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Episode 4 Questions
You decide the top 5 questions to ask for a video response by doctors!
After each episode, submit your questions about the show and then “vote up” the ones you want to see answered. The top five questions chosen by all of you will be answered by the doctors with a video response.
Voting Deadline for Episode 4 Q+A: July 21, 2008 at 11:59 pm
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http://www.picu.net/dir-3.php Please review the Doctor's profile.. He should be ashamed of his words.
Submitted by: Charles, 07/21/2008 22:07:38 -
What happened to the elderly gentleman who fell down the stairs? I am so worried about him (and heart-sick for his wife), and I would like to know what happened, one way or another.
Submitted by: Erica, 07/21/2008 17:06:56
Thanks, -
Ann,
Submitted by: Rich Katz (Bluefield WV), 07/20/2008 22:55:32
I remember when you were a few days old and your mom and dad brought you back to your grandparents Bea and Jim's house to meet your uncle Patrick. I have always heard about your life and studied through Teresa and my mom. We are all very proud of all that you have accomplished and aspire to be. Who knows, we may sometime cross paths in Bluefield or at the 'Shoe.
Best....Rich Katz -
I have watched Hopkins consistantly since it started and I think the show is fabulous. Please consider having a full season...it would be a big hit!
Submitted by: Lauren, 07/20/2008 21:20:47 -
Dr. Reifsnyder, an attending, stated that he didn't have as much money as people thought. Moreover, he drives a Honda Accord that has seen better days. According to a couple of "average salary" websites, a vascular surgeon makes an average of $300,000 a year. Even factoring in income taxes and student loan debt, it is tough to see how Dr. Reifsnyder is remotely poor. He's obviously been a surgeon for a while, and one would think he could afford a Lexus or Mercedes on a 300k per year salary.
Submitted by: John, 07/20/2008 20:31:46
Perhaps Hopkins pays very poorly, or perhaps Dr. Reifsnyder has to pay alimony. -
PLEASE make "Hopkins" a regular. It's far and away the BEST of TV reality shows. Actually, in my opinion, it's the best television has to offer. I'm certain I'm one of thousands who feel this way. It's a superb show.
Submitted by: Susan Phillips, 07/20/2008 18:59:54 -
hello i am wondering how much a dvd is i cant find it on the website i would like to know so i can tell my family they would like a dvd of peyton penrod.
Submitted by: april, 07/20/2008 18:59:13
Thank You,
April Fetters -
I am shocked that some individuals feel as though the comments made by Dr. Fackler are ok. Did you not understand that this man jumped to conclusions way too fast?? Dr. Ringel basically laid it out for him by questioning how he could come to such a conclusion without first getting biposy/further test results. I as a parent who have had a child in this type of situation felt outraged by this comment. I know that there are children out there that do not make it, and that is part of life. However, if it was your child, would you appreciate an approach like that from a world class hospital? I think you would feel a little different. From what I know, when a child is involved, you do everything you possibly can, exhaust every avenue. I remember when my son was in Hopkins PICU and a head injury was brought in that needed surgery, Dr. Carson was the surgeon and told the family after surgery that he was not sure what the outcome would be, and that for a child, they do everything, even if it seems hopeless. I guess that is why he is such a great doctor/surgeon. All I know is that if my child need the Hopkins PICU again, I would not want Dr. Fackler on my child's medical team. I am sure that his comments/opinions from the last show are doing wonders for his career at this time. All the doctors at Hopkins are wonderfull, but sometimes you just get a bad egg.
Submitted by: Carrie, 07/20/2008 18:45:11 -
i am a fifteen year old who avidly watches your show. i am inspired by the work that you all do, and for the many lives you change each day. My little sister and brother were both born prematurely, and i now have a strong passion to enter the field of neonatology in a few years. what should i be doing now to prepare myself for the vigorous years of medical school and the struggles of being a doctor in the future?
Submitted by: Mikaelyn Miles, 07/20/2008 17:05:46 -
I really admire all the doctors' commitment to the medical profession. I hope one day to become a surgeon just like you guys. How did you all decide on your medical school to attend? From the show and reading the doctors' biographies, i see that it does take someone special for this profession.
Submitted by: David Luu, 07/20/2008 14:10:37
What do you suggest I do in my pursuit for a surgical career? -
I am currently an undergrad at the University of Oklahoma and i plan on pursuing a career in medicine, specifically surgery. I want to know how you all planned on entering medical school? How did you decide on which medical school was right for you? Why did you choose Hopkins as your hospital for residency?
Submitted by: David Luu, 07/20/2008 14:06:31
Does Hopkins have summer programs for undergraduates? -
I agree with Jude, unless you've worked in or rotated through the OR you don't understand the culture and from an outsiders perspective it looks very unprofessional.
Submitted by: Cynthia Herbert, 07/20/2008 12:39:35
The general public can on occasion, joke with your co-workers, browse facebook or cnn.com, make personal phone calls to family at work, snack on the job and this isn't looked down upon, because it isn't surgery. It looks to outsiders like he doesn't care, isn't focused because they don't understand that 10+ postgraduate training + X many years of a surgical career affords you the ability to perform routine vascular surgery while talking/joking at the same time.
Dr. R may find that talking to his residents during some of his procedures much like talking to a passenger while driving your car. Of course you should focus every second on the road because your lives are at stake, as in surgery. Yet most people can agree that we spent time learning how to drive, some of us have many,many years of driving experience and feel comfortable enough to talk to our children in the backseat and drive at the same time. As for the f-word, free speech. The prank was funny and I think that joking maybe a coping mechanism. Would you want your surgeon to have a psychotic breakdown while you were open on your table. Should we have joke police in the OR?
This being said chatting during surgery is a concept that is VERY unsettling to the GP and should be cut out. The OR is sacred. Patients will lose trust in you if you allow yourself to be filmed as human. -
I hope Dr. Fackel does not apologize. All humans (physicians) have a right to their own (medical) opinion. Even when you or other doctors do not agree.
Submitted by: Patricia, 07/20/2008 12:23:42
Dr. Ringel mentioned the rule of 1/3s, does anyone understand that a THIRD of children in Peyton's position actually DIE?
