Doctor Psychobabble

Today was a great learning experience and very fascinating. I REALLY wish that I did not have to wake up in 6 hours (and I haven’t yet eaten or showered) because I would love nothing more than to share a detailed story of my day and all that I learned.

So, instead, I will give the very brief version. I woke up early and went to my inpatient psychiatric rotation, which involves a 2 hour commute. I did my normal work and then I had to leave at 2:30 p.m. to head back to my residency hospital to do a Consultation Liaison call. Consultation Liaison Psychiatry is really about the intersection of medicine and psychiatry. Basically, we respond to anyone who calls for a “psych consult” in the hospital.

I saw 2 patients, and also worked on an admission. It was interesting because one of my patients was NOT severely mentally ill. She was actually a good historian. I could talk to her and she did not spout nonsensical sentences at me. She was an elderly female with severe acrophobia (fear of heights). Basically the consult was about evaluating her to see if she needed psychiatric medications, etc. Turns out she just needed some psychoeducation and a benzo PRN. I would explain what all of this means, but I haven’t eaten in over 10 hours and I desperately need some sleep.

I do promise to write up the case, however. It was that life-altering. I heart CL psych!

Photo: My “brief” experience on a NYC bus. I still stand by my assertion that I can always get where I need to be in less time than a bus can take me there. Case and point, I walked 2.3 miles to the hospital today for call instead of riding the bus again!