Despite working with Chanelle for only a few months I came away from every interaction feeling confident that the patients we were working with together were going the get the absolute best care.  She is a wonderful mix of confidence and compassion that makes every patient put 100% of their trust in her.  I learned so much from her in this quick chat before her shift at the hospital and I know you will as well.  Thank you Chanelle!

Radiologic Technologists*

Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations on patients that are licensed by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, which is an organization offering credentialing in medical imaging, interventional procedures, and radiation therapy.

2017 Median Pay: $58,440 per year ($28/hour)

Educational Degree: Associate's Degree

Number of US jobs in 2016: 241,700

10 Year Job Outlook: 13% growth, faster then avg.

*Sourced from and edited based on information found on Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Radiologic and MRI Technologists, on the Internet at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/radiologic-technologists.htm) (visited October 25, 2018).

Terms Covered in Episode

AART - American Registry of Radiologic Technologists

Inpatient/Outpatient - Inpatient is someone staying, at minimum, overnight in the hospital, outpatient generally refers to a clinic patient.

 

Pre/Post Op – The phase just prior to or after surgery for a patient

Fluoroscopy - Imaging technique that uses X-rays to obtain real-time moving images of the interior of an object.

Radiologist - Physician who specializes in interpreting diagnostic images such as CT, MRI, X-ray, etc.  May also perform procedures during diagnostic tests.

Psych Patient - Someone generally suffering from a schizophrenic break, suicidal thoughts, or self harm when they are seen in the Emergency Room. 

 

Constipation - Difficult time having a bowel movement (poop), induced by lack of hydration and movement when in the hospital, may progress to the more severe term call "Obstipation."

Small Bowel Obstruction - Physical blockage of the small intestine more commonly due to previous surgeries that can cause adhesions (walls of intestines stick together).  May resolve on it’s own with time or may require surgery to correct.  Abdominal series - Used to help diagnose cause of abdominal pain.  X-ray series that usually consists of a standing abdominal x-ray, laying abdominal x-ray, and chest x-ray. Diagnose - Identifying the cause of the medical issue.  R.T. (Respiratory Therapy) - Therapists in the hospital that assist in all manner of care regarding the respiratory system during times of recovery from illness, injury, or maintenance of a long term lung disease.  O.R. (Operating Room) - Where surgeries take placeEsophagram - Exam performed of the esophagus (tube that goes from mouth to stomach) to assess frequent heartburn (upper abdominal pain),

Barrington is a wonderful friend and an excellent practitioner. He is very unique in that he decided to go back to school to become a Physician of Osteopathic Medicine after he was a successful practicing Physician Assistant in surgery. It is amaz...

Barrington is a wonderful friend and an excellent practitioner. He is very unique in that he decided to go back to school to become a Physician of Osteopathic Medicine after he was a successful practicing Physician Assistant in surgery. It is amaz...

Luther and I had a great time chatting on the phone. I had to edit out excessive giggling as we just really enjoyed talking about some of the wonderful benefits and pitfalls of working in medicine.  Please check out his website (linked below) and if you enjoy this please feel free to leave a comment or review on the site, itunes, or twitter (@medicalmaybe).  I would love any feedback if there are changes you would recommend.  This show has continually evolved thanks to everyone's support and info.  Salud!

 

Doctor of Chiropractic Stats:*

Chiropractors treat patients with health problems of the neuromusculoskeletal system, which includes nerves, bones, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. They use spinal adjustments and manipulation, as well as other clinical interventions, to manage patients’ health concerns.

 

2017 Median Pay: $68,640 per year ($33.00 per hour)

 

Educational Degree: Doctoral Degree

 

Number of US jobs in 2016: 47,400

 

10 Year Job Outlook: 12% growth, faster then avg.

 

 

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Chiropractors, (visited August 11, 2018).

 

 

Terms Covered in Episode

Convergent Therapies (http://www.convergenttherapies.com/)

List of Chiropractic Credentials (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_chiropractic_credentials)

 

Naturopathic Physician (https://www.naturopathic.org/content.asp?contentid=60)

 

Acupuncturist - Practice a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body for various aliments, part of traditional Chinese medicine.

 

Massage Therapy - Using touch to manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body in order to relieve pain, help heal injuries, improve circulation, relieve stress, increase relaxation, and aid in the general wellness of patients.

 

GI Bill - Financial educational assistance provided to members of the US Military.

 

"Fast Track"Program - An accelerated training program compared to the "standard" length of a degree.  Seen in various fields of medicine.

 

Prerequisites - Classed required to set an educational foundation prior to enrolling in more focal studies like a Post-Graduate Program.

 

Venn Diagram (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Venn_diagram)

 

Craniosacral Therapy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Craniosacral_therapy) - Treating patients using gentle touch of the synarthrodial joints of the cranium.

 

Manipulation - Applying pressure to a person's spine or other parts of their body by a Chiropractor to adjust and correct alignment to reduce pain and improve mechanical function.

 

 

Clinical Rotation - In the clinic exposure learning and working with a Practitioner in the field of study as a student.

 

Pathology - Cause and effect of disease processes.

I had such a fun time chatting on the phone with Dan about medicine.  Total recorded time was 2 hours that I had to edit down to this current episode.  His story from childhood to how he became one of the administrators for a surgical group in one of the biggest hospital systems in California is enriching.  He is a true inspiration.  Thanks Dan!

