12:45
Me: *searches far and wide for new preceptor*
Nurse: *eyes me suspiciously*
Me: Excuse me, is Dr. Preceptor is around?
Nurse: Oh no. His first patient cancelled, so clinic hasn’t started yet.
Me: Okay, thanks – I’ll just wait for him, then.
13:15
Me: … Er, excuse me – is Dr. Preceptor in yet, or –
Nurse: NOPE.
Me: … kay.
13:45
Me: … I’ll just be.. in here. The room behind the nurse’s station. Studying. You know, if Dr. Preceptor shows up?
Nurse: Okay.
14:15
Dr. McOtherguy: Hey! Where’s Dr. Preceptor?
Nurse: Oh, he’s in an emergency surgery, so I cancelled his clinic.
Me: …
… And then I decided that we medical students – as a group – need an Official Anthem of Outpatient Medicine, and it is this:
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(Caveat: Because of the (lack of) events that transpired today, I got a metric crap-ton of work done and am all caught-up for the weekend! So my heart is not altogether broken.)
You clearly aren’t a resident yet, as a cancelled clinic (especially on a Friday afternoon) is gold to a resident. No standing in the rain looking sad for me!
Remember posts like this – you will find that critical tipping point somewhere in clerkship where this goes from AWFUL WORST THING EVER to HOORAY A DAY OFF.
That day is the day you are truly done your training.