Johns Hopkins Outpatient Surgery

One of the realities of life as one ages is that illness or disease will strike. Medical science has made it possible for us to live longer, but the unfortunate consequence is that as we age it becomes more likely that we will require hospitalization. I have never been sick more than a day in my life - up to this point. However, I am now beginning an adventure that might be my very last on earth. It's a bit of a mystery as to whether medical science will prevail or not.

I recently had some exploratory outpatient surgery at Johns Hopkins Hospital and was amazed at how one of our nation's best hospitals functions so efficiently. The following observations are provided for any of the thousands that might be seeking treatment at one of our nation's premier hospitals.

Johns Hopkins, located in the center of Baltimore, Maryland, is rated as the best hospital in our country and as such attracts patients from throughout the nation and the world. My story is just one of the tens of thousands that are experienced each year.

Perhaps one of the most surprising features of Johns Hopkins is the sheer size of the hospital. It occupies several city blocks and consists of numerous multi-storied buildings. Each is dedicated to a particular specialty. Thousands of people are moving about in what takes on the appearance of a large shopping mall. I was seen by no less than a dozen specialists who carry out their specific role in what can best be described as an industrial health plant with numerous workers, each performing their assigned tasks in an efficient and caring manner.

I was a bit fearful of such a large institution. The sheer number of people involved in the process at Johns Hopkins would lead one to believe that a breakdown in the communicative process was very likely. However, no such thing occurred and at each station in the process I was greeted by a friendly and helpful staff of administrators, medical technicians, nurses, doctors and others involved in my health care. I will admit that there was some waiting involved, but that experience is common even when one visits such mundane places as a local automotive repair facility or a grocery store.

Obviously there was a significant amount of communication that took place between myself, my doctor and his staff that led to my appointment. What ensues is my experience after arrival at Johns Hopkins.

First I was seen by a technician who completed the usual blood pressure, weight and other vital signs to determine my general health. I was then passed off to a physician's assistant that went over my specific medical condition and poured through my medical records to insure that all was in order. This person also gave me a general physical and ordered a blood test and some other procedures that were completed almost immediately. I was then escorted into a pre-surgical preparation area where a team of nurses and technicians prepared me for the surgery. An IV was administered, questions were asked to ascertain my status, my personal clothing was secured and I was provided the usual hospital robing. Family members are allowed in the room and my wife was always present. It is obviously comforting to be near a loved one when surrounded by strangers - even as those strangers are attending to any need.

What was amazing about this process was that I was one of about 40 that was undergoing this same experience. In fact, I was number six of the ten who were receiving surgery from my doctor. I asked how many surgeries were being conducted by the medical staff that day and was told there were 40. I also asked how many doctors were involved and was told there were 22. That in and of itself might give one pause. However as I waited my turn, I could observe numerous doctors and medical staff moving about in what appeared to be a choreographed dance of healers. I was located in the middle of the pre-surgical area where about a dozen small rooms were located on both sides of a central area where I could easily observe the nurses, and pre-surgical teams tending to patients and explaining to each what was about to happen.

Before my surgery, my doctor arrived and explained what was planned. Shortly thereafter the anesthesiologist appeared and explained his role as well as the roles of the nurse anesthetists who would be hovering over me during the surgery. I had a very pleasant conversation with this doctor as I asked him how many times he had explained the process to patients. He chuckled and said, "about a million." I inquired about the number of patients receiving surgery and he said it was a routine day in the outpatient surgical center. He stated that each individual involved in my care was intimately acquainted with their role and performed their function every day. In fact he stated that the repetition actually enhanced their expertise and professionalism as they knew what was needed and were prepared to provide the routine care as well as respond to any patient that might encounter an unusual response.

I was soon wheeled into one of several surgical rooms that resembled the same rooms that are often seen on television. My doctor was there as well as about four others, one of which was the anesthesiologist. He placed an oxygen mask over my face, told me to relax and the next thing I knew I was in the recovery area.

In the recovery area, there was a nurse assigned to my care as well as an assistant. They monitored my vital signs, brought me drinks and a snack - one unfortunate note here is that my surgery was not scheduled until 2:30pm and I was told not to eat or drink after midnight. As one who enjoys a hearty breakfast, this was perhaps the most difficult part of the entire surgical process! As soon as I awakened, my wife was escorted to my side. The doctor arrived soon, discussed his findings with my wife and I and provided a prescription for medications. Johns Hopkins has a pharmacy in the building and the prescriptions were filled in a few minutes - actually they were filled quicker than any prescriptions from my local pharmacy. A resident physician also came by and checked on my recovery.

I live about 200 miles from Johns Hopkins and could have received surgical services locally. However, since my condition is serious and I wanted the most knowledgeable, experienced and practiced team available, I was quite willing to make the trip. Apparently, many others felt the same.

The experience at Johns Hopkins was completely satisfying and I take comfort in the fact that the most knowledgeable medical staff available is following my condition. What the future might deliver remains unknown. However, the chance of a favorable outcome is enhanced through the efforts of the medical practitioners at Johns Hopkins.