Power Whore

There’s something about power that makes people crazy. The other day I had to take a senior OSCE that was supposed to help us get ready for Step 2 CS. However, many of the participants that day had already taken and passed the exam, therefore making this just another useless exercise. To add to this day was the fact that Wife was trying to get seen for an illness and I wanted to be there, but couldn’t.

The day started out on a bad note – those in charge were running around, barking orders, and trying to look organized while they were, in fact, the opposite. Threats of 5 points off the total grade were tossed at us because some students didn’t bring more than a stethoscope. The 10 students in attendance tried to remain in good spirits, regardless of the absurd nature of the requirement, but soon realized that we were dealing with power whores and this would not be fun.

The man in charge of the standardized patients was by far the worst. He actually believes he is a doctor – though I’ve never seen any proof beyond his proclivity to wear long white coats while he yells rules at students. He proceeded to yell at us about everything, claim that we weren’t being “professional” (once again, I completely hate it when anyone uses that as an excuse to blame students for being human), and told us that no one could talk. At all.

“No one should be talking. This is a serious exam and if you fail because you can’t keep quiet and remain professional, well…that’s on you.”

“Excuse me! I’m talking. Table all conversations!”

Various re-utterances were heard of the above for almost 2 hours while we were oriented. Yes, it took them 2 hours to get us through the orientation. We had 10 cases to get through at 25 minutes a piece. Everyone of us knew that it was going to be a long day. Preparation for Step 2 CS? Hardly.

And that’s where I get a little miffed. People in these kinds of positions have lauded their authority over us for the last 3.5 years. We’re close to being done. We’ve passed every examination that’s been required and we’re over the threats. What? You’re going to fail us because we wouldn’t sit in fear while you assaulted us with rules and regulations – all of which we’ve already heard numerous times?

Power corrupts. In this case it made people who have low self worth try to use it to swell their image. I see this quite a bit, but that day it was just a little too much to deal with.