I LOVE SCRUBS…AND PEOPLE IN SCRUBS
The healthcare system in Ontario is flawed. I don’t think anyone would question that. I’m of the belief that adequate funding is probably the answer, though I’m sure there are other elements that would be part of the solution. Maybe I’m a lefty, pinko, bleeding heart, but I believe that everyone deserves excellent healthcare (and that includes mental healthcare!) through the method of socialized medicine. We can afford it, if only we followed the money and taxed accordingly.
I am quite certain that many people in Ontario (and Canada in general) have poor and even disastrous experiences with our healthcare system. This post isn’t meant to reduce the impact of other people’s experiences when seeking care. But I have to categorically state that my experience in the system, during and after the heart attack, was stellar. Each and every person I’ve dealt with has exuded professionalism while also showing empathy and concern. It’s fair to say that I’m privileged in this regard; there’s way too much evidence that proves white, male, cisgendered, mostly hetero people receive better treatment in nearly every aspect of life. Additionally, as I’m fairly well-spoken and somewhat literate in medical science, I have the ability to advocate for myself. All of this contributed (and continues to contribute) to me receiving excellent care.
Hopefully, this list doesn’t leave anyone feeling left out. It’s not especially exhaustive, but I’m working mainly from memory, so my apologies to anyone I missed. A big thank you to all of these incredible folks who helped to save my life:
Haliburton Highlands Health Services
Dr. C - diagnosed my STEMI and ordered the administration of live-saving medications
C - lead nurse who also travelled with me via ambulance to Peterborough
All the other emergency room nursing and other staff
The two EMT’s who drove me to Peterborough and cared for me on the way
Peterborough Regional Health Centre
Dr. S - performed the cardiac catheterization and stent implant
The cardiac cath lab nurses and diagnosticians
The ICU nurses, meal delivery, and cleaning staff
Dr. B - cardiologist who consulted and referred me to the team at Trillium Health Partners, etc.
Trillium Health Partners
Dr. P - performed the second cardiac catheterization and stent implants
The cardiac cath lab nurses and diagnosticians
The post-surgery nurses, etc. who relieved a lot of discomfort
A, my incredible cardiac rehabilitation kinesiologist
The entire cardiac rehab team
Dr. W - consults with the rehab team
Unity Health Toronto
Dr. C - my primary cardiologist with a very comforting demeanor
Maddy - Dr. C’s assistant and excellent communicator
Dr. K - my endocrinologist
E & L - caring dieticians who give me lots of options
Boromir wouldn’t have had a heart attack!
I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my family physician, Dr. S. He’s not only a great doctor, but also a fun guy to chat with. He’s comfortable discussing multiple options and delving into any situation to discover the best course of action and explain why we’ve jointly arrived at a resolution.
Last, but certainly not least, I cannot say enough about my good friend and emergency physician Dr. J. She was on Jenny’s side of the wedding party, has always been there to answer whatever dumbass health questions I’ve had, and continues to act as a great sounding board for medical anxiety. When you meet someone who is truly dedicated to their craft it’s truly impressive to observe. J cares about more than just being a good doctor, and has dedicated herself to remote medicine, search and rescue, and medical teaching and pedagogy, just to name a few examples.
Of course I’m sure there’s more health pros to come. I’ll be wrapping up my cardiac rehabilitation sessions in the coming weeks (more on that later). During my last appointment, Dr. C informed me that I’ll likely be receiving cardiac diagnostic testing for the remainder of my life (at least yearly), and some of my meds will be lifelong commitments. While I’m hopeful that I can arm wrestle the diabetes into remission, I’m also sure that won’t be an easy road.
All in all, I’m in good health, but the people above are responsible for more than just that. These people saved my life, and I will never forget that, or insult that effort by failing to take care of myself as best as I can.
WHAT’S NEXT? The mental toll of medical trauma…right in the feels!
