Annoying acquaintance

[GoodmanBrown]

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So, every couple of weeks, my wife and I meet with a few other couples to have dinner. A handful of times, my med school applications have come up, and people have asked if I'm interested in any particular area. I actually don't like to discuss it because one woman in particular drives me crazy when we get on the the topic. This past week, the conversation went something close to this:

Someone: "So are you interested in any specialty right now?"

Me: "Well, I'm pretty interested in anesthesiology right now but --"

Her: "Money! You'll get so much money! And all you have to know is not to fall asleep. I saw on Grey's Anatomy..." and so on.

Any good responses when you encounter people who have a distorted picture of the specialty and don't seem receptive to learning more? Any quick, 2-sentence summations of what you do that convey that it's more than making someone go to sleep? I made some joke about residency being 2 hours long and they just showed that episode of Grey's Anatomy, but I think even that was lost on her.

Ah well, from reading this forum, if I intend to become an anesthesiologist, I should practice the "water off a duck's back" method with these kinds of interactions. Though perhaps we could all chip in to hire an inside agent to get on the Grey's Anatomy writing staff...

 

[Consigliere]

So, every couple of weeks, my wife and I meet with a few other couples to have dinner. A handful of times, my med school applications have come up, and people have asked if I'm interested in any particular area. I actually don't like to discuss it because one woman in particular drives me crazy when we get on the the topic. This past week, the conversation went something close to this:

Someone: "So are you interested in any specialty right now?"

Me: "Well, I'm pretty interested in anesthesiology right now but --"

Her: "Money! You'll get so much money! And all you have to know is not to fall asleep. I saw on Grey's Anatomy..." and so on.

Any good responses when you encounter people who have a distorted picture of the specialty and don't seem receptive to learning more? Any quick, 2-sentence summations of what you do that convey that it's more than making someone go to sleep? I made some joke about residency being 2 hours long and they just showed that episode of Grey's Anatomy, but I think even that was lost on her.

Ah well, from reading this forum, if I intend to become an anesthesiologist, I should practice the "water off a duck's back" method with these kinds of interactions. Though perhaps we could all chip in to hire an inside agent to get on the Grey's Anatomy writing staff...

Try this:

"Shut the fu ck up. Now."

Works for me!

 

[sebsvenmdc]

So, every couple of weeks, my wife and I meet with a few other couples to have dinner. A handful of times, my med school applications have come up, and people have asked if I'm interested in any particular area. I actually don't like to discuss it because one woman in particular drives me crazy when we get on the the topic. This past week, the conversation went something close to this:

Someone: "So are you interested in any specialty right now?"

Me: "Well, I'm pretty interested in anesthesiology right now but --"

Her: "Money! You'll get so much money! And all you have to know is not to fall asleep. I saw on Grey's Anatomy..." and so on.

Any good responses when you encounter people who have a distorted picture of the specialty and don't seem receptive to learning more? Any quick, 2-sentence summations of what you do that convey that it's more than making someone go to sleep? I made some joke about residency being 2 hours long and they just showed that episode of Grey's Anatomy, but I think even that was lost on her.

Ah well, from reading this forum, if I intend to become an anesthesiologist, I should practice the "water off a duck's back" method with these kinds of interactions. Though perhaps we could all chip in to hire an inside agent to get on the Grey's Anatomy writing staff...

Tell her that she shouldn't expose her ignorance. I don't know what it is about people that make them so d--- eager to ask that question. And then as soon as you've suggested a possible specialty, they feel the need to inject their 2 cents. Who cares about their opinion. Do you think Einstein cares about the average lay person that thinks all of his contribution to physics can be summarized by a little equation that they can spout off?

Personally, I would probably ask her, "So, what do you think I should do in terms of a specialty...you've probably got everything all figured out with your stereotypes." Then, roll your eyes, then walk away.

 

[cfdavid]

So, every couple of weeks, my wife and I meet with a few other couples to have dinner. A handful of times, my med school applications have come up, and people have asked if I'm interested in any particular area. I actually don't like to discuss it because one woman in particular drives me crazy when we get on the the topic. This past week, the conversation went something close to this:

Someone: "So are you interested in any specialty right now?"

