Epiphany 2-24-11

This week has been one of the most stressful weeks at the clinic.  We switched to new machines and everyone is trying to learn how to use all the new machines.  Even though the new x ray machines are more high tech and extremely efficient, they add more stress upon the workers of my department.  I felt like everyone was just tired and over worked because for 3 days all we did was train and when they came back they were filled with patients and surgeries. [F]  Today we had a total of 16 surgeries and 31 patients overall.  It was one of the busiest days I have ever witnessed.  I was constantly on my feet and trying my best to help out.  I assisted in 3 surgeries 2 wisdom teeth and one implant.[D]  I was beginning to get stressed and felt the pressures of being over worked.[A]  Towards the end of the day I just wanted to get out of the hospital because I was simply overwhelmed.  This feeling didn't last long because our last patient and surgery was a real re assuring experience.  At first I was tired and worn out until I started a conversation with my patient.  He was a real nice, sweet old man and he won over my sympathy.  We enjoyed a friendly conversation as we waited for Dr. E to enter the room.  In that time period I was able to rediscover myself.  No matter how much stress I went through or how hard I worked at the end of the day it was all worth it because i am able to do what I have always wanted to do…help others who are in need.  Our last patient was a nice eye opener for why I was so interested in the medical field.[A]  We live in a world that is spiraling down a pathway of self destruction.  We forget that each and every one of us is human even though the skin color is different or our appearance may differ, but we are all the same.  We have to learn to forgive one another and HELP others, not bring them down, not discourage one another.  It's important that we do our best to help others and that's what I learned today after talking to my patient.  Within him I saw all the good that people possess.  Now most of you guys may think I'm crazy or that I'm being cheesy but I had a real eye opening experience and now I'm sure that I want to go into the medical field and help people like the patient I talked to today.  I hope you all have one of those moments at your internship and are lucky enough to appreciate these rare moments.[A]