Being in the NICU/PICU, Dr. Fackel has probably treated a lot of the fatal "third" and seen horrible outcomes and families crushed by further medical interventions that didn't work, and was giving his opinion based on that perspective. Why is that hard to understand? It is because general public eats up medical stories by the media (incl parents/patients) are of the opinion that modern medicine is perfect. All preemies live after simply a couple extra days under a hood, having sextuplets, octuplets is risk-free safe, plastic surgery doesn't have risks of "real" surgery and are shocked when bad outcomes occur because we are so used to seeing happy endings on tv. I am SO THANKFUL Peyton was in the lucky third but my heart also goes out to families whose children are not.
Doctors are OBLIGATED to give the family REALISTIC options/side effects/risks/hazards which ALWAYS includes DEATH.
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Having the talent to perform the "mechanical" part of the transplant is one thing but how do you not get emotionally involved with each patient - it is pretty heady stuff to "hold" someone's life in your hands!
Submitted by: Cheryl Costello, 07/20/2008 10:34:18
The general population has no idea how many patients - child and adult - who are at Hopkins living day to day, on machines etc - waiting for a transplant. Then there is the next level, those at home and waiting for the call
HOW MANY PATIENTS, for all organ transplants, ARE THERE IN THE HOPKINS SYSTEM? (ACTIVE STATUS)
Have a friend who had a double lung transplant at JH - it was all an amazing experience and to this day I still cannot wrap my head around it !
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Dr. Fackler had every right to say what he did. It was one of the options for this child. Unless you work in medical profesion, you can't truley appreciate the options that doctors must consider when developing a plan of care. I am happy for Peyton and his family, but do realise that many other families are not that blessed, and many die daily waiting for organ transplants.
Submitted by: Lew, 07/20/2008 03:56:43
My question: Dr. Fackler, please explain potential complications, financial impact, family stress and survival rates for pediatric heart transplant? -
I have heard John's Hopkins professors make the joke, "what is the difference between God and a John's Hopkins doctor? ... Ans: God is not a John's Hopkins doctor." James Fackler appears to be far from this stereotype. I would like to know the reasoning as to why, without a biopsy result, his expert opinion was to simply let that child die? Is this simply someone trying to get an emotional response from viewers or did he know something that we did not?
Submitted by: Ryan, 07/20/2008 02:25:01 -
I would like to ask the doctors involved in the ECMO conversation that has caused so much controversy to explain the circumstances. Was Peyton a possible candidate for transplant at that time? Might ECMO have been required to keep him alive until a transplant? What are the complications of using ECMO?
Submitted by: Patricia, 07/20/2008 00:39:41 -
The comments about Peyton between the doctors really upsets me. To the people who are trying to candy coat what Dr. Frackler said about Peyton need to stop! ABC kindly wrote out what he said at the bottom of the screen, "It is my opinion we should let the child die". To the editors at ABC this is not a drama like "greys", this is real life, you don't need to edit more drama into a scene when there is so much emotion and real life already there. ABC or Hopkins needs to show the full clip and let the doctor explain himself. So my question is: Dr. Frackler, will you publicly air your appology for saying Peyton should die or will you continue to let the world think you are a inhuman, unkind, unsympathetic, crude, rude, ugly hearted man?
Submitted by: Rachel, 07/19/2008 22:57:10 -
As a former patient at Hopkins, I can attest to the high quality of care most patients receive. I was treated for a chronic condition, not glamorous enough for TV as a transplant or tumor. I was a bit disturbed, though, at the scene in the OR where Dr. Reifsnyder thought nothing of joking around with his resident, using the "f" word or engaging in phone distractions while performing a delicate surgery. Regardless of how routine the procedure had become to Dr. Reifsnyder, I'm sure the PATIENT viewed it as quite important and might not look too kindly on his behavior. Arrogance does seem to be an epidemic at Hopkins. An easy defense might be that it "happens all the time" in ORs around the country. If that is really the case, I'm not sure the general public, as potential surgical patients, needs to see it. By the way, I feel badly for Dr. Czarnik, since some creeps have decided to use this forum as a venue for asking her out. Dr., I would especially steer clear of "Stan," since he can't seem to put a sentence together without a misspelled word. Smart wins out over sweet and sickening every time.
Submitted by: Jude, 07/19/2008 22:44:20 -
this isn't a question but id like to say how much im love w/ ur show!!!!! i mean i was quite upset when i found out there was only 6 episodes. i just started to understand the people and in have become in love w/ ur show. i like it way better than grey's anatomy. it's more realistic! so thank you all for giving us this show and if u put out more you will have my rating!! <3 it!
Submitted by: sarah parker, 07/19/2008 19:29:18 -
Can you discuss the final path on Peyton's heart, ie was there a viral or valvular eitology behind the cardiomyopathy? Thanks.
Submitted by: Carla , 07/19/2008 17:37:11 -
I am a huge fan of the Hopkin show,forget about the fake graysanatomy shows and the house.
Submitted by: Faisal, 07/19/2008 17:13:03
There have been great points where doctors have shown amazing judgement and professionalism,it is a god show to educate others of the life and stress doctors face each day,while still making good decisions,again the Hopkins have embraced providers from all over the world which is commendable.
Last, people do not understand where organs come from,they come from DEAD/DYING people. Basically some one has to die to save onother person,one person family grief is some one else joy.period.
On Dr.Ann, I was suprised she did not stop to help a victim,that would a have been heroic, I do not understandy why they are showing her,I have not seen any special skills like from the rest the docs.
The ''let her die'' comment was a open and forthrigh comment,doctors attend case confrences and people have to say how they feel or see on outcomes of the patient.
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Ann,
Submitted by: Rachel Archer-Collins, 07/19/2008 16:30:27
I could have sworn all those years we spent growing up were in Virginia. lol Don't let these silly people get you down. The work you are doing is more than most people could handle.
Rachel -
I was wondering about the 80 year old man who fell down the stairs, did he survive? I havent been able to get him off my mind, and my heart broke for his wife. Please address this, I'm sure many people are wondering the same thing. this show is fantastic and it really touches me like no other show I've ever watched!
