To Sleep or Not to Sleep?

Dozens will have to ask the question…would you let a dentist put you under? Joel began his MUSC residency with a 6 week rotation in general anesthesia. Each day he is teamed with an anesthesiologist in one of 20 main operating rooms at MUSC hospital.
Commenting on the use of the title “Periodontics resident” in the OR Joel said, “Thank goodness people don’t usually know what a periodontist is-including the OR surgeons. I would be leery of a 27 year old trained in treating gum disease sticking a breathing tube down my throat. But my motto in these situations generally is that ‘confidence is a great substitute for knowledge or ability’. But don’t quote me on that or tell any of my patients that behind my reassuring smile is a soon to be filled dearth of experience.”
Joel is batting .400 for successful intubations, and 5/5 for successful IVs placed. To be continued in August.