Thread for Worrywarts

[b&ierstiefel]

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Yeah - don't go on for too long. Say a few jokes, tell a story, end with some sentiment, and avoid mentioning bestiality (you'd be surprised how many people don't remember that last one).

People will be somewhat drunk or on their way to becoming drunk - they really won't remember a ton about specifics of what you say, they will remember your general tone and attitude. So say something nice about the bride and groom and how cute they look together or how they compliment each other, or whatever.

They will also remember if you make an ass out of yourself by throwing up, slurring your words, or falling on your face. One of the other groomsmen at the last wedding I was at said that he had prepared a backup speech because at a previous wedding, the best man had started to speak, thrown up, and left the stage, and horrors, there was no toast. I told him the chances of that happening to me were about 0.0001%, but he still prepared one. Then he cried when I made my speech, so I am not sure how his would have gone over!

That story truly is tragic. Trust me, there will be no drinks for me until after the speech and when the reception festivities begin. I'm already overwhelmed somewhat regarding all of my responsibilities surrounding the occasion.

At least the planning for the bachelor party is pretty much all set. Whew! Just spent more money booking more hotel rooms since receiving a flurry of emails from those who have just decided to attend. The next few months is gonna kill my wallet!

 

[yaah]

I can honestly say that California, specifically southern california, ranks in my bottom 5 choices of places I would want to live (in the US, anyway). Along with New Orleans and the surrounding bayou, Atlanta, Miami, and Brooklyn (sorry Joe D!).

In fact, if I had to pick any city in the United States of over 100,000 people, the one I would choose last would be LA. No offense to anyone in California - it's not your fault. It's just simply not for me. Perhaps some people like miles of traffic, mass-produced culture, too many celebrities, and everything being too expensive.

It's all individual - just like if you were to tell me that living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire would be boring, cold, and lacking culture. Boo, I say!

So it is not for everyone. I ask myself every day why california is the most populated state in the country, it makes no sense. I don't even enjoy the weather. Plus, everyone seems like they are trying to either break into show business or profit from it somehow.

However, I am certainly not going to defend NYC!

I disagree with California being 5 years ahead of other parts of the country though. I think most large good academic centers anywhere in the country are on similar planes. Sure, there are certain areas where some outshine others - like I would bet Pittsburgh is better in transplant medicine than California. But "better" is a relative term anyway. And just because an area is using more technology, etc, doesn't necessarily mean there is better medicine being practiced. One gets a bias from being in a certain center - it is assumed to be the ultimate. I have no doubt they have many wonderful attendings and researchers in California, but I sincerely doubt they have a monopoly, or even a majority.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

don't say that too loud yaah...governor ahh-nold may have to come and tuhhh-minate ya!

 

[yaah]

Doesn't California already have a problem with too many people? I would think they would be happy that I was not trying to move there. Like I said, so I don't insult anyone, this is all my personal opinion which I know does not extend to anyone else, and I do not speak for anyone else except myself. Anyone can feel free to defend California all they want, but you are not going to convince me, although northern cal is a nice place.

This is one of the things I worry about too - that I will finish residency and my only opportunities will be choosing between Baton Rouge, Miami, and Southern Cal. I think I might quit path at that point and join the US forestry service.

 

[stormjen]

Uuuuuuuuugh, I haven't gotten an interview in soooo long. I'm starting to feel sick. I think I'm going to be one of those people who starts making phone calls, asking for interviews. It can't possibly hurt, right.

Like yaah, I would love to live in New Hampshire, and I haven't gotten an invite from Dartmouth. I did manage to get Vermont, which is good too. Why oh why did Path have to start getting more competitive? Argh! Stupid people applying, bah bah bah! Bah!

(no offense intended by this message nor future messages)

 

[mobmw325i]

I can honestly say that California, specifically southern california, ranks in my bottom 5 choices of places I would want to live (in the US, anyway). Along with New Orleans and the surrounding bayou, Atlanta, Miami, and Brooklyn (sorry Joe D!).

In fact, if I had to pick any city in the United States of over 100,000 people, the one I would choose last would be LA. No offense to anyone in California - it's not your fault. It's just simply not for me. Perhaps some people like miles of traffic, mass-produced culture, too many celebrities, and everything being too expensive.

