Survival Guide for a Tired Doctor
If you are a doctor and think that a “quiet day” will ever come in your life, then you have most likely confused your life with a vacation in Switzerland. In the meantime, hold on to your coffee mug tightly and don’t believe in the legend of eight hours of sleep. It doesn’t exist. It’s a conspiracy!
Recently I decided to give myself a “minute of rest”. I sat down in the doctor’s office and closed my eyes. Four minutes later I woke up from my own snoring — standing up. Legend has it that I also dictated a report in my sleep. I can’t check — the recorder disappeared somewhere along with my mind.
The most dangerous thing in my profession? Not even night shifts or papers. The most dangerous thing is automatism. Yesterday I tried to scan bread at the checkout with my work badge. The seller looked at me with respect. He probably thought I was a hacker or just a hungry genius.
Conclusion?
Sometimes the best way to stay sane is to at least laugh at how confidently you walk towards him. With your head up. In a robe. And with coffee.