I Learned a Lot This Week – And Liked What I Saw
But First, Two Notes On Other Subjects
First, a reminder that there are only two more posts of this blog through this site. If you would like to continue receiving this blog, just click on the link below to sign up for the new site, based on Substack. Easy to do. Thanks for all who have already done so. If you have not yet done, so come on down!
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Second, there is a ton of material out there on the war in Iran, and we will surely return to it shortly. In the meantime, I am providing a link to a discussion just held between Paul Krugman and Phillips O’Brien on the war in Iran, and update on Ukraine, and some interesting links between the two. This is the best thing you will read on the current state; I encourage you to take a few minutes to read this one. You can listen to the video or read the transcript, as you prefer.
Now on to a simpler tale to share.
Medical Care Variables
I am one lucky guy. For someone carry a LOT of decades on my back since being born, I have spent almost zero time in hospitals, clinics, and similar places. My dog of awhile back had a longer pharmacy account than I did. All in all, my health has been pretty solid.
I was vaguely aware that sometimes medical care is offered in a teaching environment, although I had never encountered such a thing. Until last week.
Drill, Baby, Drill
It has developed that I needed some pretty complex oral surgery, a process that involves several steps over a number of months. I had the first, and most substantial work done last week and it was in a teaching environment. Very different experience.
Normally when I go to the dentist, I find 2, at the most 3, people involved in the work to be done. I come in and take a seat in the dental chair, after which a small tray about the size of an airline meal tray is rolled in front of me, with some tools and supplies on it. This time was quite different.
I entered the room to find 5 people present who would be involved in the work (at one point three of them were in my mouth at the same time. I guest all those who called me a big mouth got it right). Several more came and left during the 2 hours+ procedure to learn about what was being done. The little tray was replaced with one that seemed to be about the size of a picnic table. To say there were more tools and equipment on it would be an understatement. The last time I saw that many tools in one place was at Home Depot. This was going to be interesting.
I got to follow what was going on much more than a patient usually does because the senior doctor leading the effort was explaining every step to those in the room, and by coincidence to me. In addition, it was necessary to take x-rays several times to confirm that what was being done worked under the gums and bone. I think I got x-rayed enough to glow in the dark, but it was really fascinating to see the visible changes as the work progressed.
A Model of Teaching
What was really fascinating about all this, and pleasing, was to observe not only first rate dentistry, but also first rate teaching. This fellow understood how to teach. He explained things so clearly, talked about what was happening now and what to look out for as work progressed. The students were clearly engaged, and I would think learned a lot on this day. Not a small thing, but I though the manner of instruction hit an ideal tone. It was crisp and professional, but had lighthearted moments as well, so people felt relaxed and ready to learn. This was really an exemplary model of how to teach.
It was apparent to me that that mix of professionalism and humor was part of the clinic culture. The woman who was the principle dental assistant actually “owned” the room. Dentists and others came and win. The senior dentist noted at the start of the procedure that everyone should note the sign she placed on the main cabinet and follow the guidance of the sign. The sign read (paraphrasing): “I am Beatrice and this is my room. Stay out of my drawers!” Gotta love a good sense of humor and a little double entendre.
All this reminded me of how important, how impactful good teachers are. I bet almost all of us have 1 or 2 teachers from our youth that we still remember for how they encouraged, inspired, and challenged us. Great teachers are a national treasure at all levels. If only we paid and honored them accordingly.
See You Next Week
We likely will be back to politics and national issues next week, but perhaps not. In changing over this blog, I have been going through my archives for the time we have been doing this together – almost a decade. I am reminded of some golden oldies we may revisit in the coming weeks. Either way, take care, pay attention, and get ready to vote in November.
Bill Clontz
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