of the hardest things ever asked of me. One of my patient's family members asked me to call her mother and let her know how sick her daughter was and that they we had medically done everything we could do, but they were going to respect her wishes and were going to remove life support. So I call her mother and let her know since she, due to limitations, could not make it to the hospital. She goes on to tell me this will be the third child that she has lost. She makes me promise to go into her daughter's room and tell her that she has and she will always love her and that she was her baby girl. So, I go into her room, hold her hand, and tell her the message that her mother entrusted me with. As I did, I had a tear run down my cheek. It reminded me of the advice my mentor gave me earlier this year when I had asked him about crying in front of patients/families. He told me he still did every couple of months and that I should begin to worry when I couldn't.

JFK's Arrival at Love Field

2010-02-20T07:10:00.004-06:00

My grandmother's first cousin Ward was in the news recently. He filmed JFK arriving in Dallas at Love Field on the day of his assassination. He used an 8 mm color camera to document his arrival and recently donated the footage to the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas. It was all over the papers and the internet secondary to the museum releasing the footage. I thought I would share the footage on my blog as well.

Covered in Snow

2010-01-30T16:29:00.000-06:00

2010-01-30T14:46:00.003-06:00

Snow

2010-01-30T14:21:00.002-06:00

So, I have the weekend off, but I'm stuck inside. It's snowing, at least somewhere between 8-10 inches by now.

Thursday I was walking through the hospital, which parts are currently under construction and one of the construction workers does a double take when I walked by. I thought he looked familiar, and he calls out, "hey you, you're the one who sewed up my finger." I reply, "yeah, I remember, last spring I did, you crushed it while moving a large table while on the job."

He shows me his finger that I had helped the plastic resident repair and he said, you guys did a great job. I reply back, "it healed a lot better than I would have predicted; you can't even tell it was injured as bad as it was."

For a moment there, it felt good to see someone I had helped get better last year, especially during my month of consult intern where I felt I was the jack of all trades and the master of none when I was seeing all consults for plastics, burns, face, general surgery, surgical oncology, cardiac surgery, and urology.

I will try to upload a video later of Molly playing in the snow.

Sinkhole

2010-01-05T16:14:00.005-06:00

It is a New Year, 2010 to be exact. I have made it 1/2 through my Junior year. At my program, it is thought to be the hardest year of residency until your Chief year.

So for the first time since July, we started rounds at 6 AM. Yes, 30 minutes later than we have for the past year. This means, I got to set my alarm for 4:45 instead of 4:15!!!! It also means, I was lucky enough to miss this large Sinkhole which became problematic at my exit ramp about the time I usually arrive to work...however since rounds were a whole 30 minutes later, my car failed the excitement of having its alignment readjusted.....

Sinkhole News Clip

So since this month, I'm operating except for when I'm taking call which is anywhere from every fifth to every sixth night (not to shabby), I was able to go home for the first time before 6:30 PM since July of last year. Actually left around four, but unfortunately walked out to my car and what should appear....a flat tire. Of course, isn't it ironic. The one time I get out early....or maybe I should look at it that at least I got out early so I made it to a tire repair shop in time to have them fix my flat. Needless to say, talking about missing sinkholes, getting off early and seeing you have a flat tire, the songs of all songs that fit today popped on the radio on the way to the repair shop nonetheless.....

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

2009-12-25T09:43:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-11-22T03:27:00.002-06:00

I must say, my babies: Watson, Molly, and Tiger are three reasons I get through many days. Especially when I am working nights, all three of them climb into my bed and sleep with me during the day when Brian is at work. Here a few photos I have taken on my i Phone, but haven't had the chance to load up until today.

Watson at Brian's sink

Fall Leaves at our old house

Tiger & Watson found a temporary hangout spot

Molly playing in the leaves when I was loading up my car.

Molly, Watson, & Tiger in bed with me under many blankets prior to our move

(We had packed up our comforter, etc)

Richmond Sunrise from the hospital

Vacation

2009-11-04T12:58:00.003-06:00

So Brian and I are officially first time homeowners. We closed on the 28th of October. I took my vacation week (Monday morning till this Sunday at noon) off to help with the packing and moving.

