This past week I had my first experience denying someone health care...at a free clinic no less. The clinic cannot provide services to anyone with any health insurance, it is part of the required conditions of our operation. Unfortunately, some people who recently acquired state funded health care still can not get into see a physician for over 3 months. This is fine and dandy if all you need is an annual exam, but it doesn't work out so well if you have run out of your mental health meds and are suicidal...
I had to stand in that exam room and watch the patient become overwhelmed by feelings of hopelessness and betrayal as we told them we weren't able to treat them. I watched as they literally ran away from the office as their emotions become too overpowering. I had to watch the patient's 12-13 year old child (who was the one who found out about us and brought their parent down and filled out the intake form in the waiting room...for those of you who aren't getting what I am hinting at- that kid was the caretaker in that relationship) look at us hopelessly and apologetically. I don't know what breaks my heart more, watching a patient get turned away or watching their child look at us apologetically as if they had done something wrong by bringing their parent here.
How is it that we have created a system that even in the free/philanthropic endeavors still manages to isolate and deny people basic care? When I am done, my clinic will stand against everything our current system stands for.
In other disturbing news, it looks like our our right to privacy continues to leak out of that lovely little window our politicians continue to pretend was opened for our own good (read: national security)... and while it seems to outrage people, they still only comment about it. Amazing. When Verizon Wireless looks to charge $2 for customers paying their bills, there is an outrage and people do something, but when the government looks to take away our privacy all we do is write about it (myself included)...there is something terribly wrong with how we are operating on an individual and social level...
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Friday, February 17, 2012
Renewed Inspiration
I am sure you are all shocked and awed, first no posts for 2 weeks and now 2 posts in one week. What can I say, when it rains it pours. :-)
I attended a talk this week by a physician here in Oregon who is truly an inspiration. All the disheartening moments I have had watching our healthcare system isolate and exclude a significant portion of the population while inadequately treating the lucky few who are not excluded, were washed away as I listened to her. She has done what everyone says is impossible to do, she has abandoned the broken system and forged her own trail. And succeeded. She practices medicine on her own terms and provides care that humanizes patients. What a concept. She is able to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay and is able to spend enough time with them to know them not only as patient #5 but as an actual person. In an article she was featured in (see link below), it was pointed out that in today's climate, spending time with patients could (sadly) be considered alternative medicine...
I still find it disheartening that so many patients and doctors continue to be trapped in the broken system, but with the knowledge that there is another way, I feel a renewed sense of hope and possibility. I really admire her work and what she stands for. I would check out this article if you are interested in getting to know her and her practice better. :-) I can not express how grateful I am for the privilege of hearing about her experience. It has provided me with some grounding and concrete goals rather than simply grasping at intimidating theoretical ideas on how I would love to practice medicine.
If you want to learn more about her, her practice, and her ideas check out her website here. Yay for inspiring people!!! :-)
By the way, to readers not based in the U.S. (yes, I am talking to all you lurkers out there ;-) I would love to hear your thoughts on healthcare. What works where you are, what doesn't?
I attended a talk this week by a physician here in Oregon who is truly an inspiration. All the disheartening moments I have had watching our healthcare system isolate and exclude a significant portion of the population while inadequately treating the lucky few who are not excluded, were washed away as I listened to her. She has done what everyone says is impossible to do, she has abandoned the broken system and forged her own trail. And succeeded. She practices medicine on her own terms and provides care that humanizes patients. What a concept. She is able to treat patients regardless of their ability to pay and is able to spend enough time with them to know them not only as patient #5 but as an actual person. In an article she was featured in (see link below), it was pointed out that in today's climate, spending time with patients could (sadly) be considered alternative medicine...
I still find it disheartening that so many patients and doctors continue to be trapped in the broken system, but with the knowledge that there is another way, I feel a renewed sense of hope and possibility. I really admire her work and what she stands for. I would check out this article if you are interested in getting to know her and her practice better. :-) I can not express how grateful I am for the privilege of hearing about her experience. It has provided me with some grounding and concrete goals rather than simply grasping at intimidating theoretical ideas on how I would love to practice medicine.
If you want to learn more about her, her practice, and her ideas check out her website here. Yay for inspiring people!!! :-)
By the way, to readers not based in the U.S. (yes, I am talking to all you lurkers out there ;-) I would love to hear your thoughts on healthcare. What works where you are, what doesn't?
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Sneaky Quarter-Man & Chivalry
Long time, no write. I know. Bad RP...
Now that that's over...
Each year the organization I work for puts on a film event. We do it 4 nights out of the month and for those four nights I am at my hostess best. Greeting attendees, networking with other businesses and organizations, smiling my prettiest smile from 6-10pm. I actually do like this part of my job, it is fun and engaging and I don't really think of it as work. Hell, I am getting paid (theoretically) to play hostess and have fun. Not a bad evening in my mind. But I digress...