Me: "Well, I'm pretty interested in anesthesiology right now but --"

Her: "Money! You'll get so much money! And all you have to know is not to fall asleep. I saw on Grey's Anatomy..." and so on.

Any good responses when you encounter people who have a distorted picture of the specialty and don't seem receptive to learning more? Any quick, 2-sentence summations of what you do that convey that it's more than making someone go to sleep? I made some joke about residency being 2 hours long and they just showed that episode of Grey's Anatomy, but I think even that was lost on her.

Ah well, from reading this forum, if I intend to become an anesthesiologist, I should practice the "water off a duck's back" method with these kinds of interactions. Though perhaps we could all chip in to hire an inside agent to get on the Grey's Anatomy writing staff...

Aside from the STFU method, you could also just laugh and then explain how it's a poorly misunderstood specialty.

You could go one step further and ostracize the hell out of her for thinking Grey's Anatomy is representative of real life.

 

[sebsvenmdc]

And if they say: "Oh, you just have to put people to sleep." Respond with, "Yes, just like how all surgeons have to do is cut."

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Aside from the STFU method, you could also just laugh and then explain how it's a poorly misunderstood specialty.

You could go one step further and ostracize the hell out of her for thinking Grey's Anatomy is representative of real life.

I'd feel kinda bad doing that since she's pregnant right now.

I've decided that I'm just going to respond with: "Well, I think I'm gonna be a pediatric nephrological onco-radiologist. They're really needed in Zimbabwe right now, so I could do Doctors without Borders there full-time and not even bother working in the U.S. Of course, I'll probably have to sell my dog to pay for my flight there, but it's a small sacrifice to make for the betterment of mankind."

I'm pretty sure she won't even realize she's being made fun of. 👍

 

[sebsvenmdc]

I'd feel kinda bad doing that since she's pregnant right now.

I've decided that I'm just going to respond with: "Well, I think I'm gonna be a pediatric nephrological onco-radiologist. They're really needed in Zimbabwe right now, so I could do Doctors without Borders there full-time and not even bother working in the U.S. Of course, I'll probably have to sell my dog to pay for my flight there, but it's a small sacrifice to make for the betterment of mankind."

I'm pretty sure she won't even realize she's being made fun of. 👍

Or tell her that you're interested in becoming a microscopic-interventional-radiological-guided fetal and neonatal space surgeon.

 

[deleted50478]

Or tell her that you're interested in becoming a microscopic-interventional-radiological-guided fetal and neonatal space surgeon.

You could just say that there's actually a lot more to it than that, or you could tell her you are going to be a gynecologic cosmetic surgeon and to give you a call after her kid is born.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

In this type of situation I tell people that the drugs used to induce general anesthesia are the same that are used for execution by lethal injection.

👍

 

[urge]

Her: "Money! You'll get so much money! And all you have to know is not to fall asleep. I saw on Grey's Anatomy..." and so on.

Tell her: "That is rather simplistic. It is one of the tougher specialties to get into as it attracts the brightest students. I hope I can make it. I also like ER and...."

That might make her shut up.

 

[Surfer]

You could just say that there's actually a lot more to it than that, or you could tell her you are going to be a gynecologic cosmetic surgeon and to give you a call after her kid is born.

 

[Gimlet]

Just go for the creepy factor and tell people you're really looking forward to getting into pediatric gynecology...it'll at least provide an awkward silence.

Or, my favorite answer: "I'm doing a combined pediatrics/geriatrics residency, with an emphasis on progeria."

 

[sebsvenmdc]

Just go for the creepy factor and tell people you're really looking forward to getting into pediatric gynecology...it'll at least provide an awkward silence.

Or, my favorite answer: "I'm doing a combined pediatrics/geriatrics residency, with an emphasis on progeria."

LOL, my friends and I always joke about that. You could also say that you're passionate about pediatric urology. What the mother is progeria...I'll look it up!

 

[karizma098]

LOL, my friends and I always joke about that. You could also say that you're passionate about pediatric urology. What the mother is progeria...I'll look it up!

progeria is an 'aging' disorder of sorts , kids look strange, lose their hair , have stiff joints. benjamin button stuff. most die before 12 year of age or so, depressing stuff !

