No-Go on the Mozzerella

As part of my fellowship, I have a "backstage pass" to the hospital scene. Out of, oh, 2,748 meetings these past three months, I've only been told I couldn't attend two of them. This is okay with me. Of the 2,746 meetings that ARE open to me, I hit as many as I can. As much as I want to participate and stretch my vocal chords, I also need to sit back and absorb as much as I can.

One of the best ways to absorb hospital policies, politics, and procedures is to join the Medical Staff meetings. Dorothy, one of my esteemed co-workers manages the Medical Staff Office and I have nothing but respect for her. She coordinates a LOT of paperwork to get the docs their credentials and privileges in the medical staff. She put me on the invite list for all the MS meetings.

I attended the OB department meeting the other night, which was at a schnazzy restaurant downtown. They served filet, salmon, and shrimp, as entrees in a five course meal. We have the actual meeting during the eating and usually, a drug rep will come in a do a quick talk about their product (as they underwrite the meal). Well, this time, the drug rep sat off to the side and a renown perinatalogist talked about his trademarked procedure on how to stop preterm labor in high risk women with multiple fetuses. There were pictures and very accurate descriptions of clinical situations where these women presented their symptoms.

The doctor launched into a detailed discussion of cervical mucous and how its appearance is indicative of the cervix preparing for labor. It was precisely then that my co-worker (sitting next to me) in Infection Control put down her mozzarella-laden, stuffed mushroom.

It was just gross. Even the clinical people in the room were wondering why this guy was talking about mucous and genital Herpes at the dinner table. Even the docs have limits! Not that the disgusting clinical cases stopped me from polishing off my tiramisu!

All grossness aside, I had a great time. I sat with people I've really only seen in meetings, so it was neat to get to know them better. While it made for a 14-hour day, it was still a worthwhile meeting to attend.