CUTTING REMARKS
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O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | O C T O B E R 2 0 1 4
the exit to leave the premises. Thankfully I was able to follow the
mice droppings leading to the outside.
Not to complain, but my OR video printer is located in another ZIP
code and there's no cafeteria (hello, Fiber One snack bars). Plus, after
several years of working with the same crew, it was a bit stressful to see
so many new faces in the OR. Some familiar nurses assured me that my
new staff was fully licensed, had passed their drug screens and didn't
mind working with an Irish Catholic surgeon/comedian.
'You almost finished?'
Some changes were hard to swallow. I really was surprised at the
pressure to speedily perform. As a teacher, I let residents operate con-
siderably under close supervision. My first day was peppered with
several interludes into my OR from the head nurse, who repeatedly
inquired: 'You almost finished?'
Tension reached crescendo proportions when I was told that if I did-
n't start my last case before 3 p.m., I'd be bumped to the big hospital,
I'd lose my privileges and my first-born would be held ransom.
The outpatient center has more patient requirements than the FBI
entrance exam. Unless the patient has a BMI less than 40, is nor-
motensive, has minimal cardiac risk factors and is a Pisces who has
never been to Haiti, he is "disqualified" and must have his surgery at
the main hospital.
Change carries many positive aspects and I already see the efficiency of
operation greatly increased from my prior days in the big hospital. We all
will finish earlier and get home to our loved ones sooner. That is worth
making the long trek to my printer. OSM
Dr. Kelly (
johndak 4@g mail.com
) is an orthopedic surgeon/ sports-shoulder
specialist who practices in Philadelphia, Pa.