I am exhausted, however, here are a few pictures ... the white picket fence is growing on me.

Deer

2009-10-25T17:56:00.004-06:00

Molly was barking at the back door, and I found four deer and snatched a quick photo before they ran away. I am going to try to get some photographs of the beautiful fall leaves as well. The autumn color pattern is breathtaking.

Post-Call

2009-10-12T02:20:00.003-06:00

So, I crashed fast asleep in the bed.

When Brian came home he asked me what I wanted, and if hamburgers would be okay for dinner.

I responded, yeah hamburgers are good......and when you get a chance would you check on the aneurysm patient for me.

Brian's response......yeah, okay.....get some sleep.

5 Weeks of Nights

2009-10-03T09:25:00.003-06:00

After a long hiatus of night float, I am back on days. Yes, I am celebrating the fact that I have 1 & 1/2 days off until I have to go back in. Honestly, I haven't had more than 24 hours off a week for the past 5 weeks and it does wear you out. So I am enjoying my time off. I am going to hop in the shower, take a nice afternoon nap until Brian comes home, maybe go out on a date or cook dinner this evening, and for the first time in a month and a half, I plan on going to church since my call schedule doesn't have me working on Sunday morning. Plus, I need to go to the store to stock back up on the necessities of life: toilet paper, laundry & dishwasher detergent, and last but not least Dr. Peppers.

Brian and I are in the process of buying a house. We are pre-approved, and hopefully will be able to financially if my student loans don't scare the underwriters. So keep us in your prayers concerning this process as well. I think I am going to try to start packing a box a day. I think that will be a good effort on my part. Plus, I am going to get 6 days off in November so I am going to try to get most of the move in then.

I will try to be better and write more....

Short Term Memory

2009-09-08T14:36:00.002-06:00

So, I was rounding on my ICU patients early this morning, and one asks me....."Is today Tuesday." I pause trying to remember what day it is secondary to the holiday weekend and she says....."I'm glad to see I'm not the only person with short-term memory problems."

Sleep Talking

2009-08-29T08:41:00.004-06:00

So pretty much at least once a week I say something stupid to Brian in my sleep pertaining work.

He recorded me once with my i-phone , making the comment "I need the microscope to see the closure."

This last time I was telling him he needed to follow-up on some labs and a chest x-ray on a patient.

He thinks it is hilarious, I think I work too much! However, I will be working nights for the next month, and I am actually looking forward to it.....I will be working less hours, and it will be a lot easier for me to escape once I sign out. (For example, I didn't get out of there yesterday until 10:30 PM....luckily I have today off).

So since I work so much, one of the coolest things that has happened for the last couple of days has been this frog waiting for me at my doorstep. He was there 3 out of the last five days I came home. Probably hanging out since the light attracts bugs, but nonetheless I thought I would post his picture I took on my phone.

Weekend Off

2009-08-09T15:16:00.005-06:00

So, I got two days off, and Brian and I decided to head to Washington D.C.

We first stopped the National Museum of the Marine Corps, which was awesome. I loved the layout and it would be a good place for anyone to visit. The actually had a graduation ceremony scheduled in the afternoon so Brian and I planned our visit perfectly.

We then went on to Washington D.C. where we visited the National Portrait Gallery as well as the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

We then had dinner at Legal Sea Foods prior to checking into our hotel. I indulged and had a dinner of Alaskan King Crab. Brian dined on Surf & Turf: steak, shrimp, & scallops.

Best of all, Brian got tickets to Barack Stars, a Second City Production (Alumni of Second City include Tina Fey, Bill Murray, etc). It was the last weekend of the show, and it was just what I needed, I hadn't laughed so much in such a long time.....my cheeks actually hurt.

They had a wax figure in the lobby of Barack. Here is the closest I will ever get to the president.....okay.....its actually a wax figure of him.....

Less than 12 more hours, and then back to work for another 12 day stretch........

