Calgary Children's

I have been in Calgary for the last 10 days (well, other than today, as I came home to Regina for the weekend). It has been an interesting experience to say the least. I was really expecting to hate my time here and be completely unhappy (glass half empty?), but I have been pleasantly surprised. I have discovered that I may not know everything yet and still have a way to go before I am comfortable, but I am good at my job. I have been told several times here (as well as at home) that I am very good with the patients. So important when they are under the age of 18!
I was thrown into a "resident room" (a room with very little supervision, essentially my own room) my second day. I have done fiberoptic intubations on kids less than 5. I have done craniotomies (which included arterial lines and central lines), given an anesthetic to a child who's age brings him to not even being full term yet, and plan to do another big case on Monday.
Outside the OR, my friends in Calgary have risen to the occaision to make sure that I am distracted enough not to miss my family in Regina. We have been to the Farmer's market, to Kensington, and out for supper. I am planning to venture out to Ikea, Chinook Centre, and more dinners out.
Of course, coming home to Regina and seeing Jurgen and "the girls" really helped. Then, next weekend Jurgen comes and we go to Banff for the long weekend. Then, call and three days later I come back to regina for 4 days.
The only thing that has really sucked while being in Calgary has been the driving. The first couple of days I was really unhappy, taking forever to get home, getting lost all the time, and feeling lonely. I still get lost, but, luckily, Jurgen is giving me his GPS to take back.
Well, this just proves that with low expectations and a little perserverence I can do anything!!