It hasn't been business as usual, and I love that

I have been told recently by different people that my blog entries have been missed. I knew that people were following them but didn't really think they mattered that much. The blog was a good way for me to chronicle the observations and adventures of this New Zealand life. I have been very busy with producing educational content for my instagram page, mothering, working full time for the district health board and cultivating my private practice. Unfortunately, this blog became a ball that I dropped amidst all of the juggling. Thank you to those of you who follow me and my family. So much life is happening that this blog is unable to keep up with.

This is a post I started in March 2024 and could never seem to finish.

I remember the days of over 30 patients crammed into a 9hr day. I remember only having 10-20 minutes to see each patient. I remember the many times I was made to feel like a cog in a wheel, my personal health, safety and sanity unimportant to the practice owner, hospital and patients.

When I have days at work now that remind me of the180 degree direction my professional life has taken, I take pictures, I pause to reflect, I say prayers of gratitude and acknowledgement of where I am.

In my office on Mondays- tea or coffee are served by the friendly staff.

In my private practice, I control my schedule, and what types of conditions I treat. In public or private, OBGYNs are treated as the specialists they are.

Lack of autonomy is a big cause for burn out. I work hard because I want to and because I see the appreciation for my efforts.

I remember how women would refer their friends, mothers, sisters and daughters to me after just one visit. That is has been happening again and I am enjoying it. Being able to make true connections with my patients is such a rewarding aspect of being in a profession that is there not just for acute surgical needs, but for long term life care.

Since the launch of the Instagram page, I've been busy with working to do my part to improve the level of health literacy in Aotearoa.

My patients have started telling me about what they read on my page in a follow up visit and that tickles me to no end. My students becoming empowered with each additional morsel of knowledge they gain.

There have been times that I have offered to work in a way that was expected in the US and quickly reminded of how unsafe and inhumane that would be for me and my patients. If I am unwell, I am encouraged to take care of myself. My hospital is the busiest in the country. We see so many things that are usually only seen in textbooks. When we are at work, we are working hard. We don't do 24hr shifts like I did all the time in the US. Our time is valued and any work outside of usual hours is compensated above our base pay.

I have been so challenged academically and surgically and as a result I find myself constantly alternating between feelings of humility and wonder at how much of a badass OBGYNs are at the same time.

It has not been business as usual. Thank goodness for that