Ole Jordan Wackett (colloquially known as “Wackett”), one of our fearless chiefs, and an all around great human who dedicates his waking time to strengthening our residency and all those around him.

Wackett is the kind of guy that steps up when a step exists that is calling for someone to step on it. He tirelessly works, not only in the ED caring greatly for patients and improving himself everyday, but also shines as an example for all of us to be better, and inspires us to attempt such.

Wackett’s contributions are innumerable, but notably he has worked hard to create digital and social content for our residency including this website/blog, giving excellent presentations/talks in both content and delivery, promoting student/resident wellness, expanding his knowledge base with curiosity beyond the walls of traditional medicine, and selflessly prioritizing others’ education and experiences over his own.

Other less widely adopted contributions also include: his love affair with “Slack”; and looking cool at all times, even when on shift, in jet black, form-fitting, Nike attire.

His nomination as our RIP City Resident is one small token demonstrating how proud we are of Wackett, and how grateful we are that he is here at OHSU to inspire us all.

What’s the most recent book you read AND your favorite book of all time?
- Most recent is Range by David Epstein. Some of the ideas really resonant with me and what it’s like practicing emergency medicine. Breadth is better than depth in certain circumstances.
- Favorite is The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo. Any experience you have really is a product of what you make of it.

If medicine was taken over by robots (i.e, you’re obsolete and not needed), what would be your next endeavor?
Probably a robot mechanic at that point. Just kidding. I’ve always had an interest in visual arts, especially digitally produced stuff like video, graphics, animation, that kind of stuff. I’d probably do something casual like design concert merch for Kanye or something like that.

Do you have stock in “Slack”?
haha no - I’m just so anti-email. Slack just makes asynch communication so much easier. Your email inbox is really just a to-do list that everyone but you has control of adding stuff to. It’s the worst.

What do you make sure you always have with you on shift?
It’s all about the pen. Historically, I’ve only use the Pilot Precise V5 RT. 0.5mm is perfect, writes smooth, no cap to lose, cheap refills. Though over the past year I’ve fallen for the Muji 0.38mm. Clean lines, economic, nice aesthetics. I also love the store.

What do you think incoming residents should know about EM residency?
I think we all have some understanding of the things that make EM challenging before coming to residency: variable schedule, social issues that are hard to solve in the ED, challenging work environment. The thing that helped me develop the most was fundamentally understanding that we’re just playing a different ball game in the ED than elsewhere in the hospital. Our decision making and management is sometimes questioned or criticized by colleagues in other parts of the hospital. Ultimately we play not to lose and it takes a healthy dose of self-confidence to be ok not knowing the answer.

Marry, kill, and ...get intimate with: biking, driving, foot travel
haha
- Marry: biking. so many benefits. Plus have you ever gotten off a bike in a bad mood?
- Kill: foot travel. I love walking to explore places. This is just my least favorite of the three.
- Intimate: Driving. My great uncle is in the Racing Hall of Fame (shout out Bill Engelhart). My grandma told me once to “not let it scare me from riding again” after I hit a deer on my motorcycle. Motorsports has been a part of my life since I was born.

Best pizza in Portland?
I certainly haven’t tried them all but I have a few go-to’s:
- Fancy pants: Apizza Scholls
- Best hangout spot: Blackbird
- Ol’ trusty: Pizzacato

Flat or seltzer water?
No strong preference, usually flat water. I ain’t mad about a coconut La Croix though.

Why no scrubs in the ED? Defend your on-shift attire!
Well in the era of COVID it’s hospital scrubs every day. The issue is:
1) scrubs are generally poor fitting which is just annoying, but also,
2) the lack of pockets is irritating in the ED.  So a pair of Prana pants and work vest is right on the money.