My 1st Butternut Squash

2009-07-26T08:13:00.003-06:00

Me at the Scrub Tank

2009-07-14T18:01:00.003-06:00

Took a quick pic of my new loupes at the scrub tank before a case. They remind me of the time when I was younger and put on my Grandy's reading glasses.

My Garden

2009-06-14T15:59:00.005-06:00

Onions

Snow Peas

My first squash

Japanese Eggplant

Zucchini

Hot cherry peppers

Broccoli

One of my first tomatoes

A baby cucumber

Henricus Historical Park

2009-06-14T10:33:00.008-06:00

So we went to Henricus Historical Park where Brian works on the weekend. Here are some pictures....

Nathan holding a baby frog.

A coffin in the infirmary.

Hospital beds

Tobacco hanging in the tobacco barn.

A butterfly

Buttercup the pig

The blacksmith shop

Canoe

Josh looking over the James River

Copperhead

2009-06-09T18:14:00.003-06:00

So last night, I was on call at the VA and had to be in house. My mother-in-law calls me that my father-in-law was out with my brothers-in-law & sister-in-law out hiking behind my backyard and caught a snake that ended up biting him on his thumb. She calls me wanting to know the # for poison control because his finger is swelling and both me and Brian are at work. I get on the phone and get connected through VCU and within minutes they call me back telling me they told him to get to the VCU Emergency room since his wrist is already swelling. In a matter of minutes, I have the nurse from poison control letting me know she already gave the ED the heads up. I have the third year ED resident paging me as well letting me know they have heard and will be on the look-out for him when they arrive. The poison control lady says there are only three poisonous snakes in Virginia: the Copperhead (which bit my father-in-law), a Rattlesnake, & a Water Moccasin and they are all treated with the same anti-venum. So my father-in-law spent the night in OR in observation and had to receive anti-venum and had his blood work followed.

To make matters worse, Josh, my brother-in-law, said the snake was found only 20 feet from my back fence.....yeah, with the recent sub-division going up they are pushing them out of the forest....

Amputee gets new hands

2009-05-20T19:34:00.001-06:00

I saw this video on CNN and found it interesting and thought I would share.

ICU

2009-05-20T19:10:00.002-06:00

So today I got an email from the residency coordinator in neurosurgery that was sent to me and my co-resident Alison inquiring about our June schedules (which I don't know yet) for the Neuro ICU nurses. The are hosting a special event in June and want us two to be their special guests, I guess in anticipation for next year! I love the Neurosurgery ICU nurses and many have said they look forward to us starting. I can't wait! I will keep everyone posted on what they planned following the event!

Oral Boards

2009-05-17T11:12:00.004-06:00

So despite me not being a general surgeon I was subjected to mock general surgery boards this past Thursday.

My first interview consisted of several cases. My last one ended up with me covering on night float a a post-operative day #4 from a Abdominoperineal resection secondary to rectal carcinoma patient, who ended up having a massive PE, and coding on the CT scanner table and me having to do an emergent open pulmonary embolectomy. When it was all said and done, I asked myself...."was that really an intern level case?"

Then my second interview was with none other than the model for the character Hawkeye in the TV series M*A*S*H. Between cases he offered me neurosurgery/career advice. Then, when my twenty minutes was up, I changed out of my suit (thank goodness I don't have to wear those everyday) and got back into rounds for trauma like I hadn't missed a beat. I am thankful that I won't have to do those for real for at least 10 more years.

Reptiles

2009-05-05T18:29:00.004-06:00

Well after finding snakes in my garden 2+ weeks ago, I found this little fellow among my snow peas. I kept him to show Brian who was at work and then we let him go in the trees behind our house.

Trauma

2009-05-03T13:28:00.003-06:00

Starting my trauma rotation in the morning. I can't believe this year has passed by this fast. I am less than two months until I'm finally a Neurosurgery resident and no longer an intern. I'm ready for the change. Of course it isn't a giant change. Kind of like going from your Freshman year in high school to your Sophomore year. You are not definitely not an "Upper Classman," but at least your not a FISH.

I'll try to update more often...

