Pediatrics

There is something about the contrasting palm trees against the Las Vegas sky that makes this building look so inviting. It might be compensating for the fact that if you are a youngster, you have a good chance of getting shots here.

Youthful Medicine

The waiting room's row of low-rise chairs and toys keep the children engaged before their visit. Patient rooms are decorated with animals and cartoonistic art. This clinic is using whatever it takes to keep the young patients happy long enough to be examined from toe to head.

The change from a patient population that is older in years to one that commonly has only days or months has been a drastic one. I have to explore new methods of examination to keep the children from crying incessantly before I even touch them. Fortunately, my preceptor is a veteran in the field and has taught me some of the finer points of the pediatric approach. Although I must say that any child being circumcised is bound to have some aggression towards their doctor.

For the most part these little patients are generally happier and less demanding than the adult population. Their looks of intrigue mixed with fear are something to appreciate and more often than not, they are bewildered by the technology of bright lights and shiny objects. If they can brave the barrage of the doctor's exams, nurse's shots, and foreign environment the reward of a sticker is usually enough to encourage a return visit.

This will certainly be an interesting month. Since the pediatric population will be encountered in the majority of medical fields, it is imperative to hone my clinical skills now. I just hope we don't run out of stickers any time soon. 

Question of the Week

You went to visit your friend from college who recently had a baby. She named him Johnny. As the mother was gently letting you hold Johnny, he appeared really anxious and started crying once you reached to hold him. Johnny's age is most likely to be:

A. 2 months
B. 3 months
C. 5 months
D. 7 months
E. 4 years

Answer & Explanation