Doctor for a Day

Over Christmas break, Ramsey went to visit Papa Duke and got to go to work with him one day.  Papa Duke is a pathologist with some really interesting stories!  His day to day work consists of studying the body and diagnosing diseases at a celluar level under a microscope.  He also has performed forensic pathology work and has served on the board of the Arkansas State Crime Lab.  He has determined causes of deaths, testified as an expert witness at the trial of the high profile murder case known as the West Memphis Three, performed tons and tons of autopsies and diagnosed many, many illnesses.  I will not attempt to tell anymore about his work, I just find it extremely fascinating.  He is also very helpful in making me feel better when I ignorantly diagnose myself or kids with a terrible illness.  This happens from time to time. :)  Call Papa Duke, he'll know!       

Ramsey was amazed and interested in all they did that day.  He literally worked with him ALL day.  Papa Duke said he stayed very focused, he asked lots of questions, and got to see so many things!

 Ramsey is learning about fungus and bacteria.

 Infections!

 Checking out a gall bladder that had been removed from someone and sent to pathology!  I don't think Ramsey flinched at any of this.  He loved it!

 Putting on his gloves to examine other organs.

 In Papa Duke's office, Ramsey looked through one side of the microscope and Papa Duke looked through the other.  Ramsey spent time seeing bone marrow and cancer under the microscope.  They would also check out different things in the book first and then look at it under the microscope.  He saw some rare things and even Papa Duke was impressed with his ability to find them.  Ramsey was excited to tell me how powerful that microscope is.  He thought that was so cool!  If you're waiting on test results, they could come here...to Papa Duke's office!

 Time for a hot chocolate break!  Ramsey also ate lunch with Papa Duke in the Doctor's Lounge.

 Learning how to prepare a slide.  He also spent time in the blood bank, hemotology, and chemistry lab.  He watched how automated machines count blood cells and measure chemicals in the blood. 

Ramsey also got to examine a brain, lung, placenta and uterus!!!  You saw what?  Yes, Ramsey told me about a uterus.  Oh my!  I think my eyes almost popped out of my head as he was describing a uterus to me.  I don't know why.  Maybe my immaturity!  Ramsey was very matter of fact when he talked about the organs, diseases, cancers, and bacteria he saw that day.  From holding worms when he was two years old to holding gall bladders when he is seven...he seems very interested in science.  He's curious, obedient, and a sponge.  I am thankful he has the opportunity to learn about these things in a way most seven year olds can't.  He was upset when he couldn't work with Papa Duke the next day (Saturday).  He learned so much and wanted to learn more.  I think he also liked the attention he got from all the doctors and staff.  His words to me were, "I REALLY enjoyed it, Mommy."  With a huge smile on his face!  He can't wait to go back again and I'm pretty sure that Papa Duke enjoyed having a little side kick around too!  Thanks Papa Duke for a great day!