If anybody ever tries to force 4 tins of mooncakes (4 per tin) onto you, you should politely refuse -- unless you can regift 3 of them. Dad went overboard in giving me so many mooncakes -- I had to mail one to a classmate serving in Afghanistan and it still took me over 6 weeks to share and go through the ones I had left. Yup, Chinese fruitcake indeed.
As far as work is concerned, one of my colleagues decided to take a super-extended vacation (8 weeks) now that we have a surplus of anesthetists. With the 3 of us around, the numbers are just right although it is still rare for all three of us to be running an OR list. Usually the guy on call sits around in the office and handles all the little things that come through. We had a visiting urologist come in and (like most fee-for-service doctors) he wants to pack his list with as many patients as possible. With him around we actually did have 3 OR lists running. In general things also became noticeably busier over the last month. The good news is we shouldn't be in a situation of having too many anesthetists around until next January.
The only other comment I want to make about work is in regard to dealing with the administration. Now, I've ranted already about being an "employee" although I'm starting to warm up to the idea (a little bit). However, after sitting in on a number of staff meetings, a meeting with the CEO, and a meeting with the NLMA (the Newfoundland doctor's union), I now realize how sheltered I was as a resident. I've never enjoyed dealing with bureaucracies or office politics but now I've been introduced to both. I'm fast developing a dislike for committees -- as the old saying goes "To err is human. To really screw up, form a committee".
Fortunately, work is still enjoyable. I'm trying to make little changes in the hospital and trying introduce new drugs which I was used to using. We all had our desks upgraded and had new phones installed. The tender for a new anesthesia machine has gone out -- I can't wait to get rid of the ancient ones we're currently using. Despite the decent rate of acquisitions I'm still having "I wish I had...." moments from time-to-time. (Right now I'm wishing I had a High Frequency Oscillator for an ARDS patient in ICU).
Socially, I think things are going to work out just fine. As befitting my personality I'm slowly getting to know the OR staff and the medical staff. People here tend to hold impromptu gatherings and parties (especially as the frigid winters start to set in). Unfortunately, after living in a small bachelor apartment for many years my hosting skills have become quite stunted. Also, given the small living room in my apartment I don't think that will improve anytime soon. Oh well, I should at least work on a few dishes so I can bring something for the potlucks.
As far as the town itself, I'll admit my social life is still confined to the hospital. I still haven't signed up for the gym yet (my gut is paying the price) and, unfortunately, it looks like curling may not work out because I'm just signing up by myself and I need to join a team. For now, I'll be out walking the local trails and when it gets too cold to do that I'll have more impetus to joining the gym. One of the Family docs is a snowmobile aficianado and is trying hard to win converts. Although I still wince when I think of snowmobiles (i.e. traumas), I must admit I find the concept appealing. They're surprisingly expensive though ($12,000). When I next return to Toronto I'll be looking for snowshoes and also cross country ski boots.
I'm a little sleep deprived so I need to finish this post now. My next few posts should be up by the weekend.