 

[Tuohy]

To add to the "what specialty are you interested in?" is usually followed by the "Oh, my friend's brother's neighbor is an anesthesiologist-do you want to talk to them?" Like, who f****** cares and no I don't want to talk to random stranger

 

[GoodmanBrown]

To add to the "what specialty are you interested in?" is usually followed by the "Oh, my friend's brother's neighbor is an anesthesiologist-do you want to talk to them?" Like, who f****** cares and no I don't want to talk to random stranger

That's so true! I was speaking with an old friend from high school. She works in L&D at a smaller local hospital. She gave me like 3 or 4 different anesthesiologists to speak to at her hospital.

I graciously accepted them, but what am I going to do? I'm working full-time and I'm already accepted to med school, so it's not really like I'm gonna try to shadow them...

 

[Ashers]

Try saying non-interventional surgery.

 

[cfdavid]

Just go for the creepy factor and tell people you're really looking forward to getting into pediatric gynecology...it'll at least provide an awkward silence.

Or, my favorite answer: "I'm doing a combined pediatrics/geriatrics residency, with an emphasis on progeria."

These are some good ones guys......

 

[cfdavid]

To add to the "what specialty are you interested in?" is usually followed by the "Oh, my friend's brother's neighbor is an anesthesiologist-do you want to talk to them?" Like, who f****** cares and no I don't want to talk to random stranger

yeah, that get's annoying. surely there ARE times when it's not "what you know but who you know", but people (well meaning) always think that "talking" to some MD/DO acquaintance of theirs will somehow do you great favors (with that implied)..... Again, well intended, but annoying nonetheless.

cf

 

[2win]

So, every couple of weeks, my wife and I meet with a few other couples to have dinner. A handful of times, my med school applications have come up, and people have asked if I'm interested in any particular area. I actually don't like to discuss it because one woman in particular drives me crazy when we get on the the topic. This past week, the conversation went something close to this:

Someone: "So are you interested in any specialty right now?"

Me: "Well, I'm pretty interested in anesthesiology right now but --"

Her: "Money! You'll get so much money! And all you have to know is not to fall asleep. I saw on Grey's Anatomy..." and so on.

Any good responses when you encounter people who have a distorted picture of the specialty and don't seem receptive to learning more? Any quick, 2-sentence summations of what you do that convey that it's more than making someone go to sleep? I made some joke about residency being 2 hours long and they just showed that episode of Grey's Anatomy, but I think even that was lost on her.

Ah well, from reading this forum, if I intend to become an anesthesiologist, I should practice the "water off a duck's back" method with these kinds of interactions. Though perhaps we could all chip in to hire an inside agent to get on the Grey's Anatomy writing staff...

I know that my answer will pissed off some people...
It is about money.
While you friend will make plans about the next Sizzler family celebration - saving money and watching Oprah - you gonna be in Bahamas (third trip in a year) sipping the God Liquor and having three top models dancing for you. Now I am aware that you have to have "social relations" but maybe it is the time to change the circle.
And tell to the pregnant lady to ask you the same question when she's in labor....

 

[MedicineMike]

Im so glad this has been brought up...Ive been interested in anesthesiology for a long time and could possibly specialize in this field...(who knows what i will be interested in during med school)

I usually dont answer the typical question "what kind of doctor do you want to be?" because it is the most ignorantly phrased question I have ever heard, yet I hear it ALL THE freaking TIME!

In addition, every time I do, in fact, slip up and express interest in anesthesiology, the person always says something to do with how lucrative that field is (like they have any idea). Usually goes something like this:

idiot: "what kind of doctor do you want to be?"
me: "Um, I am not sure because my interests will probably change during school, but I am mostly interested in anesthesiology as of right now...
idiot: "ooooooooooh MY, that is such a high-paying job!!! My dad's brother used to live by an anesthesiologist, and he was sooOO wealthy and never worked! I would definitely do anesth. if i could. The money is great"
me: "You are an f'ng idiot" (i think this, not say)

--It's amazing how stupid/uninformed people are sometimes....

