Is God in this situation?

Remember the dark and distressing situation of Jesus on the night of his betrayal... 
Even Christ pleaded for the cup to be taken from him (Matt 26:39).
However, he knew that the hand which would for our redemption hold the cup to his lips 
was not the hand of Judas or Caiaphas or Pilate. 
It was the hand of His loving Father intent on redeeming us.


We learn the lesson of trust in the school of trial.

(adapted from Our Daily Bread 2009, March 20th)

Tales of a First year medical resident: First month done... Lessons learned

I just finished my first month of Residency which involved spending 18 shifts of 11am-11pm (often longer) in the Pediatric ER, and 2 call shifts 7am-6pm, on the inpatient unit. 

The Peds ER was interesting and fun, and although the hours were nothing to write home about, the skills learned on the ground are essential and sometimes just simply cool. In addition to diagnosing and prescribing treatment, with supervision of a senior ofcourse, I learned several forms of blood draws on kids ranging from heel sticks on newborns for bilirubin check (to rule out jaundice) to a venipuncture on a 16 yr old girl to check for syphilis. Each child accompanied by his/her parent needs fresh perspective, attention to history and physical exam, and an empathetic response from me as a provider. 


I did have a few unpleasant experiences in the ER. One time a disheveled  woman stormed into the Peds side of the ER with her 5 r old daughter at 10:50pm and demanded a stamp on a prescription for her older son who was diabetic. Two things I must point out. First, the prescription was for a topical cream for a chronic fungal infection, not fitting for an emergency room visit but we still accommodate such requests. Second and more importantly, the prescription was already stamped. Needless to say I was confused. At the end of the day security was called because of the woman's behaviour. She proceeded to tell my Attending (supervising physician) I was an ugly demon who disrespected her in front of her child... Thankfully my Attending was equally not enamored by her behaviour and told the lady "I will not stand for you disrespecting any member of staff in my ER, and I am sure you can get help elsewhere if you continue to do so." The lady calmed down and this supposedly ugly demon went home shocked and pondering the  purpose behind such an encounter. 


One exciting and terrifying procedure I got to perform was a lumbar puncture on a 17 yr old girl suspected to have Meningitis. The human body is amazing and very forgiving of insult as long as adequate care is taken to appease after each insult. Obviously I was not given free reign to stick a needle into this girl's spinal column but was taught how to do so carefully and with good technique. I cannot explain the trepidation I felt during the process or the joy of getting proper results. All I can say is I know I am in the right field when this stuff scares and excites me equally :). 


My biggest struggle is being consistent with God time and study time. Since being done with the Peds ER rotation, I have started the first of three months on the inpatient unit. My work hours are between 7am and 6pm on day shift, and 6pm and 7am on night shift. I am on day shift so I have to be awake by 5:30am in order to have my Quiet time, eat breakfast, get ready and be on time at 7am. In the evenings after I get off work I have to be disciplined to put aside at least 30mins-1 hr to study before going to sleep. It is difficult. But I am taking heed of 1 Cor 9:24-27 "Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." All things are possible in Christ. 

More to come on Residency. 


images from google images