Ho ho ho! HO!

Having students around are a great way of building up my patience. I got a first year student with his first time hands on in the hospital today. Blurr as a sotong as he is, I think I may have overwhlemed him with lots of information or procedures. With a time constraint limited per patient, he hasn't got a choice but to learn it fast. *too bad lor
After all, when I was a student during a placement, no one tells me what to do , what to take, how to do it...etc. A lot of the time I've learnt things through my observations.
On a happier note, one of my patients just gave me a box of Lindt chocs for xmas!

"Tis the season to be jolly with more and more pressies flala lalala lalala. "

Sux to the pedestrian

I was driving towards the exit of an underground parking in a large shopping mall. As I maintained at a driving speed of less than 10km/hr, there was this whole family of 5 standing at the zebra crossing. Instead of focusing on crossing the road safely, the fatty bombastic daddy was chit -chatting with his sons. At this point of time, I was wondering are they interested to cross the road or not. Knn, wanna chat then chat somewhere else la. Don't make me hog the traffic for nothing.So when I tried to press my acceleration pedal again, the fatty bombom started to cross the road very ( he might be thinking he is a plus -sized model on a runway) slowly and pointed fingers at me for not stopping.
I wish I could break his fingers and stuff it up into his a**.

Whatevar.....

Buck up BUCK UP!

I did something kinda extreme while I was in Singapore. I classified extreme 'something that I've never dreamt of doing it...EVER'.

J rang me up at 4 yish in the wee hour morning to go for a run in East Coast Park. I sounded 'sian sian ' and agreed. Omg, what was I thinking at that time man?!.....Morever, I had to get up as early as 6am to be prepared as J 's sister's bridemaid on that day itself leh!!

I was surprised to see some of the pubs at ECP are still opened like 5+ in the morning?? Wah, singaporeans no need to oror is it??
What's more to my astonishment, there are quite a number of people jogging or rollerblading on an early Saturday morning.
After 45minutes of running, I can feel my thighs muscles are getting sore but tone.
Maybe that could be the answer to 'goodbye cellulite'.

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I got so much junks accumulated for the past 6 years of stay in oz. I've checked out with my local council for a possible' pasar malam' location. If the weather forecast shows that it doesn't rain on next Saturday, I've planned to set up a stall and 'leylong' my stuffs range from screwdrivers, pre-loved clothings,bags, photo frames, CDs to bric -a -bracs. I'm so excited to be the next pasar malam entrepreneur.
hurhur!

Day 'tour'

Since I've managed to secure a job back in my motherland, I was asked to do a pre-medical checkup prior the work commencement date. To elaborate further, the HR could only confirmed the work offer last Friday and I'm leaving to oz..like.....tomorrow! That leave me for just TODAY to do all sorts of pre-check requisit.

The day began with breakfast in Geylang. I managed to eat roti prata (again!) and a plate fried carrot cake. Feeling satisfied. My dad dropped me off to Bedok to have my health check. Once I got there, the nurse said I got to have my xray done at East Shore Hospital since the clinic hasn't got the radiology department set up. Win lor. After taking my height and weight (SHEESH my weight seems to increase everyday ever since I've been here), I waited for my turn to see the GP.
What a small world. The GP was someone whom i've worked with when she was only a houseman. We went on rattling for a while and she asked if we could have lunch when I'm back for good. Come to think of it, when we first worked together was like almost 7 years ago. The more amazing thing is she could still remember which ward I've worked in. Very impressive indeed. I reckon she could be sending more 'chao kah' (smelly feet) cases to the hosp when I'm back.
Next, I took a cab to East Shore and have my chest xray done. Afterwards, I have to go somewhere in the East to have acupucture for my stiff neck. (yes it works wonderfully well. At least, better than the physio I must say).
By the late afternoon, I managed to squeese abit of time for shopping at chinatown.

WO HAO LEI uh!!!

Asian family values

My friend's mom was rather disappointed because my friend (M) didn't contribute any family allowances. Despite the fact the parents has provided her with an overseas education and paid upfront for her car, M seems doesn't bothered about giving a single cent for family.
M's sis is starting her part time university studies next year and would plan to save up as much as she could in order to complete her uni.She knows that she can't rely on M at all.

