Jezrael Valley

Weekend pictures from the Jezrael Valley (actually the eastern portion plus the Gilboa mountain range) and the ruins at Bet Shean.

Kibbutz Nir David

Persian Cyclamen

Crown Anemone

Mount Gilboa

The Ruins at Bet Shean

The Bath House Floor

Pioneer Soup

IDF Field Hospital - Update

I text messaged my friend, Dr. Alex this morning.  He later called me (isn't technology nifty?). After working 48 hrs straight he finally got some rest.  He called just after he woke up due to another earthquake. He said the work was frustrating because they have nowhere to evacuate the most serious cases that even the field hospital can't treat.

On the news this evening it was reported that a U.S. Navy hospital ship (with over 1000 staff!) just anchored off of Haiti.  Hopefully, they will be able to treat the tough cases.

IDF Medical Corps Field Hospital in Haiti

The field hospital deployed by the IDF is doing a spectacular job.  Needless to say, this is a great source of pride.  I have several good friends there.  In the following clip my good friend and colleague, Dr. Alex Zigerman gives a very short explanation of some of the equipment. 

To Alex and the entire staff of the hospital, we back home are very proud of you, keep up the good work. 

Rule Number 10

I will begin with a caveat. I mean no disrespect towards my surgical colleagues with the following rant, I have an excellent working relationship with the vast majority. Having said that, today I was unfortunate enough to work with one of those despicable characters who believe that the Sun rises from their derrière (pardon the rude language). He is nearing pension and is of the generation of surgeons who sincerely believe that mere mortals should bow down and bask in the glow of their specialness. They do not recognize the fact that surgery today is a team effort, and no matter how good a surgeon is, he/she can't do magic without the supporting staff, period.

Today's prima dona was of the aforementioned species. This particular surgeon entered the OR all fire and brimstone, bitching and moaning about the floor being crooked, the current generation of residents having no work ethic, why aren't the lights adjusted correctly over the surgical field, blah, blah, blah, blah, ad nauseum.  (I'm thinking, "Oh shut up and operate already!") He had an attitude with a capital "A" and no one, but no one was beyond censure.

At some point during the operation, the muscle relaxant wore off and just as I was about to inject another dose he started complaining.  I replied that I noticed and was in the middle of the injection.  He responded with, "A good anesthesiologist would have noticed long before." The Bastard.

I saw red. Nobody, but nobody, talks to me that way. I have a couple of good retorts for supercilious jerks. However, I was taught to be polite to my elders. Besides, the Talmud urges us to show respect for our elders (even if they are total cruds).  I firmly told him that insulting me was unnecessary and I could find him a different anesthesiologist to work with.  He settled down after that.

Fret not dear readers, I will shortly expose my famous comebacks.  These are usually reserved for surgeons who habitually fail to show me proper respect. These are not cases of treppenwitz.  These have been used in real time.  I believe in humility, but I will not back down and meekly accept insults from such bullies.

Response number one:

     I'm sorry, I'm an excellent anesthesiologist, wait just a moment and I'll get you a merely  good one.

Response number two aka Rule #10:

     A surgeon is assigned the anesthesiologist he/she deserves.

I like the sound of that, me thinks to have that copyrighted. So:

All rights reserved to me.