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Essay

Tough night for call

Amrita Burdick
CMAJ August 03, 2004 171 (3) 263; DOI: https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.1040452
Amrita Burdick
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  • © 2004 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors

Rounds were taking too long.
There were circles under the resident's eyes,
shadows under an unshaved beard.
Post call.
He wanted to get the job done and go home.

Tough night, he said.
Nine new admits to the team.

Elderly woman from a nursing home:
mental status changes
possible dementia.
She is desperate to ask us:
“Do my children know where I am?”

At least she knows what hospital she's in.

Middle-aged woman:
history of depression
insomnia
possible first seizure.
The patient is more succinct:
“My son is in trouble.”

A lot of crybabies in the emergency room last night,the resident said as the team moved on.

Was it the moon phase for crying, I wondered?
Or simply who was listening or wasn't listening?

White coated crescents
continue their morning orbit
reflecting new moon shadows
after a tough night for call.

Amrita Burdick

Clinical Medical Librarian

Kansas City, Missouri

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Canadian Medical Association Journal: 171 (3)
CMAJ
Vol. 171, Issue 3
3 Aug 2004
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Tough night for call
Amrita Burdick
CMAJ Aug 2004, 171 (3) 263; DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.1040452

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Tough night for call
Amrita Burdick
CMAJ Aug 2004, 171 (3) 263; DOI: 10.1503/cmaj.1040452
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