Interesting bit

peds overseas

The problem is that the military guys have 'war time' designations. Docs are either surgeons or non-surgeons. We had a friend who was an opthamologist with 22 years in speciality sent to Iraq as a general surgeon. Do you really want his first case to be chest surgery?

The HQ needs to reevaluate their designations. Had another friend from HI (OB?GYN) sent to Ft Bragg pending overseas. He had gotten out of the Army 27 days earlier, opened a private practice, hired staff and bought equipment. He spent 11 months waiting at Bragg earning Lt Col pay (not enough to pay nurses and rent back home). He had to fold the practice and eventually move to another area because of poor community relations in the aftermath. (Watch out for that 90 day recall window!!!)

To make it even more insulting, while at Bragg he was not allowed to see ANY patients. He sat around and waited, doing nothing but trying to get WOMACK to give him temp. privilages.

[fluffhead]

Sorry she got nabbed, Matt.
That which does not kill you makes you stronger.
You guys are very strong

[Auspicious]

I'm sorry, Matt. I hope it's a short one.

[Phoebe]

I'm just seeing this.... Wow! Will be thinking of you and G.

Jennifer

[Gwendolyn]

I am so sorry Matt What ever you need....

So, she has been told for the last three days that she needs to attend a meeting to learn more about what she will be doing, when and where.... she has been there and they have told her nothing.

She did learn that, thankfully, she will NOT be going to Afghanistan or Iraq. She will be in Manilla, Phillipines...there is still no word if she will be on a boat or just on the island. She has to be THERE May 13th, she has a list of things that she needs to get done before she goes, all military related- dogtags, Geneva Convention Card, certified with a gun... those kind of things....and she still has to see all her patients. She has been told that she would get two weeks off before she leaves to "get the household in order". Ain't happening....they still have her seeing patients every ten minutes.

It sucks for her and for me....we still haven't told the boys yet. Our 6yo could go either way upon learning that his Mom is going away all summer. Not sure what will happen for the nearly 3yo either, I guess.... maybe I don't know what will happen for me

Matt,

Sorry to hear that you and your wife (and kids) will have to go through this. I hope everything works out as best it can in such a difficult situation.

[DCJenn]

Hey Matt-

I'm late checking in here- that blows for you all but I'm sure she'll find it an amazing experience personally and professionally. At least it's not the 'real' front.

Jenn

PS to those non-military people, the military has sent numerous pediatricians and specialists to Afganistan and Iraq- neonatologists, nephrologists, pulmonologists, etc. None of them end up doing their speciality but they are docs first after all.

[houseelf]

Matt,

OMG, my heart goes out to you and Gretchen. I'm happy that it is Manila instead of some wartorn nation.

Keep your chin up.



Kelly

Wow. I guess Manilla is better than Iraq or Afghanistan ... but still stinks! I still don't see how you need to be punished with the MIL as well, but I suppose you've got that issue under control.

If you want to road trip it to your old stomping grounds, I've got a 3 and 5 year old for your guys to play with (you've still got family here, right?).

[mommax3]

Matt,

Travis did a humanitarian mission to Nicaraugua his chief year and he rates it as one of his most satisfying experiences EVER as a physician. Granted, it was only for two weeks, but it was great for him to feel like he was really making a difference.

He had to get certified for a certain type of gun, too, and they had armed guards wherever they went, which was a little unnerving at times, but he never felt like there was any immediate danger at all.

It still BLOWS for you and the boys. My Indianapolis hotel is at your disposal!

Sally

Is that information set -- going to Manila and the date? It seems like it changes constantly. That would make it hard to tell your kids, I think. Having a few days at least to get ready would sure be nice. Sorry that isn't working out.

What is the MIL status?

[SueC]

Matt, I'm just now reading all of this, I'm so sorry!!! I think Manila sounds way better than Iraq or Afghanistan. For what it's worth, my dh's grandma, aunts, uncles, cousins are all in the Philippines, mostly in Manila and Cebu and I think it is fairly safe. I've not been there yet so I can't say firsthand, but my mil goes there fairly regularly. At any rate, I'm sure having her overseas for any length of time is traumatizing and terrifying for all of you, regardless of where it is. I'll keep your family in my prayers and hope that it is uneventful.

[Rapunzel]

I was reading that a few weeks ago the Phillipines had an attempted coup. And, I know that the enormous, southern-most island has been given over to violent rebels. Depending on where she ends up it doesn't sound like it could be a cake-walk.

Question: I thought that according to the Geneva Convention docs didn't carry or use weapons? Just wondering....

As far as I can tell, she won't be carrying a gun, but she needs to be able to use it should the situation present itself.

Manilla is better than Iraq/Afghanistan. My grandparents lived there for many years and have some CRAZY stories to tell.

Being the ever-vigilant rebel that she is, she is refusing the small-pox vaccine and the anthrax vaccine. Let me tell you that they don't like that one bit....and she doesn't appreciate the way it is getting handled....maybe she won't go

The summer could be interesting. I have enrolled for classes through the summer and that is why MIL would be coming down for the long haul. I have a schedule in the latter part of the summer that I would need to be at school at 8a and the last class is over at 9p(twice a week). That is one long day for the boys to be at the childcare facility. So, it would be nice to have help for that....I guess it is me being selfish at a bad time. I may end up dropping all the summer classes, but that would push my getting done out by a semester.

Oh well...so many things up in the air. It makes one tired, yet here I am at 3:30a and can't sleep....lovely.