Midway through medical

In a few days time, it marks my 6th month as a houseman. Time really flies and all thanks to God for being there with me to survive through this whole ordeal.

At the beginning of this 2nd posting, honestly i was sceptical about it. Medical in my dictionary is equivalent to the word "BORING" and "YAWNING". nothing makes sense since i cannot imagine of the pathophysiology. How am i suppose to imagine calcium going in and out of the channels and causing the symptoms? It is not as pictographic  as the one for instance in O&G. furthemore, medical books consist of mainly texts. Another yawn factor there.

However, after going through this posting, i kinda have some ideas on how to manage the patients. Though not as crystal clear but at least i can handle the common presentations. Oh, workload wise; it can be more tiring than in O&G since we have to handle more patients but i am thankful for having supportive seniors and superiors.

Another thing to keep in mind is that this posting bears a lot of risk. I notice quite a lot of the patients have infectious blood borne disease; Hep B, Hep C and HIV. hence, universal precaution is vital in preenting needle stick injury. Life is precious so please donttake this likely.

Alright then. Those are all for my ramblings today. Ive been motovating to regularly update my blog but i havent got the determination. Perhaps i am mentally tired nowadays. Bye then!

Oncall then comes the word Jonah / Hot

Once you enter the housemanship, you might think life will go on like a breeze. Well, one think that you should be preparing yourself into is the ONCALL. This routine will always be stuck in your life once you obtain the title Dr in front your name. Even the consultant will be put on the oncall schedule. So please correct your understanding on how your life will if you choose to take medicine. 


In Malaysia we have come out with few terms which can help your colleagues to prepare mentally on how the night would be. If you are regarded as a Jonah, then be prepared for restless or sleepless nights since it will usually be eventful. To put it into simple word, you are basically a patient magnet. Admissions will be non-stop or if it isnt, then perhaps your current patients in the wards will be problematic. Since i am in the medical posting, the common complaints will either be chest pain, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, CBD pain or  headache in the middle of the night. 


In Sabah or Sarawak meanwhile,  they don't use the word Jonah but instead, they are more used to the word "HOT". This word can also be used for the MOs or Specialist and even the nurses. As for myself, i used to be HOT in the previous posting. I seldom got to sleep due to non-stop admissions. Nurses dont really like it if i am oncall. HAHA but what i like about that despite being tired is that i feel proud by the end of the day since i survive the whole ordeal. 


Other thing that comes with the word Hot / Jonah is the superstitions. Some believe that you should take your shower during the night session to prevent the Hotness. Some also would avoid wearing light/bright coloured clothes and that also to include your innerwear! But throughout my observation, personality can also affect the situation. I notice that those who are easily agitated and have temper management would also lead to hotness oncall. 


I am really interested in knowing what other superstitions that other hospital practices in. I do not fully believe in it though. Guess those are all for this time fellas. I am going to enter my oncall in a few hours time. Meanwhile, enjoy a few shots through my iPhone camera of life in Miri.