A hospital has to protect its turf, and hires someone to do so:
Garcia, 61, took on one of the most unusual jobs in the hospital industry.Since he started at White, he has broken up fights, counseled gang members, separated them, and also comforted those who have been touched by the gangsters’ violence.
Like a doctor, Garcia is available 24/7, standing by for pages. But unlike anyone else at the hospital, much of his job is on the streets. He talks to gang members, keeps track of new graffiti and connects with informants who keep him up to date on the latest rivalries.
“Mike definitely has made us more secure,” Johnston said. “Without Mike, there would be no real way for us to reinforce our role as neutral territory. We would be much more vulnerable.”
(via WSJ Health Blog)
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{ 9 comments }
“Like a doctor, Garcia is available 24/7, standing by for pages.”
Are You available 24/7? You already know you aren’t so there is no need to answer that question. I know not one dr. who is available 24/7. Actually, maybe I do, and it is FLEA, but we already know he is the exception and not the rule. Why is it you guys want everyone to believe this story when it is simply not true?
Not all doctors live in New York. MANY doctors live in fly over land where there is only one doctor. Unless I pay for someone to come and cover my call I am 24/7/365.
I seriously doubt Garcia is on call 24/7 either.
I don’t know anyone who IS, save for dedicated parents.
Flea is on call 24/7. I’m on call 24/7. Many solo primary care docs, particularly in small towns, are apt to be on call 24/7.
Granted, it depends how you define “on call.” I can get cross-coverage for hospital duties when I need to go out of town. But when I’m in town, I’m on. And I’m always (and I do mean ALWAYS) available by phone for my patients, even on vacation.
I’ve also met many IT guys who are on 24/7. Yes, 24/7 really does exist for some people.
This hospital deserves credit for finding (and funding) someone like Garcia. A very innovative, proactive idea, and everyone wins.
Well whoop-dee-doo!
Must be tough wearing that hairshirt all the time.
Do you take it off when on one of those RARE vacations out of town??
Well I am a doctor in private practice and I am not on call 24/7 and I thank G_d for that.
Anon 6:55 pm:
“Must be tough wearing that hairshirt all the time.”
Interesting comment. I wasn’t describing how painfully difficult my life is, or how much I am the woeful victim for being always on call; I was simply pointing out that 24/7 actually exists for many doctors. Your skepticism regarding the situation is incorrect, and your hostility is unwarranted.
Yes, even in this day and age, some of us actually have a commitment to our patients.
I guess that hairsirt IS getting to you.
Please try not to take the moral high ground just because you CHOOSE to be on the hook as often as you claim.
Are you saying that those of us who split call with several colleagues are any less dedicated to our patients??
Alright, point taken: moral high ground ceded. Defense asks reporter to withdraw last comment from record.
I would like to share call with colleagues, but it’s not an option. This is the reality of small-town rural practice. You may argue that there is a choice to practice in a rural area, but once you’re there, taking call 24/7 is not a choice, it’s mandatory. I knew this going in to this area, which is why it’s NOT a complaint, simply a statement of fact.
And, yes, it’s really 24/7.
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