This is a modern AU story. This is outside my normal, but I hope it keeps you entertained during this hiatus….
(Note: I did a bit a research, but do not claim to have medical experience. Physician Associate in UK is the same as Physician Assistant in the US. Medical people please forgive me. I also try to sound British but often fail)
Set in 2006
Sara McMillan had been a nurse for a handful of years when she decided to study to become a physician associate. She had been in London since university and training. She grew up in Aberdeen. Although she tried to go back to visit, it has been hard since she started her studies.
She was halfway through her two year training when she started a new general practice lecture with practical in a GP surgery.
She was looking forward to this rotation, although rumors had been going around about the different surgeries. One was rumored to be run by a real battle ax, another was inefficient and incredibly busy, while a third was the GP's who was giving the weekly lectures.
On the first evening lecture, Dr. E. Turner handed out their clinical assignments. Sara couldn't believe her good fortune, she was assigned to Dr. Turner's practice. In addition, her good friend Lydia was as well.
During the lecture she was mesmerized by him. He explained things clearly with quite a sense of humor. He was not like many other doctors she had met through the years. Most were conceited and pompous. He was rather disheveled wearing a tired looking jumper and his hair flopping in his face.
At the end of the lecture she decided that she should introduce herself to the doctor.
"Excuse me doctor, I wanted to introduce myself, I am Sara MacMillan."
"Oh yes, Miss. MacMillan, I look forward to working with you. I am hoping that you will enjoy general practice."
"I hope so doctor," she responded.
"I will see you bright and early tomorrow morning. Goodnight Miss. MacMillan."
"Goodnight doctor," she responded as he rushed off.
She felt extremely lucky for the prize assignment. She knew she could learn much in the next six months from this opportunity. She planned to be eager and to impress with her ability to learn and work tirelessly.
When she arrived she was impressed with the organized, modern surgery. She was told that she and Lydia would each be shadowing a doctor. There were three doctors in the practice and Lydia was assigned to Dr. Gilligan, the only woman. Meanwhile Sara was assigned to Dr. Turner. She learned that third doctor was also Dr. Turner, Dr. T. Turner.
Seeing Dr. E. Turner up close, she tried to decide just how old he was. She guessed that he was at least forty. She herself was just thirty. As she watch him with patient after patient, she noticed how compassionate he was. She liked his practical approach. He was so gentle and funny. All the children seem to love him and adults trusted him.
By the end of the day she was feeling incredibly pleased with her placement. When she let herself into her tiny flat she was exhausted. She already felt as if she had learned quite a bit. Alone she grazed on bread, cheese and fruit in front of a mindless comedy on the telly. Her food budget was limited. She picked up nursing shifts when she could to help support herself. Thankfully she had a bit of savings and her needs were few. She was not one to accumulate clothes nor care about brand names. She liked to have biscuits to go with her tea in the evening. To her that was indulgence.
She was up before her alarm ready for another day. She arrived early to find Dr. Turner already working in his office.
"You're quite eager," he said.
"Ready for another day."
"Come in, you can help me review this pile of lab reports."
She entered his rather small office and took a seat across his desk. He handed her a stack of papers and explained that she should look for results that are outside the normal range.
She went to work and occasionally asked questions. She also used the opportunity to glance around his office. It looked like he was a football fan...Liverpool. She also noticed his family photos. His wife was very pretty with brown hair and his young son and daughter were adorable. She saw other family photos as well.
"All done. These are not normal."
"Already finished. Well done. Let have a look at those."
They reviewed the results against the physical findings and complaints that were noted in the patient's charts. Sara made observations and doctor explained what she didn't know.
The others had arrived for the day and he told her that she would be with Dr. Gilligan today. She found herself slightly disappointed which was silly as she was there to learn from all the doctors.
She followed Dr. Gilligan as she had the day before. At lunch, she and Lydia stepped out to find a bite to eat.
"How do you like it?" Lydia asked.
"I love it. Everyone is so nice."
"Have you met the other Dr. Turner?"
"Not yet. I haven't even seen another doctor."
"He is older."
"Older like his father?"
"No, I think they are brothers, but definitely an age difference."
"Do they look like brothers?"
"A bit yes."
Sara always felt a bit uncomfortable being out in public with Lydia. She was blond and had curves that Sara could only dream of. Heads turned, because of Lydia not because of her. She felt curveless with straight brown hair that allowed her to disappear in any crowd.
Her afternoon went by quickly. Perhaps because Dr. Gilligan was a woman herself, she seemed to have more antenatal patients.
"Do the other doctors have many maternity patients?"
"They both do, but being a woman I definitely see more," doctor explained, "You will have an opportunity to work with our physician associate, Emily, in a month or so. She is on maternity leave. I delivered her baby boy last month."
"Lovely."
The following day she arrived early to find Dr. Turner at his desk again. He invited her to join him. She liked the additional instruction she was receiving.
On her way out, she was able to read his license framed and hanging on the wall. Edward P. Turner. He did not strike her as an Edward...Ed or Eddie she wondered.
She was with him again today. He allowed her to carry out examinations while he looked on. He was encouraging and helpful.
Being Friday, Lydia was preparing to go out right after office hours. The older Dr. Turner, who Sara had finally met, observed Lydia breeze out the door.
"You're not going out with Trixie?" he asked.
"Trixie? Her name is Lydia."
"I know. She reminds me of someone I knew when I was younger. I think it will be her nickname."
"Nickname? I hope you don't have one for me!"
"Oh but I do. I'm just not sure I want to share it."
"Is it mean?"
"Oh no, I just don't care to share why I chose it for you. I'm afraid you will insist."
"Fine. To answer your other question. I am not going to go out because I need to work this weekend."
"Next weekend one of us will be on call. You will need to be here."
"That's fine. I just pick up shifts to help pay the rent. Goodnight doctor. "
"Goodnight," he answered, but Sara never heard the nickname he whispered.
Tim watched her leave and under his breath said, "Goodnight Sister."