January 25, 2026

by Dr. Plastic Picker

It was such a wonderful evening. Mr. Plastic Picker (who is also a doctor) is now Chief of his department. I’m no longer Assistant Boss, for the last four years or has it been five? It was a valuable experience despite the burnout because I understand what Mr. Plastic Picker’s journey has been. It’s much easier being the supportive spouse than having to be actually in charge. I did my time in admin, over 5 years leading our large clinic and another 5 years as Assistant Boss. And now I’m happily a front-line clinical pediatrician taking care of my little patients and doing the projects that interest me.

But yesterday was his night. I wore one of my nicer dresses, nothing too fancy. Wore nice boots and a little bit more make-up. And I just smiled and shook hands, and followed him around the party venue like a puppy. This was the role I am used to in our relationship, and I don’t make apologies for it. It’s fun to follow him around and just try to be there for him. At my own work place, I’m like an energizer bunny at times with large swings of emotion. But once in a while, it’s good to be a more supportive character. It’s actually much easier on the nervous system.

So I got to observe all the dynamics of his department, the other doctors, the staff, the managers as a background character. I noticed things more. The firepit. The beautiful scenery. The dresses and the dance moves. I recorded. I photographed. I watched him do his leadership thing, knowing he looked very calm but underneath I could feel his nerves. He asked me to be there for him. He asked me specifically to remember to put it on my calendar. And I’m glad I was there and I think it made the evening nicer for him.

He and I get our happy ending everyday.