AFCMA Bali 2012

With Msgr Jean-Marie Mupendawatu
Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers

Future Plans..Maybe?

Things that I want to be able to do in life...

1. Ride a horse
2.Scuba dive
3.Learn other languages- French, Latin (at least)
4.Learn musical instruments- Guitar, Piano (one of those)
5.Go back to studying- be involved in academia after... For the time being a LLM would be nice...
6.Attend a retreat

What an awesome introduction to Ash Wednesday

Surgery II

Some things never change...

I have 3 more weeks to go before the end of this rotation.... there have been some points to ponder about...

1. If I were to pursue a career in general surgery, it would be due to the inspiration of some of the best surgeons i have met in the department. Mr S is definitely one, and another very unassuming role model would be Mr T, a real do-it-yourself, and do-it-all man.

2. Unlike the good surgeons, part of my time is spent learning what not to do from the examples of the surgeon wannabe's, especially some of the more junior staff.

3. Patient communication, especially dfficult patients- I am sure everyone would have experienced one of those before. How do I handle this to the best of my capacity? I have yet to figure out. Sometimes, in order for things to get done, the words we choose may not be the best of ways to express our desired communication.

4. A student asked me today- are you a workaholic? and my answer was, no I just like to teach. But i guess there are elements of both in me.

Here's to hoping that my remaining time in surgery will be as enjoyable as they have been...

Surgery

Its been about a month and a half now since I joined the department.

21 hours worth of on-table time, 16 cases in the belt, I am more convinced than ever that some part of my future lies in a surgical based specialty...

However, I am still not convinced that life as a general surgeon is compatible with my plans... even though there have been a sense of interest from certain parties regarding the possibility of general surgery as the way to go...

Associations

Now that I am graduated, am pondering on helping to establish a few things:

1. Xaverian Medical Association, probably starting with the HO's currently working in PGH, extending it eventually to the MO's and Specialist's and Consultant's.

2. A Catholic Doctor's Association of Malaysia branch in Penang, probably starting on the parish level, extending to the state, then diocese.

A fulfilling week and more...

This past week has been amazing... I've been able to appreciate things lot more in my life, and to thank God for all the wonderful people he has allowed me to encounter.

Last Saturday, Keshure n myself drove up to Cameron Highlands, where we had a good steamboat dinner, and a good short break at Father's Guesthouse in Tanah Rata.

We headed for mass at the convent, where I met up with Fr Edwin Paul who was up with hi parishioners as well. We also met the ParishPriest, Fr Eugene Benedict, who invited me to participate in some outreach clinics, etc that they hold for the orang asli in Camerons. I will definitely be looking forward to coming back here.

Monday started off well with me sending Marie to the bus station for her bus to KL, life will not be the same when she returns in a couple of months time. I was also able to attend mass at the seminary in the evening. Somehow, Mariophile gives me a sense of serenity, and attracts me to it.

Tuesday was the day spent at home. I managed to get my EPF account opened, and also completed all my outstanding errands, such as delivering the thank you card to Ms Tan for the very kind graduation gift of binding my notes.

Wednesday was reserved for bringin Ivory around Penang. Picked her up at the airport, then we proceeded to the hotel before heading to Balik Pulau for laksa, and the whole round island works... Also managed to squeeze in a movie in the evening, before sending her back.

Thursday, I managed to donate blood for the 4th time, and I managed to show Matt what it was all about. Also managed to spend some time with him, ending upwith lunch at Passions. Gosh, I really respect that guy. Then resumed tour guide duties for Ivory, and her friends.

Friday, met up with Prof Lee in the morning. Discussed our project, and it went better than expected. So we'll see how that goes along in the next few weeks/months. Managed to play squash before heading for dinner with my ex-classmates. Geez, time has passed so fast. I haven't met them for such a long time even though we've all been in Penang. Sam, Terh Ren, Wei Lyn, Dhir, Thomas- thanks for spending some time with me.

Saturday I managed to visit the old house with dad, helping him sort out the details of the place. Going into that house brought back memories indeed... climbing up those steps which I cam tumbling down one day... my old room. We then headed for mass before meeting up with my old school mates... Ve Jun and Matthew Gooi, ended up talking till 3am! now, for next week's meet up with James.

Woke up late today as a result of last night's late night. Packed for the induction, watched the Ireland-Italy rugby game, and had a good squash session. Made a call to Andrew and Debbie, and it was good to hear he's well. Now just chilling for a bit.

Tomorrow, I have an early morning jog appointment with Ve Jun, and then plan to get my car tyres checked, meet up with Ab Soter before leaving at 4.30 for Ipoh with Kean Sheen.

Despite all this hustle and bustle, there are still many things outstanding that I have yet to finish, but I guess that's how it is with life. But at this point, life has never been better. The post WYD feelings still linger, and it keeps getting better!!!

But yes, I do still have some worries- mom & dad, and also I've been experiencing a niggling ache that I am worried may be a recurrence. I am half hearted about visiting the doc again, but we'll see how it goes.

This week at induction, I've also set up to meet a few people in Ipoh, aunty Anna, Martin Jalleh and also Danial. I'm still waiting on a reply for a meeting with this chap who happens to be both a religious brother, and a doctor at the Fatimah Hospital.

Friday is dinner with James tentatively, and Saturday will see my meeting with Fr Ed as well as Uncle Albert's 70th bithday dinner. I'm leaving Sunday free in the unlikely event that I may need to travel to my posting.

Listening to this CD that Ivory gave me is really good... it makes me feel very calm, and reflective. A mood I like a lot.