Yes, they call me Dr. Hot Sauce.

I didn’t ask them to do it, but there it is. Over time at the hospital where I am a resident, my “fame” about my hot sauce collection and consumption has been slowly growing. Whether it’s the seemingly endless supply of new hot sauces I bring for tasting and using every day or the open bottles that we can’t finish at home that ends up on the “tasting table” in the break room, everyone knows that I’m a hot sauce fanatic.

To be honest, I like it that way.

“Doctor Sauce” didn’t fit very well. That just made it sound like I pound back a few too many potables, but Dr. Hot Sauce works for me. I receive an constant barrage of questions about why I eat so much hot sauce, how can my stomach and tastebuds handle the pain, and can I recommend ones for a friend/spouse/parent to try.

Because I like it, my tastebuds are alive and well, and yes I can recommend many. Just ask.

I never wanted to be infamous, but a little notoriety is something good. It’s not just people in the O.R. that ask me about hot sauce either. Other interns and residents, as well as other hospital staff who know me are just as likely to inquire about this stuff as well. It’s a warm, fuzzy feeling sometimes.

Paging, Dr. Hot Sauce. You’re needed in O.R. 3.

Hold on, let me finish my chili…made spicier than most other humans would like it. Gotta love the burn!