On Being Patients

A short story that was written when I was a second-year ER resident for The Writer's Digest "Short-Short story competition." It's one of my favorite bits of writing I ever did. Not the typical funny EpineFriends episode, but it hits right in the feels :). Enjoy!

Communicating effectively is of the utmost importance. Sometimes, we can speak the same language, but not be understood. Other times we riddle splat the tonka for the static wookie chuck duck.

The EpineFriends expound on times they have been patients. The stories are hilarious and sometimes painful.

We should strive to live healthy lifestyles and be examples for our patients. While trying to get into shape, I bit off much MUCH more than I could chew. Amazing Brenda can do backflips while running marathons, but I learn trying to emulate someone that amazing, it ends terribly.

In the ER we have a multitude of unstated laws and rules. Sometimes, with some help from a famous author, we can organize our thoughts into rules that make sense. Okay, Lets be honest, it us, so making complete sense has never been our strong spot.

The ER is a place where anything can be seen. Sometimes, however, the last thing to be found is common sense and logic. The EpineFriends explore interesting stories about the lack of logic often seen behind the scenes.

The EpineFriends discuss pain and pain scales. We delve somewhat into the world of alternative therapies and how each of us has had our individual bouts with pain, but never daring to call it a 10.

An epic poem with a distinctly ER twist, along with many stories about Christmas craziness from the Emergency Department.

A tale of being the doctor on a plane during a medical emergency (not really). Stories about being a provider outside of the ER where we either attempt to help or utter failure. Either way, when you are a provider, you're always a provider.

Using open ended questions in the Emergency department can be helpful. Sometimes, however, people have such unique answers that you're simply not prepared for the answer to anything you ask.