Vampy's Weblog - Life of a Medical Officer

Hi all. The reason for my long hiatus is that my mum was staying with me for a glorius 3 mths. So have been busy bringing her around. Also my dad came during my graduation. It was a bit of an anti-climax in the sense that we were all working as doctors before we actually receive our cert. Nonetheless, it was good to see former classmates again as many of us are sent to various parts of NSW and have not had time nor energy to meet up.

I have just completed my second term - Emergency medicine. It was a lot of fun with adrenaline pumping moments as well. My first cardiac patient unfortunately died on me despite attempts at resus. I guess what made a lasting impression was how rapidly the patient deterioriated in front of me. One moment he was talking to me and the next, he had a massive heart attack. Frankly, there were moments during the resus that I wondered if I had done something wrong or my inactions that resulted in his death. But the consultant who took over the case said to me after that there wasn't anything anyone could have done. I went with the consultant to talk to the family and it was then when the emotions started to build up as we told the family the news. Once again, I had to try my darnest to maintain my professionalism and not break down in front of the family.

Working in the ED made me realise how unreal medical dramas are. All the cardiac arrest that came through were non-revivable. Despite everything we throw at the patient who arrested, they just did not survive. So people, don't believe those heroic efforts portrayed on TV! In most cardiac arrest, patients don't make it.

Having finish my ED term, I have just started on my 3rd term - Rehabilitation. This term I'm actually sent to what is considered rural - a beautiful coastal (think of beaches) area called Coffs Harbour. It's about 6 hours drive from sydney. I stopped over one night in Port Macquarie which is another beautiful coastal area. the problem is that I have no internet access at the apartment they provide. So I'm actually submitting this post via my mobile internet. Sigh! A photo of Port Macquarie above at twilight.