Your Comments Were There

I used my little corner in our study for a backdrop. I even threw away all the old water bottles and junk. 

Well. I NEVER.

After yesterday's incredibly ARTISTIC sketch which linked very CREATIVELY to an impressive and timely study about immunity, I got this email:

"What are you doing about your report from your stint at the nursing school, are you writing an Opus or something? Stop your cute doodling Missy and get us that report. What did you say? How were you received? Did you have fun?"

Sniff. CUTE DOODLING? I spent at least THREE MINUTES on that work of art, I'll have y'all know. And...and...didn't you think that Lulu's erm...illness....was more important? You don't?

I did promise to tell y'all about the panel discussion that I participated in this week, so I really should do that. Especially since you -- my awesome readers -- were actually there too.

How so?

I took all of the feedback that you sent for me in answer to my question: If you were given an opportunity to help educate health care providers, what would YOU want your future nurses and doctors to know?, removed everyone's name and identifying information, and gave them to the other members of the panel who were very impressed with the quality of your responses. Your quotes were inserted into various points in our presentation.

And they were excellent quotes, I might add.

The panel consisted of three of us with invisible illnesses and one moderator. We presented to a group of student nurses in various stages of earning their degree in Philadelphia, PA. Since I was sitting here wearing my bunny slippers all the way across the country, I participated via Skype......so my face was plastered up on a screen in front of the audience. Yikes. Meanwhile, the two other young and gorgeous gals appeared in person.

We began with an explanation about why the topic of "Effective communication with ePatients" was important to these students (and a few instructors, as well) by sharing our personal stories. We had unfortunately several incidents to relate in which communication was not "effective" in our care. But I also was able to share examples of very successful patient/caregiver interactions as well and they were interested in hearing all about Dr. Young Guy. The fact that I represented not only ePatients, but also the care provider side of the equation being a retired RN sparked some interesting conversations.

We were extremely well received. Especially since the Pennsylvania Student Nurses Association provided free pizza to the attendees just before the event.

Hee.

But in all seriousness, it was a lively discussion that could have easily surpassed our one hour time limit. Several students approached the panel after we had finished to thank us for coming and add their own experiences.

I have a renewed sense of optimism about the future of our health care system if this wonderful group of men and women are representative of upcoming caregivers.

And, yes. I had fun!