Chapter 2: The Summons

The scorching sun beat down on Dr. Brian Moore as he entered the smoking area in the hospital. His white coat was soaking with his sweat. The afternoon sun, although uncomfortable, also felt good to him. He had completed his shift and then spent the additional sixteen hours in the operating theater. He fumbled for his cigarettes using trembling fingers, the nicotine craving overpowering his rational thoughts of the dangers of smoking.

He took a long drag and closed his eyes, letting the momentary rush of nicotine-induced dopamine release. That was his only source of pleasure and relaxation. It was a brief respite from the insatiable demands of surgical residency, which felt more like a blur of sleepless nights and life-or-death decisions.

He was twenty-four years old and one of the youngest MDs to be doing a surgical internship at such a reputed hospital. This success had come at a substantial cost. He had spent years completing his accelerated education, with a singular focus on his studies alone. Only to find himself putting even more effort into his internship now. He knew nothing apart from his studies and now his internship. Standing alone under the afternoon sun, he wondered if it was all worth it.

His childhood wasn’t particularly easy either. His parents suffered from degenerative illnesses that taught him lessons about primary medical care at a very young age. He also developed a fascination with the intricacies of the human brain, the organ that held the key to all of life, death, and everything in between. This fascination later on became his obsession as he set off on the path to become a neurosurgeon.

Brian had poured all his emotional pain and grief after his parent’s death into his studies. Death cannot be undone, but he can certainly work out his energy to help other people. His excellent academic record had gotten him a place in one of the most prestigious fast-track MD programs, a decision that had both accelerated his education and pushed him to the brink of burnout.

But hours of studying were nothing compared to the time and energy his internship demanded from him. He felt like running on fumes often, fueled only by caffeine and sheer will. The constant pressure to perform-normally required to make life-or-death decisions under extreme circumstances weighed upon him. But at the same time, it was also the place of his pride. He knew he could handle situations nobody else thought possible.

Brian smoked another drag from the cigarette, growing restless. With no living relatives or any close friends, his personal life was nonexistent. He had enjoyed short flings with coworkers, but it was nothing more than satiating his lust. He had been thinking about going to the dean concerning his workload and perhaps negotiating some respite from his busy schedule.

He wanted a break, but being broke and neck deep in student loans did not give him the liberty to do so. His parent’s illness had drained their savings. Anything left had gone into supporting his expensive education. He received more than $10,000 a month in a stipend, but it was barely enough to support his expenses and debts.

Before he could finish his smoke, his thoughts were interrupted by the sound of his pager ringing out—a sound he had become used to because it seemed to reflect urgency and crisis. He glanced at the screen, his heart racing because he knew the number—the dean’s office. This was the message: “Report to my office immediately.”

Brian felt a knot in his stomach as the elevator moved up to the top of the hospital. News that came without warning or explanation was never good news. Especially not after the stunt he had pulled yesterday with one of the board members. He could justify himself, but then again, it was a matter of perspective.

He reached the huge wooden door, took a deep breath, and steeled himself for what was awaiting him inside.

The dean’s office was dimly lit, with thick mahogany panels lining the walls. Framed degrees and certificates from prestigious universities hung prominently behind the dean’s imposing oak desk. The air carried a subtle scent of old books and leather bindings from the countless medical tomes that filled the room.

Brian walked into the dean’s office. “Hello, Dr. Foreman,” Brian greeted him politely as he sat down. “You wanted to see me?”

Dr. Jim Foreman, the dean of the hospital, had just finished his call with one of the board members. He nodded solemnly and waved Brian in to close the door behind him before taking a seat facing the dean’s desk.

“Aah ... Brian, come on in.” The dean beckoned him. “I heard about your difficult patient yesterday.”

“Mrs. Miller? I’m sorry if I caused any trouble for you, sir. I wasn’t aware that she was one of our board members,” Brian said humiliated.

Jim smiled a little while responding, “Cut the crap, Brian. You knew right away who she was. That’s why the head nurse especially summoned you to take care of her. So, tell me exactly what happened.”

“Well, sir.” Brian began, “I was paged that a patient was making a ruckus in the ER, so I went down there right away. I asked the nurses to restrain her while I helped relieve her muscle spasms and cramps. She became cooperative after we made her pain go away, though!”