The Red Dancing Dinosaur
As a child with recurrent ear infections , I spent a lot of time in my hometown pediatrics clinic . Free stickers and lollipops were guaranteed anytime I visited the family pediatrician , which thankfully made these visits a little more exciting . One summer day , with my recent “ swimmer ’ s ear ” in tow , I sat on the exam table while the pediatrician examined my ears , with his black doctor bag placed at my side . I could see the prized stickers inside , hoping that I would receive one . But one thing stood between me and my stickers – the ear exam . I wasn ’ t fond of the activity but was willing to try if it meant another sticker to add to my collection . The pediatrician then stopped me in my mental tracks . “ Is that a dinosaur I see dancing in there ?” I found myself a mix of emotions – confused , shocked and downright curious . Before I knew it , he was on to the other ear looking for another . I remember thinking : “ Surely , if I sit still a little longer , he may see something in this one too .” I never forgot this magical interaction and from then on , we couldn ’ t get through a visit without looking for those elusive dinosaurs . by MARIA SHIELDS , MS4
As I grew up , I became more interested in the medical field . I relocated to Louisville where I pursued my undergraduate degrees and medical school career . I found myself missing my small-town home . Thankfully , as an MS2 I spent part of my winter break shadowing at a rural pediatrics site near my hometown , as a part of my rural medicine elective course . I got to work with the physician who was once my very own pediatrician ! As we entered the patient room , we were quickly greeted by a toothy smile from a young toddler . As the visit progressed , a wave of apprehension came over her face as the otoscope came into view . Eager to see what would happen next , my once pediatrician asked her , “ Is there a dinosaur in there ?” I felt myself beaming with joy beneath my mask as he used the nostalgic tool I cherished from my own childhood . Suddenly she became still , and the exam proceeded smoothly . There were even some giggles and grins to spare .
Fast forward to my third-year pediatrics clerkship in a rural outpatient practice : this time , I would be examining and caring for the patient , reliving the days I spent as a patient at my frequent hometown destination . As I entered the room , a toddler shuddered away in his mother ’ s arms holding his sippy cup . When it was time for the physical exam , tears began collecting in his tiny eyes , and I imagined what he was experiencing : bright lights , cold exam tables and foreign instruments that would get too close . I struggled to think of anything practical to calm the child ’ s nerves . After all , the ear exam is not a fan favorite in the world of littles . With the end of the visit near , I glanced down at the toddler ’ s shirt only to find it covered in an explosion of dinosaurs , and I seized the opportunity .
I slowly approached his ear as if sneaking up on an actual sleeping dinosaur . I gasped as I exclaimed , “ Is that a red dinosaur dancing in ( continued on page 24 ) August 2023 23