Submitted by: kari martin, 07/19/2008 15:55:17 -
Your show about Peyton's heart transplant was an awesome way to show the world what happens to some unfortunate families. However, the show did not accurately catpure what many of us "heart transplant" families go through. After months of heart failure and struggling on a daily basis to survive, my son was listed for a heart transplant. We did many heart caths/biopsies, echo's and ekg's to monitor and evaluate his heart function. Also, we waited for 2 1/2 weeks, which is very short period for waiting. Your episode did not discuss how long it took to evaluate Peyton for the transplantation and how long he waited. It would be informative for people to know who long this process reallyl takes. How long is the average wait for a heart and how long is the process to deem a patient a candidate for transplantation at Hopkins? I'm interested in the differences between our two regions, which we live in the mid-west. Thanks for the information! Information about organ donation can be found at www.unos.org.
Submitted by: Melissa Tucker, 07/19/2008 14:14:34 -
Response to Nancy walek's comment:
Submitted by: get a life, 07/19/2008 09:10:38
A) you seem to be bitter
B) you're an idiot
C) if you paid any attention to the show you would see there were already police and a tow truck on the scene of the jack-knifed semi (not a serious accident) To criticize her for not stopping and thus being immature is ludicrous. -
Ok, this is my second and last statement about Dr. Facker's remark made about Payton's situation.
Submitted by: DocAce, 07/19/2008 03:37:10
The issue I have with this his "opinion" was that he did not have the results he needed to make this observation. Even with scarring transplantation is an option, not 100% of the time, but a viable option for an otherwise healthy candidate. Not having access to Payton's full medical record removes speculation for other treatment alternatives that may have been available to him. All I know is from 18 years of being in medicine myself was that Dr. Facker suggested the "last option" first.
What I will say is BRAVO to Dr. Rigel for making the right assertion with regards to Dr. Facker's opinion on just letting the illness run its course. Bottom line is in MY opinion Dr. Facker was wrong.
Dr. Facker's CV is quite impressive, and I am sure he has and will do many more great thing in pediatric medicine, HOWEVER I have worked with many great physicians (and nurses) that have become so indifferent to the patient that they can do more harm than good-
Put your child, wife or husband on that table and take the same tone and disregard as to their treatment options. I'm quite sure the offering of alternatives would be many given THIS situation and NOT be to just "let the/your (______) die.
Again, Payton I am truly overjoyed your doing great!
Doc -
I have a comment about the " dumb doctors " nurse quote. Some time ago on a nursing forum I read where a young nurse said other nurses pretty much had an opinion that a nurse could do anything a doctor could do. Taking this wisdom to heart, this young nurse decided to become a doctor by enrolling in medical school. She found out it wasn't just hard, it was REALLY hard taking and trying to make good grades in all the courses you had to take to become an M.D. She became a doctor and was proud of graduating from medical school, but I do believe she said if she had to do it all over again, she would have stayed a nurse, because Medical school was just too damned hard. From that, I have to believe there are no " dumb doctors ".
Submitted by: Stan, 07/19/2008 01:19:17 -
What happened to the 80 yr old man in episode 4?
Submitted by: Kelly McCarty, 07/19/2008 00:19:23 -
This comment is for the people's comments against the physician that said "just let him die." First of all, with the TV editing we obviously missed a good bit of information regarding the exact details of this case. In a situation, when you believe the child will die and you are about to put him through months or years of serious pain and suffering, you must consider that as an option and address that with the parents. ECMO is a very serious treatment. ECMO is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, which basically means you are pumping his blood for him and providing oxygen to his body through an external machine. It can be a very good option for neonates and some children with cardiac failure, but it also has serious side effects including death and long-term complications. There is a max time you can go on ECMO because of its known adverse effects and possibility of deadly infection. It can lead to seizures and strokes leading to serious developmental delays and even total neurological devastation. It can cause respiratory problems and hearing loss.
Submitted by: Meghan (Pediatric Surgeon), 07/18/2008 23:18:46
I don’t think that the physician was trying to be insensitive or cruel, but rather being realistic to a possible outcome and that ECMO really would not make his heart all better and could even be worse for him. He wasn’t trying to say, go pull the plug. This kid was lucky that he didn’t deteriorate so significantly while he was waiting on the transplant list. Realistically that doesn’t always happen.
I want to applaud the doctors for doing this show. I know there was an invasion of your privacy, but I think this show is one of the first to really show the way the medical world works. Not every outcome is a happy one. Doctors do everything they can to give you the best outcome possible while weighing the risks and benefits of every treatment option. Its important to the keep the family informed of the condition of the patient and of all the possible options, even if it means to not continue with treatment.
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Comment: To answer Shannon's question about how to deal with stress: I have been a Registered Nurse for over 30 years in Pediatrics, Obstetrics, teaching and Nursing Leadership. I've learned to cope by understanding that I can only react to what is in front of me. I can't change what brought this patient to me; child abuse or neglect, pregnant 13 yo., trauma patients, or someone losing a child through disease, illness, miscarriage, stillbirth or other tragedy. I can only impact on the person when they are in my care. How do I or did I cope? Support from colleagues, family and faith. You learn to cope by reacting and treating what you have control over; I can't change what I can't control; I can only use my skills, knowledge, expertise, caring and compassion to make a difference. It is heart breaking when you lose a patient. I have cried on my way home from work many times in 30 years. There are patients I have cared for who have died; but I remember their names and hold them in my heart.
Submitted by: chris, 07/18/2008 23:11:52
You do what you can to the best of your abilities and learn that you can't change or fix everything or everyone. But, sometimes, you make a difference and you touch lives. When a couple comes up to you in a store and shows you their toddler and says "you were our nurse", it makes all the difference and you know you impacted lives. That's why we are nurses and doctors.
I now work at the Mayo Clinic; I am honored and humbled to be here, as I'm sure the professionals at JHH are also.
We are here to provide care for people. sometimes putting the needs of our patients before our families. Our families learn compassion from our actions.
Thank you to ABC for providing a glimpse into what doctors and nurses deal with daily. Thank you especially for including the Nursing perspective.
At times it may seem less than professional; please remember we are human and have emotions. Our way of dealing with stress is not always PC, but we deal with it and then move on. We don't bring the macabre humor in front of patients and families.
