OMG Night Call!!

Well, I’m just ending my 2nd of 3 night shifts on the inpatient ward: 7pm-7am coverage 3 nights in a row. I sure haven’t done this in a while, say 10+ years…  I’ve actually been lucky with fairly quiet nights and great nursing/Resident coverage. I’ve even been able to take advantage of a basic but comfortable call room. Not so bad after all. 

I was able to follow live election coverage Tuesday at an Aussie sports bar (of all places) here in LP. It was packed with expats and tourists from Australia, Canada, and a few from the US. (One advantage about being in Laos is that the crucial last hours were during the early afternoon rather than early am.). As the outcome became clear, the noisy bar went silent. It was clear that the crowd was stunned: no applause, no cheering, no high fives. It was telling. I have to say that I’m not happy about the election outcome either. I’m very concerned about all of the things the now “loyal opposition” has argued for, especially access for all to health care. But it is called the loyal opposition for a reason. No matter who is the minority party I hope that going forward there is communication between parties and respect for the “others”.  Argument for beliefs of course but compromise when needed. There needs to be a better way for all.