Pub. 2 2018 Issue 1

I ’m growing a Chia Pet in my of- fice. I’m on my second attempt to get flourishing sprouts off my terracotta Bob Ross cast. It is not as easy as it looks. It’s taken a team of us in the clinic with each taking turns to check on the water, keep the plastic bag covering it until it sprouts, turn it so that all the seeds are getting equal light, and whisper- ing encouraging words of growth for good measure. It takes mindful ef- fort to get that ribbon-winning thick sprout. Likewise, keeping joy in prac- tice requires frequent and meaning- ful nurturing. My “chia-practice” has been personally kept full by the showering of positive stories from physicians, caregivers, and patients. Allow me then to humble-brag for a bit about our rural family physicians, and I hope that by doing so will spark pride and recognition of the great work we all do as family physicians. A recent journal entry from a rural Utah family doctor went something like this: Saturday morning- Woke up a little early and drove the kids to the finish line of the local half marathon where I was the volunteer at the medical tent. Spent a couple hours congratulating friends new and old on their accomplishment of finishing the race. Saw a few minor foot and ankle injuries, a few fatigued souls in need of water and oranges, and an amazing showing of community that exists at finish lines everywhere. The sun was up but the canyon was cool. The burnt-orange globemallow are starting to bloom and it’s always nice to see the first wildflowers of the year. Went back to town and walked over to the hospital to do rounds on my patient who is finally turning the corner from illness and getting clos- er to discharge. Was ecstatic that he was able to get up and walk yester- day! We joked a bit about his hors- es sorely missing him. “Maybe you should ride horses more you dang city slicker”, he quipped. While finish- ing up his paperwork an OB patient came in and decision was made that she needed a c-section. It’s always L o v e f e s t By Jesse Spencer Rura l www.UtahAFP.org | 28