So here I am, 1 1/2 years into residency and at my first doctor's appointment since starting my blood pressure has crept up. Nothing outrageous, mind you, but enough to make me think twice about my "no exercise" policy that has taken hold. So in order to better myself physically I headed over to the university gym to join. The following interaction ensues:
Me (holding my white coat, stethoscope and hospital ID): Hi, I'd like to sign up for a membership, I'm a resident here.
Staff: Great! Would you like the fee to be deducted from your paycheck?
Me: That would be great. Here's my University ID card.
Staff: Oh...It still says student on it. It has to say faculty/staff to get the staff rate.
Me: I spent a month in the ID office trying to get that updated. They couldn't figure it out. Can't you just use my hospital ID, or look me up in the phone book, or swipe my university ID to see that I'm listed as a staff member?
Staff: The ID office closes in 5 minutes. You might be able to catch them.
Me: But I just told you, they couldn't fix it. Why can't you use any other form of ID proving I'm a staff member?
Staff: I'll be happy to process this once you bring back your updated university ID.
Me: !?!?!?
I guess it has been an unseasonably warm winter in Chicago. Here's to running outside.