It's all individual - just like if you were to tell me that living in the White Mountains of New Hampshire would be boring, cold, and lacking culture. Boo, I say!

So it is not for everyone. I ask myself every day why california is the most populated state in the country, it makes no sense. I don't even enjoy the weather. Plus, everyone seems like they are trying to either break into show business or profit from it somehow.

However, I am certainly not going to defend NYC!

I disagree with California being 5 years ahead of other parts of the country though. I think most large good academic centers anywhere in the country are on similar planes. Sure, there are certain areas where some outshine others - like I would bet Pittsburgh is better in transplant medicine than California. But "better" is a relative term anyway. And just because an area is using more technology, etc, doesn't necessarily mean there is better medicine being practiced. One gets a bias from being in a certain center - it is assumed to be the ultimate. I have no doubt they have many wonderful attendings and researchers in California, but I sincerely doubt they have a monopoly, or even a majority.

Well, I'm glad that you don't like California, nobody said you have to. You can like whatever you want. For me personally, New York is a dump and a half, the worst place I've ever lived (and I've lived in 3rd world countries). And again, I could write a book on how bad NY really is. btw its raining again, I think it rains in NY q3d... by the book!

As for being 5 years ahead, that was a Univ of Pitt MD that stated it, and after reviewing some lectures, there are things that California is advanced in. And its not just medicine. After living in NY I'm convinced they are ahead of NY. Coming to NY is like going back in time (for a lot of things). But overall, it just comes down to quality of life. And for me, that comes down to not digging my car out of the cold, or holding onto a gas pump in 10 degree weather b/c they've never heard of gas clips. Or waiting at traffic lights b/c they haven't developed sensors, and of course the defensive driving course, b/c pavement 101 and the numerous potholes. That making it big is living in an apartment in the city, etc...

And by no means will you end up CA as a pathologist, although you did scare me... imagine if I get stuck in NY for a position. Forget forrest ranger, I will definitely find myself in the suicides by physician statistics. CA is in high demand, that's why IMG's get NY positions.

I wish you the best, where you reside. And I'd gladly accept a CA position. Beautiful weather, attractive women (oh man some of the ugliest women I've ever seen reside in NY), and the freedom to do whatever you want are part of the many reasons why I prefer CA. Plus its the quality of life...

 

[cytoborg]

But I have come to realize that California is a pipe dream for me, and that I may just have to seek fellowship or flat out move there after all of my training. One way or another I'll find my way home.

Spoken like a true Californian! I'm thinking along the same lines. And the fewer other people who want to move there, the better! There are definite downsides, such as the cost of living for one, the near-impossibility of ever buying a home, and of course, hippies. 😀

 

[yaah]

For me personally, New York is a dump and a half, the worst place I've ever lived (and I've lived in 3rd world countries). And again, I could write a book on how bad NY really is. btw its raining again, I think it rains in NY q3d... by the book!
After living in NY I'm convinced they are ahead of NY. Coming to NY is like going back in time (for a lot of things). But overall, it just comes down to quality of life. And for me, that comes down to not digging my car out of the cold, or holding onto a gas pump in 10 degree weather b/c they've never heard of gas clips. Or waiting at traffic lights b/c they haven't developed sensors, and of course the defensive driving course, b/c pavement 101 and the numerous potholes. That making it big is living in an apartment in the city, etc......(oh man some of the ugliest women I've ever seen reside in NY), and the freedom to do whatever you want are part of the many reasons why

I think I found someone who dislikes NYC more than me! Every time I go there I can't wait to leave! I get a kick out of people who can't get enough of it, I can't stand it either. "The City" this and "The City" that. Get over it! The only thing I like about NYC is the Metropolitan Opera house.

I think a studio apartment can cost upwards of $150k in Manhattan. Insanity. And it's so noisy and people are pushy and rude and a slice of pizza costs like $9. I honestly don't know how anyone lives there unless they never go out or they make at least $300k per year. What, so you can go to a trendy bar (well, wait in line for hours to go to a trendy bar!) and rub elbows with the bodyguards of B-list celebrities like Donald Trump? Ha!

