The Hospital Attachment week
"Hospital Attachment"
The whole week I had tremendous fun. It wasn't because I have something to fill my usually boring holidays with. Despite the fact that staffs are actually very busy and I sometimes bore myself sitting around, the Hospital attachment was an awesome experience. We were assigned to various units - SPC, OPD, General Ward, Accidents & Emergency, Operation Theatre, Lab, Pharmacy and Radiology Department.
To welcome us the first morning, we had a warm and fun tea coffee break. Most of the staffs ended up spending the first few minutes talking about twins and asking us if we happen to have the same interest. So the topic revolves around studying medicine, twins, double, double, twins. I had conversations with consultants & doctors. Even though the Consultant General Surgeon was very sarcastic, it provoked me to read more, learn more. Otherwise, he had actually been trying to crack a few jokes, share his experience, scare us with the agony of housemanship (and kept repeating how it is like the lowest form of life after your so many years of studies), and laugh with us. I observed orthopedic, Dr. Kok attending to his patients, we examine a few x-ray films, I saw how removing stitches is done, and putting on a cast (thankfully the patient insisted on a cast even though the doctor said she didn't need one). He have so much explaining to do, we had so much to ask and talk about - that first day, we stayed over time.
Day 2, I was at A&E. There were two major cases and plenty of outpatients. One was an accident involving a pregnant lady who obtained a cut on her forehead, and a slight emotional disturbance. Another was an old lady admitted with difficulty speaking, moving, and a heart problem. After lunch, I went to the General Ward and ended up at the Nursery - a nurse briefly explained the use of few equipments. Then we got bored looking at the babies so we went back to A&E. We were then shown around, talked about how studying medicine would be like. The doctor sent us to pharmacy. And during a pathetic 15 minutes, I seen the manager restocking, and watched the pharmacist prepare the drugs prescribed by Doctor. It was actually hilarious - Ms. Lai made us try figuring out 2 doctor's writing, we got the first drug totally wrong. And she held a mini nice-handwriting campaign, promoting that "when you become doctor next time, we must write better than this, ok?".
Wednesday, I went to the General Ward again. The sister gave us a clearer explanation and information of the equipments, saline and drugs used in the General Ward. After that, we have the chance to follow Dr. Florence on her morning ward round, interacted with the patients, and feed babies! (I miss that baby with pneumonia - he's so adorable.) After that, we played with taking b.p. and pulse rate. I deliberately declared myself a half day and went home early because I was so tired. Besides, we have discussed and do not think anyone would want a scope in the afternoon.
The next day was very eventful. Early morning, we went to lab. Unfortunately, the lab people were busy so we didn't stay too long. We ended up going to the OT because there were very interesting cases going on. After lunch, we had a trip to Radiology department. I actually have the chance to see the green light twice. It was so beautiful (and full with radiation too)! Seen the liver and a not-so-clear bladder (because the Radiographer just had his lunch) with the Ultrasound. He also showed us some slides taken by the CT Scan, General X-ray, etc.
Friday, there were few more operations. At the OT, I was able to witness operations like caesarian, Hysterectomy, and Thyroidectomy, seen the anatomy of few parts of human body (eg. Thyroid gland, trachea, nerves, uterus, intestines), and a new born baby(!), etc. It was so fun.
I went to MV after that, and still could smell the stink of blood (or is it the mask we have to wear) in the OT. Se Yin and I watched ROTK! :) Legolas is so good looking!! drool. drool. Merry and Pippin sounded like gays! :P The mountain people are so cool. They are glowing green and move so swiftly. Anyway we had Coffee with Jesslyn before going home.
posted by Nic @ 12:55
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