Home Team

2009-04-10T17:14:00.002-06:00

So after having spent 4 weeks on Child Neurology (getting the chance to see a lot of Pediatric Neurosurgery as well), I am now on my 4 week rotation back in Neurosurgery. It was actually my first rotation this past July, and being back where I started reminds me again about how much I have grown. I love the nurses on 11W. Many of them have asked me what I did to get back in the trenches. I tell them I don't know, that this year, both the Neurosurgery Interns rotate twice on the floor. But I get the feelings, most of them are excited that I am back on the floor. I had one tell me yesterday she liked me, because I actually talked to them and was concerned about how they were doing. So, I apologize life has been too busy to post. I posted my recent presentation I gave for Junior Basic Science Lecture for the General Surgery Residents. One of my attendings that I think a lot of was there from Neurosurgery which did make me a little nervous to help with the Q&A session afterwards, but he said I did a good job which made all the work worthwhile. With the rest of my free time, I have been working at getting a more elaborate vegetable garden up and going this year. Last year, I grew tomatoes. This year, I have already planted onions, cabbage, and broccoli. I have a few more I hope to plant following Easter, or once I think we have had the last of the cold weather. Sorry for the ramblings, but that has been my life since the last post.

Basic Science Lecture Prestation

2009-04-10T17:07:00.000-06:00

The Physiologic Basis Of Surgery; Chapter 21: Basic Neuroscience

View more presentations from LeslieHutchinsMD.

VCU beats Duke in 2007....

2009-03-19T17:10:00.002-06:00

Lets cross our fingers for a VCU beats UCLA in 2009! Even President Obama's Bracket has VCU with the upset! We will all see tonight!

Exploring a Medical Career

2009-03-14T15:37:00.002-06:00

Exploring A Medical Career

View more presentations from LeslieHutchinsMD.

Power points

2009-03-14T07:32:00.003-06:00

So, I have to present Neuroscience for basic science in less than a month as well as another intern conference in two months, so I decided to post the power points and presentations I worked on last semester to my blog. I will try to make an archive of them all.

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors

2009-03-14T07:27:00.000-06:00

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors

View more presentations from LeslieHutchinsMD.

Initial Management of Spinal Cord Injury Power Point

2009-03-14T07:24:00.000-06:00

Initial Management Of Sci

View more presentations from LeslieHutchinsMD.

Scrubbing In

2009-02-28T02:49:00.004-06:00

So last night there was a neurosurgery emergency case that went towards the end of my Surgical Consult Night shift. After I got all my ducks in a row with all my other consults I had seen, I made my way to the OR.

I peaked my head in, and my Neurosurgery chief saw me.

Hey Leslie, you want to scrub in? OF COURSE!!!

So I got to first assist my chief the whole time, and not only did I get to help, he helped teach me good OR technique. (I realize that being a general surgeon for the last 8 months had actually made rusty on neurosurgery techniques). However, my chief told me they all had missed me and wanted to know when I was coming back on service. I said it was like sometime in April I thought.

Of course the case ran over the time my shift had ended, but I didn't care. My chief had even said I could go home if I wanted to. I told him he had to be kidding, I was finally doing something I was interested in, I wasn't going home. Plus it only ran like one hour over so I was work-hour compliant.

After that, I could not go to sleep. I called Brian and I called my mom. Finally, I was doing something that gave me the butterflies in my stomach. It reminded me why I decided to go into neurosurgery in the first place.

Just thought I would share the excitement with everyone else.

My Nightly Snacks on Night Float Have Been....

2009-02-26T09:02:00.006-06:00

However, I am so busy, I think I have lost weight.

Night Consult

2009-02-18T06:25:00.003-06:00

Sorry it has been such a long time since I have posted on here. Thanks for all those who still keep checking up on my life! I flew down to Texas and spent time with my family and friends. It was really great to see everyone, and really helped boost my spirits.

