Nice Dinner

Three years ago, Wifey and I were fortunate to make some gifts to UM and UF --so their Pediatric Departments could send young doctors to an annual conference on digestive diseases held in Hollywood. Since conference planners know their stuff, they schedule it for December, to lure top scientists and clinicians here for the grand weather.

As a fun part of the program, each year we host the young docs for dinner --the UF program director and the UM counterpart. This year my partner Paul graciously agreed to have us to his club, where we drank and ate well.

At the start of the evening, some of the older, surgically enhanced residents were at the bar. Dr. Barry and I saw a few 80 year olds going for the 40 year old look. It didn't work. Years ago, my friend Allison named the place "The Island of Dr. Moreau," and as more of the failed experiments entered the club, I kept thinking of that apt description.

As the evening went on, though, most of the chimeras left, and the younger folks came in. Wifey swore she's now avoiding Botox.

Meanwhile, the conversation was terrific. Two young UM Residents, from Miami and Puerto Rico, regaled us with tales of becoming pediatricians under the loving, strong hand of Dr. Barry. One is headed to Cincinnatti Childrens to become a Peds GI doc, and the other to U Pittsburgh Childrens, to follow the same path. A UM Peds GI fellow was there, too, who's finishing her training and joining the faculty this summer. She's a local Cuban girl made good --returning to work here after a stint at Michigan.

The UF Chief, Chris, a very charming fellow, knew many of the young docs' mentors, and it was nice to see the 2 generations sharing stories.

It's really a treat to me to be around accomplished young folks --their enthusiasm is terrific.

I also made some small workd connections, which I love. The acting UM Director, a very witty British lady, did much of her training in the English Midlands, and thinks she knows friends of friends of mine who live there. I put her in touch with English Dave, electronically. It'll be interesting to see the overlap of folks.

Today, alas, I'm going with Wifey to visit her friend Cara and her sick husband JAck. Jack's been in the hospital for quite awhile, and Wifey has dutifully gone each weekend to take Cara away for a few hours. JAck's prognosis is unknown, but Cara so much appreciates Wifey's friendship.

Wifey's a true and loyal friend.

We may try to see a movie on Lincoln Road, and then maybe walk on that street for awhile.

The young docs are back at their conference, learning and improving. Ah --the next generation...