On Being a Patient

Well readers, here is an update on what it is like for a surgeon to be a patient. I just got out of the hospital myself. The offending culprit for causing my admission was a kidney stone. And yes, the pain is as great as described in the textbooks. However, I am happy to report that modern analgesics can alleviate that pain. I suppose that the discoveries I made are mostly related to the technology and its benefits and non-benefits. I never realized that the automated IV pumps have motors that are so loud that they prevent sleep. Also, the accompanying alarms are sufficent to potentially cause seizures in someone who has auditory seizures and maybe even in some normals. Naturally, the physician and nursing care that I received was superb - what else would you expect when you are admitted to the hospital where you practice, on the floor where most of your patients are treated, and you know everyone. I have never understood the tendency of some health care providers to avoid their own facilities in favor of so calle privacy. I'll take superb care anyday. Since I already know how great the staff ay my hospital ECMC is anyway, why even think about anyplace else! While I would not describe my hospitalization as pleasant, I would say that under the circumstances, it was as good as to be expected. My room was cleaned regularly, the linen was clean and changed as needed, the nurses were attentive, the diet was as prescribed. Yes, I am glad to be home. JTE.

A Bonus Day

Well today was what I call one of those bonus days. A day when you get to do something really worthwhile. As the President-elect of my Medical staff, I got to make a presentation of a check for over $10,000 to the Food Bank of WNY. The Food Bank is a really great charity and I was proud to be able to help lead the organization to donate. See you on the other side. JTE.