My Writings. My Thoughts.
Deliberate
// April 24th, 2012 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
In the last job I worked, I had the opportunity to plan my own elective operating lists for a few weeks. I lined up four inguinal hernias in a row, then two laparoscopic cholecystectomies. Then three vasectomies.
This technique of stacking the same cases up one after another is a type of deliberate practice. You learn more from your experience by repeating it immediately. I recovered from that week knowing I had squeezed the maximum learning experience out of the lists.
In the past twenty four hours, I’ve done four difficult cholecystectomies, each a struggle. This is my week rostered to ward cover and emergency operating. Not planned. Not predictable. But a windfall nonetheless.
Progress
// April 1st, 2012 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Me: Have you opened your bowels?
Mrs Oxford: No. Just a few humble farts.
Next day
Me: Have you opened your bowels today?
Mrs Oxford: Yes. An honourable poo, indeed.
Surgery is creepy, surgery is cool
// March 31st, 2012 // No Comments » // Uncategorized
Natural Orifice Surgery is creepy.
Medical leeches are cool.
Work in progress
// March 25th, 2012 // 3 Comments » // Uncategorized
Surgical training can be a bit demanding. Sometimes it feels like all you get to do is fulfill external obligations. Much of what I do is tick a box, get a reference, impress a boss or meet a prerequisite.
This year I have no extern conference obligations - no papers to present, no people to meet. I decided to deducate my unpromised conference leave to one of my personal passions. I chose to become a faculty member on a surgical education course (Care of the Critically Ill Surgical Patient, or CCrISP).
The process of becoming accredited has been incredibly rewarding. I love interacting with junior trainees, and I believe in the material we are teaching. I have just returned from an instructors course, learning how to educate. This was great fun - stuff I have never covered before.
However, I was so completely shattered from working the last three weekends, late shifts and busy shifts that I wasn’t able to relax and enjoy myself. I sort of cranked out by the end of it, and got frustrated by how much time I was spending, rather than learning as much as I could.
I feel pretty over my lifestyle at the moment. Seems like keeping up with obligations is all I have the energy for. Problem is, I don’t want to be that person. I don’t have answer. I’ll have to be a work in progress.
