Poll - How many books do you read each month?

Okay all you book lovers, happy voting!

Winners!

Wow! I'm really happy with the way the system worked! Almost everyone got their #1 choice prize! I'll list the winners in the same alphabetical order as the prizes were announced, which was not the order the winners were drawn in, by the way.

Arbonne - Hanna (#7)

Choffy - Melanie (#36)

DVD from Signing Time - runOfthemills (#51)

Hair comb - Behrmans (#43)

Necklace set - Desiree (#25)

Organizing tote - medicalwife (#2)

Seatbelt tote - Shana (#48)

Taking on Twitter book - Jenni (#6)

Winners should have received an email from me. If you didn't, check your junk mail, or let me know!

As a bonus for all readers, you can receive a taster bag of Choffy, to try out. Email smile 4 choffy at hotmail to get your bag.

Congrats to the winners! And thanks to all of you for the support!

Poll - Is your DrH working on Thanksgiving?

New poll is up! Winners will be announced soon!

Last chance!

The give away ends at midnight EDT. If you've been waiting, now is the time to enter! If I can get everyone contacted, the winners will be announced on Monday. Good luck!

A bit of encouragement for you...

Hi friends,

I heard this song a few weeks ago, and I LOVE it. My husband and I will celebrate our 15th anniversary next month - married on a Friday night during his Christmas break for MSI, back in class on Tuesday morning - and this song celebrates how "it was harder than we dreamed/But I believe that's what the promise is for." I hope you love it, too, and I hope it encourages you as you dance through your own little minefield of medical training.

Hugs,
Jennifer
Pedi Ophtho

Blog Business

Hey everyone!! I hope you are all doing well!

Let's all try to keep in mind that we all come from different situations, backgrounds, and beliefs and that we won't always agree when it comes to discussions. I want to encourage everyone share their thoughts in a kind and professional manner so that this can truly be a place that encourages, supports, and offers information to the support people behind doctors!!!

I've gone ahead and closed the comments on "I am above my circumstances" and "Eating Humble Pie" in an effort to help us build each other up and not tear each other down. Remember that we don't have to agree but to continue to be a part of this blog we need to keep with it's mission. I really do hope that you find this a safe place where you can share with others who are in similar shoes or to gain insight from those who have been there and have now moved onto to their next journey!

I want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at Lives of Doctor's Wives and hope that you will all remember how truly blessed we all are!

Poll - Do you drink coffee?

New poll is up. Happy voting!

Forum

The forum crashed and burned. But fear not! The ever faithful and talented Matt has fixed it for us and put it on a new server, or some such technical thing. :o) So, change your link to this http://www.shadytm.com/lodw/index.php if you already have it saved. And if you haven't checked it out, go say 'hi'!

And feel free to spread the word about entering the give away. It will be open for one more week only. Thanks!

Eating Humble Pie

Humble pie has been a staple for me since starting this medical journey. I think I’ll take a slice now, thanks. Some empathized with my last post to the core. Others were shocked saying I was offensive and elitist. I was taken aback, but after re-reading I see that I could have come off that way.

I believe that I can be above my circumstances. However, as the daughter of a trailer house salesman, I would never believe myself elite or superior over another person.

I feel I should clarify: I do not believe “people” and “circumstances” are synonyms.

My post was about feeling judged, not about judging, i.e., the judging eyes in the supermarket when I used food stamps or WIC vouchers (whether real or perceived). It was about the nursery leader scolding me about my child’s pants being too small and knowing there is nothing I can do about it. It’s about living in a place that makes me cry when I look out the window because my surroundings are so bleak.

I don’t care who you are, doctor wife, single mother of 7 from the ghetto, or riches to rags because of terminal illness, it sucks to have to turn to help from others or the government to survive. NO ONE should have to feel like they BELONG in that situation. We want to yell out our explanations so that others won’t judge us.

Why do I care what anyone thinks? Who knows, human nature perhaps…

My post was about working honest, yet humiliating or undesirable jobs, many times under our qualifications, to make ends meet, for the sake our husbands’ careers.

I volunteer with teenagers and if I could get those kids to believe that they are “above their circumstances” I would consider it a huge victory. Perhaps we’d have less teen pregnancy. Maybe more kids would stay in school. Maybe if I keep telling myself the same thing, I will start to believe it.

Time for a GIVE AWAY!!!

Yay! It is time to have a give away! We have some really nice prizes for the winners, so be sure to participate. Here they are in alphabetical order:

Arbonne Gift Set
Our first prize is from Denise at http://www.kdtrump.myarbonne.com/. Arbonne offers premium quality beauty, health and wellness products with targeted results. Our promise is to deliver pure, safe and beneficial products in line with our botanical tradition. Our products are vegan-certified and free of harmful ingredients. Live beautifully with Arbonne.