Thank you for the opportunity to share this perspective. Most of us love what we do. I can't imagine doing anything else! I love the Nursing Profession! What we do,who we are, and the care we provide. It is an awesome profession and career. -
Hi, I am currently going into seventh grades and it has been my dream to become a neurosurgeon for the majority of my life. In the show though the doctors seem to point out a lot of disadvantages of this job. (Not a lot of sleep, not that much money, etc.) I wanted to know if the 8 years in med school really pay off and if this job is worth it. Thanks... = )
Submitted by: Emily , 07/18/2008 22:43:13 -
My mother is currently a patient at Johns Hopkins. She suffered a brain aneurysm, underwent surgery and is recovering. She is suffering from memory loss, extreme nausea and crippling headaches and her doctors are trying to release her into my sister's care. Not to a recovery wing, nor skilled nursing center.
Submitted by: Emily, 07/18/2008 22:19:13
Her surgeon is rushing through instructions, her social worker has no information or direction, her nurses have been kind, but unwilling to listen to concerns. Then I turned on the t.v. and saw "Hopkins". My only thought was if the same time, effort, cooperation and energy was put into patient care and follow-through - I might actually be glad to have my mother at this facility. As it stands - their "A-list" staff were saved for screen time. My mother is receiving care from the "D-list".
I would think the Leaders, Board, Trustees and Officers of this institution of medicine would spend less time trying to get air time on television and more time on patient care and customer service.
Thank you, Johns Hopkins - for making a difficult, frightening and confusing time in our lives even more difficult, frightening and confusing. -
It upset me to hear the dr say to "let the child die". I understand that sadly sometimes this is the only option, sometimes the child is not a transplant canidate. It was my understanding last night that the results of the biopsy were not known yet. If that was the case then how can he say that not knowing all the facts?
Submitted by: Cindy Gibson, 07/18/2008 22:00:58
I am extremely thrilled for Peyton and his family. I forced myself to watch last nights episode, it was extremely difficult. My son arrested in the cath lab too, and having been at his bedside when he arrested for the last time, it was almost to hard to watch. However I hope that the people who watched this who have healthy children realize just how precious life is. What a gift it is. I didn't think that last nights episode was as informative about the waiting process as it could have been. I don't know how long Peyton waited, but my son waited almost 5 months, 2 of those months spent in the hospital, on a venilator, with numerous IV meds and tube feeding, his heart function worsening as we waited. We were told of false alarms, and we knew that there was a chance that even when we did get the heart, we wouldn't know for sure until our drs saw the heart. I know for the parents the waiting is agonizing. It seemed you made it look too easy. I am glad that Peyton responded so well, but it isn't always like that. I also wanted to know why there wasn't any mention of thanks to the donor or donor's family. With out the Gift of Life, Peyton would have died. Another childs family was going through the unthinkable,( we got a glimpse of it from what we saw with Peyton), during their time of agony they selflessly made the decision to donate their childs organs so that other children would have a chance to live. My son died a month after his tranplant, he was 22 months old. We promote the importance of organ and tissue donation, and without donors there wouldn't be transplants. That is amazing to me and I wish it would have been acknowledged better. The surgeons and their teams are amazing. -
We have had a personal experience with Dr. Fackler and the fine staff in the PICU at JHH. He along with the other attendings have to make very difficult decisions for very critically ill children on a daily basis. These doctors can very easily work 12-16 hours a day. Dr Fackler is a very devoted/caring physician.The terrible comments that are being made are very untrue. Nobody was there to hear the entire conversation that went on between those doctors, therefore should not be making any asuumptions/conclusions. ABC News should be ashamed of the way they edited that part of the program to make it more dramatic. We wouldn't want our child taken care of by anyone other than the ENTIRE STAFF in the PICU!!!
Submitted by: John, 07/18/2008 19:13:27 -
Being a double lung transplant receipient @ UCSD, I especially appreciate all the episodes that have dealt with transplants. I'm curious about the lack of masks I've noticed around the new transplants. Is this a standard of practice at Hopkins, or are the masks removed due to the cameras? It seemed such a critical factor after my transplant that all doctors, nurses and family members wore protection to prevent me from infection and when I was out of my room, I had to wear a mask.
Submitted by: Lori, 07/18/2008 19:03:56
Thank you for letting me see bits of the donor recovery process and surgery that I missed. -
Mine is more of a comment rather than a question. I am a traveling nurse that recently completed an assignment at Johns Hopkins Bayview. After working closely with Dr. Thomas Reifsnyder, I can honestly say that without a doubt Dr Reifsnyder is probably one of the most caring surgeons I have ever worked with in my 30+ years in the operating room. He treats his patients with respect, and he doesn't just treat the "vascular" problems... he treats his patients needs from head to toe!
Submitted by: G.West, RN, 07/18/2008 18:23:58
The person who posted that the O.R. crew was not being "professional" has never been in a situation where the stress is at a level that is indescribable at times. Do not judge those who save lives in the most adverse of conditions!!
Dr. R... keep up the great work you do and NEVER change! I miss working with YOU!
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My aunt was the recipient of a kidney transplant many years ago. The procedures used to inform and prepare her, seems to have been rather different from that of John Hopkins. Could you provide a time line you follow from when Hopkins receives word of an available organ and informing the patient when a transplant can be preformed. I understand with some organs, the time frame is shorter or longer. Also, why are harvested organs not tested for function before arrival at the hospital? As in the case with young Peyton whose family was over joyed with the news of a heart, but crushed shortly there after when the heart was deemed unusable. Were these over eager parents or is this part of procedures?
Submitted by: Melissa Seyfried, 07/18/2008 17:40:10 -
What were the results of the 80 yr old man's surgery? How is he today?
Submitted by: Eloise, 07/18/2008 16:57:29 -
Doctors are just like employees everywhere else. Make no mistake. They forget that it's the patient who's paying their salaries and that the paying party has the right to expect professional conduct and complete focus from the staff.Instead they're just like a bunch of goofy over the hill college kids screwing around in the workplace as if the business is open just to give them a place to gather and socialize ...
Submitted by: N. Mumm, 07/18/2008 16:17:13
I'm beginning to feel that the constant joking is somewhat disresspectful and not in support of a very high standard. One specific example from last night's episode was, for instance, was the scene where they were f#*$ing around calling some junior doctor's mother from the operating room - is that necessary? Is that funny? Is that professional?
