Don't make me angry. You won't like me when I'm angry

12 weeks of surgery can really change a person. Like I said, spending all that time with the surgery residents had me slowing morphing into them. I began developing that surgeon attitude. You know the one. The swagger, the confidence, the cockiness. It's all about getting to the problem and fixing it (usually with a scalpel). Take no prisoners! So when I started to talk and act like them it became a bit weird. Because let's face it, all the people you're hanging out with are 1) guy and 2) guys who were surgeons. So there was a bit too much slapping me on the back (hard may I add), and making inappropriate comments. But there were times, when my new-found surgeon-esque confidence really came in handy.

I just came off of my General Surgery rotation 2 weeks ago. General Surgery is THE rotation during our surgery block. It's 4 weeks long, and you do a ton of stuff, and actually have a lot of responsibilities. One of the roles is to go down to the Emergency Department to consult and admit patients. It's fun. It's unpredictable. You never know who or what is waiting for you down there.

One night on call, I was paged to go see a patient with possible acute appendicitis. Easy-peasy I thought. By that point I had seen a ton of 'appys' so I was pretty comfortable with 'working one up.' Just had to ask the patient some questions, examine his belly and we would be good to go. Ah, if only every patient was so simple. You see, this patient - who we shall refer to as Mr. Stubborn, decided to make it a bit 'interesting' for me.

Stuff
Hi Sir, I'm Stuff the medical student on the Gen Surg team. They've ask us to come see you because they tell me you've been having some stomach pain?
Mr. Stubborn
Yes, the emerg docs tell me I have appendicitis and that I need an operation. They said SURGERY [stressing the word surgery] was coming down
Stuff
They told you that huh? Well I'm from the surgery team. But I do need to talk to you for a bit and do an exam before we know what exactly we're dealing with
Mr. Stubborn
[rolling his eyes]
Why? They told me I have appendicitis.
Stuff
[getting slightly irritated - it's way too late in the day for this]
I don't know what they told you exactly. But I really need to ask you some questions before we can do anything else.
Mr. Stubborn
[Like he's doing me a big favour]
Okay FINE. Just do it fast.
Stuff
[Trying to be nice]
Thank you

So I ask my questions. It's pretty clear at this point the guy has appendicitis, but I needed to do the physical exam in order to confirm.

Stuff
Okay Sir, now I need to have a feel of your stomach
Mr. Stubborn
[raising his voice]
What?! Why??! I already TOLD you that I have appendicitis. And that I need SURGERY.
Stuff
[getting very annoyed now]
Sir, I need to feel your ABDOMEN before we decide on anything. I have to confirm that this is appendicitis before we operate.
Mr. Stubborn
[starting to whine]
No! The other DOCTORS have already poked me enough. Plus it hurts too much. I want to see the SURGEONS already.
Stuff
Like I said I'm from the GENERAL SURGERY team, Sir.
Mr. Stubborn
You're not even a REAL doctor.
Stuff
[Oh no he didn't]
Look man, I'm the closest thing you've got right now to a surgeon. You want to get this treated? Well, turn around, stop whining and let me feel your stomach. The faster we do this, the faster you and I go to the OR. Got it?!
Mr. Stubborn
[meekly]
Yes ma'am

And that my friends is what 12 weeks of surgery does to nice girls.