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.

Well, I was back on campus for 3 days this week for a series of preparatory talks about being a doctor next year. Of course we were all given talks by medical insurance companies who tell us why we should get extra cover for medical indemnity. Not exactly a show of confidence in us - junior doctors. As usual, our lunches and some dinners were sponsored by these companies. Also, on Friday we had our Final Year Dinner. It was loads of fun though the food was passable... Loads of alcohol was good... Someone also compiled a video of us over the past 4 years.. it was hilarious...head over to my gallery (http://gallery2.vampirovibrio.com) for photos taken during the event.

Tomorrow, my final term in medical school begins. I'm looking forward to it. Also, I'm moving to a new apartment next week. It's my own place, not sharing it with anyone. Finally I gte my own place to myself. Sweet.

I finally got the Gallery plugin to work on my site... From now on, certain thumbnails which links to the larger image can be inserted as below:

- Final Year Lunch

- Final Year Dinner

I collected my pre-order of Star Trek DS9 - Limited Edition Boxset containing all 7 seasons of the series today which comes with a certificate of authenticity and a serialized boxset - 1834 of 3000. So happy! But sigh... can't watch it till my exams are over in about 2 weeks. Below are some photos of the boxset.

DS9 Limited Edition Boxset

Certificate of Authenticity

Inside of the Boxset - The boxset is lined with felt.

1834 of 3000

Hi, everyone! I'm really excited... I heard that Josh Groban is coming to Sydney Opera House for a 3 day concert in End Sept/ Early Oct this year. I went ahead and booked the ticket. Yipee! I was was excited that my hand were trembling when I made the call to book the tickets... I know, it's sad... but hey! It's my light at the end of the tunnel... The concert will be after my final major exam and I'll be having my 2 week break then.

Well, as to my medical studies not much have been happening... Just been busy catching up on work and my exam in a week's time... I'm looking forward to my next term which is neurosurgery... Oh... I get to see a live brain up close and personal...Cool! Till next time...:bye:

Finally... I have settled into my new place in Sydney... Boy! This is the last time I'm moving. I finally got my internet connection set up today. This week is my first week of 3rd year and it seems like I have a ton of things to do this year. If I thought that last year was bad, this year is going to be even worse... Sigh... Anyway, I took a pic of the surroundings of the place I'm staying... More pics to come soon...