My Two Cent's On Housemanship

These day's when i go to work my bosses,colleagues keep complaining about housemans.Even in the news,medical blogs.I guess times are different,there are a whole lot of them now as compared to before.But the thing is just by complaining are we really solving anything??

I think even most of us forget that housemanship is the time they're actually suppose to be learning as well,sometimes i don't think we're teaching enough or even setting a good example's.I believe a good houseman would make a good MO and a good MO would make a good specialist,respect has to be earned if people don't respect you, stop pointing fingers,reflect on yourself first.Contrary to what people think,being a doctor is definately not the toughest job in the the world,especially these days,it's just because generally we have been used to having an easy life,mum and dad always around,and suddenly we're on our own,making life changing decisions,working long hours(it doesnt help with all the private medical schoold mushrooming of course).

It's tough yes,the long hours,no food at times,being at the bottom of the whole work pyramid.But it's not impossible.Remember what doesn't kill you will only make you stronger.

I'm happy that there are a few new doctor's who are reading my blog,i really hope it helps and inspires them a little, because i know it's a really long process that2years, that is if one does not get extended,but the thing is life's tough as well,every single stage of it.I mean if you have gone through 5years of medical school i'm sure you can do this as well.Just learn as much,don't be afraid to leave home and work somewhere else

And the most important thing that would get you through those long hours,on-calls is empathy,we need to love our patients,treat them as how you would you own mother or father,grandparents or siblings.They have needs and wants as well,some times although it's easy for us but it may not be so for them.Especially something i learnt more here in Sarawak where logistics is a major problem with no proper roads,boats timing’s to consider.

This adorable girl in Chiang Mai

Lastly I’m sure the new batch of doctor’s would do great as long as they have the right guidance and the right attitude,no matter what they say about the number of doctors,here in east Malaysia somehow we have yet to see the numbers,sometimes we are still quite short.So choose wisely and do a great job :)

This is how i survived mine
http://lostsarawakdoc.blogspot.com/2009/12/earthly-wisdom-from-houseman-whos.html

Escorting a patient to KLGH

I was taking care of this patient who has hemophilia B with a pathological fracture of the femur.We finally decided to send him to KLGH as sibu was lacking the factor 9 concentrate.

So when my mo asked me if i wanted to escort him,i jumped at the oppurtunity,plus i can see my family,even if it was for a day.So everything was done immediately,the social worker referral,the month long discharge summary,as no one bothered to sumarrize earlier.There was a glitch as he didnt have an IC,he said it has been in process for so long and he's yet to get it.So that required extra time to get a letter from the longhouse headman(such things are still common in sarawak)

They had to book a 9seater because he had to be in a strecher,as he isnt able to walk or sit,it also included a flight ticket for his mum and me.It was such a long day,by the time i finished the discharge sumarry was almost 11 at night,plus the ward was really busy.I was actually quite exhausted as i have been tagging(initially when u start a new posting),the only thing to look forward was i get to go home:)

Woke up at 4,got to the hospital by 5.My patient and his mum were ready,both very anxious,as this would be their first flight and the first time going out of sarawak.She even packed her basket of foood,drinks,i couldnt help smilling:)She only speaks iban and she is so afraid of getting lost,and not knowing where to find food.

My patient was relatively cool,he shares the same birthday as me only a year younger,but so many differences between us,i feel humble and thank god for the good life i'v had

The ambulance picked us up,we were actually very early at the airport,flight was at 7.Finally they told us to go in,the ambulance drove us straight into the tarmac,i was thinking how cool,i was actually worried about my immigration clearance and all as the social worker gave me many letters for them here and for the flight back but we didnt even have to go through.

Me and the MA had who escorted even had time to pose for picture's while waiting for clearance to put my patient into the plane





So finally we we're boarded and strapped in.Patient's mum was so scared,she kept on looking for me,she was mumbling to herself,proabaly praying.Once we were on air,she was more settled,put on her socks kept on telling me celap mai(very cold).My patient on the other hand just decided to sleep the whole way.

His mum kept on looking at him,even kept the food for him so he could eat later,so much of love,very heart warming:)


Eventually reached KLIA,and of course the ambulance from KLGH was waiting at the tarmac as well,felt like a real VVIP:)

Along the way my patient and his mum were so chatty.....i overheard the mum saying "Eh such a modern place they still have so many oil palm estates,thought there would only be buildings"

Reached the casualty at KLGH,it was actually my first visit there,although i'v lived in KL/Selangor practically 1/2 my life.Very impressive and so huge,somehow i still felt like a foreigner,haha probably been in Sarawak for too long.The doc's were quite shocked tht i came all the way from sibu,i guess it's not everyday we send a patient across the south china sea over.

Well my patient's mum still looked very worried,so while waiting for the various doctor's to decide where to admit my patient(although everything was clearly written in the referral letter & detail discharge summary) i took her to the most important place in the hospital








-THE CAFETARIA-

haha,even bought her lunch,no one understood her languange,i just hope she won't get lost the next time.Showed her the mini grocery shop.

So after 4hours in the casualty they finally decided on where to send him.So i said my goodbye's and reminded as many people as i could to take of them,bout the immigration,and just to keep an eye.

Finally took the train home,although very tired but extremely happy that i left him in safer hands and i get to see my family of course,even if it was just for a day:)

Earthly wisdom from a houseman who's almost completing the 2 year housemanship

1.JOGGING ( My personal fav,other then being healthy,it clears the mind especially after a hard day with your patient's,their relatives(some 1st yr medical student that conveniently forget she's in a gov hosp,thinks of u as her personal slave)

2.Best time to exercise is when your post call - so that you wont feel guilty sleeping the whole day through

3.EAT - contrary to what we think,we should eat,i don't believe those who say they're so busy they cant find the time,once in awhile i understand,but you really have to find time,nobody saying a 3course meal,but it's better to just grab a bite.So stop being hypocrite - start eating it's good for you

4.Study when you can - There's always not enough time,too tired.But studying is really important.If we just work daily,we're really not improving ourself.The number of doctor's are increasing,the reality is competition is stronger so it's wise to read a bit.

5.Read the news - Please know what's going on around you,do not be a ignaramous

6.Take a break - you will need it

7.When u feel what the hell are u doing,working 36hours,not getting paid enough,not appreciated....just think u helped save a life,it could have been your father,mother,siblings or grandmother( it helped me )


Housemanship isnt as bad as it sounds,not like 10years back....learn as much before we become responsible for all our actions,and there's no MO/Specialist to back you up.