A patient with an interesting surgical disease was
admitted to a Surgery Unit III in AIIMS, New Delhi. On checkup for fitness for
anesthesia, he was found to be suffering from heart disease. The cardiologist
(heart doctor) reviewed the patient and advised MUGA scan to further evaluate
the patient’s risk for surgery.
In MUGA scan a small amount of radioactive material is
injected in the patient’s vein. Using a special device (camera) the amount of
radioactivity coming from the pooled blood in the patient’s heart is recorded.
This gives an estimate of the blood pumping power of the heart.
The trouble with MUGA scan was that due to the
over-burdened cardiology department of AIIMS, New Delhi, there was minimum
waiting period of 10 to 15 days before this MUGA scan can be done.
The Surgery Department of AIIMS, New Delhi, was also
over-burdened and it was not possible to keep the patient admitted in the ward
for 10 to 15 days while waiting for the MUGA scan. The patient was from a distant
place and it would have cost the patient a good amount of time and money for
him to go back to his home and come back to AIIMS for the MUGA scan.
The head of unit, Prof. Tarun Kumar Chaturji
(fictional name) also did not want to send the patient home, as it was a
surgically challenging case. There was the possibility that the patient may not
come back to AIIMS, or may get re-admitted in a different unit.
The senior resident of the unit asked to Dr. Dev
(fictional name) solve this problem. Dr. Dev studied the problem and came up
with a plan of action.
Professor (Dr.) Umesh Kaul (fictional name) was the
acting HOD of the Department of Cardiology in AIIMS, New Delhi, at that time.
Dr. Kaul was learned person, master of his field, with a busy schedule. Even
high ranking officials and politicians had to take appointment to meet.
When Dr. Dev reached the Cardiology centre of AIIMS,
New Delhi, instead of going to the MUGA scan lab, he made his way directly to
Professor Kaul’s Office. Without stopping to talk and take permission from his
receptionist, just barged straight in his office.
Dr. Kaul, who was having some meeting in his office
looked at Dr. Dev with amazement and anger at his rude interruption. Perhaps,
the adage ‘Fools rush in where angels fear to tread’
(walk) must have crossed his mind.
Before he can be unceremoniously thrown out of Prof.
Kaul’s office, Dr. Dev blurted, “Sir, I am a junior resident from surgery unit
III and we have a patient who requires a MUGA scan on priority.”
Dr. Kaul looked at Dr. Dev with exasperation and
barked at him, “Why have you come to disturb me for this?” “Go and talk to the
reception at the MUGA lab.”
Bowing obsequiously, Dr. Dev replied, “I am extremely
sorry to disturb you. I will go the MUGA lab as instructed by you” and hurried
out of Dr. Kaul’s office, breaking out in smile as soon as he was out of the
office.
When Dr. Dev reached the MUGA Scan lab, instead of
going to the clerk giving appointment for the scan, he sauntered to the Lab
in-charge and said, “I am coming from Dr. Kaul’s office. He has told me to get
the MUGA scan done of this patient on priority.”
The in-charge was surprised that Dr. Kaul himself was
instructing about some patient’s MUGA Scan.
He queried Dr. Dev, “Professor Kaul himself?”
“Yes”, replied Dr. Dev truthfully, “Professor Kaul
personally instructed me to get the MUGA scan done.”
Still amazed the Lab in-charge asked, “Is the patient
some relative of Dr. Kaul?”
Leaning toward the Lab in-charge, Dr. Dev lowered his
voice as if he was afraid someone will over hear him and whispered conspiratorially,
“I am also not sure, but I think he may be either some distant relative or close
family friend.”
The in-charge looked at Dr. Dev helplessly, “It is
already past noon and we have many patients waiting for the MUGA scan today.
Will it be alright if we do the scan on this patient as first case coming
morning?” he pleaded.
“Okay” answered Dr. Dev, “It had been better if the
scan would have been today, but we will adjust even if done tomorrow.”
The MUGA scan was indeed done the next day; patient
operated on soon after and went home hale and hearty.
— ND
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DISCLAIMER: This
article is intended only for fun purpose. The author does not promote or
recommend any behavior illustrated here or claim it to be useful. Use of the
information herein is at you one's own risk. Before trying to emulate or follow
anything the reader is well advised to take into account ethical, moral, legal
and other considerations. The author recommends that Medical Practice should be
of the highest ethical and moral level keeping in mind the interest of the
patient as foremost.
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