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Loading ...“So is your office open next week?” The patient was in my office seeing me for a sore throat. She was heading off for Florida and wanted to get an antibiotic just in case. This happens a whole lot on the week or so leading up to Christmas. It has always been my practice to loosen the rules a bit – as “watchful waiting” in this season could ruin a Christmas.
“Yeah, I have the duty this week.” I am working limited days on Wednesday (today), Friday, and Saturday morning clinic. It has been a few years since I have drawn the long straw, but everybody gets their turn. I don’t really mind it too much – things are pretty laid back and quiet. I can sit and catch up on things – and even blog if I want. The only thing that could “wreck” Christmas would be a cesarean section on Christmas morning (our OB/GYN doctors still require pediatric back-up for all c-sections). It’s just part of my job.
The specialist offices are all closed for the rest of the week, but we don’t really have that luxury. Our patients get acutely sick and need to be seen; they have counted on us being accessible. We don’t like to let that expectation down. Plus, we can’t really afford to take a whole week with the office closed. We don’t have the high margins that the specialists have, and when we are closed, we are making no money – something that is not a good idea in primary care.
I saw a fireman this morning who has Christmas duty. He had the same attitude that I did – it is just part of the job. We get the pleasure – helping people in their worst hours; but we also have to bear the hard part. He wasn’t upset; it’s what the job calls for. Patients apologize that they are making me work on Christmas Eve, but I assure them that I would be here even if they didn’t come in. They are just happy I am here.
So to all the folks who have to work this week, be it because of financial necessity or the nature of the job, I say: Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and thank you very much.
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{ 8 comments }
My husband was a cop all his work life, so it was the same for him. When the kids were little he worked 3rd shift. on Christmas Eve. he would try to sneak home around 3-4 am to help me with things like setting up train sets and race tracks. That didn’t always work out because unfortunately Holidays bring out the worst in some families and there was always a lot of domestic calls. The hard part was when he would get tied up with over time on Christmas morning, and would have to work an hour or two over while wanting to get home to see his kids open presents.
Saluting all those who need to work during Christmas and/or national/traditional holidays; your dedication makes our world a better place.
Merry Christmas and happy new year to you all!
Dr. Rob– as a patient I send a big thank you to you & others like you who are obviously doing it for the job & not the money. My husband was just recently operated on last Thursday, was a simple outpatient procedure. Saturday I had to take him back to the hospital for what we figured was a little post-op infection. His autonomic system went haywire & he’s had a brain hemorrhage. I’m very thankful for the all the medical professionals who are looking out for his welfare right now & praying that he doesn’t get worse.
Merry Christmas Dr Rob
meant to add a smile to merry Christmas dr Rob
I’m not working but I appreciate the medical staff who has to work and get themselves to work. Happy Holidays!
It’s my first time on this blog. Nice read.
Thank you for working! My doctor had to take care of me yesterday. I have a really bad sinus infection and it was spreading! Being sick on christmas sucks.
My dentist fitted me with a permanent crown on 12/23, and the hygenist gave me a wicked lecture about making my staff work in my pediatric office on 12/24 & 12/26. She must not have ever had a sick kiddo on those days. This is our busy season, and I, too feel obligated to keep my office up and running. Too much competition from RBCs and Urgent Cares (which in my neck of the woods give pretty crummy care to the <6 year old set). Have also found that working Christmas is a bit easier than New Years so when I have to make the choice between the two – I pick Christmas. Thankfully I have an understanding family! Enjoy your writing! Happy Holidays!
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