Robots Instead of Doctors?...hmm

As you can see from my favorite blog list, I am interested in working in the medical field, especially in the orthopedic field. Today in Communications class we discussed the pros and cons of robotic surgery opposed to regular surgery with human doctors. I thought this was a very interesting topic so I decided to share my thoughts and some of our discussion points:
Preparation for surgery does not consist only of surgeons "scubbing in" and nurses preparing clean tools and materials. Before surgery there are always consultation visits and opportunities to get to know your doctor. With a doctor you can build trust and form relationship before going into an operation. Yes there is a doctor behind the robot, but there is always the possibility of a technical errors and difficulties. A big issue, especially during to today's economic times would be that the robots are taking jobs away from hard-working, well educated doctors and nurses because in robotic surgery far less people are needed to execute the procedure.
There are always pros along with the cons and a huge bonus to robotic surgery would be the hygiene aspect. In the news we have all heard about tools, gauze and other material being left behind in a person's body and discovered later. With the robots, there are not any scissors or scalpels and all the work is done inside a small incision so germs in the air are less likely to get into the patient's body.
In my opinion, people will always prefer doctors and feel more comfortable relying on a person than a machine. Especially because many people young and old have a fear of technology and its many features.

"You've Got Mail!"

 It is a good feeling to pull an envelope out of the mailbox with your handwritten name on it. It doesn't matter if it is an invitation, announcement, birthday card or just a note from a friend or family member. Everyone loves to receive mail. 

Falcons Soar to Victory Over the Ravens

Last night, the Falcons played an amazing game against the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens are known for their tough defensive line and for heavy hitter Ray Lewis, but running backs Turner and Snelling continued to pound through the line to gain first downs. On the radio this morning, head coach Mike Smith described last nights game as one of the best games he has ever coached in his career. In the second quarter, Brian Finneran stripped the ball from the Raven's punt returner and allowed the Falcons to gain the ball back. Matt Ryan had an incredible game throwing for 316 yards and two touchdowns, but his skills were put to the test with a little over a minute left in the game. The Ravens were up for the first time all night 21-20 and the Falcons knew it was crunch time. They remained calm and collected as the confidently pushed for an 80 yard drive to get the game winning touchdown: a 33 yard pass to wide receiver Roddy White. Ryan credited the win the no-huddle offense against the Ravens. The win last night put the Falcons at  a 7-2 record and now the team with the best record in the NFL. 
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Matt Ryan's assessment of the game

Roddy White and the game winning touchdown on Sports Center Highlight of the Night

Camping? Hmm...sounds like fun.

This week, I watched Oprah on her show go camping with her friend Gale (yes, who would have thought Oprah would go camping?) and I realized a new lifetime goal. One day I would love to go camping in Yosemite  National Park. Oprah said that she saw "God's expressions" in nature while she was there. The park had beautiful waterfalls and massive Sequoia trees (as seen in the picture). It was breathtaking, even on the television. It would be a true adventure and a fun trip to take with friends.  

Paradise

This picture was taken at one of my favorite places in the world: Panama City Beach. The crystal clear blue water, sugar white sand,palm trees, the sound of the ocean and everything in between is like my own kind of paradise. The photo is of the pier, that was recently built along with Pier Park, at sunset. When I am all tangled up in school work and wish I could get away, I look at this picture and think of al the good times and memories at the beach from the summer.