My 2008 - Life

My life in 2008 - if minus what I did for Medicine and Magic as I previously mentioned, there are really not much left=p Just to note a few significant things (in chronological order):1. I finally completed my collection of Feel 100% comics. Believe it or not, it took me 16 years to do so!;)2. I wrote on how much I like Stephen Chow. Hehe. He's really a great inspiration!3. My new car was hit by

My 2008 - Medicine

A recollection of what I went through in 2008.The first 3 months I did my JMOship in Surgical posting. It's such a nice posting. I also got to know what are the criteria to make up a perfect surgical HO, and something about UTI prevention ;)After surgical, I went to Paediatric department. Had some deep thoughts about the slow-learners that I saw in clinic, and was quite upset for a couple who

My 2008 - Magic & Performances

Let's do a summary of what have I done in this year - my magic & performances. I think it's more "happening" in the first half of this year, as I was quite busy preparing for exam after that.The 1st show of the year - Apex Group annual dinner night. James the event organizer, called us "very marketable magicians" ha. It was a good start;)The next was Rotary Club Anniversary dinner. The club

Last Days in A&E

It's year end and I'm leaving the Emergency Department. Informed by my hosp director that I'll be transferred to Medical department starting Jan 09.If you remember my story, I initially applied for medical while finishing my JMOship and due to medical was full, I was put in A&E "temporarily" till there is vacancy (for details you can read this).And this wait has been 6 months! Much more than I

gratitudes

The office is empty. I don't think I'm the only one here but it feels like it. And I love that. The few people who were here yesterday thought I was nuts for coming in today. But it feels so good to be somewhere quiet, without anyone asking anything of me. Not even a conversation. Just time to myself. It's like studio time when I've had it. Total freedom. It feels like when I was a kid and everyone left the house and I was home alone. Beautiful solitude. I am always grateful for it. And for so much more.
This year has been one of shifts, sea changes and small steps.
I am so grateful for my closest girlfriends Mimi, Sanae and Gay. They are always there. And always in my heart.
I feel like the luckiest girl alive to have a job I love at a time of financial chaos. I am trying my best to share my good fortune more than usual this year. It's just makes me feel good.
A few times recently, I've noticed that someone didn't charge me for something (milk at the grocery store, a dress at the thrift store, a single pocket buddha among 7 others) but rather than go back and return it - which is just a huge pain in the butt in terms of schedule and location - I just donate more than its value to a charity. It feels like the right thing to do.
I am so grateful for Larry this year. He still yells at drivers, and people who take up too much of the sidewalk. But by taking the time to notice what he's grateful for each day, he is so much more fun to be around. And that makes me more fun to be around. It's that simple.
I'm also grateful for my mother's lightness of spirit. When the power went out at their house a few weeks ago, my parents spent the night at ours, and I have to admit I was just a bit disappointed when their power came back on.
I've got a zillion more gratitudes. This just my start.
May your day be filled with the Magic Medicine of memorable moments and deep gratitude.

No Room for Ignorance!

I'm sure most of you read the article on The Star - "No room for ignorance in hospital wards" by a Seremban doc, I think he/she has made a few good points. Just to extract a few,"How do you call yourself a doctor when you do not even know how to perform CPR? Most importantly, one must work with a conscience. Yes, they are allowed to make mistakes, but never at the expense of the patient’s life

Interesting ECG (3)

Since some of the students were kinda confused about how WPW (Wolff-Parkinson-White) syndrome ECG looks like - so coincidentally I just came across one last night!Looking at the above ECG, delta waves (the slurred upstroke) can be seen in every beats, broadening the ventricular complex as well as shortening the PR interval. Very typical!Also read:Interesting ECG (2)Interesting ECG (1)

Bad Assumptions

Bad assumption #1A Bangladeshi man walked in accompanied by a Malay woman.After the consultation,Dr spoke to the woman, "Alright you can settle the bill over the counter there. Are you his employer?"Woman: "I'm his WIFE."Dr: "(oops..)"Really Bad assumption #2A middle-aged uncle walked in with a baby, accompanied by a 20+ young lady.Dr greets the man, "Hello uncle, this must be your grandson? So

"Floating Elbow"

Fracture above and below the elbow joint - making it like a "floating" joint.The feeling that you get while examining it can be quite scary!