This is a typical Asian family culture. When we grow up, it is only normal that we would takeover our family needs.
Just like my bro, I got to pay up his full time uni education on a yearly basis. Since he is leaving for Oz for a road trip, I have to fork out at least a few hundreds of aussie dollah for him to spend. All this is done under the command of my Dad whereby I don't have a second say.
If not he'll just blame it on his wrong decision to send me overseas study and now he is getting back such a lousy daughter who can't even help....

I need a rich man to marry off......

Oh I see...

Today I've learnt about something that described the character of an undesirable female client.

FONB = Full of nonsense 'beech'.

At least, I've been warned by the staffs before I see tat 'beech'. However, she made a hell out of my life that I ended having only 1/2 hr lunch break. ;(

***************************

*DDU: I'm gonna ring your auntie later tomorrow.

***************************

My parents just 'celebrated' their 32nd anniversay today.
But my dad so unlomatik one... tsk tsk* No flowers no surprises.

Wo Hao Xiang Shui Jiao

Si Bei tired ok!? I reached JB yesterday about 12mn. And again, my mom started poking my butt to wake me up for exercise. Today, I no exercise. Most likely, I'll do my run tomorrow.
I've been eating just too much for the past weekend.
Had 2 cups of 50cent vending machine kopi ( I love it) to keep myself awake.
As I am typing this blog, I feel so nua........

Changes

I went to Brewerkz yesterday for the very first time. Had 3 mugs of Golden Ale with a main course. *burp* She showed me around Clark Quay *Crikey* It has changed so much! All the clubs n eating places are so modernised and well-furnished. Very hippee indeed.However, my nursing pal was telling me that from Mon -Thurs, the quay can be quite dead.Of course, when it was time to go home, there are zero cabs at 11pm. Neber mind.
From my memory, I can recall Bus 51 does go to my place. But I was unsure whereabouts to get down my place....Am I sounding too sua gu here?
I was kinda tired....on the other hand, trying to pinch myself to stay awake just in case I've missed my bus stop.
Oh, did I mention that this is my first time taking a train to Clark Quay! How easy is that?

************
Nowadays I am so tired to go out after office hours. Is there any sumthing wrong with me???
On the lighter note, I;m going Raffles Town club later to have a mega buffet with another family friend and her daughter who is also a MO.
I hope I don't over-yak coz apparently I heard she's on the.....err.....more quiet side.

*evil laughs*

No housework

The perks of not living independently is to be freed from housemaid chores.

*********
One of the nurses told me that a few of the deceased patients asked about me occasionally after I left the workplace. That was really nice of them. And today, this regular patient was telling me how his foot got worsen with his bad circulation.
Here it how it goes like:
" eh I think I saw you long time ago ( approx like more than 6 months ago?) for my problem with my 2 toes. Now no more toes already but I worried about my heel. So gek sim"

It's amazing how patients do posses super megabyte memory hor. Don't play play.

*********

This chubby meesee (nurse) was commenting that I looked like a 'ang kong kia'. What I assume from her words that I look like a 'plastic doll'?? heh heh heh

********

What's wrong with all these people keep on changing appointments with me? hmph* Why all Singa (that's how my aussie friend calls my country) people are so super busy?

Good day in Singapore!

Here I am typing this entry in this room where the sun doesn't shine (just like what Shan said about her lab all the time).
It's good to be back and ate black pepper crab after my arrival. (ok, DDU, this is for your info) ;p

Ooo, lunch time. Think I wanna check out the ba chor mee (spell?) later.

** my html is screwed. Can anyone out there to help me out? :(

I am in a mutherfrigging mood

My ex boss hasn't pay up for my last week of work. I emailed him and he claimed that I got several insoles reviews. And my pay will be released in awaiting of these reviews within 3 weeks.*hello, how many patients I would know will come in for review.In fact, the patients may or may not come in even. In addition, he will let me know the latest outstanding pay by next week.
Firstly, whatever reviews that are totally none of my business. My services had been rendered and terminated on the date stated via the letter.
As far as to my knowledge, all employees are being paid weekly.
If there's any other outstanding pay to be made later, he should at least have the basic courtesy to clarify on that.


Thank goodness I've stopped working for such asshol*. Such lousee boss deserve a kick into his brains or something.
*ROARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

How hilarious

A while ago, I was chatting with this long time dude from Singapore on MSN. Along the conversation, I realised that I simply can't reconnect with the local dudes. Not saying that I'm pretending to be a true blue 'ang moh', it just doesn't feel as 'normal'.

