Sue daMones, the "911" Operator, and Boxer Shorts.

Interacting with residents, medical students, and other “learners” (the new politically correct, nonperjorative term) affords loads of opportunities. Sure, this responsibility forces providers to maintain a certain level of competency; it reminds us of the fragility of the young ego; it allows us to believe that we are somehow molding the future of medicine. Working with learners also ensures loads of fodder for our story-telling and future comedy routines. Of course, non–health care personnel fi nd none of these tales funny. In fact, most of our nonpediatric hospitalist colleagues fi nd these stories juvenile and immature. But I think it is time we just admit it: pediatric hospitalists appreciate humor, especially humor involving our learners. Sometimes it gets us into trouble. Sometimes the hospital has to change its policies. Sometimes we just shake our heads and think, “Who is going to believe this?”