Winner will get the following:
Nutrimin C RE9: antioxidant-rich, ph-balanced mist with vitamins A, C and E regenerates skin tone and firmness to deliver younger-looking skin. For all skin types.

Figure 8 Vanish water relief treatment serum: This revitalizing treatment serum improves the visual appearance of water retention. Tones and firms skin's appearance and reduces the appearance of puffiness, to help promote the look and feel of smooth, healthy skin.

Figure 8 Vanish Cellulite Cream: A daily, synergistic 2-step system to help visually diminish the dimpled appearance of cellulite. This advanced formula blends botanicals and clinically-proven ingredients to improve the visual appearance of cellulite. It's a vanishing act that will leave your skin looking smooth. You won't believe your thighs!

Choffy
Have you heard of Choffy? Choffy is brewed chocolate. If you don’t like the taste of coffee or if you want to avoid caffeine, you should check out Choffy. http://www.drinkchoffy.com/smileWinner will get the following:
A 12 oz bag of Choffy. Choffy is made from the finest organic cacão beans, roasted and ground for a rich full flavored drink. While it brews like coffee and supplies you with long lasting energy, Choffy promotes whole body wellness without the negative effects found in other drinks. Naturally loaded with antioxidants and a taste that will make you wonder how you ever did without it, Choffy is poised to make a dramatic entrance into your routine.

DVD from Signing Time
Melisa Mons is an Associate Director with Signing Time Academy. Signing Time is a fun video series for children and their parents to learn American Sign Language. The Baby Signing Time series is great for children under 3, while the Signing Time series is wonderful for kids of any age.
Website - http://www.signingwithasmile.com/
Facebook - www.facebook.com/signingwithasmile
Shop - www.signingtimeacademy.com/smile

Winner will get the following:
Pick 1 DVD from either the Baby Signing Time series, the Signing Time series 1 DVDs or the Signing Time series 2 DVDs. Everyone can email Melisa to receive a code for 5% off your purchases on her store.

Hair comb
Emily Mah makes handmade jewelry and accessories for Emily Mah Jewelry Designs, available on www.emilymah.etsy.com. She specializes in wire wrap, chain maille, and recycled fine silver.
Winner will get the following:
This hair comb measures 2.5 inches (6cm) across and is embellished with a handmade silver wire rose and clear seed beads. All of the metal in this piece is silver plated and nickel free.

Necklace set
Next we have a gorgeous necklace set from a very sweet and talented friend of mine.

Winner will get the following:
This necklace was made from natural Turquoise barrels accompanied by 2 kinds of Freshwater Pearls and silver ball spacers. It measures 18 inches long with a 3 inch extender. Includes earrings.

Organizing Utility Tote
From Allison:

Website - www.mythirtyone.com/allisonh

Facebook - http://www.blogger.com/www.facebook.com/allisonsthirtyone
Winner will get the following:
Paparazzi dot organizing utility tote - will not be monogrammed as pictured. This multipurpose tote keeps your clutter organized! Organize your cleaning supplies or toys - even use it as an everyday tote or a gym bag (5 side pockets are perfect for water bottles, shampoo, etc.). You can even use it for work and carry your laptop in it. Made from extra tough nylon with stain and water-resistant lining. 7 total exterior pockets (2 mesh). Measures approx. 15.5” W x 10” H x 6.5” D.
Price: $22.00

Seat Belt Tote
Message from à la mode: I started my business, à la mode, in 2005 shortly after we moved to RI for my husband's residency. I found it very difficult to work an office job and manage our home and two boys with a neurosurgery resident. So, we decided I'd stay home full time. Once we were settled, I began my business so that I could dictate my own schedule.

à la mode features features unique stuff with urban appeal: modern handbags, home decor, jewelry, and more. All items are handmade, with an urban aesthetic, utilizing innovative materials and eco-friendly resources.

My website: www.alamodestuff.com
My blog: www.alamodestuffBLOG.com

industrial + upcycled + innovative + fashion + function

Winner will get the following:
A mini version of the popular seat belt tote, this handbag is industrial chic. Winner gets choice of red, black, or gunmetal grey.

Seatbelts are woven to provide beautiful texture to this sophisticated yet durable handbag. The seatbelts are new, post production quality (somehow deemed unusable for the auto industry). Saved from the landfill, they've found new life and usefulness in this great bag. This bag is the perfect size for a night out or errands around town.

details: woven seatbelt webbing, magnetic closure, fully lined with interior slip pocket, nickel purse feet

dimensions: 10"w x 6 1/4"h x 4"
value: $58.00

Taking on Twitter Book
We have a hot-off-the-press book from our very own Kathi Browne at www.wingspouse.com


Winner will get the following:
Autographed copy of Kathi's book. This quick reference handbook provides a small business owner or entrepreneur with a menu of social media strategies to market a business. It is the first handbook to address Twitter's brand new screens and features, and a chapter is devoted to comparing old and new versions of Twitter. This guide is specifically designed to quickly get a person on their way to effectively and affordably using Twitter.

