TL/DR –
The article recounts the experience of general surgeon Arthur Williams, who required a pacemaker due to his heart’s susceptibility to atrial fibrillation and bradycardia. His operation was complicated by ketamine-induced hallucinations, which the anesthesiologist had warned could happen due to the drug’s less cardiodepressive effects. Williams vividly describes the anxiety and vulnerability he felt as a patient and details the visual hallucinations he experienced after the ketamine was administered.
Experience of a Surgeon Undergoing Ketamine-Induced Hallucinations
General surgeon Arthur Williams shares his experience of needing a pacemaker for his heart, which was prone to atrial fibrillation and bradycardia. This was complicated by a low ejection fraction. He paints a vivid picture of the anxiety and vulnerability of being a surgeon on the patient’s side, his honest thoughts during interactions with the nursing staff and anesthesiologist, and the fear associated with the invasive procedure.
Arthur provides a detailed account of the anesthesiologist’s decision to use ketamine for its less cardiodepressive effects, warning him of potential “weird dreams.” Following the administration of the drug, he experienced profound visual hallucinations, including fiery kaleidoscopes and a sense of crossing the River Styx. This offers a raw glimpse into the potential side effects of anesthesia from the unique perspective of a physician.
The article also highlights the Microsoft Dragon Copilot, an AI assistant for clinical workflow and part of Microsoft Cloud for Healthcare. Dragon Copilot helps clinicians streamline documentation, surface information at the point of care, and automate tasks. Backed by a proven track record and decades of clinical expertise, Dragon Copilot is built on a foundation of trust, aiming to ease administrative burdens and keep the focus on what matters most.
Transcript Highlights
The transcript of this conversation between Kevin Pho and Arthur Williams reveals an interesting discussion. Arthur talks about his background as a surgeon and how he developed an interest in writing as a way to deal with the stress of his profession. He also shares the health issues he faced which led to his decision to retire from practice.
The details about his latest novel, Crooked Ketamine, are revealed. The book is semi-autobiographical, as it is based on Arthur’s experiences involving his health issues and his subsequent medical procedures. Arthur also discusses the vivid hallucinations induced by ketamine during these procedures, which play a significant role in his novel.
Arthur stresses the importance of dealing with work-related stressors and suggests the implementation of mandatory wellness programs in the field of surgery. He believes this could help avoid potential health issues among medical professionals.
For more information, visit https://aka.ms/kevinmd, https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast, and https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended.
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