I am back, and I'm on Surgery Night Consults. Basically it means my life sucks. I am at the disposal of the ER residents as well as the other services in the hospital. Basically, I am the first one paged for a new consult in Urology, Plastics, CT Surgery, Peds Surgery, General Surgery, Surgical Oncology, or Emergency General Surgery. Doesn't seem like a lot, but like last night....when I am hit with 5 consults in 30 minutes, 2 of which should have been followed up on during business hours (before 6 PM when I come on) it makes me get in a "pissy mood".

Don't get me wrong, I love helping patients, and according to my Step 3 (I was able to log into my score report and see that I passed this morning) even though I aced the sections on initial work-up, history & physical, diagnostic studies, diagnosis, and clinical intervention....it is not my responsibility as a resident to work-up ER patients.

Thus, I have seen a lot of interesting things. Have been way too busy. But I only have 2.5 more weeks of night float to go, and then to the wonderful world of Neurology with hours of 8 to 5!

Zoe

2009-02-03T07:14:00.003-06:00

One of my fellow interns created this and pasted it on facebook.

I ended up being Zoe, and will take that as a compliment!

What Sesame Street character would others label you as?

Chia Pet

2009-01-22T08:01:00.003-06:00

What I will be inheriting when I come off of vacation & become the Night Float Consult Resident.

Technology

2009-01-21T20:33:00.003-06:00

So yesterday, most of us tuned into the Inauguration. At the same time the White House Website was loaded.

It is nice to see a president who is more aware of the advances in technology and willing to incorporate them in connecting more with the American public.

I remember in high school, AOL messenger was the big thing.....my cell phone was only for vehicle emergencies (like the time I got a flat tire) and email was practically unheard of.

When Brian and I were first dating and he was in California once of his telephone bills one month was $1000. No one would dream about a bill like that now......not with free long distance with cell phones.

During college, I discovered dialing up for your Internet was no longer, and web pages loaded up fast with a thing called Ethernet. I can still remember Brian getting Cable Internet connected up in his apartment, and me thinking why would you pay extra for that, but now I could never go back to dial up.......

So now, I keep in contact with my close friends through email and facebook. I am able to blog over the Internet and any of my friends and family can tune in when ever they get the chance. I am due for a new cell phone (our plan ends in early March) and I am able to google and look up academic papers online from the convenience of my home instead of searching the library bookshelves.

Technology has changed drastically, all in a matter of 10-15 years. I am glad this administration is embracing it because I believe that implementing and understanding the technology at our fingertips is what is going to keep the USA as a world leader, but it is also what keeps us united.

Earrings

2009-01-16T10:39:00.000-06:00

One of my VA patient's made me these!

Vacation

2009-01-15T13:29:00.002-06:00

So, for some odd reason the General SurgeryProgram here at VCU gives you 4 weeks of vacation all at once. I am into my fourth day and I am bored out of my mind. I am cleaning the house because my landlord has decided to do an inspection prior to him being sent to the middle east. I also have some studying to do for Step 3 which I am taking on the 26th & 27th. I am then flying to Texas to visit family & friends. Not much of a vacation....but I am looking forward to seeing everyone.

One Year Older....

2009-01-13T06:08:00.001-06:00

Holiday Season

2009-01-04T14:54:00.003-06:00

I can't believe the holiday season has already come and gone. I currently have one more week at the VA on general and vascular surgery and then I will have 4 weeks of vacation time!!! In which I plan on taking my Step 3 and visiting my family and friends as well.

My parents were able to visit and really liked the area and said it reminded them of Ruidosa, New Mexico.

I believe the next couple of weekends we will have MS4's interviewing for neurosurgery positions. I am glad that at least that part of my life is over. The match can be such a stressful but exciting time for medical students.

I hope everyone the best in 2009!

My parents are flying in tomorrow!!!!

2008-12-21T07:17:00.001-06:00

I can't wait to see them!

Talking In My Sleep

2008-12-18T03:31:00.002-06:00

So I have been working really long days this week, and the night before last I came in ate and fell fast asleep. When Brian came to bed I guess he woke me up, and I told him half-asleep...."I already put the orders in". I could hear him laughing and just realized what I had said, and then I say...."I dreamt I put the orders in". I rolled over and fell asleep.

