Sunday, March 15, 2009

A treatable condition

I called off work today. It's 52 degrees and sunny, and I just happened to wake up this morning with a serious condition whose only treatment is not working when it's this nice outside. Plus, I was scheduled to work with the three most annoying ER attendings--the trifecta of useless tests and consults. Come in with a headache after drinking all night and you're more likely to get a brain biopsy than you are a Tylenol and the not so subtle hint that a hangover is NOT A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

So, I woke up this morning and called the first attending to say that I was sick. She didn't believe a word of it and was obviously miffed that I didn't seem all that bothered by the fact that she didn't believe a word of it. But then, someone came in with the oft fatal condition known as sinus congestion, and she had to let me go so she could call UNOS and order a nose transplant.

This is my last opportunity to be a completely irresponsible and inconsiderate shitty, shitty team player. I couldn't do stuff like this last year. Last year, I was working my ass off for good evaluations so that I could get into a residency. I can't do stuff like this next year. Next year, I'll be a resident--someone with a real job. What I remember from when I used to have a real job is that with a paycheck comes a certain responsibility to, you know, show up at work. Even on the sunny days.

Speaking of a real job, I find out tomorrow if I have one or not. Tomorrow at noon, the residency matching program will let me know if I matched anywhere. They won't tell me where until Thursday. But, tonight is (hopefully) the last night I have to try and sleep through those oh shit, I'm $150,000 in debt in a recession economy with no job and no other marketable skills dreams.

In the meantime, I'm going to the park to treat my condition.

8 comments:

Gitz 'n Jo said...

For the record, I'm sick daily and have nowhere to call in and let them know... so I think it's only fair that one of my sick days goes to work for you. :)

Anonymous said...

Good luck tomorrow!

Eric said...

Good for you!

Amanda said...

Yay for "sick" days! There is no doubt that you deserve it!

MmeBenaut said...

Hope you had fun out there in the sunshine little T. Personally, I think you deserve it.
I can't wait to hear the results and which residency you will have. Soon the debts will clear themselves and you can relax and practice really GOOD medicine - and argue the case with the other sloppy residents!
Fingers crossed little one. xx

Anonymous said...

I really enjoyed this one. Good luck on the matching.

j-dub said...

like Kenny said (not the south park one): you gotta know when to hold 'em, etc. And know when it's okay to ditch work.

Responsibility's a bitch, but I guess that's why it comes with a paycheck, no? Until then, enjoy the sun.

Susanlee said...

Yay for T skipping out. Everyone needs spring break, even if it's just a tiny one.