Dr John M

cardiac electrophysiologist, cyclist, learner

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On Vacation…

December 30, 2010 By Dr John

I am in Phoenix, AZ with family. 

It’s dumping rain and cold here.  To a Kentucky resident it looked like just another rainy day.

“This is really rare,” my nephew told me.

I realized he spoke the truth when we saw the waitresses in the restaurant staring out the window at the rain as if in a trance.

See you all in a few days. 

JMM

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WordPress conversion is coming along

December 18, 2010 By Dr John

The last few weekends I have worked on converting from blogger to WordPress.  The conversion is proceeding well, albeit slowly.  My aim is to provide a better experience to a wider audience of readers.

Some experts say a blog should have a specific niche.  Maybe this is right, but for now, the DrJohnM blog will endeavor to speak to patients, medical professionals and athletes.  In my opinion there is significant overlap.  Something for everyone.

Additionally, since this is 2010, I am also working on a Facebook page for the blog.

It’s too cold and icy to ride.

Stay tuned.

JMM

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A new arrival…

July 3, 2010 By Dr John

Because life is short…

“Get busy living.”


JMM

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A good bye and a thank you…

December 31, 2009 By Dr John

A little self-absorption tonight.  A pledge to keep this triviality to a minimum going forward, but it is my blog and herein lies the beauty of the blog-o-sphere.

Tomorrow is my last day at my current job.  I have worked with the same private practice group since 1996.   The senior partner at the time, Dr Richard Allen, said to me that first year, “John, always do what is right for the patient and good results will happen.”  With all the background noise in medicine these days, this simple advice still rings true.

The new job is with a “competing” group whose office is a mere 500 meters away.  Louisville Cardiology is their name.  An unwavering friend, a “squisher,” is there, they are good doctors, the two senior members names end in vowels and most importantly, they act like they like me.  Nice.

Enough already. Sorry, a touch more to add.

The doctors in my departing group with whom I have most directly worked with at Baptist are fine people.  They have my respect as doctors and people.  There is no ill will.

The staff in my office will be missed.  They are also exceptional people who have consistently worked for their patients, tirelessly, patiently and with a sincere goodness.  How should I know this?  Not only has it been 14 years in the same office, but also, I worked in a neighboring cubicle rather than the secluded office and as many know cubicles hold few secrets.  These “good peoples” also helped me; in their service to the patients, but more so with their patience, and grace, and tolerance of me, which more often than I would like to admit was challenging.  So, I say Thank You!

With any separation there is angst.  Some in my present group may have competitive concerns about me joining a neighboring practice.   This is flattering – so thanks.  Secondly, we practice in Kentucky, so worrying about competition for the care of heart disease would seem akin to two fishermen worried about competing in a hatchery.

The nerves of a new job, new people and new chapters are good sensations indeed.

JMM

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Sunday’s with Will

September 21, 2009 By Dr John

It is cross season. That means that Will and I go into our Sunday ritual. Catherine is grown and off to college. Will is getting close as well. I see him growing up so fast. The evidence is obvious: His bibs are tighter around the thighs and his shirt is getting close to too small.

Cross races in the Ohio valley are most always on Sunday. Will’s and my race times are the same week in and week out.
The ritual starts with gathering our “race stuff” first thing in the am. For those who have not seen cross, this is a major undertaking. Between the two of us, it requires a mental checklist of epic proportions. Fortunately for me, Will has a great memory and is a whiz with mental lists.
A synopsis of crap we take:
4 kits: 1 for warm-up, 1 for racing.
2 Jackets for warm-up.
4 sets of gloves, socks, arm warmers.
2 hats.
2 helmets
3 bikes (2 for me-race and pit bike), one for Will.
2 sets of extra wheels.
3 sets of shoes.
1 bike pump, 1 Multi-tool.
Chain lube
5-6 energy bars,
3 Gatorades
Almonds, (high in K which is good pre-race)
Pb and Jelly–which is my favorite pre race meal.
2 licenses
Money,
Wallet
Reading glasses (I am old) and sunglasses
Garbage bag for wet clothes
Towel to dry off after the race (mud, wet etc)
Change of regular street clothes.
Print-out of race flyer.
Iphone—Do not forget the iphone.
This list is probably not complete but you all get the picture. That list is why I drive a min-van.
Car Ride: Lot’s of nice conversation. This is not to be underestimated as it is often difficult prying much out of a pre-teen. McD stop on the way. Egg bagels/coffee for me, hotcakes and OJ for Will. WIll is a great navigator. 100% on getting there on time.
Race Arrival: Nerves when you see the tape. We wonder how diabolical the race organizer will be. You here the announcer. Will is sitting upright now. I look over and he looks back with a grin I am trying to emblazon into my white matter forever.
Warm-up and prep: Will gets dressed and gets the bikes out. I go to registration and pick up two numbers. Next is pinning of numbers. This I used to despise but now I find peace in the act. The steering wheel works perfect for this task. We ride the course and practice the sketchy parts a couple times, finding the best lines through the muck.
I head to the start line for Will. Cross weather is tricky. It is often cold and rainy so one is freezing before the race but once the whistle is blown it is not long before the body is warm. Thus, I am there to get his jacket, hat and other cold weather items. To avoid over heating even on the coolest days, it is critical to dress FOR THE RACE and not for start line. They are off and now I am a spectator. Will races pretty much a tick below his redline. This allows him enough energy for a smile and recognition to the fans. Racing a hair below the threshold is clearly a trait he inherited from his mom who we have all witnessed grinning frequently during a race.
He finishes and now it is my turn. Now, it is Will who brings a water to the start and takes the cold weather gear. During my race, I hear him cheer but very seldom look up as I race above my threshold. I know he is there through his voice. After I finish, he is there for a hug or if I am too muddy like today, a high five and a grin. That’s nice.
Genetics don’t usually lie. I am usually in top 3 or so as is Will. Neither of us very often win. We will not ever make a living racing bikes. This is good as we don’t have to let the pressure of race results booger up our experience.
Ride home: Call Staci to give her a report. Converse about each others race. The minutia of a cross race is mind boggling. A mini-two-Johns podcast. Look forward to super-special (our term for mexican food) with our other race buddies.
Take home message: Bike racing is the vehicle. The real memories are the experiences spent with Will.
JMM
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Filed Under: Cycling Stuff, Cyclocross, Reflection Tagged With: Uncategorized

John Mandrola, MD

Welcome, Enjoy, Interact. john-mandrola I am a cardiac electrophysiologist practicing in Louisville KY. I am also a husband to a palliative care doctor, a father, a bike racer, and a regular columnist at theHeart.org | Medscape

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Find me on theheart.org | Medscape Cardiology

  • Electrophysiology commentary on Medscape/Cardiology

Mandrola on Medscape

  • My Medscape column on general medical matters

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