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Something to think about...

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  • Something to think about...

    Hey all,

    Once again, we admins are batting around the idea of a Huge Medical Spouses Meeting. (sometimes in 2006) Since lots of people are in a funk, we have a really big group and everyone is as unsettled as always. (Sorry M0 spouses, really- you're unsettled the entire way through medicine. Really)

    I'm setting up a poll just to see about general interest. Please respond also with some ideas of what you would like. (Like do we bring spouses or kids or do we institute the Golden Rule of Girls Weekend that my friends and I have: Kids are invited if they're being breastfed (otherwise dad can do it) or are over 21.) How far would you be willing to travel? Would you want to have speakers (i.e. financial planning professionals, medical lawyers? marriage therapists, SAHD supports? or hobby type speakers? scrapbooking, cooking, exercise?) If you could pick, would you want to have events planned or a "do your own thing" during the day and events in the evenings- dinners, etc.) and when would be ideal? Since as we all know, the world revolves around July 1, would it be better later in the summer? That would give us about a year to plan.

    How about "breakout sessions" for the various groups based on where your spouse/partner/significant other is in training. (with a special group meeting for those of us owned by Uncle Sam)

    and lastly, because we're still a relatively small group for event planners, would you be willing to commit 1) Time: we'd need a committee 2) $- we'd need deposit money because we're an unknown entity or 3) any contacts that you may have who would either sponsor or support or donate or be willing to speak

    and finally if we have any: medical lawyers, financial planning professionals, marriage therapists, or other people who know enough about your particular subject that you would be willing to present, please, when we get to that part of the planning process- LET US KNOW!

    Step 1) determine level of interest- there's no point in pursuing this if it's going to be six of us...

    Step 2) We'll need volunteers- any kind of event planning expertise would be helpful. I mean, I've planned two of my own weddings and they were quite fun BUT this isn't getting married in mom's house w/ 33 guests either.

    Step 3) We'll figure out Step three when we've accomplished the first 2.

    Jenn

  • #2
    I really think this is an excellent idea. If I can at all swing it, I will be there.

    My thoughts on your questions:

    (Like do we bring spouses or kids or do we institute the Golden Rule of Girls Weekend that my friends and I have: Kids are invited if they're being breastfed (otherwise dad can do it) or are over 21.)
    I say Girls Weekend (except for those guys on this site who might also like to hang out). However, I do not think this should prevent someone from coming. As many of us know, sometimes you can't go somewhere unless you bring the kids. It may very well be impossible for me to come without kids, but that depends on a lot of what ifs. Come alone if you can, bring others if necessary.

    How far would you be willing to travel?
    There is going to have to be travel involved for at least some, if not most of us. As long as it's not outside of the Continental USA, it should be okay with me, but I think we should keep destination options centered around cities that are easy and inexpensive to get to, if possible.

    Would you want to have speakers (i.e. financial planning professionals, medical lawyers? marriage therapists, SAHD supports? or hobby type speakers? scrapbooking, cooking, exercise?)
    Maybe. This might be helpful, entertaining, and spur great conversation. As long as it is fun with room for talking and interaction.

    If you could pick, would you want to have events planned or a "do your own thing" during the day and events in the evenings- dinners, etc.) and when would be ideal?
    Some time planned, some time free sounds good to me. Just sitting around chatting and maybe seeing a new place sound like good ways to spend time too.

    and when would be ideal? Since as we all know, the world revolves around July 1, would it be better later in the summer? That would give us about a year to plan.
    It doesn't matter to me. Whatever is best for everyone.