 

[BlitznFire]

This has been my experience -
Those not so familiar with Anesthesia : "Oh they make a lot of money, definitely a great field to go into"

Fellow medical students : "Anesthesia is so boring, all you do is sit around and be a surgeon's b#$#$, beep beep beep beep. Plus these days its only nurses in the ORs. The Anesthesiologist just pops in and leaves"

Residents : "Wow, you are making the smart choice. Anesthesia is definitely the way to go. All the residents are usually happy"

Attendings : "Anesthesia is great field. Any surgeon will tell you how important an anesthesiologist is. They are really worth their weight in gold. When sh it hits the fan, they are the ones that make life saving decisions. If I was ever on the operating table, I would want a good surgeon, but I would want a baller anesthesiologist, because I know he is the one thats going to be saving my life if it came down to it.

I usually dont pay much attention to those who diss the field. I try to educate them and move on. However, two days ago when I was scrubbed in on a TAH, the nurse anesthetists were arguing about how they were better than the anesthesia residents and that irked me. However, the surgeon, and two other residents begged to differ and that was the end of the convo. 🙂

 

[WholeLottaGame7]

I got frustrated all the time by this (and probably still do, to a degree), but I'm sure we come across the same way asking about so-and-so's finance job or engineering job or whatever. They're just trying to show interest in your life, however misinformed they may be.

It's inane small talk, nobody enjoys it, but it is what it is. No need to antagonize people unnecessarily.

 

[Eta Carinae]

HA!

I always just use the Murray/Michael Jackson reference.

And the collective "Oh"s ensue "...so that's what your specialty will be"

and then they retreat one or two steps...

 

[Eta Carinae]

I also have to remind/reassure them that Murray was a charlatan and was never trained in anesthesiology

 

[fakin' the funk]

In this type of situation I tell people that the drugs used to induce general anesthesia are the same that are used for execution by lethal injection.

I second the 👍

In most social situations you can't use the STFU technique or haranguing technique. This is a great, quick "out"

And, if you so choose, now you have a way to change the topic: lethal execution!

 

[Licoricestick]

Or, my favorite answer: "I'm doing a combined pediatrics/geriatrics residency, with an emphasis on progeria."

 

[hoyden]

Originally posted by 2win

And tell to the pregnant lady to ask you the same question when she's in labor....

The best concise response, IMHO 👍

 

[lfesiam]

Just go for the creepy factor and tell people you're really looking forward to getting into pediatric gynecology...it'll at least provide an awkward silence.

Or, my favorite answer: "I'm doing a combined pediatrics/geriatrics residency, with an emphasis on progeria."

word up gimlet. that's a good one.

 

[Narcotized]

.

 

[RT2MD]

When people ask what kind of doctor I'm going to be, I answer "A calloused, uncaring, piss poor one". I think that the pediatric/geriatric answer is better, though...

 

[GoodmanBrown]

I know that my answer will pissed off some people...
It is about money.
While you friend will make plans about the next Sizzler family celebration - saving money and watching Oprah - you gonna be in Bahamas (third trip in a year) sipping the God Liquor and having three top models dancing for you. Now I am aware that you have to have "social relations" but maybe it is the time to change the circle.
And tell to the pregnant lady to ask you the same question when she's in labor....

2win, you make an interesting point about jealousy. This person does often make references to wanting to make lots of money. So, I definitely agree that in a way her response is a reaction to the assumption that (if I become an anesthesiologist) I will be making a lot of money.

Not sure how that affects my response. If someone believes you make lots of "unearned" money, it's definitely an impossible battle to prove that anesthesiologists deserve what they're compensated. Overall, I've just try to move the conversation on as I don't want to come off as pedantic about the whole thing.

 

[GoodmanBrown]

Or tell her that you're interested in becoming a microscopic-interventional-radiological-guided fetal and neonatal space surgeon.

My vote for the best one yet.

We are apparently going to Mars sometime soon, so hopefully I'll be a freshly minted attending just in time!

 

[inmyslumber]

I like the method of just staring at the person not saying a word. Perhaps shooting a glance at their significant other that expresses your sorrow for them being with that person. Then continued staring at the speaker.

If you feel compelled to say something, don't. Maximize the speaker's awkwardness. Then, move on to an unrealted topic.