The day started off as usual- reviewing patients, rounds with specialist, ward work, clerk new cases, scans, etc. Nothing unusual or extraordinary happen. There were mentions and reminders of it throughout the day but it wasn’t until that night when it finally hit me.
I have actually completed my 1st posting as a houseman! I’ve been working and earning my own wage through my sweat (literally) and (patient’s) blood for 4 months now. Getting all sentimental about having to leave this department, which provided my very first experience as a doctor, I decided to go back to my ward. All the more because this new found friend, J, whom I became close to over the last month, was on call that night.
For the last 4 months, we’ve been changing work colleagues and wards every month. But it wasn’t until the last month, that I was assigned to work with this incredible team. I would say that we compliment each other and that was what made this such a strong team. Needless to say, the working environment was very conducive with wonderful MOs.
Anyway, being on call means having to eat cold, tasteless, and many a times, the sight itself is an appetite killer and hunger suppressor. Now I’m a person who enjoy good food but at the same time, I’m not a fussy eater. But for the hospital to tender such expensive contracts to a particular caterer for each meal, 4 meals a day, the food is completely unacceptable. Rumour has it that each meal cost around RM30. If you think the price is not too bad, you have to see what they serve to understand what I mean by the price being ridiculous. I’m sure there’s more to it, than meets the eyes, if you know what I mean.
Since I’ve decided to drop by, I sms-ed J to ask if she and SZ (the other person on call that night) would like something (edible) for dinner. Within 2 minutes, my phone rang. It was Anu and I picked up. It turned out, she was here in the island, and was wondering if I was free to have dinner together.
Oh, in my heart, I was thinking, why didn’t you call a bit earlier? I couldn’t possibly say no, since she drove all the way from mainland. But it wasn’t right to say yes either since I most likely would have to go buy dinner.
In the end, I accepted the dinner invitation from Anu, and took down orders for Subway and Starbucks from J. With my quick wit, I decided to have 2 hours dinner with Anu, and then get food for my fellow colleagues, informing them that I would be 2 hours late.
The night went on very smoothly. I explained to Anu the reason why I had to leave early, and to J and SZ why I had to be late. They were all very understanding and accepting. It all ended well.
The Main Course 