Learning Curve

2008-12-12T06:55:00.009-06:00

There is a learning curve to internship. I would say it is when you learn to master about 80-90% of the tasks that come your way. There is always going to be 10-20% of things that are new, that you don't feel comfortable managing and either you do but feel it is necessary to go up on the hiearchy as a formality or either for assistance. I am coming to the half-way point in internship. I hope I don't jinx myself, but I feel the peaking. I am ready to be dedicated just to neurosurgery. Thus, I have decided to countdown to July 1, 2009! So far it looks I have 200 days left.

clickURL=http://www.countdownclockcodes.com/&clickLABEL=MySpace Countdowns&flashLABEL=Countdown Clock Codes&skin=http://www.countdownclockcodes.com/cd/ccc-countdown/skins/3d32.swf&text=Leslie%20is%20no%20longer%20an%20intern%21%21%21%21&untilColor=6724095&textColor=0&datesColor=0&year=2009&month=6&day=1&hour=6&minute=0&second=0&x=6&y=77" quality="high" bgcolor="#ffffff" width="300" height="200" name="countdown" align="middle" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" />

Lost Patients

2008-12-03T06:11:00.002-06:00

"SHOW ME A MEDICAL STUDENT WHO ONLY TRIPLES MY WORK AND I WILL KISS HIS FEET." Law #11 from Samuel Shem's book The House of God

So one of my fellow interns told me about a medical student that was sent to collect vitals on the patient prior to the team rounding with the chief. My colleague says he got a page from the medical student five minutes before rounds stating.....I am here on the 8th floor of West Hospital (the administration hospital) and there are only offices here....no patients. My colleague then says, no the patient is on the 8th floor of the Main Hospital on the West Wing.

MANGROOMER® Electric Back Hair Shaver

2008-11-28T01:56:00.005-06:00

So I was looking through all the circular adds yesterday, and Bed Bath & Beyond had this in its circular.......is it me or getting someone an electric back hair shaver considered appropriate for Christmas? Maybe it could be considered an expensive white elephant gift?.......

Thanksgiving

2008-11-24T14:43:00.002-06:00

Urinating

2008-11-19T11:11:00.003-06:00

So prior to most surgeries a foley catheter is placed to collect urine during the operation. Some of these are removed by the circulating OR nurse after surgery while others might be left in depending on the length/extent of the operation and whether or not the patient will be able to bounce back rather quickly after the operation. Thus, as interns and surgical residents, we often decide a couple of days following the surgery when to remove these catheters and allow the patient to void on their own. Sometimes, patients are unable to do this, and requires either temporarily cathing the patient to remove the urine or placing another foley catheter and trying again in the future. Yesterday, I got check-out to follow-up on a patient whose catheter had been removed. Usually the patient needs to urinate 6-8 hours after the removal of the catheter or sooner depending on the amount they have diuresed. One thing, I never say before but made me laugh more than ever was a new nursing student tried the old "hand in warm water slumber party prank" on one of my patients who was having difficulty urinating. I guess it worked, that patient urinated. No telling what I will see next....

Failing Business

2008-11-17T06:39:00.006-06:00

So, my go to website is usually CNN, and I saw this story this morning which focused on 7 different businesses that have filed for bankruptcy. This one surprised me the most....

Mother's Cookies

Founded: 1916

Closed: October 2008

I loved these as a child, they served them at day care. I even purchased a bag or two recently before moving to Virginia. Business must be bad when the circus cookies go bankrupt.

Vampire Mode

2008-11-15T10:22:00.002-06:00

So starting Monday, I go on nights. I will be sleeping during the day and will be covering the surgical patients mostly on the floor, but some ICU patients as well.

Veterans Day Is Today!

2008-11-11T13:41:00.002-06:00

Thanks to all who have served and are currently serving our country.

(Including my wonderful husband)

Country Doctor

2008-11-08T14:35:00.004-06:00

(Dr. Ceriani after the loss of a patient)” by W. Eugene Smith

I never appreciated this photograph like the way I do now......

