Last Shift, A Med Student Saved My Life
Today was a long but rewarding day at the hospital for me. HIPAA and my fatigued state both prevent me from giving the entire and long story, so I’ll give you the short, and edited version. A patient came into the ER with an incredibly high electrolyte level. No one was exactly sure what was going on, but the patient was uncooperative and combative. I showed up as a nephrology student on the case, just as a medicine resident attempted to place a Foley.
After multiple attempts, the resident resigned to having the patient sign a refusal form. After he left to get the form, I found myself alone with the patient. The resident had explained to the patient that refusing treatment would mean certain death, but the patient didn’t seem phased.
So, I asked a simple question. “Do you want to die?” He replied with a definitive yes, and after asking a few more questions, I realized that his electrolyte imbalance was due to a suicide attempt.
The gist is that because of my questioning, we realized what was actually going on with the patient, and were eventually able to help him. I’m glad he lived. And I’m glad I was able to contribute something.
Enjoy the Brooklyn photos above. Oh, and 2 points to anyone who gets the reference in the title of this post.
“Yo Brooklyn, Fuhgeddaboudit” Photo Series
My name is Kendra and I am a newly minted doctor about to begin my residency in Psychiatry at 
That is amazing, so powerful that a simple question could have such an effect! THIS is why I want to go into medicine.
you are an inspiration on many levels.
i hear your frustration. it’s a long haul. you’re almost done.
you could be my doctor. i don’t say that lightly because i am very particular about who gets to give care to my body, mind and soul.
i’ve been following your blog since you started med school.
congratulations, you bring great gifts to the profession. take a breath, the journey is the destination.