I'll tell you I've had two operations done at Hopkins and have had multiple consultations and I'm beginning to rethink the matter.
ABC isn't any better for airing this nonsense either. Your series has certainly opened my eyes ... -
How is it that you were able to drive by a serious truck accident on the highway while en route to West Virginia and not feel any sense of responsibility to stop to see if you could aid the victims until help arrived?
Submitted by: nancy walek, 07/18/2008 16:02:12
Just doesn't seem very ethical, professional or mature to me. Then again, watching tv with your head in your mother's lap doesn't strike me as very mature either ...
Why have you been chosen to be part of this series anyway? -
It has been mention that humor is used as a stress reliever in the hospital, particularly the E.R.. Further, at least one doctor has mentioned that he leaves the stress of home at home and the hospital at the hospital. Beyond this, what other ways do you (doctors, nurses, etc.) use to deal with the stress that working in a hospital generates? I have heard mention of finding other activities such as flying air planes, and exercise as ways some doctors de-stress but I would like to what you do.
Submitted by: Shannon, 07/18/2008 15:18:57 -
I am trying to put my thoughts into words. The grace of God and the persistance of humans to use the amazing talents and knowledge that we all are capable of. This is what I see. Yes the comment "just let him die" was horible to hear. Do you really think it was as easy to say as it sounded. I think not. I do think it lit a fire under all of us to put more faith in the abilities of the staff and prayers to god. I think so. My hero was mom. Mom i watched you basically evaporate into thin air when you realized what was happening. I watched you question your self and then I saw this transformation. We live in the moment from minute to minute all of us. You did not throw away any time. You rock !!! Yes Peyton is awesome too and dad and the staff etc.... Thankyou for having faith and embracing the time that is so precious to all of us . I hope you've inspired more people to embrace and respect what is now. P.S. My prayers have also been for the donors. I am listed as a donor and i hope that this has encouraged more people to think about becoming a donor.
Submitted by: Lorilynn Eyraud, 07/18/2008 15:10:06 -
I am glad that Dr. Rigel asked Dr. Fackler "why would you say that" when Dr. Fackler said "let the child die". Maybe there was more to the conversation than what we heard, and if there was I wish they would have shown more of it because Dr. Fackler could have been saying "They have the option of a heart transplant or let the child die" but all we heard was "let the child die"......I hope that Dr. Fackler is not that insensative.
Submitted by: Dawn Daniell, 07/18/2008 14:45:43 -
Our son was born with numerous holes in his heart in 2004. He underwent a couple surgeries at Hopkins by Dr Vircilla and Dr. Ringle on more than one occasion and he is doing great at age 4! We cannot thank these doctors enough!! They are incredibly talented and caring! They are the best! Thank you so much!!!
Submitted by: Rodney Lang, 07/18/2008 13:33:51 -
I am glad to see others were horrified by the doctor's (Facker?) comment, "just let the child die." I live near on the best children's hospitals in the country, and will be damned sure if my child were in a life and death situation to get a second, third and fourth opinion - that doctor should be investigated and his license revoked. I guess doctor's are as unscrupulous as lawyers these days - just in it for the $$$$. Shame on you.
Submitted by: Robyn Jenkins, 07/18/2008 13:29:23 -
I just wanted to respond to the other questions and comments here regarding the doc who said "Let the child die." People here are portraying this guy as a barbaric monster, which I feel is a bit unfair. Isn't it also the responsibility of a doctor to alleviate suffering and do what is best for their patient, even if it goes against their current emotions? Let's be honest, Peyton was one of the few children lucky enough to find a donor heart before dying. It's easy to come online and preach that he's selfish, ignorant, et al but at the end of the day there's only so much you can do. There's a huge donor list and few organs to go around. This physician's response was the truth - that without a heart the patient had little chance of surviving. While the comment was rather blunt, he clearly cares about his patients or he wouldn't be practicing medicine. Have you ever had to tell a patient's family there was nothing more that could be done?
Submitted by: Kyle (med student), 07/18/2008 13:07:44 -
This episode was so moving. I am glad that there are doctors out there willing to do whatever possible to save someone. The comment "just let him die" was shocking and disheartening and showed another side of some doctors out there that are unattached to anything they do. Peyton was just a "case" to him, not a little boy who needed a heart. I am curious to know how the other doctors feel about the statement made.
Submitted by: Melissa, 07/18/2008 12:15:22 -
I had a tough time understanding during the episode of what town you said you were from in the West Virginia. I live in Virginia very close to the West Virginia border and was just curious if I was familiar with the town you are from. Thanks and I really enjoy this show. It is great.
Submitted by: BHM, 07/18/2008 12:15:18 -
Drs. Ringel and Vricella, we love your work and our daughter Rose is proof of your good work.
Submitted by: Anna and Andrew Martin, 07/18/2008 12:10:17
It was a bit disconcerting to hear the idea of letting a child die due to heart problem that could be fixed. But your responses were the kind we expect from your team.
It was great to see you all again. -
Dr. Vricella, you are to be commended for all that you did to save Peyton's life. My question is why did the other Dr. feel that it was best to just let Peyton die? That broke my heart. He came across matter of fact. It's obvious that a transplant was the way to go. What did they not show us. I am so happy Peyton made it, it is sad though to think that heart came from another child perhaps. As I believe it was you that said something along the lines of hope out someone elses tragedy.
Submitted by: Sandy McLaughlin, 07/18/2008 11:49:30 -
Last nights episode was really difficult to watch because my eight year old niece died exactaly 6 months ago from myocarditis. The doctors ruled out bacterial and finally ruled out viral. What could have caused this? It took her in only 5 days! The doctors thought it was pneumonia at first because her lungs were filled up with fluid, but only discovered the myocarditis after she died. In her case, would there ever have been a chance at getting a heart transplant or was it too late? I would never want any parent to have to go through this. It is just not fair.
Submitted by: Christine Green, 07/18/2008 11:48:16 -
I was also disgusted when the intensivist suggested "let the just die"...what if that was his child. Many viewers had tears in their eyes just watching Peyton's family and Peyton go thru so much and that's all this so called professional can say?