Change has come....

2008-11-05T04:50:00.002-06:00

Brian and I woke up at 4 AM, got lost and found the high school to vote by 5:15 (stood in the rain), voted by 6:30 (~87 & 88 in line) & by 6 AM the line was ~500 long (it was still raining).......

For all you non-Virginians I had someone knocking on my door every weekend for Obama. I must have received 5 fliers & 10 mailings in the last month as well.

In the end, Virginia went blue!

Now comes the hard part......getting the economy back on its feet.

Patients

2008-11-02T12:42:00.003-06:00

Before this year, I loved tumor patients. Thus, the reason I decided to go into neurosurgery. However, this year I have had a lot of experience with spinal cord injury and those patients have also stolen a spot in my heart. However, most recently it has been the patients with Parkinson's Diease.

Every Thursday there is Movement Disorder Clinic at VCU in Neurology. To be honest, it is the day I look forward to the most in Neurology Clinic. I have fallen in love with the Parkinson's Patients as well. I had at least two ask the Neurologist if they were going to get to see me the next time they visited. Jokingly and without hesitation, he said not unless you want a hole drilled in your head.

That's why I'm in this for the long haul....the patients.

Molly & Autumn in Virginia

2008-10-24T16:35:00.004-06:00

Our neighborhood....walking to the park with Molly

Walking trail in our neighborhood

Elevator

2008-10-23T17:32:00.003-06:00

I never wrote on my blog about this, but this past month I was in the elevator at the VA one night I was on call. It was about 2AM in the morning and I was going up to the MICU to check on one of our patients when the elevator broke. It stalled somewhere between floors 2 & 3. I pressed the emergency button and thought to myself.....wouldn't it be nice if this elevator was broke and I was stuck, and therefore could no longer answer pages and would be able to turn my pager on vibrate and go to sleep on the elevator's floor. Unfortunately, the operator answered and the elevator became unstuck within 10 minutes.......the things you wish for when you are an intern.

Neurology Vacation

2008-10-22T18:37:00.002-06:00

So, I just started my second rotation in Neurology and I already feel like I am having a vacation. Yes, I'm working the average 40 hour American work week, but it is so nice to not be so exhausted when I come home, that I actually can offer to cook dinner. (Sloppy Joes tonight and Tilapia was yesterday). I guess it gets hard, for the last four weeks I was pushing the 80 hour work we have now. Some of the older doctors will say back when they were coming through they were clocking 120+ easily. In some way, I don't feel it is any easier on us......Last month I pulled 30 hour shifts every fourth day and honestly, didn't get the chance to sit down unless I was sitting at the computer placing orders. Covering 8-10 ICU patients plus 20-30 floor patients and all General Surgery/Vascular Surgery consults from ~6PM at night until ~6AM in the morning means NO REST. Yes, my chief was at home taking home call, but it is your job as a fellow physician to handle everything you can yourself, and call them with updates. While I am complaining there was one day, I don't think I ate a solid food item my whole shift. I literally felt so sick the next day, I couldn't eat when I came home until I had slept it off. I have 7 more years of this at the salary of $10 an hour. So for right now, I am enjoying the American dream of taking walks with my husband in the late afternoon and grocery shopping before the hours of stocking shelves, and being able to see daylight as I drive myself to and from work, and taking cat naps when I get home.

Rehab

2008-10-20T19:16:00.002-06:00

So I was on my rotation at the VA and we were rounding on our patients late one afternoon, and my chief says to one.... "It looks like you might be a good candidate for rehab." The patient looked at us and said, "the last time I was in rehab, I MESSED UP." We all looked at each other and starting laughing, No, No, not that type of rehab, physical therapy rehab.

Brian's New Love

2008-10-09T19:13:00.000-06:00

Abilene

2008-10-07T17:56:00.003-06:00

Well, I traveled to Abilene this past weekend to attend my sister's wedding which was as beautiful as the bride. It was great getting to see everyone again as well. I can't wait to post some photographs from the event. One thing I realized while in Texas, I miss the trees of Virginia. Our backyard is like looking into a forest. There are squirrels, bunnies, and I have even seen deer walking across the street a block or two from my house. It makes coming home relaxing. However, Texas is where I still consider home and I do miss it.