This event is free with a suggested donation to help cover the costs. Most people donate, however, this year there is a mystery afoot that involves a boat load of change. We have held 2 out of the 4 nights so far and each time I have noticed that among all the donations, there is over $30 of it...in change. Yep, Someone is tossing in enough coins to make my donation jar sound like Santa's sleigh. And I have to count each and every quarter, dime, nickle, and penny of it. Don't get me wrong, all donations are welcome, but why change? It is not as though the change were carelessly dropped in as an afterthought, there is always an exact whole dollar amount. Which leads me to believe that someone either has no clue how annoying it is to count $30 of change (not probable) or finds this to be very amusing (I can't blame them, I have the same twisted sense of humor that would find it hilarious to give a donation to a non-profit that requires some poor schmuck to count out all the change. Seriously, how funny is that, the organization has to be grateful for the donation but at the same time they are a little miffed that you didn't bother to go to the bank and get cash for all those coins.). That is some funny shit. At least to me. :-)
As the above paragraphs show, I have a quirky sense of humor (that's me, Ms. Quirky) and tend to see most things as humorous (or at the very least amusing) in some way and today's story is no different. Today as I walked back to the office from checking the PO Box, I was walking under the awning that covered half of the sidewalk because it was raining yet again and I had forgotten my umbrella (in case you haven't caught on, I live in a rainy area). Coming toward me, also walking under the cover of the awning were two men (well, perhaps that word doesn't quite suit them, but it will do for now). Instead of being chivalrous and stepping out into the rain to allow me to stay dry, they remained firm in their path, forcing me to swerve around them out into the rain (which by the way, based on driving practices of the states, I had preference since the awning was secured to my side of the sidewalk). As we passed each other, each of them had the gall to give me an approving once over (what woman wouldn't swoon to that kind of treatment) before attempting to hit on me. Ummmmm, wait, did I just miss something? Are you seriously trying to hit on the woman you just forced out into the rain so your dainty, delicate selves wouldn't have to get wet? Seriously? Here's a hint for the future, next time you want a girl to find you attractive, don't force her out into the rain. Take the chivalrous route. Trust me, it will turn out better for you.
Now that that's over...
Each year the organization I work for puts on a film event. We do it 4 nights out of the month and for those four nights I am at my hostess best. Greeting attendees, networking with other businesses and organizations, smiling my prettiest smile from 6-10pm. I actually do like this part of my job, it is fun and engaging and I don't really think of it as work. Hell, I am getting paid (theoretically) to play hostess and have fun. Not a bad evening in my mind. But I digress...
This event is free with a suggested donation to help cover the costs. Most people donate, however, this year there is a mystery afoot that involves a boat load of change. We have held 2 out of the 4 nights so far and each time I have noticed that among all the donations, there is over $30 of it...in change. Yep, Someone is tossing in enough coins to make my donation jar sound like Santa's sleigh. And I have to count each and every quarter, dime, nickle, and penny of it. Don't get me wrong, all donations are welcome, but why change? It is not as though the change were carelessly dropped in as an afterthought, there is always an exact whole dollar amount. Which leads me to believe that someone either has no clue how annoying it is to count $30 of change (not probable) or finds this to be very amusing (I can't blame them, I have the same twisted sense of humor that would find it hilarious to give a donation to a non-profit that requires some poor schmuck to count out all the change. Seriously, how funny is that, the organization has to be grateful for the donation but at the same time they are a little miffed that you didn't bother to go to the bank and get cash for all those coins.). That is some funny shit. At least to me. :-)
As the above paragraphs show, I have a quirky sense of humor (that's me, Ms. Quirky) and tend to see most things as humorous (or at the very least amusing) in some way and today's story is no different. Today as I walked back to the office from checking the PO Box, I was walking under the awning that covered half of the sidewalk because it was raining yet again and I had forgotten my umbrella (in case you haven't caught on, I live in a rainy area). Coming toward me, also walking under the cover of the awning were two men (well, perhaps that word doesn't quite suit them, but it will do for now). Instead of being chivalrous and stepping out into the rain to allow me to stay dry, they remained firm in their path, forcing me to swerve around them out into the rain (which by the way, based on driving practices of the states, I had preference since the awning was secured to my side of the sidewalk). As we passed each other, each of them had the gall to give me an approving once over (what woman wouldn't swoon to that kind of treatment) before attempting to hit on me. Ummmmm, wait, did I just miss something? Are you seriously trying to hit on the woman you just forced out into the rain so your dainty, delicate selves wouldn't have to get wet? Seriously? Here's a hint for the future, next time you want a girl to find you attractive, don't force her out into the rain. Take the chivalrous route. Trust me, it will turn out better for you.
Friday, February 3, 2012
So That's Why the 5'oclock Standard Exists...
After a week filled with days averaging about 15 hours (away from my actual home, not including homework) and at least one 18 hour day, I decided to indulge in some liquid happiness (aka: wine). Now I am not a drinker, I have a margarita once a year on my birthday, other than that I am just not a drinker. But last night I decided to make an exception (Thursday is close enough to Friday, right?) because my day was only 12 hours long- that was something to celebrate! So I decided to indulge my ever so refined palette with Arbor Mist (yes, I like cheap wine) and chocolate chip cookies. Yummm.
The Funyuns were for the next day ;-)
The Funyuns were for the next day ;-)
So I poured myself a glass...make that a generous glass of wine and began my cookie making. Let me tell you, I think I might be instituting wine Thursdays from here on out. Not only was my night incredibly humorous at every turn (yes I am the kinda girl who gets giddy when I get a good buzz) but I slept REALLY well! Last night turned out so well in fact that when I found a 3 hour break in my day at about 3 this afternoon, I decided to head home and indulge in a little glass before heading back out (I have to work tonight until about 10pm). Well, as it turns out, that social standard of not drinking before 5pm is valid...
You see, that little glass of wine gave me that wonderful happy feeling again, but now I find that wonderful little buzz wearing off and being replaced by sleepiness...not good when you are facing another 6 hours of needing to be productive. Ah well, I have learned my lesson, "No wine before the end of the night RP."
Wish me luck!
You see, that little glass of wine gave me that wonderful happy feeling again, but now I find that wonderful little buzz wearing off and being replaced by sleepiness...not good when you are facing another 6 hours of needing to be productive. Ah well, I have learned my lesson, "No wine before the end of the night RP."
Wish me luck!
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