Q: What inspired you to study medicine?
A: I used to fall sick a lot when I was younger. I frequently visited the family’s GP clinic. Even the doctor became a family friend from all the visits! Also, I remember my mom buying me a doctor’s playset so you can say that I was inspired to pursue medicine ever since young.
Currently, I’m not too sure what I want to specialise in but I’m thinking about going into the surgical department.
Q: Which hospital are you currently placed at and what was it like on your first day of work?
A: I’m currently placed in Penang General Hospital in Georgetown. I remember being very enthusiastic. I met a number of old friends here too! But, fast forward to today, I still feel that I’m not very well equipped.
Q: How did your working hours and experience change with the MCO and COVID-19?
A: The MCO has taken away my only way of de-stressing. Like most working people, healthcare workers have normal working hours, from 8am to 5pm. But with all our ward rounds, operating theatre time, clinics, and the possibility of patients collapsing, it results with us going to work way earlier and never going home on time. Plus, on-calls. Hah!
Currently, I'm in the Surgical Department. While I do deal with medical stuff, it’s not as specific while I’m on COVID duty. Every department will have to take turns sending a few people to cover the COVID duty. The team is led by the medical infectious disease team and we’re all there to help. The way things are done may be slightly different from how I manage my patients in the ward. COVID shifts are usually 12-hour shifts and we work 4 days while resting for the other 3 days.