In the Land of Jason

I haven't had access to the internet via my computer for a while so here's my entry for the 15th of May.

Blog entry for 15 may 2011

59 degrees and cloudy gas 3.70 a gallon

       I've been systematically visiting area churches in the community. I'm trying to find a church home but also get a feel for those most activity in the area of my clinic. Most have been very large and predominately African American though I've also visited some house churches as well. I find myself drawn to the intimacy and authenticity I find with the house churches but love the outreach and diversity of the bigger churches.

        I visited a really nice church today that though predominately caucasian had a large African American presence and had begun an outreach to Hispanics. The music was mostly country southern gospel and after years of mostly rhythmic Hispanic praise or urban gospel it was a bit jolting. It reminded me how "other" I am down here.

         On Sundays, Im experimenting with wings places. This Sunday I found a bw3 and was excited to eat something familiar again. It tasted just like the bw3s at home but wasn't all that great. I smiled when I realized that in at least one way I was becoming southern. After trying all of these other wings places, I have definitely developed a taste for southern hickory smoking. About a mile up the road from my apt is a placed called Ted Neelys Hickory B-B-Q. All of the meat it tenderized and properly smoked. Wings include both parts plus part of the flank. BEST....WINGS...EVER. It's a small place but if your ever in town I will likely drag you there.

         Yesterday, I had my couch and dinner table delivered and it feels weird to have some place to sit again besides my directors chairs. Didnt think they would make me so happy. Next Sunday my recliner comes and I should have chairs for the table by then.

          Work is coming along and I'm finding some kind of rhythm. I still find it weird at times to be the one giving medical orders rather than take them. After a procedure in the office last week, I instinctively dressed the wound rather than passing it on to one of our nursing staff. I still have a lot of growing to do but it's a good environment to do it in.

        The poor access to health care leads to a lot of complicated cases. There are so few providers in the area that once someone loses insurance or insurance requires changes to who they can see, it can be months without care. I could easily spend an hour with most of my patients but am learning to prioritize issues and encourage frequent shorter visits rather fewer longer visits. plus there are the differences in culture, education, communications, race, and religious perspectives.

     While talking about our apartment complex with one of my African American neighbors I mentioned how much nicer it was than the last several places I had lived. As I had lived primarily in higher crime areas in the last 10 years. referencing the fact that I now were dress clothes to work, " I know I don't look like it but its taking me a bit to adjust to being in a place like this after being in a bit of a ghetto." My neighbor laughed loudly and nodded. "Yeah partner I got you." while he rubbed his arm and pointed to my very pale arm. I was so surprised that he assumed I was referencing my race (rather than my clothes, demenour or accent).

      Earlier today I was working on a handout on things people can do at home for allergies. as a huge allergy city (it gives Cincinnati a run for it's money) I spend A LOT of time talking about allergies. my hope is that this will make it speedier so that I can focus more on other more critical topics. I realize that I cannot just give a handout, but it should make it easier than doing this by hand over and over again.

        Thanks for all of the support and encouragement. It is deeply appreciated. specifically pray for my growth as a provider, my search for a church home, and guidance on what my role in the community ought to be. In a couple of months we go live with electronic charting. while this will be great long term for the care of our patients I'm ready to get it over with. Please keep this in your prayers as well.

Que Dio les bendiga,

                 Jason

The biggest bonus so far to doing electronic records is that I have been given an iPad to get used to ahead of the change. In fact I composed this entry via the iPad. (However wasn't able to post it to my site since the serves software is incompatible.)