It's official

Yesterday I turned in my 90 day notice as a full time employee of Baldwin Emergency Physicians. Before I get into why, let me tell you why I didn't quit- I didn't quit because I was dissatisfied with the group, the hospitals or the work. I quit working full time because I needed a break from the schedule. So I'm going locum tenens, which is fancy doctor talk for part time. It doesn't mean I'll work less, it just means that I'll set my own schedule, and that I'll be traveling a lot, possibly all over the country to fill in in ERs wherever there's a need. The good news is that I'll get to decide if and when I'm willing to work weekends and holidays. The bad news is that there's no guarantee I'll have as much work in any given time as I want or need. But in the ten years I've been doing medicine, especially emergency medicine, lack of work has never been a problem. I don't expect it to be a problem now, but this is a bit of a leap of faith so wish me luck.

Yesterday I drove to Auburn to see Clay for a few days. He's doing very well, and was VERY glad to see me. I don't know why it is, but I'm very blessed to have kids who adore me, despite the distances of time and space that often separate us. They deserve better than they get from me, and whatever life throws my way I know I'm truly fortunate, and undeserving, to hold my kids' hearts in my hands.

Yesterday was also an important day in my electronic life. I got a replacement for my broken iPhone (YAY!!!) and a new iPad to make me more mobile as I prepare to travel. I'm typing on it even now. What an awesome device! Truly, I see the potential for this gizmo to revolutionize the way we interact with our electronic environment, especially in the field of medical records and data input. Finally, a device that can make bedside, point of care medical records feasible and practical.

I was pleased to see this link. I don't know that I've ever been prouder of my alma mater. It means more to me than a dozen national championships or Heisman
trophies. This is truly what sports is all about, and what I want my kids to learn from athletics above all else.

Clay will be up in a few hours so I suppose I should sleep. Goodbye and good night from the interworld, for now.