1. Pediatric Shelf on Monday. Did you know that “Triphalangeal thumb” is shelf-exam code for “Black-fan Diamond anemia”? And that any grandparent taking care of an infant will inevitably give said infant either botulism or TB?
I’m full of fun facts like that these days. It’s no wonder the party don’t start ’til I walk in. *tightens scarf and adjusts giant sunglasses*
2. My OB-GYN evaluation is in. And it was incredibly confusing and sorely disappointing – until I checked notes with my rotation partner. Turns out an attending got our names confused and we both had several specific scenarios and criticisms that were meant for the other student.
TREMENDOUS. That's tremendous.
That’s… a fairly major mistake. I was incredibly depressed when I thought the attendings graded me harshly for “not showing much interest in OB”, because I loved it, damnit. I feel so much better knowing they actually realized I loved it, graded me fairly, and just thought I needed to work on “following up with patients”.
(Plus, on the first evaluation, in addition to mentioning shit that didn’t happen, they praised my surgical skills.)
… Hopefully by the end of 3rd year, when we’re officially graded on our rotations, the OB attendings will have worked out which med student is which.
I don’t ask for much.
3. Med Student ER Stories:
Attending: What’s the primary contraindication to performing a rectal exam?
Student: Being an attending.
Attending: … Huh. True. Full points.
Action Potential 
Isn’t it funny that enthusiasm for the specialty is an acceptable criterion for a good grade? Doesn’t this confirm a tremendous self-centered bias on the part of the grader?: Students who enjoy what I enjoy are better students.
HAH I love #3!!
Point 1 – This is the same universe where every drug used ONLY uses needles teeming with S. Viridans, and every psych patient can enumerate every one of their personality symptoms.
Point 2 – I think Chris has a good point, but I think there’s something to be said for being a generally keen/enthusiastic student on rotation. Sure I may not be super keen on pediatrics, but I’m still going to show up and be excited about learning all about the myriad syndromes that can affect the little buggers
Point 3 – I was always taught the only contraindications were “no anus no fingers”
Pretty sure all grandparents give kids chicken pox too. And it’s always safe to assume that all “well-built men” are on steroids. If studying for step 1 has taught me anything so far, it’s that you should always make unfair and stereotypical assumptions about all patients.