Thank God, i'm already in the 2nd week in Endocrinology which is the final week for this sub-posting. I have to admit, learning Endocrinology is much more interesting than our previous Medical posting back in 3rd year. (Probably because I dont really care what I'm doing as long as I pass and because back then everything seems so broad, and it really is!) And to my surprise, I am now less timid to ask questions that bothered my mind boldly to the lecturers. BOLDLY.
Anyway, what I'm going to jot down today was one of the many experiences that I have in the ward.
Today we have a short case on a diabetic foot. The patient was having diabetes and have been taking meds since 2004. His feet were hyperpigmented on the dorsum, less hair, callus on the first head of metatarsus with left amputated big toe. Peripheral pulses were palpable and there was pedal edema up to his knee. Okay, since the lecturer chose this patient as he is a good case, I decided to write his case for my first write-up.
When we finally had the time to clerk him, he looked very cooperative. (Eventhough he got wired up with nasal prong, IVD, and urine drainage bag at the end of the bed) So, our clerking session began until in the middle of the session that he got irritated ( I think so as he began to raise his voice a little bit). It's embarrassing, I have to admit as the cubicle contained 3 other beds including his so when he spoke louder surely other patients would have heard him belittling me. I really asked frank questions, and i only need a frank answers. But because of different perception about something the session got pretty irritating for me! Yes, irritating! I am asking very nicely to this patient, yet he treated me like I am a kid. (I do have a young face though) Right then, I change my style of clerking him. I asked him in a sarcastic, non-chalant manner. Even my tone changed! As we finished clerking him, I quickly leave his bed to calm myself! Thank you, Mr Patient. You really made my day! I'm so not going to write about you.
Dr Z was right. The challenge of a doctor is to remain interested in other people problems. And in my case, I dont want to be interested about him anymore.
