Howdy! Made it back to Findlay from Ft. Wayne elated, I passed the ATLS course!!!! Yay!!! Why am I so elated? Because this is without a doubt the most difficult certification in the ACLS, PALS, etc. realm of certifications anyone can earn. There's no doubt about it!!! This was one of, if not the most intense, rewarding learning experiences I have had as a physician. I'm also patting myself on the back because I saw some seasoned ER Docs have to go back and re-take some things--but this old dumb family doc pulled it off on the first run!!! It's a real confidence booster to know what to do via a very systematic approach in a major trauma situation. I think folks just assume that if you are a "doctor" that you can go out on the ice rink after a hockey player smashes head first into the boards and know what to do right?? The reality is you really need something like ATLS to prepare you completely for that, and for even tougher stuff. I know it will make me a better "Country Doctor"!!! Thanks to my ATLS certified friends and colleagues who gave me tips on how to pass this course---which basically means MEMORIZING THE INTIRE 391 PAGE BOOK!!!