Dr. Joanne Magro “The Power of the Stiletto.” News Column (09)

Edition Nine- Week Nine; News Column:

Written by: Dr. Joanne Magro 

Tactical Stroll: Strutting with Purpose

Dr. Joanne Magro and How Fashion Intertwines with Medicine.

“Every so often, I find myself standing before the silvery double doors of the ER, my heart racing as if I were stepping onto the runway at Fashion Week. It’s not just a simple entrance; it’s a tactical battlefield, and each step I take must be executed flawlessly.

There’s an art to this strut-an intricate blend of confidence, grace, and a hint of that chaotic adrenalin that fuels every shift. It’s not enough to walk; no, we must strut with purpose. Welcome to “Tactical Stroll: Strutting with Purpose,” where each stride serves as a metaphor for my journey through emergency medicine wrapped in a fabulous bow of panache! First off, let’s address how the very act of walking in the ER becomes an exercise in tactical prowess. Picture this scene: the floor is slick with an array of spills, be it water, patient goop, or the remains of last night’s mystery meat casserole from the break room. As I weave through those shiny floors. I feel like I’m auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.” The bold move? Mastering the high-speed glide-an impressive display that comes in handy when a trauma case bursts through the doors and I need to summon my inner Usain Bolt while remaining fashionably unscathed.

The truth is, wearing non-slip shoes should be a non-negotiable requirement; after all. The last thing we need is to become a meme titles “Falling Doctor. “But let’s be real here. The ER isn’t just about maneuvering, it’s about presence! As I strut past colleagues, I’ve got to project that “I’ve got this” vibe, which many fashion insiders would refer to as “fierce.” When I round the corner, my confidence rivals that of a model sashaying down the catwalk, even if I occasionally feel like I’m at a carnival trying not to trip over my own feet while dodging rogue IV stands and misplaced carts. It’s all about eye contact with fellow-staff-those brief but impactful moments that shout, “Yes, let’s save lives, but also, let’s look good doing it!”

One of my favorite strategic moves is the double-strut, which entails confidently placing one foot in front of the other while scanning for any potential “emergencies” in the waiting room. It’s not unlike choreography, except instead of dancing with rhythm, I’m engaged in the most gravity-defying adaption of “don’t trip over anything you can’t see.” As I cut through clusters of nurses discussing shift changes and a physician arguing about lunch (again), I hone in on the discussions, appreciating how the ER functions as a unique ecosystem. My experience has taught me that multitasking is as essential in the ER as perfecting the art of strutting.

And, folks, let’s not forget the added drama of the Emergency doctor’s coat- a glorified badge of honor in our world! Whether I am donning my pristine white coat or my equally impressive scrubs, I use those garments as part of my tactical arsenal. Ever seen a surgeon blend into the background during a critical moment of crisis? Not on my watch! My coat flows behind me like a superhero cape, leading the charge as I navigate through critical situations, stringing a balance between urgency and elegance. Because let’s face it; a coat that slips off your shoulders just when you need it most is a highly dramatic twist that may send me into a metaphorical freefall.

Now imagine the adrenalin rush as I strut toward the red-eyed patient who just entered with symptoms that could put the Kardashians’ petty arguments to shame. Each tactical must communicate empathy, decency, and yes-a dollop of fierce determination. Not to mention that while I might present an aura of dazzling confidence on the outside, I’m at times internally wrestling with the pseudo-hair-raising absurdity of handling someone with a facial laceration. After all, it’s like being a part-time doctor and part-time circus performer, all while trying to maintain a semblance of composure as situations unfold. Ultimately, my tactical stroll isn’t simply about getting from point A to point; it’s about creating a spectacle that’s almost theatrical in its delivery. I want the already anxious patients and concerned family members to feel like they’ve stumbled upon an ESG (Emergency Service Glamour)- where stunning aspects of life’s unpredictability merge with each strut, and if I can illuminate their day with a sprinkle of sass amid a never-ending stream of chaos, then mission accomplished.

So, as I pick my footwear out for the day, I remind myself that every step I take in the ER is more than a mere ambulation; it’s a dance of sorts-an elegant balancing act of poise and purpose. And if the most essential ingredients is strutting with tactical flair, then let me steal a moment to tantalizingly twirl my way through the realm of Emergency Medicine!

Only female docs are privy to the rights of the fear-mongering STILLETTO!!!”

“The Doctor Joanne Magro Foundation for Physician Health and Wellness”/ jmagromd@gmail.com and Peer Support Specialist for Addiction Recovery and Support Community Outreach/ jmagromd@gmail.com.

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