Being a medical student means accepting the fact that you are the lowest ranking... person... to exist in the hierarchy. The consultants are way up there and I am just an insignificant 3rd year, trying to learn as much as she possibly can.

There have been a few consultants who have made me feel that way before. One told me to "disappear", another just basically ignored me in his clinic (it was the longest 2 hours I've ever experienced).

One consultant I was attached to was always polite and civil. In fact, he was quite kind and patient when I mistook a Meckel's diverticulum for the appendix, even though the ileum had been identified (by far, the most embarassing operating theatre experience ever :p).But somehow he still scares me. I would get palpitations and so stressed out during ward rounds. The palpitations disappeared after I finished that particular attachment.

And then there are the great consultants. I have been very lucky to have learned from these awesome individuals.

Consultants who teach are great. Consultants who love teaching are marvellous. But the best of the lot are those who acknowledge 3rd year medical students as human beings.

I was very touched by the gesture of this particular consultant: he actually came over to my dining table during lunch to ask how I was. A consultant came over to talk to little ol' me!!!

It doesn't take much to be kind to students. These consultants really make learning enjoyable and motivate me to work harder. Which led me to this thought...

"When I am a consultant in the future, I shall remember to be nice to medical students. Especially the keen ones. :)"

Will I be a lecturer with a medical school? I don't know. I am not sure if I am the teaching type or not. It's always 33 that have practice CSU sessions with the juniors, not me. :p

But when I am a consultant, I will remember the days of being a 3rd year medical students - how a smile and an acknowledgement from a consultant would make me happy.

Anyway, on a completely different note...


it snowed in Soton this morning!!! :D But then it all melted by 10am. Oh well. It was pretty while it lasted. ;)

It's a beautiful Sunday morning and I'm hungry! What will I have for breakfast? Hmmm... how about...



Roti canai and dhal! Muahahaha. Nope, a mamak stall did not miraculously spring up in Soton. The roti canai and dhal were frozen. The wonders of frozen food. And it tasted quite alright too. Well, it was a product of Malaysia so of course it tastes good.

Feels like home. Maybe next time I'll go all out to have a Malaysian breakfast - Nasi Lemak Ayam Goreng.

Anyway, it's 3 C outside and this is the view from the kitchen:



Soton roxx. But it ain't home.

Home is where the heart is... right now, it's divided in 3 different continents - Malaysia, Canada and New Zealand.

I miss you guys. You guys are my family too. :)

Suddenly I Feel Like Blogging Again

And the blogging sabbatical finally ends.

What happened? I really don't know. I just didn't feel like blogging at all.

Not anymore. :)

Anyway, where do I start? So much has happened, so much to tell...

If 2005 was the year of culmination, 2006 was the year of transition.

I officially worked properly (apparently the previous 4 hours didn't count. Whatever!). And I officially left home. So what have I learned so far? Loads.

I love my independence. I love studying to be a doctor, even though it could be bloody stressful at times. I love Malaysian food. I love European food. I think European boys are good-looking. :P

And you know what? England is starting to grow on me. A bit. When it's bright and sunny. Not when it's dull and grey.

There's too much I want to say and I don't know where to start. However, I am grateful for the friends and support I have here in England. I am grateful for the existence of the Internet and the telephone. I am grateful for all that I am and all that I have. My parents have taught me well.

A few highlights of 2006 in pictures:



Good ol' sunny Soton. It's supposed to be winter now but it still looks like this. :)



Turned 23... not a spring chicken anymore, haha!



On Charles Bridge in Prague, where the best beer in the world, Velkopopovicky Kozel, could be found. Went to Budapest and Vienna as well. Travelling in Europe was a dream come true...

So is studying here in England.

I am very lucky and fortunate to be living my dream.

What will 2007 hold for me? A month has passed by. 11 more months.

What will 2007 hold for me?