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Forums > Social Discussion > Today's little nasty shock
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HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
So today I was on my way to Noon Conference (our noon hour of lecture and food, which is a nice little lunch break) and my chief resident stopped me and said "Mike, can I talk with you in my office for a second?"
Now, this is a bit like being called into the vice principal's office with no warning. Let's just say that with this little request I could appreciate that various sphincters in my body were suddenly changing tone
.
So she said "First, don't worry, you're not in trouble and you didn't do anything wrong." Ok, I relaxed.
"Ok, so a few nights back you were working in the ER and do you remember seeing a totally otherwise healthy 11-month-old kid with an otitis media? (a garden-variety ear infection)."
I said that I remembered the case well.
"Ok," she said, "well I wanted to tell you before anyone else did...he showed up in the ER again at 7 the next morning. DOA."
My eyes bugged out. "What??? He showed up dead???"
"Yup."
Needless to say, this was a bit of a surprise. "Um...Steph...do we know why?"
"No, our best guess is a viral myocarditis. (a viral infection of the heart muscle that can cause sudden death in previously healthy patients). He's going for an autopsy. I heard from the medical examiner's office and she hasn't found anything wrong with him yet, but his tissues haven't been sent for pathology yet.
"Anyway, I wanted to let you know that we looked over your note from the night and that you didn't do anything wrong and there's nothing that you did that could have caused it or nothing that you missed that would have predicted it."
This was a relief. "No, honestly maybe his temperature was a touch warm for your run-of-the-mill otitis, but still well within the realm of reasonable."
"Yup. Are you OK?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I mean, there's nothing I could have done differently given the information I had. I can't very well admit every kid with an ear infection to the hospital, can I?"
"Of course not. However, if they sue you might be called to testify in court and if that happens we'll talk to you again, OK? Other than that, I just got your first evaluations back and you're doing great so keep up the good work, OK?"
Wow. I'm personally fine. It's not my fault; I did my job. Kids die sometimes and that's part of being a pediatrician.. But wow...that SUCKS.
So today I was on my way to Noon Conference (our noon hour of lecture and food, which is a nice little lunch break) and my chief resident stopped me and said "Mike, can I talk with you in my office for a second?"
Now, this is a bit like being called into the vice principal's office with no warning. Let's just say that with this little request I could appreciate that various sphincters in my body were suddenly changing tone
.So she said "First, don't worry, you're not in trouble and you didn't do anything wrong." Ok, I relaxed.
"Ok, so a few nights back you were working in the ER and do you remember seeing a totally otherwise healthy 11-month-old kid with an otitis media? (a garden-variety ear infection)."
I said that I remembered the case well.
"Ok," she said, "well I wanted to tell you before anyone else did...he showed up in the ER again at 7 the next morning. DOA."
My eyes bugged out. "What??? He showed up dead???"
"Yup."
Needless to say, this was a bit of a surprise. "Um...Steph...do we know why?"
"No, our best guess is a viral myocarditis. (a viral infection of the heart muscle that can cause sudden death in previously healthy patients). He's going for an autopsy. I heard from the medical examiner's office and she hasn't found anything wrong with him yet, but his tissues haven't been sent for pathology yet.
"Anyway, I wanted to let you know that we looked over your note from the night and that you didn't do anything wrong and there's nothing that you did that could have caused it or nothing that you missed that would have predicted it."
This was a relief. "No, honestly maybe his temperature was a touch warm for your run-of-the-mill otitis, but still well within the realm of reasonable."
"Yup. Are you OK?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. I mean, there's nothing I could have done differently given the information I had. I can't very well admit every kid with an ear infection to the hospital, can I?"
"Of course not. However, if they sue you might be called to testify in court and if that happens we'll talk to you again, OK? Other than that, I just got your first evaluations back and you're doing great so keep up the good work, OK?"
Wow. I'm personally fine. It's not my fault; I did my job. Kids die sometimes and that's part of being a pediatrician.. But wow...that SUCKS.
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
addict
663 posts
Location: Glasgow
663 posts
Location: Glasgow
Posted:
Ouch man. I guess all I can say is that you did your best and that [censored] happens.
Hope you're ok and I hope that the family are too.
Ouch man. I guess all I can say is that you did your best and that [censored] happens.
Hope you're ok and I hope that the family are too.
Have faith in what you can do and respect for what you can't
SILVER Member
comfortably numb
2,676 posts
Location: The countryside, Australia
comfortably numb
2,676 posts
Location: The countryside, Australia
Posted:
You know you did your best and that it's not your fault and that's all that matters.
