"And that, my fellow medical professionals, is why we as a group of medical doctors who are engaged in frontline discoveries and treatments have an obligation..." The speech had become a drone drowned out by a fighter drone and static. I had to put my earbuds in and cranked out some Depeche Mode to get myself through this bullcrap. There was never anything of value at these symposiums, they are mandatory in-service continuing education requirements by the state. I was in my seat near the back when a gorgeous redhead who I've never seen before locked eyes with me. She was in her late thirties. The white lab coat she was wearing made her hair color and her blue eyes pop like a Van Gough painting. I've seen it before and I wasn't going to get my hopes up. I waved to her as I was bobbing my head to "Everything counts, in small amounts..dunna dunna dunna doo duh duh duh" Then I got up and left.
The hospital hierarchy cheapskates refused to cater the event, which didn't surprise me at all. Between the staffing cuts and new generic pens being delivered It was a matter of time before the ceiling panels came loose too. I walked down the hall watching every fellow doctor nod his or her head as they passed me. It doesn't even matter if you see the same doctor fourteen times in the same day on shift, it's guaranteed you'll get a "Hey Doctor" nod, like its a Pavlovian response.
I grabbed some lunch in the cafeteria and found a seat by the windows overlooking Bostons Back Bay area. It was a lush green color during this time, mid-August. It was my favorite time of year because the newly graduated med students were getting settled in, and a decent number of them were women, and a decent number of those women were smoke shows. I mean hot. I loved it. It was like shooting fish in a barrel in this place.
Three bites into my food and I looked up to see that redhead walking in with a plate of salmon and rice, and she was headed right over to where I was sitting. I saw her lips moving but couldn't understand what she was saying. She didn't notice my earbuds so I did us both a favor and took them out and I caught her saying: "in this whole damn place. Please? Doctor...??
"Huh," I asked
"You didn't hear anything I said did you haha" she laughed.
"Nope. Not a thing. Have a seat," I said.
"I'm Doctor Rachael Smith and I am in Orthopedics she said extending her hand for a shake
"I'm Doctor Kevin Disaronno, like the liquor. Head of your area. How did I not know you were added to my team? I know when people come and go." I asked puzzled.
"My secretary had sent you emails and a welcome gift in the mail. I'm not sure what happened." She said in a sad tone
"Hey, dont worry about it, Rach. Tell me about yourself" I said.