Submitted by: J.Park, 07/18/2008 11:45:48
I was also happy to se some attention given to the nurses at Hopkins, the doctors are not the only ones who save lives as it is depicted.
I cried thru out this espisode. My eyes are glued to the TV when this show is on. I would really like to see this continue. This is real, not Greys. -
Hi Ann,
Submitted by: Stan Mohn, 07/18/2008 11:37:15
I just wanted to say that you are truely a beutiful lady with a great heart. I love how your so close to your mom and family. Family is so important and I can see you recognize that in last nights episode. I admire what you do and you will find that special person in your life. If I didnt live in Houston that person could be me. I just think your a special person and whoever you find will be extremely lucky. Enjoyed the show last night
Stan
-
I am a two time cardiac transplant recipient and was startled at the "just let him die" comment. I am realistic about organ availability and know that rigorous criteria must be met before a patient qualifies to be listed---overall health, compliance history, and family support are all critical. I was hoping that this physician can explain to us why he thought this patient might not be a viable candidate. Surely, this comment was not made from insensitivity, but made from a set of circumstances of which we viewers were unaware.
Submitted by: Sharon Blackerby, 07/18/2008 11:28:51 -
How horrible of that doctor to suggest they let that child die. And how horrible of your cameraman to do a close up of that poor mother reacting to the news that her 2 1/2 year old son went into cardiac arrest. I realize this is reality TV, but it could have been handled much better than that. Had it been my child, they would have been eating that camera!
Submitted by: Lesley Crochet, 07/18/2008 11:27:56 -
This is more of a comment than a question. I was horrified to see last nights epsiode with Peyton and the comment the one Doctor made "we should let the child die" that was TERRIBLE, not knowing the full story. I was sorry to see and hear that I hope most doctor in the Hopkins community do not practice like this.
Submitted by: Charles Ritt, Jr., 07/18/2008 11:23:42
This doctor should be ashamed of himself and hope that he never comes across such a horrifying expereince in life and looks for the emotional support. Doctor's are sopose to give hope when and if possible, this doctor had no heart himself. Shame on you Doctor!!!
Best,
Charles -
This is more of a comment than a question. I was horrified to see last nights epsiode with Peyton and the comment the one Doctor made "we should let the child die" that was TERRIBLE, not knowing the full story. I was sorry to see and hear that I hope most doctor in the Hopkins community do not practice like this.
Submitted by: Charles Ritt, Jr., 07/18/2008 11:22:06
This doctor should be ashamed of himself and hope that he never comes across such a horrifying expereince in life and looks for the emotional support. Doctor's are sopose to give hope when and if possible, this doctor had no heart himself. Shame on you Doctor!!!
Best,
Charles -
How does a fine hospital like Johns Hopkins justify the arrogance of Dr. James Fackler, who suggested on camera, "to just let the child die." This was an insult to the family, especially given the flippant manner in which he said it. Maybe Dr. Fackler should go into research medicine where his personality (or lack of) won't be so important.
Submitted by: Bill and Pat, 07/18/2008 10:49:26 -
I was horrified to hear Dr. James Fackler say they should just "let the child die" on last nights episode, he almost had a smirk on his face when he said it. Dr. Fackler should be ashamed of himself.
Submitted by: Lynn, 07/18/2008 10:18:31
Doctors are supposed to try to heal people. I guess all of the education and accolades can't make you a good person. I hope the powers that be at Johns Hopkins take a good look at the practice of this doctor. -
The "Pediatric Intensivist" that said, "In My Opinion We Should Just Let The Child Die" is a disgrace to your hospital. If that was my son and I heard a doctor say that words can't describe what I would do to him. That doctor should do everything in his power to save a child's life and shouldn't even be given the opportunity to say what he said. To all of the other great doctors on the show I love the work you do and our doing. Take care!
Submitted by: Geoff, 07/18/2008 09:07:40 -
Observation: My husband was transported to Johns Hopkins in August of 07 having been diagnosed with Spinal Meningitis. I have a nephew who works there and it was instinctive to ask that my husband be taken there. I truly found the ENTIRE staff to be extremely knowledgable caring, compationate and sensitive....all of the qualities that families need during this time. This illness came on very suddenly and nearly cost us my husband's life. The doctor's did not give us a complete answer as to how this happened. Obviously I am aware that contact to an infected person is possible, however given his job I sometimes question if some of his duties may have exposed him to this deadly infection. I would welcome any answers to this question that I have and will live with forever. THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HELPED MY FAMILY TO KEEP MY HUSBAND AND MY SON'S FATHER WITH US.
Submitted by: D Markley, 07/18/2008 08:42:42 -
I had a question regarding heart transplants. I'm not sure if the time frame was edited, but it seemed that on last night's episode a heart became available for Peyton almost immediately. Knowing that some people spend years on an organ donation list, I was wondering really how the process works. When an organ becomes available do they start at the top of the donation list and work their way down?
Submitted by: Amanda, 07/18/2008 07:27:14 -
Dr. Vricella is amazing. His way of speaking to the parents of that poor child was very touching and comforting. And one can tell just from looking at him, that he cares very deeply for his patients and his life's work. I am very impressed by that man. How is Peyton doing now?
Submitted by: Amos, 07/18/2008 01:57:08 -
I know that being a doctor has it's up's and down's, but what I would like to know is when you have a little boy who needs a new heart, does it at any point during his treatment get to you emotionally?. Does it get to you ?, because i am training to be a Cardiothoracic Surgeon.
Submitted by: Joshua, 07/18/2008 01:15:45 -
I see Dr Reifsnyder is in a teaching position at hopkins and my question is do you reinforce to your students to read all of the test they order for their patients, not just the part that concerns them. Im sure you'll remember that happening to you. I am glad to see you doing well.
Submitted by: cindy bozek, 07/18/2008 01:04:35 -
can anyone please tell me how i can obtain the music soundtracks? the music adds so much to your wonderful show,Hopkins is television worth watching.
Submitted by: Michael Rosen, 07/18/2008 00:45:38
Sincerely...Michael -
Not a question - more of a comment regarding the things said about the physician who said 'let the child die'. If I remember correctly, he definitely DID preface that with a different option - transplant. He was saying this to let them know that letting him pass peacefully is actually an option. Granted, I don't think that what we were shown indicated he communicated that very well - but, it could have been edited out. I'm an ICU nurse at a large teaching hospital and it's heart-wrenching at best to commmunicate horrible news like that to families - and what we saw, I can almost be certain, was only a fraction of what was said.