    How about "breakout sessions" for the various groups based on where your spouse/partner/significant other is in training. (with a special group meeting for those of us owned by Uncle Sam)
    I don't know if this is necessary. THat entorely depends on how many people you are talking about. That could get too specific, I think, but if there is a lot of interest in this, I don't see why not.

    would you be willing to commit 1) Time: we'd need a committee 2) $- we'd need deposit money because we're an unknown entity or 3) any contacts that you may have who would either sponsor or support or donate or be willing to speak
    1) Time - Yes. Though event planning is not my forte, I will do what I can.
    2) Money - Depends on how much, and what plans are difinitive. I'd like to put something down when things are a bit more concrete.
    3) Contact - Sorry, I know no one.

    Step 1) determine level of interest- there's no point in pursuing this if it's going to be six of us...
    I'm very interested.

    Step 2) We'll need volunteers- any kind of event planning expertise would be helpful. I mean, I've planned two of my own weddings and they were quite fun BUT this isn't getting married in mom's house w/ 33 guests either.
    I'll volunteer as long as I am a very instructed underling.


    Hope that helps!
    Heidi, PA-S1 - wife to an orthopaedic surgeon, mom to Ryan, 17, and Alexia, 11.


    Comment


    • #3
      Yes, I'm in and am willing to help with the planning. I have to be honest, money is an issue for me so it can't be to over the top expensive. I hear that weekend trips to Vegas can be bought cheap. (Vegas baby, Yeah!) Most of us would have to incur sitter expenses back home to boot. (sorry to be the realist downer.)

      Quite honestly, I don't care about speakers. I just want to hang with you all.

      Kelly
      In my dreams I run with the Kenyans.

      Comment


      • #4
        I'd come. I'd help with planning. I'd even donate some money --since I'm on the "other side" of the training wall. My thoughts on the event itself: I don't think we should exclude kids - only because as Heidi said sometimes parent and child are a package deal in this business. I think speakers would be interesting, but unnecessary. Maybe we could work up to that? Or have one invited speaker for one evening? Maybe we could divide along training lines at tables for a dinner somewhere (if people wanted to do that) but mixing up the generations might be fun too. I'd say the destination should be an airline hub. I have a few contacts for speakers - although I don't know what would be involved in getting them there. ($$ - or time) Great idea!
        Angie
        Gyn-Onc fellowship survivor - 10 years out of the training years; reluctant suburbanite
        Mom to DS (18) and DD (15) (and many many pets)

        "Where are we going - and what am I doing in this handbasket?"

        Comment


        • #5
          I'd go if the money was reasonable. I would be happy to help plan it, I also agree that we don't need speakers just a chance to relax and enjoy each other's company for a few days.
          Wife to NSG out of training, mom to 2, 10 & 8, and a beagle with wings.

          Comment


          • #6
            You KNOW I am interested.....great idea to do a poll! I would love to help plan this. I will travel anywhere, basically, and the time of year is not a huge deal for me, as long as I know in advance so I can make arrangements. I imagine I can help a little with $$. I don't know if I have any contacts (I doubt it!) but I will be sure to evaluate all present and future relationships in light of our meeting. Kids/no kids isn't a huge issue for me. Although I would hope NOT to bring mine, I do understand what it is like to not be able to find childcare for an event like this, and I doubt that anyone will bring kids unless they absolutely HAVE to. If it becomes a big issue, we could maybe even find some childcare wherever we choose to have our meeting.

            I think speakers, etc. could be optional this first time out, although we could do some break-out sessions just with each other according to where people are in training, specialty, or whatever. Like Kelly said, mostly I just want to hang out with everybody. However, I would totally understand if the male spouses (who I really hope would attend!!!) wanted to have a guys' night out.

            And I must respectfully disagree on one point.....even if there are only six of us that actually do this the first time out, I still think we should go for it. We would have a blast, post glowing reports of our time together, and make everyone who didn't attend bound and determined not to miss the next one!

            Really, let's do this! :gossip:

            Sally
            Wife of an OB/Gyn, mom to three boys, middle school choir teacher.

            "I don't know when Dad will be home."