I hope they don't sue. I hope you don't have to testify either!
All the best buddy.
You know you did your best and that it's not your fault and that's all that matters.
I hope they don't sue. I hope you don't have to testify either!
All the best buddy.
.All things are beautiful if we take the time to look.
Internet Hate Machine
10,530 posts
Location: They seek him here, they seek him there...
10,530 posts
Location: They seek him here, they seek him there...
Posted:
I really hate the phrase "Sh!t happens"... this maybe because its true, or that my mum always says it to me, or that it gives me a total sense of loss because I can't control my life.
I am totaly crap at making people feel better, but this definatley wasnt your fault... the most worrying thing, other than the death, is the court case
Good luck with it all
You're doing great 
I really hate the phrase "Sh!t happens"... this maybe because its true, or that my mum always says it to me, or that it gives me a total sense of loss because I can't control my life.
I am totaly crap at making people feel better, but this definatley wasnt your fault... the most worrying thing, other than the death, is the court case
Good luck with it all
You're doing great The existance of flamethrowers says that someone, somewhere, at sometime said "I need to set that thing on fire, but it's too far away."
addict
422 posts
Location: London
422 posts
Location: London
Posted:
There are no stupid questions, only stupid answers...
SILVER Member
.:*distracted by shiny things*:.
3,777 posts
Location: brizvegas, Australia
.:*distracted by shiny things*:.
3,777 posts
Location: brizvegas, Australia
Posted:
oh wow... life is strange sometimes isn't it!?
oh wow...
life is strange sometimes isn't it!? do not meddle in the affairs of dragons, for you are crunchy and good to eat!
if at first you do succeed, try not to look too astonished!
smile! :grin: it confuses people!
SILVER Member
Geek
1,261 posts
Location: Manchester, UK
Geek
1,261 posts
Location: Manchester, UK
Posted:
My mum is head of my county's school nurses team and specialises in 'special needs'.
Unfortunately this kind of thing happens quite a lot.
I know that probably doesn't make it any easier but from living with her I can fully appreciate the situation that you are in. Not so much concerned that you 'could have done more' as shocked.
Just take comfort in that your colleagues have faith in the fact that you did all that could be reasonably expected.
As you say (and I've seen this with my mum) it unfortunately is part of being a paediatrician. Its a difficult job but I respect anyone who is willing to put themselves in that position for the benefit of others, especially with the state of the laws surrounding practising medicine now.
My mum is head of my county's school nurses team and specialises in 'special needs'.
Unfortunately this kind of thing happens quite a lot.
I know that probably doesn't make it any easier but from living with her I can fully appreciate the situation that you are in. Not so much concerned that you 'could have done more' as shocked.
Just take comfort in that your colleagues have faith in the fact that you did all that could be reasonably expected.
As you say (and I've seen this with my mum) it unfortunately is part of being a paediatrician. Its a difficult job but I respect anyone who is willing to put themselves in that position for the benefit of others, especially with the state of the laws surrounding practising medicine now.
BRONZE Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Carpal \'Tunnel
5,814 posts
Location: Perth, Australia
Posted:
Life is incredibly fragile and as parents we need to recognise this. Which doesnt mean wrapping our kids in cotton wool but does mean we havent a 100% chance of surviving till adulthood even if we do it right. Most of the time we survive..
In your job Mike you will see so many more cases of death just because the odds are skewed. Chances are, even if the patient was in hospital, the outcome would have been the same.
No doubt you will question what you did and that it part of what will make you a good doctor but I think you are also realistic in knowing what our medical system is capable of.
Cases like this is why you have to keep good notes as no doubt you see so many patients in a day that the details must start to blurr a little.
Take care man and look after yourself so that you can do what you want most.
Life is incredibly fragile and as parents we need to recognise this. Which doesnt mean wrapping our kids in cotton wool but does mean we havent a 100% chance of surviving till adulthood even if we do it right. Most of the time we survive..
In your job Mike you will see so many more cases of death just because the odds are skewed. Chances are, even if the patient was in hospital, the outcome would have been the same.
No doubt you will question what you did and that it part of what will make you a good doctor but I think you are also realistic in knowing what our medical system is capable of.
Cases like this is why you have to keep good notes as no doubt you see so many patients in a day that the details must start to blurr a little.
Take care man and look after yourself so that you can do what you want most.
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to all concerned?
Will it build Goodwill and Better Friendships?
Will it be Beneficial to all concerned?
Im in a lonely battle with the world with a fish to match the chip on my shoulder. Gnu in Binnu in a cnu
BRONZE Member
member
75 posts
Location: In UK for now, but born an lived in ZIMBABWE and S...
member
75 posts
Location: In UK for now, but born an lived in ZIMBABWE and S...