To make this book easy to skim and refer to, key points are bolded, strategies are clearly explained, and key words are indexed for quick look-up. This guide also explains the strengths and weaknesses of some of the most popular third party applications, focusing on the most affordable options to get the most out of Twitter.

*************************************

To enter, leave a comment on this post, only one per person. In your comment, let me know your first three choices (in order) if you were to win. Please also make sure to leave an email or some way for me to contact you. Ends at midnight Eastern Time on November 19, 2010. Thanks!

I am above my circumstances.

It can be a huge challenge while Dr.H is in medical school and residency to live the way we live, being the way we are. Most of the Dr. Wives I know not only have their college degrees, but have gone on the get advanced degrees such as a master's degree or law degree, or some other type of advanced education.

It only makes sense that we are highly educated, intellectual women because we married men who value education as well.

This being said, it can be difficult emotionally, while in these years, when we are waiting in the overfilled medicaid clinic with our sick child, or buying food with WIC vouchers and/or food stamps.

I want to scream - "I want you all to know, I don't belong here! I'm not here because I dropped out of high school and have 3 kids from 3 daddies. I'm here because daddy is a doctor and we are all sacrificing for his education!"

"I am above my circumstances"

"I am above my circumstances"

Can get that as a bumper sticker on my falling apart car? Can I put it on a hat like Frank Rossitano on "30 Rock"?

No, I will suffer through. I will make extra money when necessary dealing Black Jack, dressing as Dora the Explorer or a Carebear at Walmart. I will do surveys for Marlboro at gay bars. I will hand out Viva paper towel samples to people who push it away and say, "I'm good" (who doesn't need paper towels any way?) I will make my kids wear pants that are too short and get the discounted lunch. I will do what I must for my husband to get his education.

But I will know that I am above my circumstances.

Poll - How often do you iron?

New poll is up.

We have about 6 really fun things to give away. Hopefully it will be soon. Only one more follower to go!

physician loans

Does anyone have any information on the physician loans? Any available ones in FL?
Thanks

Residency Duty Hour Changes

I am curious what the opinions are of some of the other Physician wives here for the new duty hours approved this past month by the ACGME.

You can find the new Common Program Requirements here.  I am specifically referencing the section that begins on page 16 section VI.G - Resident Duty Hours.

Here is a quick run down of the way it will stand for all Residents beginning next July:

Maximum 80 work week averaged over a 4 week period (not changed)
Moonlighting counts towards 80 hour work week Max. (change)
PGY-1 not permitted to Moonlight
One day free of Duty for every one week period averaged over a 4 week period
Duty Hours for PGY1 CANNOT exceed 16 hours in duration (down from 30)
Duty Hours for PGY2 and Above cannot exceed 28 hours in duration (down from 30)
PGY1 Minimum 8 Hours off between shifts
Intermediate Minimum 8 hours off between shifts--14 hours duty free after in house 24 hour period

Residents must not be scheduled for more than six consecutive nights of night float.

PGY-2 residents and above must be scheduled for in-house call no more frequently than every-third-night (when averaged over a four-week period).

Time spent in the hospital by residents on at-home call must count towards the 80-hour maximum weekly hour limit.

Here are my thoughts and opinions:
I know that to the medical student wife looking at residency next year, 16 hour max shifts probably look great!  As I have thought about this over the past couple months, i really think that this will be a dis-service to residents, especially those who are in surgical specialties, but really across the board. While I do think as a wife this will be great, I think that it really cuts back on the experiences a new resident can get. It will force many programs to go to a night float system, since they will no longer have the first year residents to rotate through a over night call system. Cutting the max shift down to 28 hours, means that for a surgical specialty resident who starts his day at 5:00am, they must be off by 9am the next day. To me, seeing what my husband has worked, this doesn't seem possible, practical, or reasonable from a patient standpoint. Maybe I am way off, but it just seems like the doctors that will be trained will not benefit as much from some of the training they will miss you on. But as a PGY1, only being allowed to work 16 hours, that cuts out so MANY experiences you could have. But that is just my 2 cents.

Like I said, I really want to see some other people's opinions on this. Are you worried? Are you happy? Were you aware of the potential changes coming, or that any changes were even taking place?

Poll - Do you know all of your friends on Facebook?

New poll is up!