The next question
Friday, October 23, 2009
Usually, the next question is "So, are you going to be just a GP or will you specialise."
Today, though, it was different.
The question was "Are you the nurse?"
Certainly a first for me. Unlike female peers who've doubtless endured the question hundreds of times to this point. Mostly, though, I was surprised that I got asked the question in General Practice. I even had a stethoscope on. Worse, I'd met the bloke before.
He looked confused when I said I was a Training to be a Doctor. As others have mentioned, Medical Student is a confusing term. Especially with all the Students of Natural Medicine and Students of Osteopathic Medicine out there. And, I'll be honest, I'm not the clearest speaker on the planet.
I sometimes hesitate to use the term 'Trainee Doctor'; it implies Intern/RMO too easily for my liking. My preceptor introduces me as the "Senior Medical Student"; I think that fits well in General Practice. It adequately conveys that whilst we're not actually leading the charge with clinical decisions and management planning, our input is educated relatively well respected. It is, after all, important to induce a good sense of knowledge and achievement in students
I pondered all this whilst doing the bloke's wound dressing. There weren't even any wrinkles in the Hypafix. He'll be back on Monday.
Today, though, it was different.
The question was "Are you the nurse?"
Certainly a first for me. Unlike female peers who've doubtless endured the question hundreds of times to this point. Mostly, though, I was surprised that I got asked the question in General Practice. I even had a stethoscope on. Worse, I'd met the bloke before.
He looked confused when I said I was a Training to be a Doctor. As others have mentioned, Medical Student is a confusing term. Especially with all the Students of Natural Medicine and Students of Osteopathic Medicine out there. And, I'll be honest, I'm not the clearest speaker on the planet.
I sometimes hesitate to use the term 'Trainee Doctor'; it implies Intern/RMO too easily for my liking. My preceptor introduces me as the "Senior Medical Student"; I think that fits well in General Practice. It adequately conveys that whilst we're not actually leading the charge with clinical decisions and management planning, our input is educated relatively well respected. It is, after all, important to induce a good sense of knowledge and achievement in students
I pondered all this whilst doing the bloke's wound dressing. There weren't even any wrinkles in the Hypafix. He'll be back on Monday.
Out bush you are always called nurse first off as they are the ones in the clinics. The docs just visit.
As for being a pharmacist? What the hell is a pharmacist. I get called the medicines man now!
Robbo