As a doctor, my whole life is making decisions. On an average day, I am deciding if I need to start another BP med, whether this lady should be admitted, if this guy needs an EKG, if I want an x-ray or a CT scan, if these medications are safe together, if I should give this patient with drug seeking behavior any more Vicodin. There are a lot of decisions, some of them easy, some incredibly hard. These choices can be the difference between life or death, and can have a huge impact on people's lifestyles or wellbeing. At times it can be pretty stressful.
So, when I go on vacation, it doesn't matter where I go as much as what choices I have to make, because once the pager is turned off, so is my decision making engine. Over one of the holiday weekends last year, I went on a short vacation, and people kept asking me what I wanted to do: when to eat, where to go, what to do, what to buy, what to drink... and finally I said, "No more decisions!" I don't want to make any decisions! Don't give me any choices!
Some people want to go to someplace fancy or unique or whatever in order to relax. For me, relaxing is a chance to get away from making any decisions. I just want to be told what to do. And that is surprisingly wonderful.
3 comments:
Hi there! I was browsing around some medical posts on twitter and I stumbled upon your blog. I've added you as a link if that is fine. All the best!
It's great to have someone make decisions for you sometimes.
I also like hibernating from other people, but that could just be an introvert thing.
:-)
Just found your blog through Vitum medicinus' blog. I'm enjoying reading a blog from a Doctor's perspective.
As for one of the most relaxing and 'no need to make a decision' trips I ever had was on a bus trip. Nice change, even though I'm not a senior citizen. Everything is preplanned - accommodation, dining, touring, shopping and even some of the meals.
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