Submitted by: Jan, 07/18/2008 00:17:29 -
I'd like to know what happened to the elderly gentleman who fell. My heart goes out to his wife.
Submitted by: Megan, 07/18/2008 00:09:51 -
When Dr. Czarnik drove past the car accident on her drive home to West Virginia, how come she didn't stop to get out to see if she could help any potential crash victims?
Submitted by: Rachel, 07/18/2008 00:03:20 -
Like others, I was stunned by the remark, "Just let the child die." But the man's insensitivity isn't my main concern. It's his incompetence. Clearly he was unable to visualize the outcome that his colleagues not only imagined, but actualized. A doctor for whom that precious child's life was so dispensable . . . I don't know if he's burned out or never truly had a "calling" to be a healer, but obviously, he's in the wrong line of work. What family watching that show would want Dr. Facker within a mile of their loved one?
Submitted by: Susan, 07/17/2008 23:52:19 -
what songs were played throughout the show tonight?
Submitted by: kathy, 07/17/2008 23:48:46 -
Congratulations Dr. Luca with a job well done on Peyton’s heart surgery. How many weeks or months did it take to get a new heart after the parents agreed to the heart transplant? How is the old heart discarded after a successful heart transplant? Whatever happened to the senior citizen who came in within the first fifteen munities of the show with an accident injury to the head?
Submitted by: Goke, 07/17/2008 23:48:42
Thanks for educating your viewers with your medical documentary; I will like to suggest that the producers develop other reality medical documentaries with other medical schools across the country for comparison, and to motivate those who aspire to become surgeons in the United States or across the globe wherever the show is being aired.
Sincerely,
Goke…
-
I dont know if im in the right place or not ?
Submitted by: WILLIAM R TICSON, 07/17/2008 23:48:20
But i was born in John Hopkins. FEB 23 1940 would like some info
about the hospital back in the 1940 my grandmother told me when i
was little that Hopkins was the biges Hospital and the best in the USA
THANK YOU FOR TIME. WILLIAM R TICSON -
I have wanted to become a physician since I can remember. I'm 35 years of age, and I plan to apply to medical school next year with positive family support. What is the prevailing perspective, and attitude about "older" medical students?
Submitted by: Kia, 07/17/2008 23:44:42 -
I have found that the Hopkins Doctors to be very through, with detailed explanations and caring, but also with a sense of humor
Submitted by: Delores O'Brien, 07/17/2008 23:34:43
Particularly Dr. Alhadad and his Rubber Duck episode. He made us feel so comfortable and I still have the Duck and treasure it.
I love the series and hope that it will continue/
-
It was bad enough for Dr. Fackler to say to another physician "just let him die" but I can not believe the totally insensitivity that he would actually suggest such a thing to a parent. I have lost a child and as a parent I would have done anything possible to save his life. Doesn't the AMA have any rules on this type of insensitivity? I think this man should be restricted to research or something that doesn't require a bedside manner, because this guy OBVIOUSLY HAS NO INTERPERSONAL SKILLS WHATSOEVER!
Submitted by: Diana , 07/17/2008 23:34:26 -
I am impressed by the extraordinary interventions that have been depicted on "Hopkins". But so far preventive care, primary care, chronic care, geriatric care i.e. care that does require a procedure, have been given short-shrift. I am sure that there are episodes of extraordinary non-invasive care and prevention at Hopkins the hospital if not the documentary. Any thoughts about why they have not been depicted?
Submitted by: Arthur Chernoff, 07/17/2008 23:27:53 -
The second I herd one of the physician's state " just let the child die" I completely lost my emotions. I felt anger, sadness, disappointment, everything all at once. I knew if that was my son and I had overheard this statement, every maternal instinct would have came out of me. Then I asked myself, as another physician on the team, how do you deal opposing opinions especially when they are put with coldness this statement was made? I couldn't help but see the strong connection and emotion you have with your patients. I fail to understand the lack of that in others, especially dealing in pediatrics. Obviously I know there are going to be differences of professional opinions, however I do not know how getting across that opinion can be so tactless. I pride you in trusting in your own instincts as a doctor and giving that precious boy hope! Do you feel that you have to be the voice of the patient in times like these and how does that affect your professional relationship with the "disagreeing" doctor?
Submitted by: Katie, 07/17/2008 23:27:23 -
How did Dr. Ringel and Dr. Vricella deal with their insensitive colleague who suggested letting a child die?
Submitted by: Maggie, 07/17/2008 23:26:50 -
perhaps you may one day find yourself in need of real bar-b-que ribs. When that day comes, perhaps you could fly down to Memphis. I would love to buy you dinner at Blues City Cafe on Beale St. You could get J.Hopkins to comp the trip by suggesting a need to visit St. Jude Research. Have I thought this out, or what? Ha!
Submitted by: phil, 07/17/2008 23:26:46 -
It was stated on tonights show that it is a misnomer that Drs make a ton of money. What is the average annual salary for an attending and a resident at Hopkins. BTW...I love this show. Will it on on after the summer?
Submitted by: Sharon Dierking, 07/17/2008 23:24:34 -
Was there more to the comments by Dr. Facker, (the comments that said he believed the best course of action was letting the 2 1/2 year old boy die)? There must have been something through the editing process that caused us to hear these comments out of context. Certainly he would not have suggested letting a boy die that eventually left the hospital two weeks later perfectly healthy. If that is the case, thank God nobdy listened to him.
Submitted by: Joe Todaro, 07/17/2008 23:24:18 -
The story on peyton touched my heart so much,god bless the staff at hopkins.Below my breast hurts sometimes including a spot below my abdomen,i have no health insurance and i have a low income,where can i seek help with my problem in new york state at this moment,heart problems is in both side of my family.i'm 27yrs,5ft 6in. weighting atleast 224lbs.thank you
Submitted by: Theresa, 07/17/2008 23:24:01 -
It was stated on tonights show that it is a misnomer that Drs make a ton of money. What is the average annual salary for an attending and a resident at Hopkins. BTW...I love this show. Will it on on after the summer?
