Category Archives: All in a days work

as a medical officer

Its Monday

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From my Mini Galaxy.

This is what Im bartering in exchange for a place in anaesthesia. Till now Im still undecided on which is a Want and which is a Need. While I crave for an adrenaline rush (within my comfort zone, of course) I too need that quiet low key life where I get to spend to with my family. Yes, careerwise… Most options are like what the Malay proverb would say ‘bagai telur di hujung tanduk’.

Decide Minci decide!!

Of finding a balanced work/life

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“Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer. Go some distance away because then the work appears smaller and more of it can be taken in at a glance and a lack of harmony and proportion is more readily seen”

 – leonardo da vinci-

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Perhaps its human nature to always covet what we dont have. Just today, my colleague who works in the same ward expressed his intention to apply for a transfer to work in a polyclinic setting as opposed to a hospital environment.

I was surprised as he doesnt strike to me as someone who would enjoy working in KK. While that same thought could have resonate within him, his reasons for the air of change was far beyond the cause of work. He was looking for ‘life outside work’. As opposed to myself who is yearning for a ‘balanced life outside work’.

Him, working as a medical MO is very demanding. That, I understand. Its the same everywhere even in Borneo. They hardly get to sleep during their calls and is still expected to turn up for work the next day till 5pm (at least). On top of that, its something they have to get used to doing about 7 -8 times a month for a mean sum of money.

And I see this happening across other departments as well. Which is why having a career in Anaesthesia lured me. At least I get ‘post call off’.

That little time allowed me that rare chance to visit banks or malls, get the laundry done, stock up the fridge, spend time with baby etc.  ‘Post call off day’ granted me oportunities to cook awesome, slightly complicated meals for my husband. On certain days, even a short visit to the SPA for a massage or facial. It also gives me a chance to catch up on abit of reading and studying. It was precious time spent on clearing and archiving my thoughts just so I can keep functioning day by day.

That was the appeal for Anaesthesia back where I came from. I hope to seek the same incentive in this new place. However, I should start by making steps to set foot there first. Im still more than 27KM away from where I should be.

Laments from the small town

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“I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.”

 Khalil Gibran

It seems that Ive got a lot of things to get used to regarding working in a district environment;

  1. The relatively long drive to work in my old, ruined 2002 Kancil. Id probably end up having an ‘occupational hazard’ lung if I keep inhaling the smoke coming out from the trucks eczos pipes.
  2. Arriving early to work with the aim of starting my rounds early only to be held up by something non related to ward work. For instance, writing up case summaries for the Manipal Students exam. Honestly, it would have helped if the Professor does not put too much of an air. Despite that, a heartful thank you to the ward Sister because she made an effort to help me get my monetary reimbursement for my assistance to the exam. If it was solely me, I wouldnt be bothered at all to make the claim.
  3. Speaking to patients who will give you a different story everytime.
  4. Speaking to patients who are not bothered with their medical illness, defaults treatments and to a certain extent keep saying that ‘doctors not telling me anything’ story.
  5. Breach patient confidentiality. To a certain extent, not even telling the patient their diagnosis because of the family’s request. I think this is the most frustrating of all – to practice medicine in all this secrecy.
  6. A place which looks like a weekend everyday
  7. Very lenient MCs. Pergh.. hate this one too when sometimes patients request unreasonable amounts of rest days.
  8. Expensive food. yahhhhhhhhhh
  9. Something positive: at least the SN, PPK and other personnels know their job description and execute them well
  10. Patients will come back after a week or two.

 

Learning to persevere

 

 

Hating district

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“Its like asking a carpenter to fix your sink and asking a plumber to knit you a sweater”

I have a lot of reason to hate my current posting.

I hate clinics. I hate ward rounds. I hate having to see the same patient again and again for their illness ( in clinics). I hate that I have to write up a lot of forms and papers. I hate that our punchcard is under scrutiny always. I hate that I’ve got to be more involved in the admin side of things. I hate that I’ve got to leave home early everyday to go to work. An hour drive everyday to and fro – in a freaking Kancil. Engines gonna die! Engines gonna go up in smoke!

Have I told you that I hate clinics? Ive lost touch into TCA-ing patients, in managing chronic systemic diseases.

True. Anaesthesia too have clinics and ward rounds. But they’re far more interesting!!!

Oh how I wish they’d let me run the little OT everyday. its hard doing something that you like for a year and then forced into not doing it anymore.

but this is district life. What to do. Tadah jelah sampai sangap…

No wait. This does not even qualify as a district hospital because it is still governed by specialists. Its pseudo district. If specialist doesnt know how, they’ll agree to your plan cause it sounds better.