CMAJ • August 3, 2004; 171 (3). doi:10.1503/cmaj.1040452.
© 2004 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors
All editorial matter in CMAJ represents the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of the Canadian Medical Association.
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The Left Atrium
Côté cœur

Tough night for call

Amrita Burdick

Clinical Medical Librarian Kansas City, Missouri

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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