Posted:
Can't control the uncontrolable!! My sister looking into being a doctor but to be honest after hearing your war stories... mmmm. I dont want her to be! I know she'd come home in a state if anything like that happened to her. At the same time she wants to help people!
Can't control the uncontrolable!! My sister looking into being a doctor but to be honest after hearing your war stories... mmmm. I dont want her to be! I know she'd come home in a state if anything like that happened to her. At the same time she wants to help people!
GOLD Member
HoP's Barman. Trapped aged 6 months
4,437 posts
Location: Staines, United Kingdom
HoP's Barman. Trapped aged 6 months
4,437 posts
Location: Staines, United Kingdom
Posted:
Your a good doc Mike, true i may not let u anywhere near me with a cold stethoscope but otherwise your great and have a lovely bedside manner, try and brush this one off mate, like u said, [censored] happens
Your a good doc Mike, true i may not let u anywhere near me with a cold stethoscope
but otherwise your great and have a lovely bedside manner, try and brush this one off mate, like u said, [censored] happens An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind
Give a man a fish and he'll eat 4 a day hit a man with a brick and you can have all his fish and his wife
"Will's to pretty for prison" - Simian
SILVER Member
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Carpal \'Tunnel
3,533 posts
Location: Hampshire College, MA, USA
Posted:
I hope you'll be okay.
I hope you'll be okay.
-James
"How do you know if you're happy or sad without a mask? Or angry? Or ready for dessert?"
GOLD Member
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
HOP Mad Doctor
13,925 posts
Location: San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted:
Like I said... I'm fine. I can't go bananas over every child in the world who dies, pediatrician or no.
I had nothing to do with it. But my heart goes out to the parents...
Like I said... I'm fine. I can't go bananas over every child in the world who dies, pediatrician or no.
I had nothing to do with it. But my heart goes out to the parents...
-Mike
Certified Mad Doctor and HoP High Priest of Nutella
A buckuht n a hooze! -Valura
GOLD Member
*Tickles pretty strangers*
610 posts
Location: Australia
*Tickles pretty strangers*
610 posts
Location: Australia
Posted:
oooh ouchies,
I think that sums up the reason that I couln't do medicine! Hope your ok!! I am sad for the family, losing a child would be the worst thing that could happen to someone. It wasn't your fault though!!
oooh ouchies,
I think that sums up the reason that I couln't do medicine! Hope your ok!! I am sad for the family, losing a child would be the worst thing that could happen to someone. It wasn't your fault though!!
What if I should fall right through the centre of the Earth and come out the other side where people walk upside-down?!
GOLD Member
*slou?
6,554 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
*slou?
6,554 posts
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posted:
mm ouch! I think what i was going to say has already been said, so have an Adya hug for good measure keep up the good work, Doc
mm ouch! I think what i was going to say has already been said, so have an Adya hug for good measure
keep up the good work, Doc goddess of all things slimey and an interchangeable insect!
2,443 posts
Location: nottingham - the land of opportunity lol!
2,443 posts
Location: nottingham - the land of opportunity lol!
Posted:
Shhhhhh! the boobies are trying to sleep.
owner and the property of noddy.
*i was a caterpilla last night * - libby_tuesday
Dreamer
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
4,308 posts
Location: York, England
Posted:
good that you can take it, sucks that it happens.
d says so too.
-k
good that you can take it, sucks that it happens.
d says so too.
-k
Keep your dream alive
Dreamin is still how the strong survive
Shalom VeAhavah
New Hampshire has a point....
BRONZE Member
I wear yellow on monday
551 posts
Location: Farnham Ahoy, United Kingdom
I wear yellow on monday
551 posts
Location: Farnham Ahoy, United Kingdom
Posted:
woa!!! f*ck the proverbial duck. only just foun this thread. that is mad.
*leaves thread wishing it was never found, and hopes it will never be again*
woa!!! f*ck the proverbial duck. only just foun this thread. that is mad.
*leaves thread wishing it was never found, and hopes it will never be again*
You'll find me on the dance floor
SILVER Member
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
big and good and broken
7,330 posts
Location: lunn dunn, yoo kay, United Kingdom
Posted:
damn.
glad your hospital is so supportive mike - it sounds like you work with good people
cole. x
damn.
glad your hospital is so supportive mike - it sounds like you work with good people
cole. x
"i see you at 'dis cafe.
i come to 'dis cafe quite a lot myself.
they do porridge."
- tim westwood
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