All you folks who want to live in NYC or CA, go right ahead! Less competition for me!

 

[deschutes]

Whoa, this thread exploded.

So we went and got breakfast today...

At 6:30am perhaps?
Oh yaah, she would have been your dream girl...

So you can still continue your witty banter qdaily. You have lost nothing 😉

Was it the same visiting professor who talked about forensics in Baghdad and death by chili?

 

[yaah]

It was actually around 7. Her day starts at 6:30. One of our conversations last week was about why we both like to go to bed early. I mention this so you all realize why I thought she was leading me on.

And yes, same forensics guy. He gave a couple of great presentations. I would suggest, however, that if you ever get shot, you might want it to be with a different weapon than a hunting rifle. Dear (or should I say deer) heavens. Couple of photos of the damage...

Everyone feel free to keep worrying! It's good to worry sometimes.

Stormjen Dartmouth and Vermont have two of the nicest residency program secretaries you would ever want to meet. I doubt they would mind if you contacted them.

 

[deschutes]

It was actually around 7. Her day starts at 6:30. One of our conversations last week was about why we both like to go to bed early. I mention this so you all realize why I thought she was leading me on.

How is it that she had not mentioned a boyfriend in all this time? 😕

~
I am actually finding it a lot easier to go to bed early and wake early in this town. And I am starting to think that the reason I get post-prandial nearly at the level of dumping syndrome is because I never get enough sleep.

I could do rural family med - if I were married, and had kids.

Re: forensics -
I don't know my firearms, but aren't hunting rifles those that cause a great deal of superficial damage, i.e. blow off half the face but not kill the person?

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Yaah, it seems like you got over this relatively quickly. Enjoy the weekend. Michigan vs. Illinois game coming up! We're gonna destroy the Illini! Go Blue!

 

[yaah]

Re: forensics -
I don't know my firearms, but aren't hunting rifles those that cause a great deal of superficial damage, i.e. blow off half the face but not kill the person?

You are probably thinking of a shotgun.

Hunting rifles shoot high speed heavy ammunition that enters the body with tremendous force and the trauma of the entrance causes a virtual explosion inside. The quote from him: "If you shoot a small varmint with a hunting rifle, you will never find it again." If you put a hunting rifle in your mouth and pull the trigger, the rifle expels up to a couple of litres of gas, which basically will explode your head, and your brain will be expelled out of your skull BEFORE the bullet reaches it.

We also saw a picture of a shredded liver from a man shot by a hunting rifle. The bullet never touched the liver. It was the force of the impact. Interestingly, they often do less external damage (unless shot from very close range). The damage is on the inside - thus, why they are hunting rifles. They do very little external damage and it preserves the hide for display. If that is your cup of tea.

 

[deschutes]

Since this is the thread that is supposed to accompany The Official Interview Thread, I have a question.

I am thinking of putting the following line at the end of all my thank-you-for-your-invitation / my-application-is-complete -type correspondence:

"Please do not hesitate to contact me with questions regarding my visa status, or any other point in my application."

Would that be a reasonable move?

The reason for this is because I know someone who used to be in my position, went all the way to interview and pre-ROL was told "actually, we don't sponsor visas" by a program.

I could theoretically post in the IMG forum, but heaven knows every IMG is different and this seems more a question of common sense than immigration/certification.

~
Also, if no one mentions Step 2 results on interview day, should I bring up the subject myself? 😕

*mull mull mull mull mull.....*

 

[TigerPath05]

So, it is now mid-October and I still haven't heard from 1/2 of my applied programs. Should I call or email them or wait until after Nov. 1 for the dean's letter? I am scared and don't know what to do next. Thanks for any advice!!

 

[stormjen]

So, it is now mid-October and I still haven't heard from 1/2 of my applied programs. Should I call or email them or wait until after Nov. 1 for the dean's letter? I am scared and don't know what to do next. Thanks for any advice!!

I caved a couple days ago and emailed one of the programs I'm waiting to hear from. Haven't heard back from them, so maybe it was a mistake? I'm probably not the best person to answer your question, since I'm scared too.

