Big cities with their thousand-bed hospitals, universities and medical centers definitely have their allure.  Affiliations with them and the big salaries that come with them, are the dream of any fresh medical graduate. But none of that comes cheap or trouble-free. On the contrary, one can be sure that for every dollar earned, one pays many times over.

As a country doctor/provider, though, you’ll experience an entirely different lifestyle. I remember getting a call once, while working at a small-town clinic; “Reza, this is Helen, my daughter is bringing her baby to see you. Will you tell her to pick up a loaf of bread on her way home?”

I’ve been asked to x-ray someone’s dog - that had a bad habit of swallowing odd things - to see if it had eaten a nut off his bike. Another time, we were asked to hold a fisherman’s catch in our refrigerator while he fixed the breaks in his truck.
On the practice side, you’ll be a much better, intelligent, and knowledgeable provider by doing your own research, lab work and x-rays and not wait for the result called to you a week later. After all, when was the last time you did a U/A or blood count? Or when was the first time?

When the day is over, you’ll walk or take a short drive home. Rather than sitting in traffic for an hour or more, you can ride your horse by the river or, if you are one of those diehard golfers, play nine holes at the country club before dinner, while watching your day fittingly close with a magnificent sunset.

As a country doctor/healthcare provider, you’ll see many patients who know your name and you, theirs! You’ll remember every patient you saw, their progress or failure and (most importantly) why! Because you know them, their family, living situation/habits and routines. Enough so that you can discuss their medical issues, frankly and knowingly. Check their vitals and refill their prescription, and yes, even give them a message to pick up a loaf of bread on the way home!

Reza Ghadimi
August 22, 2024

A family of crows made quite a racket yesterday.
Their chorus of ggrrr & ggaarrrs indicative
Of protecting a family member. Often a young that has
Fallen out, or left a nest early.

I have come to learn the language of nature
In our mountains and canyons
The blue jays' happy call for food or
Return of the water into our ditch.
The cry of small birds when
Cats are around. And the very distinctive
Bark of our dogs when a rattlesnake comes close to the house.
The intelligence in their language is clear
Evident to all who listen to learn.
I have noticed, for example, that the family of
Coyotes, living in the canyon behind us, sits on the hill
Every morning and yelps, alarming the dogs in the valley.
Learning the dogs’ location, they
Guide their family safely around them.
Or our dogs’ dislike of snakes will not let up
Until I deal with it.
Snaring the rattler and placing it in a bucket.
Later, taking it to the mesa, and letting it go,
Where it too would be safe.

Though the crows know me well, they will not
Tolerate me close to their young.
My concern, however, is for our cats
Not getting hurt by the sharp talons
Of the protecting murder of crows.

Understanding the language of nature and people alike
Makes for appreciation of their intent
Averting conflict and living harmoniously.
We only need to listen.

Reza Ghadimi
August 2024