“I don’t really feel like a normal doctor. I’m more like a community member here to help out anyone in need. I don’t take joy in being called doctor because it feels stuffy, as if I think I’m better than you when really I’m just like you, but with a different education.”
The woman smiles. “What a refreshing view. You speak more normal, no offense, Dr. Fields.”
Dr. Fields just nods as she stands quiet.
“She’s only watching me because I’m new here. She wants to make sure I’ll be a good fit,” I add for good measure.
The lady smiles as I show her how to dress the wound. Once it’s done, they are on their way.
“By the time he comes back, you will be able to handle him on your own. You did well. Let’s go to our next patient.”
“Dr. Fields, if you don’t mind me asking, how is what you do here really going to help me?”
She pulls me into an empty room and shuts the door.
“Hush, no one knows you aren’t really a med student. I told them I was taking you on as an intern. As for your question, you will be a better doctor than they realize. You won’t only be needed in times of crisis. You will be able to handle anything they throw your way. That man in there? He has the sore because his daughter doesn’t help him shower. He sits in a bath and bathes himself, and her husband helps him out when he’s done. The sore’s from an infection from not being clean. The men you will be dealing with will be in dirtier situations. While it is less likely they will get a cyst, it is a possibility. I want you to be as prepared as possible. I don’t want to be called back, Mia.”
Her eyes tear up as she looks slightly panicked.
“You won’t.I promise. I’m taking over for you. I just need you to teach me what will be most helpful.”
“Well, lucky for you, this clinic gets a lot of seedy characters. Usually drug users, but they often get stabbed or shot and come here. We aren’t like most clinics. We won’t report. We would rather they be seen than report them.”
“How are you paid then?”
“Oh, trust me, they pay. Usually in cash. If not, they don’t get the good drugs to numb them.”
I’m starting to think maybe Dr. Fields isn’t as innocent as she made herself sound. How could anyone willingly work on a patient without the proper medications when you actually have the medication to help them? I don’t say anything though. I file that bit of information in the back of my mind for later.
“What’s next?” I ask.
She exits the room, and we walk to the front.
“Dr. Fields, there was a fight over on 6th. They are sending the minor injuries our way.”
“Well, it looks like you get some excitement after all.”
∞∞∞
Mia: Hey. Can I see you tonight?
It has been five days since I started working at the clinic with Dr. Fields. It’s worn me out in the best possible way. The clinic stays busy from open until close. Two nights we stayed after hours because she couldn’t turn the people away.
I’ve treated a lot of different things too. From strep throat to a foot that ended up needing to be amputated. I thought for sure we were going to send him to a real hospital, but Dr. Fields told him to come back at the end of the night. She showed me the best way to amputate a leg with little resources.
I had been horrified, but she told me the patient was a homeless man and the hospital would have done it, but they would have sent him a lot of bills. She did it pro bono because it could be a teaching experience for me.
It has been an exhausting week. All I’ve wanted to do is be with Lo, but he’s been just as busy. He’s talked to me here and there, but it’s been short texts. I haven’t given it much thought. I have fallen asleep early every night once I arrive home.
Tonight is Friday. I still have to go to the clinic tomorrow, but I want to see my man.
Lo: No. Busy.
I sigh. The same thing he has been telling me all week. Problem is, I don’t want to take no for an answer tonight. I’m exhausted, but I want to see him. I need to be with him.
Mia: Can’t you come by after?
The three dots pop up, but then they disappear with no answer. I sigh as I watch my phone.
