Mexico Medical Student |

I am getting ready for an evacuation of our apartment here in the medical complex in Houston TX. We are looking to be hit by the now category 5 hurricance rita, and the area is bracing. I am extremely lucky, in that all my responsibilities as a physician this month are in clinics. Since they are shut down first, I am able to accompany my wife, Kristeane, as we scurry off to austin for shelter. MANY of my compatriots will be living out the hurricane in their apartments here, as patient duties do not cease if you are working in any of the hospitals. They have to stay. Those on overnight call on the weekend are actually now on default 48 hour shifts just in case roads are impassible for the relief shift. Bummer.
Hooray for being “nonessential personnel”. Hard on the ego, but safer…..
The Texas Medical Center is actually well prepared for this event, ironic compared to the catastrophe suffered many years back, but they learned well. It was just plain funny before walking by the new submarine blast doors in the underground tunnels every day on the way to work, but this morning they hit home in a different way. In the event of heavy rain, huge steel doors automattically shut NORAD style to prevent spread of water from area to area. In addition, all generators are in the top floor, and transportation contingency plans are on alert. they are serious. All hospitals here WILL stay open, with all neccessary staff on hand for all essential services.
It’s amazing how in the face of massive preparations, the medical staff here can maintain such levity. The cheif resident joked with us today, “if you are the backup for those on call this weekend, you have a good chance of being called in if the 1st in line is unable to get to the hospital…. however if you own a Humvee and wish to pick THEM up and DROP them off at the hospital instead, you are welcome to do so!.”
Wish the many patients being relocated from John Sealy and Shriner’s Hospital in Galveston the best of Luck.