For this contest, we want an entertaining suggestion for passing the time when waiting to see a doctor. Send us a funny idea and make us laugh. And remember: a long wait is not your doctor’s fault! They are often frustrated, too, about how little time they have with each patient. [Read our previous feature story, Both Ends of the Stethoscope.]

Nevertheless, it can be pretty boring sitting there on the butcher paper. It can’t hurt to add a little levity to the equation now and then. Some possibilities include:

• Doodling on the exam table paper
• Making origami
• Cleaning out your purse

[Read this month’s related story, Life on the Paper Sheet.]

If we select your entry, we’ll send you a free gas card worth $200! Don’t worry about whether you know how to write. Our editors will check for grammar and tighten the writing. The most important thing is to "write from the heart" and not worry about style.

Click here to see the winner of our last contest, Your Worst Email Guffaw.

Who Is eligible?

This contest is open to all U.S. residents, unless otherwise restricted in these rules. No purchase is necessary. This contest is sponsored by A.D.A.M., Inc. Void where prohibited. A.D.A.M., Inc. employees and non-U.S. residents are not eligible.

How do you submit your entry?

There are 2 ways to submit your story -- by email or regular mail.

To submit by email:

• Send an email with the following subject line: Passing Time at My Doctor’s Office
• Include the following in the email: a short suggestion of what to do while waiting for the doctor; your first and last name, email address, street address, and a phone number where we can reach you.
• Email your entry to: contest@adamcorp.com

To submit by regular mail:

• Include a short suggestion of what to do while waiting for a doctor; your first and last name, street address, and a phone number where we can reach you.
• Mail to: Editorial Director, Passing Time at My Doctor’s Office, A.D.A.M. Inc, 1600 Riveredge Parkway, Suite 100, Atlanta GA, 30328

We will use your phone number to contact you in the event you win. Your address is needed to mail the prize. We will NOT use your phone number or address for any other reason.

All entries must be submitted by September 30, 2008.

How will the winner be selected and notified?

We will pick one winner. The individual who sends the winning submission will receive a free gas card worth $200. The winning entry will be selected based on the following criteria:

1. Your entry was received by the deadline.

2. You include a short description of what you do while waiting for your doctor.

3. You make us laugh.

The A.D.A.M. editorial team will determine which entry best meets these criteria, and our decisions are final. A.D.A.M. will mail the winner an affidavit of eligibility. Upon receipt of the affidavit, A.D.A.M. will mail your prize to the address provided.

Copyright & Permission

Upon submission, the content of your entry becomes solely the property of A.D.A.M., Inc. By submitting an entry, you give A.D.A.M. permission to use the content in any of our products at any time. We reserve the right to alter the content for grammar and additional editing or tightening. You will remain anonymous. We will NOT use your full name in any of our products. We will use first name and last initial.