Submitted by: Sharon Dierking, 07/17/2008 23:23:14 -
First off, I want to agree with everyone's tremendous opinion about DR Vricella and his work with Peyton on this episode. His empathetic, positive, and hard working attitude gave hope to everyone that there are doctors out there that truly care for their patients and their families and aren't cold and callus like DR. Fackler demonstrated so blatantly in this show. Having just a few years of medical training in PA school, I could have never made a comment such as "just let the child die" knowing there are always a few options to try, especially a transplant. Did you find this as shocking of a comment/statement as the rest of the country did from Dr Fackler? Did his opinion have any weight in Peyton's case? Thank you again for all you do for kids and their families!!!
Submitted by: Wendy L., 07/17/2008 23:21:57 -
The pediatric nurse that transported Payton said "I wanted to be a doctor when I was a child but"..."there's a lot of good nurses and a lot of dumb doctors". I guess if you can't be a doctor you try to bad mouth that profession. Looks like no medical school accepted her w/ that attitude.
Submitted by: Hylan, 07/17/2008 23:18:13 -
With Peyton, please clarify the reasoning behind saying that the team should "just let him die" rather than putting him on ECMO. Also, could you explain more about ECMO and its indications/contraindications in a case like this?
Submitted by: Lynn, 07/17/2008 23:16:49 -
On tonights show, it was stated that it is a misnomer that Drs. make a ton of money. Just curious as to what the annual salary of residents and attendings is at Hopkins.
Submitted by: Sharon , 07/17/2008 23:15:53
IBTW..... love this show. Will it continue after the summer? -
I would love to hear a response from the intensivist (insensitivist, actually) who said 'how about we just let him die' about the little boy who needed a heart transplant. Perhaps he was unaware that he was being filmed,but I would encourage him to frame his remarks more carefully if he engages in that kind of cost/benefit analysis on camera in the future. I was distinctly unimpressed with his callous remarks and I sincerely hope that he was either just having a bad day or that the compassionate portion of his remarks was edited out. If they were, the editors would do well to remember that this isn't meant to be MTV's The Real World and be a little more judicious with the editing. If his remarks were displayed in context, then...wow, what a douche.
Submitted by: Sandy, 07/17/2008 23:14:20 -
How does Johns Hopkins, a leading institution for medical research, treatment and innovation, employ a doctor and professor who does not have it within him to search for any and every ounce of hope for a toddler? I wonder how many other children he suggested should be let to die? How many might have been saved had he not made that judgment? If a doctor's oath is first, to do no harm, is offering no hope and giving up doing harm? Absolutely.
Submitted by: Victoria Vera, 07/17/2008 23:13:37
Please offer some justification for this doctor's heartless and hopeless words. -
None. Just want to tell you this is the first time I've seen your program. It was wonderful, and so touching. I voted for the question about the elderly man. It was sad, what his wife was facing alone. God bless her.
Submitted by: Jeannine Case, 07/17/2008 23:10:38 -
Not a question, just a comment. Dr. Vricella is the type of doctor who demonstrates the very best in medicine--professionalism, humility, respect for his patients, and compassionate dedication. His realistic approach to Peyton's case was coupled with optimism. He never showed any ego either, A few doctors have seemed rather self-centered (Dr. Czarnik, for example). But Dr. Vricella and the other pediatric cardiologist (Dr. Ringel) showed the very best Hopkins has to offer.
Submitted by: Carolyn, 07/17/2008 23:10:13 -
Do you think that is it possible to be a surgeon and have a good personal life? I am 15 and all my friends have this strong idea of what they want to do, and I think I want to be a surgeon but i want a husband and kids. Do you think I can have both a career in the surgical field and family ? I know I am young and have time to make up my mind, but I have always been fascinated with medicine and I think it is something I really want do. I feel like I need a to know what I want to do and I'm just not sure. I am a big fan of Grey's anatomy and I was also wondering how real it was. I know I don't need to decide right now what I want to do, but I feel like I should know. I have always wanted to be a doctor, but I am now questioning that. Would you please tell me if you think it is possible to really have a family and be there for them, and be a surgeon?
Submitted by: Meagan, 07/17/2008 23:09:48 -
Who is the Dr. who said the should just let Peyton die? That is a HORRIBLE heartless man, who obviously must have no family! It is a true blessing that there are Doctors, nurses, techs, and everyone inbetween who truly care about patients and their families.
Submitted by: Terrie Forbis, 07/17/2008 23:07:51 -
Was Peyton born with an abnormal heart and what was his diagnosis? I cried throughout this episode. This was a very emotional story.
Submitted by: Hope Santos, 07/17/2008 23:07:10 -
I would like to know how Dr. Facker justifies "letting the child die." I wonder if you have children, but I would guess no. Personally, I'm a cancer researcher so I know firsthand how dismal some treatments can be, but as a mother, I would place my bet on any of those treatments if it meant saving my child. Although you may be one of the best, most educated doctors (I went to Hopkins for grad school too), I wonder how you call yourself a doctor with such a callous attitude?
Submitted by: Susan, 07/17/2008 23:06:24 -
What happened to the elderly woman's husband that fell down the stairs?
Submitted by: Meghan, 07/17/2008 23:05:02 -
What is the name of the song at the opening of your shows and who is the singer?
Submitted by: Shirley, 07/17/2008 23:04:55 -
What ended up happening to the elderly man who fell at the beginning of the episode?
Submitted by: Joe Herbert, 07/17/2008 23:04:40 -
I think I almost died of a broken heart when I heard that you had never fallen head over heals in love with someone. I'm a single man, 37 years old, never married, but I have definitely fallen head over heals for someone before. They just didn't feel the same way about me. You were almost married, yet knew at some point that you were marrying the wrong person. I don't know how long you dated or how long you were engaged for, but at some point, were you not head over heals for that person? What would it take for you to fall head over heals for me? Thanks for sharing your life with us.
Submitted by: Doug Williams, 07/17/2008 22:59:10 -
How long did Peyton have to wait from the time they told him he needed a transplant to the dat he got the transplant?
Submitted by: Nathan, 07/17/2008 22:56:24
Voting and commenting is closed for this episode.