On the Front Line: Remembering a Medical Student

Neil MacLean and I have several things in common. We both come from Pictou County. I grew up in Merigomish and he on Big Island. Although our homes are 15 kilometres apart, we are neighbours by rural standards. We were both born in January, and like him, I chose to...

Why are health care workers so superstitious?

“Superstition brings bad luck.” – Raymond Smullyan, from the book 5000 B.C. and other Philosophical Fantasies, 1984 Generally speaking, those of us in the field of medicine are logical, practical individuals. We’re evidence-based thinkers and rational...

Code status. It must be an early conversation.

The last few passengers filter in and buckle themselves up before takeoff. The emergency exit row is occupied by an elderly couple and I am seated behind them. The flight attendant asks whether they are comfortable in those seats, given that they’d have to respond in...

The Test

There are shards of glass scattered on the ground all around me. I stand on the corner of Laurier and Bay outside of my brother’s downtown apartment. There is a gaping hole where my car window should be. My frantic brain tries to absorb the stolen items: sunglasses,...

Why doctors have horrible writing (including me)

“Dr. Fraser, the pharmacy is on the phone for you. Line one.” I answer the call, pressing the grey, rectangular button with one hand while writing in a patient’s chart with the other.“Sarah Fraser speaking.”“Oh, hi, Doctor, we just got in a prescription of yours, but...