So...I've got this pain...

It's pretty remarkable how much people think you know as a first year medical student. When I was getting my daily coffee from the drive-through espresso/tanning joint we lovingly refer to as "el cheap-o," I was greeted by the owner with an "oh, good!"

"My daughter has this pain that was in her back last night, and now it's in the front! What is that?!"

A little speechless that someone was actually asking my advice for an innocuous pain in her grown daughter, I stammered a little, so she took the opportunity to continue:

"Is that where the gallbladder is??" She asked urgently, jabbing at her hip.

Encouraged by getting a question that I could actually answer, I explained where the gallbladder actually was, and gave her the harmless suggestion of staying hydrated and going to the medi center if she was really concerned. 1st real-world patient, 1st referral.

I guess this means I'm well on my way to physician-hood. Even though I really don't know anything yet. It's all about confidence?