Open Hearts & Closed Doors

And just like that, another rotation has been successfully completed! At times, the weeks seem to go by slowly, but in the blink of an eye I am moving out of my second AHEC housing and waving goodbye to Madisonville, Kentucky. All the food service employees at Baptist Health Madisonville (BHM) were nothing but kind and welcoming to me from the start, and I am grateful for every second of their time they spent teaching me in some way. There were so many opportunities given to me at this rotation, and they were all absolutely rewarding.

Lori, my preceptor, let my other fellow intern and me follow the oncology registered dietitian at the Mahr Cancer Center at BHM. From the minute we walked into the building and met with Shelia, the RD, we were seeing, visiting and educating patients. I had never been in a cancer center before; I was learning every step of the way from the first to last patient we had the chance to speak with and educate. I had never seen therapy for cancer in-person before. We saw several patients receiving the external beam radiation therapy with several different types of cancers throughout the patients' bodies. The machine below is similar-looking to the one we observed in the radiation room.

External Beam Radiation Therapy Machine

After the patients received their treatment, Shelia would retrieve them and ask how their appetite was and how their meals were going. For the most part, several patients were having low reported appetites. The patients with head, neck and throat cancers explained that eating was painful for them. It upset me to hear how difficult eating, an action we all simply take for granted, was for them.

Shelia gave the patients this handout of "Nutrition Supplements" which gave ideas for homemade, high-protein milkshakes to easily make at home. The first Milkshake on the paper was the one that Shelia promoted the most. It has a 1/2 cup of Eggbeaters in it, which I thought was an interesting source of protein to add to the shake, but Shelia said that it was really tasty – "Just like a frosty."

One specific patient that we were able to speak with had basal cell nevus syndrome, which I had not previously heard of. This patient had endured over a thousand skin cancer surgeries and had multiple facial deformities as the result, yet his energy and joy were still evident. The patient was excited to see Shelia with a smile on their face in preparation for a hug. Everyone at the center loved this patient, and the love was mutual. It was inspiring to see someone experience such lifelong pain with still so much radiating joy.

Mahr Cancer Center Celebratory Bell

I thoroughly enjoyed working with the oncology staff. Their jobs all seemed extremely rewarding and important, and you could tell they loved what they did. Every oncology staff member there was

considerate, patient, and hard-working. I loved the environment of genuine care and dedication to the job. When patients are fortunate enough to finish their radiation or chemotherapies, they get to ring this bell during their last appointment. A woman was coming in the day we were there to have her last therapy and to ring the bell; it warmed my heart.

I was also given the opportunity to see some surgeries while I was at BHM! This past week Lexi and I observed an open-heart surgery and an open hernia repair surgery. The open-heart surgery was unreal. The anesthesiologist led me through the middle of the surgery, and I was able to view the surgeon's movements from directly over the patient's head. I was about a two-arm's length away FROM THE HEART. That was truly surreal and amazing to be able to watch. To my own surprise, surgery-related observation does not make me queasy or nervous. I actually LOVE it!

Lexi and I changing into scrubs before open-heart surgery

Beyond the incredible surgeries and oncology patients, I was able to have some great food service-related experiences as well. I was the food service manager of the kitchen during my last two days of the rotation. I led the tray service assemblies for both breakfast and lunch. I showed my leadership skills in answering the questions from the Patient Dining Associates and helping them throughout the line. I used my knowledge of food allergies to double-check each patient's tray that had a listed food allergy. I checked the patients' beverages with fluid restrictions as well. I also handled the food service telephone that receives every nurse and patient phone call for a food tray to be brought up to the floor by the food runner. I didn't expect to enjoy being the manager as much as I did! I really can't stand not being busy or having something to do, so it was fun running around and completing so many managerial tasks. I felt important and respected.

CRDN 2.7 Apply leadership principles to achieve desired outcomes.

CRDN 4.2 Perform management functions related to safety, security and sanitation that affect employees, customers, patients, facilities and food.

The BHM Dietitians, Lexi and me

On the second to last day, Lexi and I brought coffee for all the dietitians. I made them little muffins and cards, and they gave us the sweetest bag of goodies. It was such a fantastic time getting to know those women and learn so much from them. They were kind, considerate, and wonderful teachers. Being a social and outgoing person myself, I loved being in a room everyday with such supportive women to have conversations and discussions with.

My theme meal and Sam, the hot production cook

The staff from the kitchen was truly amazing as well, especially the cook who helped me with my theme meal project, Sam.

Ultimately, this rotation was rewarding and insightful. I learned a lot about food service systems management, and about myself! I am happy to have successfully completed this rotation in regard to (hopefully) becoming a better RD down the road.

Although this door is now closed and I am sad to see these people go, I am still the most excited to come back to Lexington and soon start my community rotation at UK Athletics.

Summertime, here I come!

References:

Open Inguinal Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy, Hernioplasty). Open Inguinal Hernia Repair (Herniorrhaphy, Hernioplasty) | Michigan Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw170381.

Radiation Therapy for Cancer. National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/types/radiation-therapy.