The funniest thing that happened at Amber's wedding was while all the bridesmaids were sitting down while pictures were being taken prior to the ceremony Amber had a word of advice. As she stood in front like a teacher speaking to a class of children, the first key to getting married is to "find yourself a man". I thought that was hilarious. She wrapped it up on a more serious note....."that man should love God more than he loves you"......I'll end my post on that.

Cadaver Lab

2008-09-29T16:05:00.002-06:00

So, I'm now at the VA covering the General & Vascular Services. Taking call every fourth night. Post-call today to be exact. However, I got to leave early, and participated in another cadaver lab. I really enjoy them, got to do a total inguinal hernia repair from start to finish last week. Practiced more technique on suturing today. To be honest seems like only yesterday, I was stuck down in Anatomy Lab studying away, and it has been four years already. Man does time fly by.

1972

2008-09-28T04:02:00.001-06:00

Got the idea from Cameron's facebook!!!!

SNL Tina Fey, Sarah Palin

2008-09-25T17:15:00.001-06:00

Chesapeake Bay

2008-09-20T05:55:00.002-06:00

Descrition of Internship

2008-09-13T11:40:00.003-06:00

So I should be working on my presentation I have coming up on Thursday, but I was catching up on my friends' facebook pages and how they described their "intern jobs" and got a chuckle and thought I would paste a few of the comments.....

Working my a$$ off constantly.
"Little Doctor"
"Low man on the totem pole"
"Consult B#)(@*"
"Floor B#)(@*"
"Scut Monkey"
Slave
Like being a monkey.
I save lives. Mostly the lives of innocent and adorable children because the thought of a child scared or in pain is more than I can bear. Sometimes I save the lives of grown-ups or small woodland creatures.
Pretending to be a doctor until it actually feels real that I AM one.
Back to the bottom of the barrel

You Thought I was Joking

2008-09-06T07:10:00.002-06:00

My mom set me a care package filled with Refried Beans & Rotel Tomatoes.

Let's just say, I'm making tacos today!

(Some of my home grown tomatoes are on top)

Living the Dream

Thanksgiving

Trip to Maymont

VCU Headed to the Final Four

Who is this Guy?

VCU in the Sweet 16!!!!

Chocolates

Double Take

Winter Wonderland

World Of Jenks | Ep. 12 | Black & Gold

Being Thankful

Management of Concussions Presentation

Sunset with Brian

Some iPhone Photos from My Vacation

Sporting the Letter Jacket.....

Back Home

Mileage

A Message to Garcia

Welcome to Boston

Four decades later, VCU doctor gets a special thank you

Popular

Milestone

The Trepanist

Is there a doctor?

The Pager

My Green Thumb

They Hatched!!

Updated Photos

Counting Down

Jason Koger Testimony

The Beginnings of My Vegetable Garden

Under Pressure

Funny

Rock Band for Xbox

The Messenger

JFK's Arrival at Love Field

Covered in Snow

Snow

Sinkhole

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays

Happy Thanksgiving

Vacation

Deer

Post-Call

5 Weeks of Nights

Short Term Memory

Sleep Talking

Weekend Off

My 1st Butternut Squash

Me at the Scrub Tank

My Garden

Henricus Historical Park

Copperhead

Amputee gets new hands

ICU

Oral Boards

Reptiles

Trauma

Home Team

Basic Science Lecture Prestation

VCU beats Duke in 2007....

Exploring a Medical Career

Power points

Intramedullary Spinal Cord Tumors

Initial Management of Spinal Cord Injury Power Point

Scrubbing In

My Nightly Snacks on Night Float Have Been....

Night Consult

Zoe

Chia Pet

Technology

Earrings

Vacation

One Year Older....

Holiday Season

My parents are flying in tomorrow!!!!

Talking In My Sleep

Learning Curve

Lost Patients

MANGROOMER® Electric Back Hair Shaver