 

[yaah]

Don't worry too much about that - they aren't going to be vindictive - they may just choose not to answer right away. I highly doubt that emailing or contacting a program (unless you do it a dozen times) will harm your application - at the very least it shows enthusiasm for the program!

Tigerpath I wish I had a good answer for you. If you find yourself stressing too much about it, don't be afriad to contact them. Just don't go overboard as I said above!

 

[Harbster]

I think I found someone who dislikes NYC more than me! Every time I go there I can't wait to leave! I get a kick out of people who can't get enough of it, I can't stand it either. "The City" this and "The City" that. Get over it! The only thing I like about NYC is the Metropolitan Opera house.

I think a studio apartment can cost upwards of $150k in Manhattan. Insanity. And it's so noisy and people are pushy and rude and a slice of pizza costs like $9. I honestly don't know how anyone lives there unless they never go out or they make at least $300k per year. What, so you can go to a trendy bar (well, wait in line for hours to go to a trendy bar!) and rub elbows with the bodyguards of B-list celebrities like Donald Trump? Ha!

All you folks who want to live in NYC or CA, go right ahead! Less competition for me!

NYC, Cali, and Miami are over-rated, congested, pretentious dumps....celebrity-yard for the insecure rich. Bo-Tox, boob jobs, nose jobs, ass jobs, bigots??..makes me want to vomit!

 

[yaah]

NYC, Cali, and Miami are over-rated, congested, pretentious dumps....celebrity-yard for the insecure rich. Bo-Tox, boob jobs, nose jobs, ass jobs, bigots……..makes me want to vomit!

They will never admit it though! And they will probably say you are jealous, boring, uncultured, or some other such weak insult.

That's alright, we all love those places, because they are drawing cards for the people who live there that bother the rest of us! 😉

Nobody take huge offense, OK? I have to be anti-NYC today.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

The day after the Yankees lost, I scheduled my Cornell interview.

I'm so not representin! I'm so not keepin it real!

 

[deschutes]

This cluster-thy-interviews plan is SO not working for me. I pale at the prospect of those airfare dollars.

Fuss fuss fuss..! Where is March already!!

Ah well. Guess I'll go back to showing how little I know about code situations.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

This cluster-thy-interviews plan is SO not working for me. I pale at the prospect of those airfare dollars.

Fuss fuss fuss..! Where is March already!!

Ah well. Guess I'll go back to showing how little I know about code situations.

That plan, I am convinced, is not meant to work. I'm flying in all sorts of random directions but I was able to get some good one-way flight deals. What sucks is that ideally one would be able to fly out the evening of the interview; however, what ends up happening is that one can't do that without calling it too close so you end up spending an extra night in the hotel (more money out of your wallet) and flying out the next day.

 

[Mrbojangles]

The only interviews I was able to cluster are the NYC programs. Haven't heard from any of the Philly programs other than Drexel. Anyone got an e-mail from NYU saying that the new Chairman is changing the interview process and there will be no interviews scheduled until they figure this thing out? in addition I find the program assistant to be really rude

 

[deschutes]

That plan, I am convinced, is not meant to work. I'm flying in all sorts of random directions..

Good. I feel less stupid now.

ideally one would be able to fly out the evening of the interview; however, what ends up happening is that one can't do that without calling it too close so you end up spending an extra night in the hotel (more money out of your wallet) and flying out the next day

And then we get into whether it is more cost-saving to stay another night than to risk having to buy a new ticket because you missed your flight.

MUSC sent a picture of the inside of the hotel. Though I doubt I'll be spending much time exploring its amenities.

Today I looked at the list of places I haven't heard back from. I'm drawing close to the oh-whatever/did-I-really-want-to-go-there-anyway-? point.

Sorry to hear about NYU.

~
Received an email about the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam Part I costing CDN$680 scheduled for next May. Whee. I bet I spend more time on the logistics of taking these exams than actually studying for them.

 

[Smitty]

Good. I feel less stupid now.

Yeah, I'm trying to cluster but instead it's just turning into a cluster @#$%!

MUSC sent a picture of the inside of the hotel. Though I doubt I'll be spending much time exploring its amenities.

