Guest Post by Steve

Hello all from En Zed (thats kiwi for NZ). Working here as a doctor is quite interesting. The setting is a bit different than what I was used to. Instead of being a solo rural family doctor I am an urban urgent/emergent care doctor working alongside several other docs at any given shift. Shifts can start at 7:30 and go to 4:30 or 9 to 5 or 5p to 12a. Once a month I need to do the overnight from 12a to 7a. Haven't needed to do that just yet. Being at the 24 Hour Surgery as it is called immediately after the earthquake, I saw many people with wounds to their limbs, some with fractures, others with respiratory problems due to constant exposure to dust as their homes continue to rattle in the aftershocks. Alot of people, kids and adults, come in with symptoms of anxiety and restlessness, inability to fall asleep at night, etc, due to continued aftershocks. National news came to film our center in the aftermath of the quake and I actually was on the tely, just a week after we arrived in country. People actually said they recognized me. For the most part, kiwis are very appreciative of the care they receive and do not mind waiting. They are very nice and genuine but very guarded and reserved until you get to know them. They really appreciate it when I explain the why and the how of certain problems they present with. Patients do not actively seek narcotics where I work and that is nice. Docs do not need to worry about getting sued here as in the US. This enables one to practice the science and art of medicine as opposed to cya medicine which drives up the cost of care with alot of unneccesary high cost procedures and diagnostics. I am working alot of hours. Suz and I calculated last week at 42 hrs and the week before at 39 hrs. Fortunately, they are very understanding and open to my taking time off to travel and next week we are going on a 5 day trek. We have not decided on whether to go south, towards the catlins, which are supposed to be beautiful or to Nelson, on the north end of the south Island. With the blizzard they had in the southern part of the south island earlier this week, I am leaning more towards Nelson, which is only a 6 hr drive from Christchurch, but it is Closer to the equator, which means warmer. Well, I am exhausted as I worked from 7:30 to 5:15 tonight and do it again in the morning. I am planning on starting surfing lessons as we live in a beach town and the surf is pretty good. Just need to get a wet suit as the water temperature rivals that of the gulf of Maine. I will try to post when I am a bit more animated and not as tired. Love to all, Steve