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N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 4 | 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
CUTTING REMARKS
Ask for a second room.
If I finish a case and expect the next one
to be brief, I ask for a vacant, already cleaned room. Yeah, I
know, this doesn't save that much time, and the same team has to
accompany me, but I could save a few precious minutes. Seconds
even matter when it comes to avoiding the 5 p.m. death knell. I always
rejoice when I do get my clean room. It's the thought that counts.
Grab a mop.
When I'm really in a crunch and as the witching hour
approaches, I humbly submit myself to do whatever it takes the
turn the rooms over. Push the gurney, empty the trash, mop the floor
… you name it. Anything, except empty the medical waste can. A
man's got to know his limitations.
Stare down the block team.
If the regional block is taking so long
that the nurses' notes have 3 volumes, I employ a friendly ver-
sion of the George Foreman pre-fight staredown. One simple engaging
eye contact with the 'ologist' can say it all. No words are necessary.
Let's hope the referee doesn't step in.
With a little help from my friends
Somehow, we get the job done on time. I truly am grateful for all the
help of my team. They sense my feelings of urgency and respond.
Thankfully, I have consistently avoided crossing the 5 o'clock
Rubicon. I do know I will ultimately fail and my sentence awaits me.
Until then, I will continue to transport patients, discard used instru-
ments, clean floors and empty trash — so long as it's not tainted with
bodily fluids! OSM
Dr. Kelly (
johnda k 4@g mail.com
) is an orthopedic surgeon/ sports-shoulder
specialist who practices in Philadelphia, Pa.
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