Well, My venture home was supposed to occur on Sunday, but I just couldn’t leave San Francisco just yet. A few calls to my travel agent (and staying up all night doing so) and I was booked to stay in SF until Monday at 0850. In Louisiana we call a little extra- “Lagniappe.” My 16 extra hours here would be spent to the fullest- because one should never waste Lagniappe!
Happy as a clam, I set out into the city Saturday night and wandered around. I did the tourist thing, rode a trolley, shopped a little, sat in Union Square near the flowers and watched people walk by as I drank coffee. I also went to this wonderful little 50′s Diner- the name escapes me, it is on Powell Street, and had interesting conversation with a local girl. Also, Chris Blair (@Chrismedic) came out while on duty and let me tour the SFFD rescue unit. Let me tell you, it was MedGeek heaven! I had so many questions on how different urban EMS was compared to rural EMS. He kindly explained everything to my unbelieving ears, and left quickly when dispatched to a call nearby. (Thanks for the tour, Chris!)
Another surprise awaited me Sunday morning. My friend Jeremiah came back from Los Angeles to have lunch with me, Chris Kaiser and his wife Gina and Justin and the HappyMedic family. Mark couldn’t stay for lunch, unfortunately, but I was able to get a few last conversations in with him before he packed up and headed to SFO. Lunch was filled with casual conversation, and as usual, EMS talk rolled around. This is why I love spending time with people who love this profession as much as I do. No matter what we talk about, somehow PreHospital care makes an appearance! After 10 days without meat, I finally caved and had a burger. My mouth couldn’t comprehend what the strange texture was!
Sadly, I said goodbye to my new friends the Kaisers and the Schorrs and spent time with Jeremiah for a while. He and I truly share similar views on the world and EMS so it was nice having such animated conversation with him. Personally speaking, I can’t wait to have him on the GenMed show in the future! He has a lot to bring to the EMS table. Once again, I said goodbye to Mr. Bush, but left our conversation with even more inspiration than before.
Sunday night was spent walking around the city again. I ended up in ChinaTown and just sat and watched the people walk by. I was truly in love with this amazing city, and it was with heavy heart that I would leave it in the morning. As I sat and watched people walk by, I realized that I didn’t have to say goodbye forever- just like I didn’t have to say so with my new friends. My path and theirs would cross again, as I was sure mine would with this city.
I tromped back to my room at Hotel Frank after grabbing a veggie pizza from Powell Street and packed slowly. While I was very sad to leave, I was leaving with newfound inspiration. This was a big step in the right direction for medicine and I was a part of it in some small way. For that I am thankful. I met amazing people, saw amazing things, and even watched the hatching of several amazing ideas right in front of my eyes. Folks, keep your eyes peeled for further development in the Chronicles and the things it is inspiring!
Before I turned in for the night, I quickly did a little research on schools in the area, merely as a little joke. JEMS’ website pointed me to a few places that offer Bachelor Degree programs in Emergency Medicine. Excited, I clicked away on places I would like to go. I saw San Jose listed and chuckled. How amazing would it be to live in California and finish my Bachelor’s Degree! I turned in a little later than I should have, but at least it was a restful kind of sleep.
I woke up and got dressed quickly, checking out and running to the BART to make it to SFO in time to check in. As I sat on this flight, I opened up my laptop to write this post while in transit. Sitting next to me was a family doctor from San Jose! I thought- what are the odds? He saw my new Chronicles of EMS laptop stickers that Justin and Mark had scored for me and asked me about it. Excited, I told him all about it and pulled out the episode on his iPhone. He loved it! I smiled inwardly as I watched a new fan grow right in front of me. I told him of my participation in “A Seat at the Table” and my future plans. In pure irony, he told me I should skip PreMed and finish with a Bachelor’s in Emergency Medicine… from San Jose. I told him of the night before and how I stumbled upon the website and had thought of it as a pipe dream. It didn’t him long to convince me to apply for Fall Admissions. I’m crossing my fingers that this can be the next step for me- I’m sure Justin would be proud for sure! (I know it’s not New Mexico, but it’ll do, right HM?)
So, I sit 35,000 feet in the air with new hope in the future of EMS, the future of Chronicles, and my future in general. You never know where life is going to take you- but everyone knows I’m hoping for a hilly, Californian destination!
Until next time, Chronicles fans!
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This is sooooo excittttting! DO IT! I’ll come visit you
Maybe i’ll move out to Cali too. I’ve always wanted to!
LOVE YOU!
It was an amazing 36hrs, My only complaint was that it ended. But even that short time, I believe that great strides were made both personally and globally. I am very happy that I was able to share such a unique experience with so many great people (including you).
Take care and rest up, The adventure is just beginning.
it was, indeed, amazing! looking forward to starting new adventures with everyone (including you!!) getting to meet you was by far one of the highlights of the trip, sir!
I’m glad you enjoyed your trip. The bay area is very nice and you only saw a tiny bit. You are welcome for the tour. Wish I didn’t have leave on a code-3 soni could have showed you more. Maybe another time.