Thoughts and Things

On Monday I left my $165+tax Littman Cardiology III stethoscope somewhere in the hospital. That ubiquitous black stethoscope owned by 90% of the house staff, though mine had my name clipped to it. I figured some kind soul would eventually turn it in soon enough. No such luck. (same goes for my ID badge.. seriously people, turn stuff in!) After losing faith in humanity and refusing to shell out another $165, I purchase a less amazing $100 BURGUNDY stethoscope, half-hoping to rediscover my BLACK Cardiology III lying around tucked away somewhere in the hospital/my room.

Fast forward to today. I decide to check in with security again to see if anyone turned it in. Negative. But hanging nearby is a kind-hearted resident (Justin) whom I’ve never met before. He asks if I’m a med student, what year I am, and what I’m planning to go into. I tell him 3rd year and who knows. He tells me that if I’m willing to follow him and his gf to his car, he’ll give me one. I’m stunned. GOOD PEOPLE EXIST! I ask if he’s serious, and he says, “sure, I’m in ortho now and I don’t need it anymore. And you’re a student with no money.” So I follow along. After rummaging through his truck, he hands me a somewhat worn, but still good old black Littman Cardiology III. I’m so excited I want to hug him. Instead, he gives me a firm handshake and says, “you pass that on to some other student after you go into surgery, alright? See you around the hospital.”