What is going on with this world?

Ok, so there are many things to talk about.

1. I am finished with Neurosurgery. I had a great time with the guys. We all had very similar personalities and got along well. They treated me well, too. But, it is nice to not be on call anymore for the next few weeks. In short, I am on anesthesia right now. Basically, I walk into the OR and put the tube in the patients' airway for the case. Not a bad gig considering I have no call or weekend responsibilities.

2. I am going to San Diego this coming weekend to present a paper I wrote on Head and Neck Cancer. I am going to try to go to the Zoo. Otherwise, any ideas for what there is to do?

3. Some bone-head Orlando, FL Representative (D) made a bone-head comment yesterday. He said that the Republican Party's health care reform plan is "Don't get sick." That's it. Oh, I cannot believe I almost forgot the other bone-head comment, [if you do get sick,] "Die quickly." I know that's how I feel as a Conservative in the health care field (sarcasm, of course). I mean, seriously? What jack ass would actually say that at the US House of Representatives? Only the Democratic Party could produce someone as intelligent as Alan Grayson to enlighten all of us on how we, the majority, feel about health care.

4. A couple of friends of mine, Neil and Jenna, are getting married in November. Unfortunately I have my week of vacation the week after, so I cannot make it. That sucks.

5. My cousin Kristin and her friend Yosh are coming to Tampa for a 1/2 marathon in November. I decided since they are going to come all the way here as my first visitors, the least I can do is attempt to run this with them since this is an easier month. I started training last week. I am embarrassing. I will give you updates shortly.

6. I am thinking of getting a mountain bike or kayak when funds are sufficient. Right now, I am saving for a kitchen table. Priorities. It will probably be after Christmas when I can afford this.

Ryan

Updates

Hello all,

I am now finished with my month of general surgery and am coming to the end of my first week of neurosurgery. I miss general surgery for a few reasons: 1. I actually had a clue what I was doing, 2. The other intern and I were actually good enough to get responsibility which resulted in learning how to take care of patients (isn't that what we are supposed to be doing every rotation?), and 3. I got to do a procedures.

Some procedures I got to do was place central venous lines which is basically a big IV but in one of the major veins, place arterial lines which are used to monitor respiratory status in really sick patients, and I even got to intubate someone which is where you put a tube in their airway to hook up to a ventilator to help the patient breath.

All in all, it was a good month. Now, I am on neurosurgery. I feel retarded to say the least. Honestly, the 4th year medical students that want to go into neurosurgery know more than I do. I think that they accept we don't know much, but I still don't like feeling like such an idiot every day. Oh well, it is only one month.

Next month I am on anesthesia where I get experience managing airways. The airway is a big part of ENT especially in emergencies. We are the ones that get the glory of cutting someone's neck when they cannot breath in an emergency situation. Plus, the first week of that rotation I am going to San Diego to present a paper that I accepted for publication on head and neck cancer. It will be a nice few day vacation plus a nice way to build up my Curriculum Vitae.

Other than that, the apartment is taking shape. We have a new chair and side table. We sold our coffee table and will get one that matches. All that is really left is to get a kitchen table and chairs. No new fishing stories since I have not had any time to go. Maybe this weekend since I get a day or two off!

On a political note, I hope that all of us can stand up to the coercive bullying that is going on in the White House and the media.

Keep in touch everyone!