Physician Assistant Stats:*

Physician Assistants practice medicine on teams with physicians and other healthcare workers. They examine, diagnose, and treat patients autonomously and as part of a team in all various specialties of medicine.

 

2017 Median Pay: $104,860 per year ($50.41 per hour)

 

Educational Degree: Masters Degree

 

Number of US jobs in 2016:106,200

 

10 Year Job Outlook: 37% growth, much faster then avg.

 

 

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physician Assistants (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physician-assistants.htm), (visited August 5, 2018).

 

 

Terms Covered in Episode

Navy A School (https://www.usmilitary.com/what-to-expect-at-navy-a-school/)

 

Corpsman (https://www.navy.com/careers/medical-support) - Enlisted medical specialist

 

Lipoma - Overgrowth of adipose tissue (fat) creating a benign tumor often located between skin and muscle layer.

 

Eugene Stead Jr. MD (https://pahx.org/assistants/stead-jr-eugene/)

 

CT Surgery - Cardiothoracic surgery deals with issues of the thorax, generally the heart and lungs.

 

Trauma Surgery - Surgical field dealing with acute traumatic injuries such as falls, motor vehicle crashes, gunshots, blunt and penetrating injuries, etc.

 

ICU (Intensive Care Unit, Critical Care Unit, or Intensive Therapy/Treatment Unit) - Part of the hospital with the sickest patients requiring the most intervention from both staff and equipment.  May consist of intubated, sedated, and ventilated patients.

 

Call - To be available on your “off time” for phone calls, patient visits, surgeries, emergencies, etc that varies by job.

 

Open Surgery - Traditional way of surgery going through the layers of the body to operate.

 

Endoscopic Surgery - Surgery utilizing cameras, smaller openings and temporary ports in the body to pass through instruments in a tight space allowing for less pain and quicker recovery.

 

Vein Harvest - Generally endoscopic removal of a vein to replace a coronary artery (cardiac bypass)

 

Bypass - Surgical procedure to restore blood flow to the heart after an obstruction occurs.

I hope you enjoy these bits of the show that don't really fit in. After we were done I just kept recording. He was a good sport and let me geek out. I have always been, and will always continue to be, excited to learn more about our bodies; My cur...

My wonderful friend stopped by from Oregon to help me get this show up and going while visiting his students in Montana at their clincal site rotations.  He is a pleasure to all who know him and I appreciate his time, openness, knowledge, and guidance.  Thank you Brian.  Go Beavs!

Physical Therapy Stats:*

Therapists whom are an important part of the rehabilitation, treatment, and education of patients with acute and chronic conditions, illnesses, or injuries.

2017 Median Pay: $86,850 ($41.76 hourly)

Educational Degree: Doctoral

Number of US jobs in 2016: 239,800

10 Year Job Outlook: 28% growth, much faster then avg.

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Physical Therapists (https://www.bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/physical-therapists.htm), (visited July 11, 2018).

 

Terms Covered in Episode

Oncology - Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer.

ADL (Activities of Daily Living) - Cleaning, Cooking, Eating, Bathroom use, Dressing, etc…

American Physical Therapy Association (https://www.apta.org/)

Traction - Straightening broken bones or relieving pressure

Cerebral Palsy - A congenital (inherited/from birth) disorder of movement, muscle tone, or posture.

Peroneal Nerve - Branch of the sciatic nerve, which supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes.

Sciatic Nerve - Largest single nerve in the human body from each side of the lower spine and going distal.

Distal (Near) & Proximal (Far) - In relation to the center of the body.

TPN (Total Parental Nutrition) - Combination of fluids, lipids (fats), proteins, and essential elements/minerals formulated by Pharmacist and Registered Dietitian often in an Inpatient (Hospital) setting for those whom are unable to eat/drink.  Generally not a long term solution.

Nosocomial Infections - Infections such as, but not limited to, skin infections (cellulitis) and Pneumonia (lung infection) that have been caught in a hospital and are potentially caused by organisms, with potential that some are resistant to antibiotics.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) - Use of electric current produced by a device to stimulate the nerves for therapeutic purposes.

Iontophoresis - Iontophoresis is a process of transdermal drug delivery by use of a voltage gradient on the skin.

Achilles Tendinitis - An injury of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.

Tendinitis/Tendonitis - A condition in which the tissue connecting muscle to bone becomes inflamed.

De Quervain's Tenosynovitis - A painful condition affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.

Finkelstein's Test - Test used to diagnose de Quervain's tenosynovitis in people who have wrist pain.

Incredibly experienced Medical Professional who has been a Paramedic, Respiratory Tech, and for the last couple of decades (yes, plural...Decades!) has been a PA.  Great friend and excellent Practitioner.  Thank you George!

Taniesha has gone from ER Tech to Surgical Tech and has an unmatched passion for patient care.  I appreciated the time she gave us to discuss her daily routine and the interesting and challenging aspects of her profession.  Thank you Taniesha!

My personal inspiration for getting into medicine.  I saw the work/family mix he was able to balance and the multitude of times in which it was clear he helped someone.  This was the spark for my journey into medicine and of course he must be my first guest.  Thanks Dad.