Hello, Stranger

Hello. It's me, the guy who used to write on this page. Forgive me for the long silence. Let us get re-acquainted.

Since 9/7, I finished up pediatric surgery, which turned out to be a really good experience. I enjoyed being in the operating room and moreover, being in charge of all of the NICU babies with surgical issues. Having this rotation early in my residency training has helped ease communication with the surgeons when surgical issues arise with my patients on the floor. The pediatric surgeons at Kosair are uncharacteristically approachable which also makes communication more facile and enjoyable.

After two weeks of pediatric surgery, I traveled with my family to Eugene, Oregon to share in my little sister's wedding to Ryan Church, her long-time (high school/college) friend. We had a great time enjoying family and this awesome occasion in a beautiful place. I loved seeing Natalie, Ramin, and Isaiah, who is growing up very quickly. The trip was topped off with a visit to the coast before coming back to the Midwest.






I moved to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for October, which I thoroughly enjoyed. It remains an area of pediatrics in which I am most interested. I enjoy the close connection with obstetrics and being an integral part of the early parent/child relationship. This combination plus the presence of many procedures and the opportunity for parent education and ongoing relationship with families makes this field appealing to me. My October team was very hard-working and fun to be around, which made the experience better.

I rotated to hematology/oncology in November. My first inpatient month at Kosair Children's, this month was a challenge in regards to logistical operation. I was a bit behind the eight ball with knowledge of how to complete paperwork, handle orders, and discharge/dictate patients. This rotation was also very demanding from a physical, emotional, and personal standpoint. We had a record volume of patients for the unit, including many patients with newly-diagnosed cancers. Although challenging, it was rewarding and an honor to get to share in the trials, heart-rending moments, and joys of the patients and families of the 7 West Unit. There were a couple of families who I became fairly close to by the end of the month and who were hard to leave. I hope to remain in contact with some of them.

Recently, I have started attending a community group at my church. This small gathering of six other people on Tuesday evenings has become a necessary lift in my week. After several months of being socially and relationally-starved, I am gratefully turning to this group of fellow believers for fellowship. We are going through Colossians, and I am being challenged to read and grow with Jesus.

I so enjoyed the visits of several friends in October and November. My parents and several Traders Point friends were in Louisville for conferences, family visits, or work responsibilities during this time, which afforded opportunities for meeting up. Thank you to everybody who made time for coffee or a meal in Oct/Nov!

I was able to go home for Thanksgiving and enjoy some time with the family (both parents' sides). I was blessed by being "post-call" (leaving hospital at noon after 30-hour shift at hospital) on Thanksgiving and having Friday off (the best possible scenario for this holiday on a "call month" (where one is responsible for a 30-hr shift every 4 days at the hospital).

Christmastime is always special and the onslaught of the lights, music, and general merriness is welcomed with open arms this year as far as I am concerned. I will be off work for christmas (12/21-27) which will allow some good times with the fam and friends. If you are in or near Indianapolis during this time, please let me know!