End Notes
The Exam Room—Three Views
By Jack E. Hubbard, M.D.
This is really getting annoying, sitting here … waiting. I wish that I didn’t have to bring Ryan. He’s so much more trouble now that he’s 2. But since John lost his job, babysitting is a luxury we can’t afford.
What could be keeping him? Does he think that I have nothing else to do but sit here? It’s very rude.
That lump has grown more over the past few weeks. I can’t believe this is happening—we buried Mom barely three months ago.
Those instruments look sharp and dangerous… “No, no Ryan.”
She looked so bad those last days, what with the chemo and everything. Is that what I have to look forward to?
I’ll just put him up on the exam table. What a terrible color. It doesn’t even go with the walls.
“Here, play with this honey.” I hope it’s clean.
Maybe I’m worrying about nothing.
Finally.
Running late again. I have to get more time scheduled with my patients. Not fair to them … or me. One of these times I’ll be so rushed that I’m going to screw up. Those bean counters running this place don’t understand.
Oh crap, she brought her kid again. I’ll have Betty talk to her. Why did she have to put him up on my new exam table? Sure am glad that I got that model—great design, beautiful color. He’ll probably pee on it. Doesn’t she understand that I can’t give her my full attention with him running around, getting into everything?
I hope that she’s not here about any breast issues. I can’t believe how fast her mother went down hill.
Oh great. Now he’s playing with the speculum. She needs to leave him home.
What a funny-looking thing. Each time I come with Mommy I find new stuff to play with.
She must be mad at me. I saw her crying this morning.
This table is really high. Feels cold. I gotta go potty. I don’t wanna tell Mommy, though. She’ll get mad at me again.
Here comes that mean man in the funny white coat. I don’t like him. He’d better be nice to Mommy. He made Grandma cry. I don’t think he likes me. MM
Jack Hubbard is a neurologist who practices at the Burnsville office of the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology. This piece received honorable mention in Minnesota Medicine’s 2009 Medical Musings writing contest.