Read further on the abstracts below:

				D		Rocephine		where will be a gd plc to stay in sydney
				D		Rocephine		not too ex n want surburbs hor
				Rocephine		D		seriously, sydney is an expensive place to leave, u pay for what u get
				Rocephine		D		that place u mention is auburn----> such a rough area.
				Rocephine		D		*live*
				D		Rocephine		where will be not rough then?
				Rocephine		D		where u wanna live????
				Rocephine		D		north south east west??
				D		Rocephine		i want somewhr surburb, near city (not too far kind lah), convenient to public transport
				Rocephine		D		u need to have a direction lor
				Rocephine		D		so many frigging places are near the public transport
				Rocephine		D		LOL
				Rocephine		D		tat's too general
				Rocephine		D		public transport got timetable hor
				Rocephine		D		they may not be running on time
				Rocephine		D		unlike in singapore
				Rocephine		D		regular services
				D		Rocephine		any where that is safe?
				D		Rocephine		at least not rough plcs
				Rocephine		D		and again,. it depends which diretion u wanna stay???
				D		Rocephine		which is gd?
				Rocephine		D		i dunno
				Rocephine		D		i dun have any idea in sydney
				Rocephine		D		plus i didn; stay here for tat long
				Rocephine		D		only my 2nd year
				D		Rocephine		so am i asking the wrong person?!
				Rocephine		D		look, im giving u my honest opinion
				Rocephine		D		if u thinku are asking the wrong person , then i can't say much to tat then
				D		Rocephine		the way u put it is like i am asking the wrong person mah
				D		Rocephine		so petty ah?
				Rocephine		D		no, that;s just my honest opinions
				Rocephine		D		at least im not lying to you.
				D		Rocephine		ya i knw
				D		Rocephine		anw, bondi beach thr safe?
				Rocephine		D		yeah don't get mix up. If I do know the answer, i;m happy to provide more info.
Is this what you call the latest SSNAG?? (sg Sensitive new age guy)

Just a sad note

I'll not be seeing my patients anymore.....................even though some expected me to bring photos once I'm back from my holidays.

However, that's not gonna happen anymore.

Weekend highlight

Dragging myself out of bed on a Saturday morning, I managed to arrive at Kirribilli market at Milson's point. Weather was fantastic with plently of sunshine and cool wind. The market, which I reckon is one of the best in Sydney as compared to Paddington or Bondi. What I love about the market is they've got loads of pre-loved and new clothings, vintage stuffs, seconds Gucci shoes to Ferregamos', bags, designed men's ties.....etc

Shop till you drop -kirribilli market

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Scottish Highlands Gathering-Part 2

The annual Scots festival is on again. Thank goodness it didn't rain this time around. However if it rains, the entrance fee could be waived. NO haggis stall this year...what a shame. I've been wanting to try that fried internal organs stuffs. I got myself a bottle of IRN BRU - the scot's coca cola (think orange fizzy drink).

It's kinda interesting to also learn that different Scot clans have different sorts of tartan colour representations. Check below:

There's even a stall set up for the aussie- scots to locate their heritage. So if you wanna ask about your scots great grand pa or great grandma who migrated to Oz and its history, this is the 'Uncle' to help you out.

How can a scottish festival missed out on the pipe band! DDU said the men don't wear undies when wearing klits. *giggles*

Career

Think I've come to a point where I need to take my career to the next level.
Options like becoming a podiatric surgeon which will take approximately 10 years to complete training prior gaining fellowship or should I take up something abit more outstanding such as Forensic Podiatry.

Right now at this stage, I would say gaining a Master's degree is the way to go first.

This is the website where I could have drawn my inspiration from: www.feetforwalking.org

End of clinical placement

The final year poddies have finally ended their clinical placement yestersday. It is also quite common to see mature-aged students (like me previously) still studying at the uni. For instance, Student A here is a mom with 2 kids who is working as a part-time nurse and now, she is almost graduating embarking on her new career.
However, it would have been in a different situation if a mature aged person is still studying for his/her bachelor degree in Singapore. My friend's friend has got this 'organised' mentality in his brain. He claimed he would like to graduate with the degree in 3 years time and find a good career and hopefully he can acheive that and this in xx years time.
Please lah, age is not a barrier at all to stop someone from learning. If you have the interest and motivation to learn, it doesn't matter at whatever age you start with your degree.