            Comment


            • #7
              I voted, but never actually replied.
              I would totally love to do this, and would be happy to help plan. I don't care as much whether or not there are guest speakers, it would be cool but I have a feeling if you stuck is all in the same location we'd have plenty to talk about.
              Re: Kids, my first thought is that I'd love to come sans kids, but I'd hate that to be a deal breaker for some so I'd have to say they can come if its necessary. We could always find a local nanny service who could send some nannies out to help with childcare so mom (or dad!) can enjoy themselves.
              Awake is the new sleep!

              Comment


              • #8
                Love it! Love it! Love it!

                I would love to help plan - I'm pretty good with a binder and an idea. Not so much with the daily life - but escapism is my forte! I think we could probably get some places to work with us based on being a doctor's spouses group & hoping for return business.

                Reasonable locale / cost is a must. We're just on the other side, but wallowing in debt. I would LOVE to come w/o kids, but agree w/SueC that we could work to find other arrangements at the destination to accomodate those that can't find childcare at home.

                Post July 1 seems best to me. Late summer, maybe even fall when "peak" times start winding down.

                Not so much on the speakers - although a couple topics might be good. I just don't think it's something we should break the bank for.

                Groups based on "where we are" - nice idea. I remember finding it harder to relate to those new to the program as we got farther along in my spouses group in Cleveland. And - also harder to relate to the "older ones" when I first started.

                Somthing planned & free time. A mix if both would be great.

                Great idea!

                Comment


                • #9
                  I would LOVE to but it most likely won't happen on my part as DH will be an intern. We will be in a new state and broke as a joke. I say you all go for it though regardless of how many can do it and post pics and tell us everything! Sounds like a blast!

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    (I was the one who voted no...) While I would absolutely LOVE to attend something like this, I wouldn't cash in 2-3 of my extremely rare "personal days" to travel to it. If it were held within an hour or two of my house, that's another story, but it would make sense to keep it close to the majority of members here. I also wouldn't know what to do with the kids...
                    But I agree - go for it!!!
                    Enabler of DW and 5 kids
                    Let's go Mets!

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Flufhead that means we are coming to your house!!!
                      I am interested and think kids are fine, bring them or not, we are all in different stages of childrearing. Sounds gerat to me.
                      Luanne
                      Luanne
                      wife, mother, nurse practitioner

                      "You have not converted a man because you have silenced him." (John, Viscount Morely, On Compromise, 1874)

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        We could also try to tack onto another group. Every October the American College of Chest Physicians meets, and every other speciality meets at different times of the year. I'm sure a hotel would love to attach another group.
                        Luanne
                        Luanne
                        wife, mother, nurse practitioner

                        "You have not converted a man because you have silenced him." (John, Viscount Morely, On Compromise, 1874)

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          I was wondering about that as well. I don't know if any medical group (besides AMA) would cover a broad range of spouse specialties. Or were you just thinking it would make booking the place easier? (No relation to spouses required.. . )
                          Angie
                          Gyn-Onc fellowship survivor - 10 years out of the training years; reluctant suburbanite
                          Mom to DS (18) and DD (15) (and many many pets)

                          "Where are we going - and what am I doing in this handbasket?"

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            We might be able to get a pharmaceutical company to throw in some cash or goodies. The spouse group I was in during residency got a one to pony up some prizes and money for our welcome picnic.

                            This angle would work especially well if we were able to tack on to another doctor conf. somewhere.

                            If anyone out there has drug rep contacts, maybe we could float the idea. My dh is in pathology, so that goodie train doesn't stop here.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              I love this idea!! I'd be willing to help if given specific tasks (I'm not the creative one). We don't know where we'll be next year, but after Aug 1st would be best. Don't have any contacts...sorry. Agree with everyone else about the kids (would plan to come without but understand the need for some to bring theirs). Love the pharmaceutical idea! For some reason I can't stop laughing about the name "American College of Chest Physicians" (one of those "just hit me the wrong way" kind of experiences, I guess)...

                              Sara

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