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.