Elective Week One

I have now finished my first week at Bundaberg hospital. I am under Drs. Jenny Crane and John Chapman. We have had what they describe as a heavier than normal week. We've had a few departures, and a lot of getting to know some great people. These Docs also cover the oncology ward, so that has been thrown in serendipitously. I have some experience with my work at the Breast Centre on the diagnosis side of cancer. This is more the management side. Most patients have already seen an oncologist in Brisbane, and are having the treatments in Bundy, as it is closer to their homes. I have been impressed by the staff here, as they are all very generous with their time and willingness to explain things. I also keep a little notebook by my side at all times, and write down unfamiliar things to look up later. So my evenings are spent in AccessMedicine and MDConsult (the Dr.'s versions of Wikipedia). Thankfully the rate of trying to push things into my brain has slowed, and instead I am getting practice actually examining patients and taking histories. It is very gratifying when my observations are taken seriously during team meetings. I might actually end up GOOD at this!!!
Then again, 2 weeks in ED are coming up. Time to prepare to be wrong a lot....
This morning, I woke up at 3:30, which is usually when my bladder pokes me awake. However, I decided to stay up and go watch the sunrise over the ocean. It was beautiful, and I had the beach to myself. I left at 5:45, and headed back into town for the Shalom Market, which runs every Sunday at 6 am- noon. After picking up some fresh bananas and mangoes and just enjoying the energy of it, I drove back to my room and went back to bed. What a great way to spend a morning!