PerspectivesContinuing Medical Education, The Hard WayDaniel B. Nunn, M.D. During a lull in practice I decided, for want of something better to do, to bring myself up to snuff on current developments in surgery at the state's most prestigious academic medical center. After discussing the matter with my good friend the Head Cutter, suitable arrangements were made for a tour beginning, for some reason or other, in the Urology Outpatient Clinic. Upon arrival on the appointed date I was greeted with the utmost courtesy, asked to complete several questionnaires, ushered to an examining room, and told to disrobe. Puzzled by this unexpected agenda, I was somewhat reassured when a white-coated, distinguished-looking doctor entered and introduced himself simply as Professor. Without further ado, he quickly scanned and disposed of what seemed to be the makings of a medical chart then, as if from thin air, whipped out a stethoscope (an instrument long since discarded by urologists) and proceeded to examine my cardiovascular system; why, he even ventured a look at my genitourinary apparatus! Although impressed by Professor's thoroughness, I could not help but notice the numerous times he paused to look at himself in the wall mirror and lightly stroke what appeared to be the fledgling results of a recent hair transplant. Obviously pleased with the prospect of a newly decorated scalp, he flashed a sheepish grin before once again assuming the countenance of professorial omniscience. Looking me straight in the eye he pronounced final judgement: "Everything's all right but you need two operations!" Both procedures, he explained, would be done simultaneously by himself and a professor of general surgery; moreover, aside from the possibility of finding an occult malignant tumor, the accepted surgical complications included infection, hemorrhage and occasionally the loss of a family jewel. Despite onset of an acute anxiety attack and a generalized tremor, I managed with the help of Professor, who steadied my hand and guided the pen, to authorize consent. Within moments I was scheduled for surgery the following morning and informed that I would meet my other surgeon in the operating room, since he anticipated being there all night reoperating on his last three patients. Except for having overheard a heated discussion between surgeons regarding location and length of the proposed incision, I cannot remember anything else about the surgery. I feel confident, however, that it was done correctly, judging from the fact that it took three hours and caused excruciating pain. Actually what originally had been posted as an in-and-out admission turned out to be three days of hospitalization complicated by a bump on the head when I fell out of bed, dislodgment of a gold crown (for whatever reason but fortunately discovered in the morning cereal), and a broken toe following a collision between myself and the bathroom door. Nonetheless, I am thankful that all injuries including the surgical one, by virtue of their location, limited pain to only one side of my body. Now safely home, it finally dawned on me that the Head Cutter could not have found a better way to show me first hand just how good his department is, while at the same time enhancing my continuing medical education. I am, therefore, deeply grateful for a very personalized learning experience as well as the expert care I received -- especially the all inclusive sponge bath, shower, and back rubs provided by a veritable Chilean firecracker -- but I cannot help but wonder, when do I get my CME credits? June, 1999/ Jacksonville MedicineWhat's New
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