Medicine seems to be in my blood. My grandfather, father and both of my uncles on my Dad's side are all cardiologists. Cardiology, if you did not know, is the study of the heart. My mother was a labor and delivery nurse, before she decided to become a stay at home mom. Being raised by two medical professionals you would think I would be inspired to go in to medicine. Sadly abysmal math scores kept me out of the medical field, but my raising did yield me some things I believe all who have been raised by a doctor or nurse have in common.

1. You Never Go To The Doctor

I stopped seeing a Doctor regularly some time after I had all of my shots. My mom decided wellness visits were a waste of money as we always were well, and no matter how sick we got, my dad could call in a prescription to take care of it. The older I got, the more extreme this became. My mom was a nurse and excellent at giving shots, so my dad often brought home vaccines for her to administer. I remember one Christmas when my older sister reacted badly to the Malaria medication she was taking for her upcoming mission's trip, my dad brought home an I.V. and my mom ran it. She received fluids while we watched Pirate's Of The Caribbean like it was no big deal. To this day, though I no longer live with my dad, I still call him if I am sick and he calls in antibiotics or whatever he sees fit. This saves me on doctor visits and leads me to my next point.

2. If You Do Go to the Doctor It Is Because You Are Actually Dying

I can name a number of instances where I probably should have gone to the emergency room, but used a prescribed at home remedy instead. Two possible burst cysts come to mind. We do not know for sure, because my dad said they would just give me fluids and pain meds and he could do that at home. Gatorade and Aleve were prescribed and an order to be tough. I remember the first time I had to go to an urgent care, because I was working at a camp, and dad was too far away to help. It was culture shock to say the least, and all for a little early on Bronchitis. No big deal.

3. Pain And Illness Are Relative

As I stated above the average cold or even early caught Bronchitis was not much of a cause for concern. Both my parents worked in an emergency room at some point or another and had excellent triage skills. They knew the difference between what could be treated at home and what could not. Usually that line was defined by broken bones, or cuts requiring stitches. Now note my parents had a take no prisoners attitude and they are both excellent in an emergency. My mom is ever the doting nurse, and my dad is the most calm cool and collected man I have ever met. We were occasionally told to tough it out, but that was they could tell the difference between kid dramatics and a true cause for concern.

4. Faking Sick Didn't Happen

In my house it was impossible to fake sick. My mom could tell a fake stomach ache from a real one and doesn't deal with vomit well. Faking sick had few rewards in my house and was close to impossible. Quite the contrary, often we kids would compete to see who could go the longest without getting sick.

5. Your Medical Knowledge Is Extensive And You Share

Growing up how I did I have an often encyclopedic knowledge of common illnesses and how to treat them. For instance I diagnosed my boyfriend with Conjunctivitis today. I recognized the signs and was quick to point out how to treat it.

6. You Enjoy Medical Shows Even If They're Inaccurate

I am completely obsessed with any show based in a Hospital, which is especially true if they are set in an Emergency Room. I do often notice their inaccuracies. Part of this is from years of watching my parents critique them. My own knowledge also works against me enjoying them. Speaking of Hollywood CPR is 30-2 unless it's child CPR then you can do 15-2 as long as you have two people. This 5 chest compressions then breathe crap is ridiculous. Also AEDs don't magically bring people back to life, and you can not give CPR if the patient is sitting up. This has been a PSA!

7. You Have Often Thought About Joining The Medical Field

With my knowledge and love of the medical field I have often thought about becoming a Doctor or a Nurse however, my low Math grades stopped me every time.

8. You Have A Steel Stomach

A few months ago I was eating lunch with my boyfriend and we were watching Trama: Life in the ER. He was noticeably disturbed the things by the things he saw. I, however, had no problems eating while watching. This probably stems from decades of medical talk at dinner time, which means nothing turns my stomach.

9. You Know Scrubs Are The Best

Scrubs are the bomb bar none! They make great Halloween costumes, and great pajamas as well. Check them out- you won't be disappointed.

10. You Get Special Privileges at Whatever Hospital Your Parents Work At

My dad's hospital is almost an hour away from me, and yet I know a trip to that ER will go much quicker than any other. I also enjoy hearing "Oh you're Dr Manuben's kid." My dad has been a chief of staff many times and everyone knows him. As a kid it made me feel like a celebrity. Now I just have great respect for him.

11. You Have Great Respect For Anyone In The Medical Field

I know how much time and money it takes to become a doctor or nurse, and have great respect for all those who commit their lives to becoming one. Those jobs are tough, and testing on one's character. It often is a thankless job with long challenging nights. It is not all about big money- in fact many doctors are in debt for years from 12 years of schooling. My dad was not home often when I was a kid because he worked long hours and most weekends. That was a sacrifice he made for us, and his patients.

I love my dad, and I am so grateful for the lessons his career taught me. I hope this article opens your eyes a bit to the lives of doctor's and those who love them.