Bomoh's Sorrow

Saw this 60 year-old man in ER early morning, who alleged was knocked by a cow's horn at left sided chest.On examination by doing a gentle chest spring, the crepitus can be clearly felt. So I told the man that he's likely to have sustained rib fracture.His response was of kinda dramatic one.He actually turned angry, "Doc, how sure are you that I'm having fracture? *pats on his chest a few times*

Interesting ECG (2)

Saw this ECG in ER.It belongs to a lady who has underlying bronchial asthma, presented with palpitation.Took me reaaaally some times to figure it out.Irregular rhythm with variable PR interval, tachycardia...what do you think it is?*The leads are well connected for the ECG so there's no cunning magic here^^Related post:Interesting ECG (1)

Magician's Getting Tricked?

Saw this young man in ER. Suspected to have Dengue fever due to the abnormal FBC result.Me: "Hi, how many days have you been having the fever?"Pt: "Day 3 of fever."Me: "Ok...did you notice any bleeding from gum?"Pt: "No, no bleeding tendency. Actually, you can ask me in medical terms. I'm a medical student."Me: "Oh great! Sure. You having any SOB?"Pt: "Pardon? S.O. what?"Me: "Oh sorry...I mean

Interesting Case! (2)

Saw this patient in ER. Think it's interesting to share.A 84 year-old man was pushed in for progressively worsening dyspnea. According to his daughter, he only has history of gastritis. The dyspnea has been there for 1 week, but he denies any chest pain. There is history of reduced effort tolerance but not much of orthopnea or any ankle swelling. Upon further questioning, the daughter told that

A Beautiful Mind (2)

Ya. The unlucky me again.Saw this patient who came in the midnight."Hello uncle, any problem?""Hmm. My problem is, I don't even know what's my problem!"(*swallowed saliva* I know I'm in trouble, deep one)"You see, I always feel like I have fever but actually I don't.""I like to put one hot towel on my forehead, but if you ask me whether I have headache, actually not really. Why is it like that ah

Goodbye, Old Friend

He's gone.My good old friend who has accompanied me since my first year as a medical student...a good 7 years of friendship.He has never failed to be my best working partner...and I've always tried my best to maintain it at good condition. I dare to say that its function is still as good as new!But I was shocked that he gave up yesterday. After a while of thinking, I think I found out the

Picture Quiz (2)

Ya time for picture quiz again! Let's look at the following ECG:Ques: Please give a spot diagnosis.Hint: It might not be an ordinary diagnosis!^^(Answer's in comment)Related post:Picture Quiz (1)

creativity and play

My sister Pam sent me this link this morning. Find a half hour and watch it. In 5 minute increments if you have to. TED has lots of inspiring talks, this is just one: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/tim_brown_on_creativity_and_play.html

May your day be filled with the magic medicine of play.

Couple Jokes (4)

#1GF: "Dear, after we're married, will you quit smoking?"BF: "Yes..."GF: "Will you quit alcohol?"BF: "Yes..."GF: "Will you quit clubbing too?"BF: "Yes.."GF: "So good..anything else that you'll quit?"BF: "I think I'm quitting the thought of getting married..."#2Wife: "Dear, pls tell me honestly that do I look pretty?"Husband: "Yes you surely do."Wife gets satisfied and walked away happily.After 10

Smoke & Mirrors 2nd Edition

"Illustrated by renowned artist Si Scott, the Smoke & Mirrors playing cards were developed by Dan and Dave Buck. Dan and Dave spent over eight months working with Si on the design, with the goal being to create a deck that is elegant, refined, and modern.Interest in the decks has been unrivaled since word first emerged of their existence. All of the artwork was illustrated by hand in pen and ink.

"Good"...News to A&E?

First of all, let me tell you about one "interesting" conversation. Happened on 1st day of Hari Raya.Busy in A&E. And my colleague (Dr.S) has got a call from surgical ward (by Dr.A).Dr A: "Hi is this Dr.S?"Dr S: "Yes speaking?"Dr A: "I have just seen a case admitted by you, a man with ribs fracture?"Dr S: "Yes I admitted him. Anything?"Dr A: "Actually why did you admit him? Are you sure that he's