First Impressions

Two days of orientation so far, real work starts July 1.   Here are my first impressions:


-Of my co-interns: Some of the most normal, down-to-earth, level-headed and easy-to-talk-to people that I've ever met (at least, in surgery).

-Of my schedule: No comment. Apparently March 17-June 23 is just not enough time to make our schedules, so they still aren't done yet.  I'm a nervous nelly and REALLY want to know what I'm starting on.  We were told that we'll get them on Tuesday or Wednesday next week, and also told that there is nothing that we can read or do at home to help us prepare for our first day, so we should stop worrying about it.  Easier said than done.

-Of my commute: I've taken the bus everyday so far, which has been really nice.  I like having a bit of transition time to sip my coffee and watch Jon Stewart between the hospital and home.  I think that I will succeed in being able to read for 20-30 minutes a day on the bus, which would be WONDERFUL.  I get free parking at the hospital though, so I'll probably try out driving and see which I like more.  Options are good.

-Of the hospitals:  Our county hospital orientation consisted of a lot of  "We used to have funds to do X, Y and Z... but now the city is broke.  So you'll have to draw your own blood.  And transport your own patients.  And cook your patients meals".  OK fine, I made the last one up.  The private hospital orientation was a little like Disney World, sparkly and exciting.  It'll be funny to flip flop between the two environments.

-Of the gender roles: There are only 2 female surgery interns, and we get along great.  When we went out last night with our whole group though, I felt like we both ended up mostly keeping "the wives" company.  I'm trying to make a more concerted effort to not find myself blocked out of important conversations and relationships just because women tend to clique off together.

-Of the city: Love love love.

-Of the apartment:  We had a fairly epic power struggle over whether our dining room would house a pool table or a dining room table.  Somehow, we have ended up with BOTH.  This is what happens when 2 stubborn people date each other.  Oops.