how old are you doctor: another deja vu

Chinese aunties just love to ask this question. Years ago, I would have felt offended, but I think I'm getting used to it now. In fact, I enjoy seeing the surprised look on their face (eyes open wide & jaw drop) when I say that I'm in my mid-30's.

Most of them guess that I'm in my mid to late 20's. Not bad. I take that as compliment...and I would always flatter them back by saying that they too look more youthful than their actual age. It's part of doctor-patient bonding :)

I'M NOT OKAY: A DEJA VU

Although I work at UOK (unit onkologi klinikal), I'm not okay. I dread going to work everyday. Don't get me wrong, I love my job, but I just can't stand the cold environment in my department.

Some ENT doctors describe allergic rhinitis as hell on earth. I know exactly what they mean, especially if I've forgotten to use my steroid spray in the morning.

Because of the cold, my fingers were also discoloured on a few occasions (raynaud's phenomenon) & not to mention the constant urge to eat something. In a way, I miss the "south pole" which is warm & hot...

Sperm Banking

A colleague of mine was trying to arrange for sperm banking for a young man who was due to start on chemotherapy for testicular germ cell tumour. Since the service is not available at our centre, she called another hospital to find out.

Doctor: Hello, selamat pagi...

Operator: Hello, selamat pagi, Hospital XYZ, boleh saya bantu?

Doctor: Boleh sambung ke Sperm Banking?

Operator: Sorry, sini hospital, bukan bank...

SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST - THE DANIEL'S THEORY

The selection of candidates for next year's Masters in Clinical Oncology will be somewhat different.

Those who resemble Deborah Henry or Amber Chia will be exempted from interview.

Those who don't will have to undergo an endurance test in the jungle, on top of a very academic oriented interview. They will need to spend 24 hours in the jungle without food, water or extra clothing. By midnight, one senior will be assigned to release the tigers & another will be responsible to get the pythons. If majority still survives till morning, more tigers & pythons will be brought in. Those who can come out of the test in one piece will be accepted into the programme.

How am I supposed to come out

4F's revisited

It is almost like a deja vu, though it has been almost 3 years since I last worked here...


FAR

The parking woes seem to be a never ending story. It has gotten a lot worse in fact, with all the construction going on. I force myself to come early every morning, to get a good parking place nearer the department (because I am just too lazy to walk).

While I manage to avoid the daily morning walk, problem arises when it is time to go home (sigh....)

* see picture later


FREEZER
(This is the worse part of the 4F's)

I kinda miss the hot environment in HKL. I really dislike the cold. I don't know how I managed to survive in New Zealand, but I'm definitely not surviving well at the moment. Room 7 & 8 in the clinic are a nightmare. On the few occasions that I sat there, my fingertips actually turned red & swollen (raynaud's phenomenon) & I could not write properly on patient's case notes...so the other reason why I come early to work is to 'book' a clinic room that is less cold.



FLOODED
Haven't seen this one yet so far...

FADED

There is no change from 3 years ago, especially since the Law faculty is still next door (their building is always bright & colorful)...while the Medical faculty is grey & gloomy.

EAR WHAT ??

Has anyone heard of or actually tried ear candling?

This topic (ear candling) was presented at our hospital's CME (continuing medical education) this week. Apparently it is a form of alternative medicine where a hollow candle is placed into the external auditory meatus (ear canal) with the other end lit up. It is said to have originated from the Hopi tribe in North America (if I heard correctly).


Practitioners of ear candling claim that it can cure many illnesses/ ailments, among those mentioned during the CME:

(1) Chronic sinusitis (for some reason, my colleagues looked at me when this was mentioned)
(2) Ear wax
(3) General well being
(4) Purify the mind (it was then my turn to look at them)
(5) etc
(6) etc


But please do not try this at home, as there isn't any scientific basis or evidence of benefit. In fact, it may be hazardous to one's health or even cause damage to the ear canal or tympanic membrane (ear drum).