Of arteries and veins

           Today marks the end of the 2 weeks of Internal Medicine posting in UKMMC. For the first time in medical school, I yearned to return to the medical wards once more, as a houseman, and then as an MO and hopefully, as a specialist.

           Time just passed with the blink of the eye. There was just too much to learn and pick up in the 2 weeks back here. In contrast to the postings in Teluk Intan and HKL, where I felt somehow restricted in carrying out ward procedures and clerkings, the posting back in UKMMC gave me a sense of home. Being in my own hospital, I felt the urge to bear the responsibilities of being a final year medical student as well as a junior houseman. 

             What makes this posting here more interesting is that I got the chance to be attached to a great inspiring young house officer who was always there to guide me along. Although only 2 months into his first posting of housemanship, he completes his tasks with great efficacy and accuracy. And I was immediately amazed and inspired by him from the very first day I stepped into my ward. Since that day, I was always looking forward to going to the wards every morning and work together with him.

             There were ups and downs in this short 2 weeks: being able to draw slightly difficult bloods, being rejected for a 2nd venepuncture attempt by a patient, performing well and answering lecturer's questions but also sometimes being constipated due to lack of knowledge. Going to the wards as early as 645am and sometimes staying back till as late as 630pm. Although I had to admit that I was deprived of sleep for this 2 weeks, the sacrifice was pretty worthwhile for the knowledge and the experience. 

            Perhaps the number of bloods I took in this mere 2 weeks were at least double the amounts I had for the previous 2 years in medical school. (Now you see how few venepuctures I did in my 3rd and 4th year haha!). I step into the wards with enthusiasm 7am every morning to help with the blood rounds, then followed by updating the charts and doing my own AM reviews. Life was certainly wonderful. 

            All good thing had to end at some time. Coming up next will be the surgical posting which I detest the most! haha...freaking cold and boring OTs...ewwww....But I hope this burning inspiration brought along by this doctor/senior/friend of mine will carry me through the hard times and mature to be one inspiring and efficient doctor like him =) 

May we meet soon in the future. All the best to you too Dr Wazir!

Yik Ping

10Jan 2014

A non ordinary uncle, an inspiring patient

A usual morning in the wards with an unusual experience~
I was doing my normal morning clerkings when I saw this elderly uncle sitting on his bed reading his papers. I approached him the same way I did with other patients by a simple greeting followed by 'apa khabar encik' - Use Bahasa Malaysia until proven otherwise.

He was well groomed and looked pretty healthy (except his oxygen mask) for a 80 year old Malay male. But as the conversation heated up, my instincts told me that this uncle was not any average patient. He spoke with fluent English on top of wise words and appropriate gestures. Upon enquiring on his past occupation, he revealed that he was a FELDA town planner! Wow, among the pioneers of the FELDA settlements we could see now in the Peninsular Malaysia, especially in Pahang and Terengganu.

I immediately switched my intention of taking some history from him to engaging in a conversation about his job and life. It was just simply too interesting to chuck this part away and focus on the medical part. Sometimes, talking to patients and listening to their part of the story makes the life of a medical professional less dull and routine. And I had to admit that I did not want to end the conversation.

We talked about our families, our backgrounds, his working life as a planner, marriage and children. Frankly, this is the first time I came across such a wonderful occupation. He has to camp in the jungle for a month or so, on the tree house and survey the area. He draws the plans, where the towns should be, the plantations, the grocery shops and convenience stores, the police station, the market and all the other structures of a town. And he had frequented the East Malaysia too for town planning, which revolves around about the same thing he does in the FELDA settlements.

Midway through the conversation, he even pointed out, without looking at my name tag that I must be from Penang. And with Tan as my surname, I should be Hokkien. Bingo! With vast experience with people from Penang, and having a chinese wife from Penang, he told me that it wasn't quite difficult to come out with a wise guess. We talked about family planning (3 children should suffice) as well. Interestingly, he gave me a piece of advice: Birth control. We should focus on quality rather than quantities. We should ensure that our children receive the best attention and financial support with the limited amount of time and resources we have. And yes you are right, his children and grandchildren are well established individuals in the society. A proud father and grandfather I would say.

We shared jokes, and talked about medical and non medical and I really had a good time through out the 45 minute conversation. I felt heavy hearted to end that conversation. But he will be one of the patients that would inspire me for my rest of medical career and in my future!