Working Sick
Even though it's been acknowledged that if one falls sick, one should not be working. But even then, I hardly take MC when I'm sick.
In fact, I continue to work even in times of flu and fever.
Because sometimes I know, if I am resting, someone else is suffering.
Maybe it's bad for the patient, spreading germs and bugs around, but I really don't see how I can take MC and be comfortable resting at home.
Sian ah
I've been feeling quite in the dumps lately, ever since the CNY.
Can't quite put a finger on what's the cause.
But just can't help but feel that everyday is just a passing day.
Routine, mundane and boring.
No mood to do anything else, just feeling tired and very lethargic.
Doesn't help that I get a headache every few days and is down with the perennial flu.
Ah... Sian ah...
What's my limit?
A recent article in a local daily states that the optimal number of patients to doctors is envisioned at 1:1.
(And as we currently fall at 2 patients : 1 doctor, we are encouraging the influx of more foreign doctors)
As an individual, I wondered how many patients can I handle comfortably without acknowledging that maybe patient care is compromised at some point.
As most healthcare departments work in teams at the moment, we must consider that if the team consists of 2 SCon, 1 Con, 1 ACon, 1 Reg, 2 MOs and 1 HO; there should be 8 patients x 2 =16 patients for the HO to manage. (which is really quite a bit)
Of course some will say16 patients is not a lot, but it really takes 1 ill patient to keep you busy.
Having worked in teams with >50 patients and also in teams with <10 patients, I've felt that any number up to 16 is a realistic number that I can stretch myself to, before I start feeling that I'm not giving my best care to every patient in my care.
Of course, some patients need more attention than others. And having the help of an MO , especially with an ill patient is invaluable.
Routine changes are expected, it's the unexpected sudden urgent changes that can turn the whole day from a normal peaceful day to a 'oh my god, it's bad' day.
What's my limit? Is it too low?
Sigh
P: What is this blood for?
D: It's for tumor markers.
P: Oh.. I did this before in the clinic. So if it's high, it means it's recurred right?
D: It was quite a while since you last had this test.
P: I hope it's low.
D: We hope so too.
P: Okay, thanks doc.
D: ... ...
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Knowing that the scan showed liver mets. This conversation was emotionally difficult.I do not know how to break the news to him. Just hoping to take things a step at a time.
No easy way to learn
Con: So Dr Leow, I hope you are learning.
L: Yes I am sir.
Con: A lot of people just do things without thinking, I hope you are thinking.
L: Yes I am sir.
Con: That's the hardest part of teaching. Teaching people to think.
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"We would never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in this world."- Helen Keller -
Johnny Clerker
After clerking multiple elective cases, clinic admissions and A&E admissions for days, the Johnny Walker slogan keeps coming to my mind.
"Keep Clerking."
