March 29, 2024

My supervising physician just showed me the CV, with picture, of today's applicant for clinic manager.

My God, she's gorgeous!

I told her: "She's hired!"

BTW, yes, she is qualified. Years of experience in the field as an RN, and medical administrative experience on top of that. All that and she looks like Naomi Watts.

March 28, 2024

I'm working at our small town clinic today, way out on the Kitsap Peninsula. It's so nice and quiet here.

It's my second time working here. It's slow, pleasant, unhurried, and I can more or less spend as much time as I need to with a patient, without constantly worrying about having to move on to the next exam room and the next patient.

The manager at this clinic used to be a Medical Assistant with whom I worked nearly twenty years ago before I left for PA School. So it's been nice catching up.

I could get used to this.

Yeah, it's a long drive out from Puyallup, but it's worth it.

March 23, 2024

Did another fitting the other day. Tried on all my tailored clothing items. Not much more progress.

Still, I was easing into my old workout routine at the urging of Mrs. Aristus. Not too much too soon, she asked. She doesn't want me to have a heart attack.

But I'm done easing in now. Today, I increased both my cardio time, and the maximum weight lifted per workout. I ended my routine feeling pleasantly tired, but not exhausted. So I think I'm taking it at the right pace. I hope so. I plan on ending my dry spell sometime in the next month. (And man! Am I looking forward to hoisting a few with my beloved Loungers on Friday nights again!)

I think by stepping up my game, I'll see some faster progress in fitting back into my suits and sport coats.

I'm so grateful for your words of support and encouragement. You are all very dear friends.

March 16, 2024

Man, do I hate it when patients second-guess my diagnosis.

A guy came in yesterday with an open and shut case of bleeding hemorrhoids. Classic risk factors, classic presentation.

“Nah,” he said, “I don’t think it’s hemorrhoids.”

“Well”, I responded, “it could be a case of rectal polyps. I’ll need to do a digital rectal exam to know more.”

“Ugh! No! I don’t want that again!”

“You’re bleeding down there. I need to figure out why.”

“I had a colonoscopy five years ago, and they gave me a clean bill of health.”

“That was five years ago. A lot may have changed since then.”

“No. I don’t want the exam.”

I gave up. I ordered an occult blood test for him. I prescribed standard treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids. It’s up to him if he wants to adhere to the treatment plan.

If his occult blood test is positive, I’m going to refer him for a flexible sigmoidoscopy. But, man! Coming in for medical advice and then dismissing that advice out of hand seems like such a waste of one’s time. It was sure a waste of my time.

March 3, 2024

I was in the room while Mrs. Aristus watched "The Blue Beetle."

I cast a glance at it now and then. Looks like Susan Sarandon has decided to lean into the whole ‘evil, selfish rich lady’ thing.

March 1, 2024

Modern Automated Electronic Defibrillators all have one significant drawback:

When you hit the test button, it bellows: "STAY CALM!"

Now, how can I stay calm when you're bellowing at me "STAY CALM!" like Darth Vader?

Can't you just whisper it? Or maybe say it in Kathleen Turner's voice, or something?

We're already all on edge a little here...