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All Hayo the Mayo
I spent yesterday at the Mayo clinic with my grandma. Some highlights:
- Hearing a woman in the waiting room state that she was from Mizz-uhr-ah, right before she told the story about getting attacked by a cow. Seriously.
- Mayo building elevators: old Westinghouse cars, lined with squares of orange vinyl with the old-style round buttons that you have to truly punch. I could ride in those things all day; they're packed with personality. And great fonts.
- The Price is Right on one of the waiting room televisions. Best. Gameshow. Ever. My dream in life is to win the Showcase Showdown. And play Plinko.
- Catching a few minutes of The Young & The Restless, and realizing that the plots hadn't progressed since I last tuned in. In 1989.
Seriously though, the Mayo clinic is amazing. First of all, the whole place is like something out of a Terry Gilliam film. There are these big check-in desks on every floor, and expansive waiting rooms with doors where nurses magically appear and call names over a little intercom. It is eerily efficient - the results of all my grandma's tests were to her doctor a few hours later, all indexed on this database that the doctors have at their fingertips in the examination rooms. Insane!
It would all be very creepy if it weren't for the feeling you get, which is ultra-helpful. After spending over 8 hours in a variety of waiting rooms, I saw a lot of people coming and going. Without fail, every nurse was kind, friendly, and very informative. The doctors I met were dressed in dapper suits with ties (or bow ties!), and took the time and care to explain everything that was going on. Even though we were the last patients of the day, and obviously preventing them from getting home on time, they never showed any sign of impatience. Despite the hundreds of people they shuffle through there, they truly seem to care about each one. This is a shock to me, as I've encountered a few too many doctors and nurses who are condescending and seem to be barely paying attention.
I tend to be really sensitive about the culture of a place, and the Mayo has an immediately good vibe - unusual for a doctor's office or hospital, I'd say. But, the Mayo brothers must have really infused that place with a sense of true caring for patients, and its evident everywhere you look. An especially nice touch is the profusion of artwork - sculpture, painting, live music - that permeates the space. I realize I sound like some sort of cult follower, but I was really impressed. The Mayo's reputation for excellence is well-deserved.
Oh, and don't worry about my grandma. She's doing a-okay and just has to have minor surgery in a few weeks.
Posted November 7, 2003 2:14 PM | On This Day: 2005 2004 2002
What is it about Plinko? It seems to be everyone's favorite game. I used to wish that they'd spin off a Plinko-only version of The Price is Right.
When I was 11 I visited Mayo every weekend for months. My grandpa had cancer. I don't remember much about the hospital itself, but I do remember the nurse being very kind.
My mom was crying and I remember standing there kind of stunned, not really knowing what was going on. The nurse pulled me aside and whispered in my ear that I should go give my mom a hug. I'll never forget that. It was a simple thing, but something that 20 years has not erased.
that's such a sweet story. i'm sorry your trip to the mayo was so sad, though.