Advice Doctor For the Day -Things I Hate and Love About Being On Call
Posted by Dr. Cason on Monday, December 26th, 2011
Tis the day after Christmas.
The office is closed.
I’m the advice call doc for the day- And I’m telling you, it’s almost 7 pm and I’ve answered more calls today than I have almost the whole year put together. I also just ran for a shower a few hrs ago. My husband will sleep in another bed tonight. Yes, winter pediatrics can get that bad.
On about call number 20 my sister looks at me and says- “I have never- and I mean never spoken directly with my pediatrician on the phone. Do they realize how rare it is to call the office, push a button and speak directly to the physician on call?”
“No..” I say, ” I’m quite certain most don’t. But most or at least some are very grateful and for that I’m glad. “
That being said…
5 things I hate about being on call-
1. Parents will leave a 10 minute long message for me to call them back and then slur the phone number at the end. Please start the message with the phone number, DOB and then a brief synopsis. Then repeat the phone number. E-N-U-N-C-I-A-T-E.
2. A two month old problem all of a sudden is an emergency. More than likely at 2 in the morning.
3.I can’t hear because the parents won’t step away from their screaming baby. Sorry- no offense. I really want to help you but… I CANT HEAR YOU!
4.Parents yell at me when I won’t call in antibiotics. Seriously. This isn’t McDonalds and you can’t order antibiotics like a side of fries.
5. My kids take second fiddle. Especially sad when my kids are sick. Notes for a future therapist I’m sure.
5 things I love about being on call
1. Helping families with sick kids- honest and true. When a heartfelt thank you comes through or I can calm a scared mother down- I feel really good.
2.I have time to talk. Office visits can sometimes go really fast. We need to exam the patient, talk about treatment and prevention and chart on the visit. This eats into our time. On the phone I can really help educate a parent.
3. My children see me work. It teaches them patience and compassion. I hope…
4. I have a good excuse for all those obligatory events. “ Sorry” (I shrug apologetically) “I’m on call” Oh and the messy house and MountWashmore that needs to be done??? “On call… Again… So sorry”. (Seriously though taking care of sick people and answering questions and triaging their condition makes me realize how lucky I am and the house and laundry can wait. )
5. That my last parent call just said on their message “Take care and love you!!” Then there was an awkward pause… “I mean I’ll talk to you soon”.
I’m just smiling from ear to ear and thinking
“I love you too!”
And I really do.
Sorry about the lack of photos …
I’m on call. 
Wish me luck tonight…
Filed in Everything Medicine | 2 responses so far
Aunt Gailon 27 Dec 2011 at 5:04 pm 1Just love, it, Sheila. So much fun to see and hear all the happenings.
Kylaon 29 Dec 2011 at 3:31 pm 2I am sure you are a blessing to your patients!!