Friday, January 10, 2014

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

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