It. Was. A. VERY. Trying. Block. Period.
There were times when I absolutely loathe it.... and since I've already blogged about my experience in the last entry, I shall not dwell on the "darker" side any more. =P
But on the bright side:
It was the PATIENTS who actually made my day in the end. They were not merely cases with positive signs and what-nots: they are PEOPLE from all walks of life, with a different story to tell, each more interesting than the last.
I met a 66-year old granny, who migrated from Eastern Europe to Australia with her two daughters in the mid 80s. She could not speak nor understand English then. She now speaks English proficiently, and would tell me stories of the days gone by.
I met a 68-year old Caucasian, who practises Tai-Chi for a couple of years, and is currently a Tai-Chi instructor in her suburb.
I met a determined single-parent, who would do whatever she can, to prevent her ex-husband from taking their 11-year old daughter away from her.
I met a 43-year old former sales assistant, who fears being surrounded by people more than anything else, after a traumatic event two years previously.
I met a 21-year old law student, who is still determined to complete her degree, despite her current condition.
I met a 82-year old man, who proudly proclaimed that he still loves his wife of 50 years.
I met a professional photographer, who shared his travelling experiences in South Africa, emphasizing that it was both a beautiful and dangerous country to visit.
I met a 88-year old, who told me about how he met his wife in the Phillippines.
Their stories are real - of triumphs and losses, happiness and despair. They could be hilarious at one point, depressing on the other; enlightening, yet poignant at the same time.
These people, along with many others I've crossed paths with, have undoubtedly made my hospital rounds in Block 2 an experience to remember.
Thank you, for taking the trouble to accommodate.... a very inadequate 4th year medical student. XD
I wish you well.
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My next stop: Block 5, aka the Haematology/Oncology/Infectious Disease/Breast rotation.
Taking into account that they're squeezing FOUR massive components into a 6-week block, this might not be any easier than the last.
I'm looking forward to it though. XD
Labels: Medicine/Hospitals/Medics