My wife saw this picture and now she wants to go with me to the MUSC interview! I told her I didn't want her getting too big for her briches cause according to LADoc were all heading for the trailer park!

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Yeah, I'm trying to cluster but instead it's just turning into a cluster @#$%!

Very nicely put Smitty.

 

[garfield]

Hey, I'm curious... can you post this picture or tell us the name of the hotel for MUSC? I interviewed there a few years ago and it was just an ordinary Comfort Inn!

 

[yaah]

I wonder if it's like this condo I looked at here that I didn't buy. When I saw the publicity shot I was like, "Whoah, that's awesome! I have to see it." Then, when I actually did see it, I was like, "Whoah! Wide angle lens! Wide angle lens!" Like women say the camera adds ten pounds? Well, the camera can double the square footage of a hotel room or condo.

The hotel I stayed at in Iowa City had the best bed ever. My goodness that was comfortable.

 

[deschutes]

I believe the hotel is called The Embassy. The picture is an expansive 😉 view of an inner courtyard scattered with cushy armchairs, complete with fountain.

The hotel I stayed at in Iowa City had the best bed ever.

Figures... the one place where I have someone to put me up. I hear the hotel has food baskets, too. But I sure could use the reimbursement.

What can I spend $300 on, hmmm.

Oh. Airfare. Duh.

btw, someone please PM me and tell me what a "cluster @#$%" is? 😀 😳 😕

 

[TigerPath05]

I have also received the packet from MUSC and the nice picture of the hotel, but I didn't get anything that said they pay for a night. Did any of you get the idea that they pay for the night before? I still haven't received my confirmation letter, maybe that has the details. Thanks

 

[b&ierstiefel]

I wonder if it's like this condo I looked at here that I didn't buy. When I saw the publicity shot I was like, "Whoah, that's awesome! I have to see it." Then, when I actually did see it, I was like, "Whoah! Wide angle lens! Wide angle lens!" Like women say the camera adds ten pounds? Well, the camera can double the square footage of a hotel room or condo.

Ha! I experienced that when I was looking for apartments a few years back. Pictures lie. Apartment reviews, however, may be more revealing 🙂

 

[Smitty]

The picture is an expansive view of an inner courtyard scattered with cushy armchairs, complete with fountain.

Dang! Well, if it's better than Motel 6 I'll be happy, especially since it's free!

I have also received the packet from MUSC and the nice picture of the hotel, but I didn't get anything that said they pay for a night. Did any of you get the idea that they pay for the night before? I still haven't received my confirmation letter, maybe that has the details. Thanks

Yeah, it's in the letter. They pay for 1 night.

btw, someone please PM me and tell me what a "cluster @#$%" is?

that's cluster BUCK, but not with a B, more like a big fat F as in **** DUKE!
aka **** The University of New Jersey at Durham! (but again, I'm not bitter at all).

 

[deschutes]

that's cluster BUCK, but not with a B, more like a big fat F as in **** DUKE!

Smitty, I knew that part! Man I thought I made the question clear enough. I am guessing that a cluster f*** is the same as a, um... a, well, a gang... um...

Thin ice. PM me. I fear the wrath of yaah.

 

[Smitty]

Sorry, didn't make myself clear. That's what happens when I try to post at 2:30 in the AM on my ED shift. A cluster you know what is basically a big foul up; a big disorganized mess, if you will. My guess is that it means the same as group sex which I guess one could imagine as also being a big disorganized mess, although I group sex could be very organized for all I know, but I've been married for quite a while and have no experience with such matters outside of the occasional email that gets sent to my junkmail folder which I may, uh, accidentially open, and of course immediately close as I am horrified by what I see! 😳

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Smitty, I knew that part! Man I thought I made the question clear enough. I am guessing that a cluster f*** is the same as a, um... a, well, a gang... um...

Thin ice. PM me. I fear the wrath of yaah.

Uh come on! Just come out and say it. Don't try to make us think that your mind isn't in the gutter...all the time. 😉

 

[yaah]

Thin ice. PM me. I fear the wrath of yaah.

 

[deschutes]

yaah, I had never doubted your judgement before this, but please know I mean this in the best way possible - green and purple are somewhat unbecoming on you.

