I got pulled into surgery… and missed my flight
This is one story from my surgery rotation that made me sure it wasn’t a specialty I want to go into.
The day before Mother’s Day, I was considering going home to surprise my family. I walked into the hospital and was told I only had one surgical case, and it would be done by noon. After my case, I looked up flights and found one that was leaving that afternoon and would get me into Atlanta in time to surprise my family.
As I was packing up and getting ready to go, the residence came in saying they needed someone to help with an emergency tracheostomy. Since I had already had one case that day, I assumed another student would take it, but no one else wanted to. I guess everyone wanted to leave early because it was Friday.
Instead of running away like everyone else, I stepped in and assisted in the surgery. I asked to leave a few minutes early to catch my flight and literally ran home. I tried to make my flight, driving a little too fast, but ultimately it was impossible. Luckily I got a later flight, but I didn’t get home until all my family was asleep :/
I really wish some other student would’ve stepped up to help!
What would you have done in this situation?
Wow, reading about that last-minute surgery and the missed flight brought back so many memories of my own med school days! It’s a reality that many of us face – the unpredictable nature of hospital life colliding head-on with personal plans. You think you’ve got your schedule locked down, and then *bam*, an emergency pops up, and suddenly your carefully planned weekend getaway or family visit is in jeopardy. It's not just about missing a flight; it's about the emotional toll of having to constantly put patient care first, sometimes at the expense of our own well-being or cherished moments. Those moments when you're just utterly exhausted, stressed, and trying to hold it all together, but all you can do is stick your tongue out in exasperation? Totally relatable! It’s a common coping mechanism, isn't it? That mix of frustration, humor, and sheer disbelief that your day just took such an unexpected turn. I remember one time, I was supposed to attend a close friend's wedding out of state, and a complex case ran way over schedule. I ended up missing the rehearsal dinner entirely and barely made it for the ceremony, looking like I’d just run a marathon. The pressure to be there for your patients, while also trying to maintain some semblance of a normal life, is immense. For anyone else out there juggling demanding careers with travel, especially flights, it’s a constant battle. One thing I learned early on is to always have a backup plan for your backup plan. Seriously! Always book flexible tickets if possible, even if they cost a bit more. It’s a lifesaver when unexpected shifts or emergencies arise. And always, always communicate with your airline if you foresee an issue. Sometimes, just being upfront about an emergency can help. I've also started packing a 'just in case' bag – a small carry-on with essentials – ready for those times when you literally have to dash from the hospital to the airport, hoping to catch that rescheduled flight. It's not ideal, but it's better than nothing. The experience of assisting in an emergency tracheostomy, like in the story, is incredibly impactful. These are critical, life-saving procedures that often happen with little to no warning. Being part of such a moment is a profound learning experience, but it also highlights the immense responsibility and sacrifice involved in medicine. It’s easy to feel guilty about wanting to leave, but it’s also okay to acknowledge the personal cost. Finding that balance, or at least attempting to, is a journey every medical professional undertakes. So, for all the med students and residents out there reading this, know that you’re not alone in these struggles. Your dedication is admirable, but remember to carve out time for yourself and your loved ones whenever you can. And if you find yourself sticking your tongue out in frustration after a crazy shift or a missed flight, just know that someone else out there completely gets it! What's your craziest 'missed flight' or 'unexpected shift' story?