I got my chance to grill a lot of questions to the students before I put a big "PASS" on their assessment forms. Wha ha ha!

Aren't they looking studious??

Angry pod

Recently I got a news from my friend who used to work locally has quit her job.
She complained that the job was not only stressful but even more stressful to deal with angry, highly demanding patients.
I guess that has eventually max out her patience.
Who's to blame? Patients?On the contrary, it is natural to the people to accept the view that when one gets sick, he or she can be feeling frustrated at times.
Compared to working in Aust, a health care professional (in terms of my profession) do has the authority to dismiss seeing the patients based on reasonable grounds.
I think that's only fair.
After all, health care service providers are only humans and there's only so much sh** we can take each day.

Scenerio 1:

A pod sees roughly 5 patients per hour (no joke in public hospital).
let's just say that it happened that 3 out of 5 patients got angry.

On a normal (8 hours) working day, a pod would have endured and treated

3 x 8= 24 angry patients/ day

24 x5 = 120 angry patients /week

120 x 5 = 600 angry patients /month

600 x 12 = 61200 angry patients per year (spared from annual leave x 3 weeks = 360 patients)

Final answer= 60840!! Angry Frigging patients


Whoa, I need to check myself in at IMH for some psychiatrc rehabilitation at the end of year.

Teaching students a lesson


In a good way of course. The students who are currently having placement at the hospital will have their assessment marked by me. *evil grins*
I would expect students not to be just competent in clinical work (at least to an acceptable level) but theoretically as well.

Here are some of the highlights of the questions that they will being asked:

1) Anatomy of foot - if they don't know the muscles compartments or what nerve innervates the muscle, be prepared to get a big fat 'F' on report card.

2) Pharmacology
Podiatrists deal with a lot fungal cases in particular to the sole of the feet (tinea pedis) or the nails (onychomycosis). Students are expected to know at least 2 or more anti-fungal agents which they may suggest patients to use. Good footcare advice should also be demostrated at this point.

3) Terminology- understanding terms like onychocryptosis,onychauxic, subungal exostosis, paronychia, onychogrophosis, koilonychia

4) Dressings- types of adherence, hyrocolloids, semi-permable hydrgogels, alginate, foams etc...

5) Characteristics of arterial, venous, and neuropathic wounds

6) Biomechanics (eg, define 'subtalar neutral position'and orthotic/material used

7) Differential diagnosis on knee and ankle conditions.

8) Paediatrics- sever's dieases , Osgood-schlatters, Kholers, Freiberg's

9) Anasthetics -Side effects, dosage calculation , contraindications

10) Diabetic foot: ***most favourable OSCE question.
Neurovascular assessment and interpretation of results. Able to perform Doppler Ultrasound effectively.Causes of neuropathy. What's HbA1C vs normal BSL reading.

11) Identify upper and lower motor neurone disease. List at least 3 examples from each.


Now I'm brain fried as I'm listing all these questions with very minimal help from the textbook.

Time for a good night sleep.

Sweet Sunday

Best thing to do on a Sunday:

A cuppa of hot Nescafe and The Sunday Telegraph - priceless

No parking

I shall not go to PP mall on Saturdays anymore. The carpark lot allows 3 hours of free parking before it starts charging every half hourly. Going around and around for at least frigging 30mins and still no signs of parking space.I refuse to pay for the extra parking hours. I'm talking like if I've exceeded for the half hour, the rate is $5. For an extra hour, the rate is $7 and followed by $10 for exceeding 2 hours...etc..
Now as you can tell how expensive parking is in Sydney so don't go on asking me why I don't drive to city which the cost is much much worst.
Cb, just went I thought I've parked my car. This car was HORNING AT ME!!! How would I bloody know you are waiting for car park space if no signal was indicated. Knn!!....You could be stopping your car because you are waiting for your grandma to walk out of the entrance slowly or whatsoever.

Never mind. I began to proceed my journey to another mall. Watched the movie BOYTOWN and chilled out with a nice calamari meal. At least, I don't feel so gek sim anymore.

Alright, time for some couscous.