 

[yaah]

Do you think I should get rid of the tail?

 

[stormjen]

No. Tails are sexy.

 

[deschutes]

Tails, sexy? I think you mean the other way.

~
Since this is the worrywart thread after all - those of you who are cancelling interviews, please please please do it soon!! I swim in your wake. 😛

 

[deschutes]

I think this will be my all-time favourite thread (at least till I start Ob/Gyn and revert to being a b*tch about tertiary care).

Today one of my eggs chirped.
"We have not received your ECFMG report. Could you please explain your visa status?"

Well. See now, I will be LCME-accredited. So I can't be ECFMG-certified.

J-1 you sponsor. J-1 I want. We have deal. Visa application starts in March when I match.

~
I'm over-exaggerating my response, of course.
Sleep! And food! And all will be well again.

Failing which there's always metoprolol.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

I think this will be my all-time favourite thread (at least till I start Ob/Gyn and revert to being a b*tch about tertiary care).

There's always the Anti-Clinical Medicine Thread. 😉

Today one of my eggs chirped.
"We have not received your ECFMG report. Could you please explain your visa status?"

Well. See now, I will be LCME-accredited. So I can't be ECFMG-certified.

J-1 you sponsor. J-1 I want. We have deal. Visa application starts in March when I match.

Hold back now. Hold back.

Speaking about food, I'm with ya there. I was reading Crush the Boards for probably about half an hour to an hour. Then I fell asleep! Woops...there goes dinner and now it's 11:30 and most places are closed.

 

[stormjen]

Speaking about food, I'm with ya there. I was reading Crush the Boards for probably about half an hour to an hour. Then I fell asleep! Woops...there goes dinner and now it's 11:30 and most places are closed.

You must be one of those guys with nothing in the refrigerator except a bottle of ketchup and cans of beer.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

You must be one of those guys with nothing in the refrigerator except a bottle of ketchup and cans of beer.

Yup, that was me for a few days 😀 ...except no ketchup or beer either . I was out of town for 2 weeks so I figured there was no point in me going grocery shopping before I left town. But as of yesterday, problem solved.

 

[deschutes]

Today one of my eggs chirped.
"We have not received your ECFMG report. Could you please explain your visa status?"

Well. See now, I will be LCME-accredited. So I can't be ECFMG-certified.

J-1 you sponsor. J-1 I want. We have deal. Visa application starts in March when I match.

I started calling today.

"When did you apply?"
Back in September.
"Let's see now...doo be doo... Your application is on hold because be have not received your ECFMG report."

Repeat quote, ad infinitum.

 

[deschutes]

God knows I'm a total whinge, but interviewing in the midst of clinicals is completely exhausting!

Tour downtown? No thanks I'd rather sleep.

SO uncool.

 

[b&ierstiefel]

God knows I'm a total whinge, but interviewing in the midst of clinicals is completely exhausting!

Tour downtown? No thanks I'd rather sleep.

SO uncool.

You turned down a tour downtown?!? You're such a wimp!
...
just kidding

I did 5 interviews at UNC and by lunch time I was exhausted too (the fact that I only slept 3 hours didn't help either).

Where did all that stamina go? When I interviewed at UMich MSTP, I had to go through 14 interviews. I feel like an old fart.

 

[deschutes]

You turned down a tour downtown?!? You're such a wimp!

I didn't turn down a tour downtown. There wasn't one offered! 😛 I came back the next day for their morning conference. But I don't feel quite with it -fell asleep over dinner (at "home") last night 😱

I asked most of the program people I met yesterday, what do you think is the one thing I should do or eat before I leave? (I thought it was a more interesting question than "What major changes do you anticipate in the program's future?" etc.)

Answers ranged from pizza to the museum of natural history (which some of the other residents had never heard of 😀 )

 

[b&ierstiefel]

Yes I agree. Another suitable question, if you have the courage, is "Where's a good place to get a beer before I leave?" I believe that the presence of bars in the area is an indirect measure of the program's stability as well.

 

[deschutes]

..the presence of bars in the area is an indirect measure of the program's stability as well.

I think you mean, a direct measure of the program's instability (on their feet).