DAY 2162-2180

Aug 3 - 21

1) Three weeks into my new job, and things are slowly falling into place. In my first week, I was struggling to familiarise myself with my new work environment, in particular the IT systems e.g. requesting scans, checking patient information, writing discharge letters etc. I didn't fully understand how ward rounds were carried out, or the types of jobs that were common in my ward (i.e. gastroenterology). Also, I came across medical conditions here that would be uncommon back home, as well as unfamiliar abbreviations and medical terminology. 

2) But everything is a learning curve, and I've definitely received ample support and encouragement from my peers, seniors, and fellow allied health colleagues. With such a positive and inclusive environment, it would be difficult not to make some progress. This includes "simple" jobs like updating the handover list, prepping patients' notes before ward rounds, ordering scans / investigations for patients, writing discharge letters, sending and receiving bleeps etc. While there is still an entire mountain's worth of knowledge ahead of me, I can at least look back at how much I've learnt - even in these short period of time.

3) Last week, I had my first taste of "long days" - working from 9:00-21:30. From 9-5pm, I would be in the gastroenterology ward (Ward 230), before heading over to the Acute Medical Unit (AMU) for the remainder of the day. For most of these days, I have been stationed down in the Emergency Department to clerk and examine patients. It is a daunting task, as after taking a patient history and physical examination, we have to fill up the admission care pathway form before reviewing the patient again with the consultant. After that, a management plan is decided upon, and we are required to fill in the post-take proforma, write up the patient's drug chart, and order any investigations / referrals. Suffice to say, long days are quite tiring...

4) In addition to learning the ropes, I have another assessment coming up - the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA). This is typically taken by UK medical graduates in their final year of medical school, and it allows candidates to demonstrate their competencies in relation to the safe and effective use of medicine. It is mandatory for all F1 doctors to pass this exam before being allowed to progress to their second year. And as it happens, I have not taken it yet, but am due to sit for it this September. Wish me luck then - I'll definitely need it!

5) As I am in for another week of long days, I think it's best to end my blog post here. As always, thanks very much for visiting, and have a great week ahead. Take care and stay safe, cheers!

Doctors in the mess!

L-R: Dr. Shakoor, Dr. Mannie, Dr. Ibrahim, and myself

Chickpea curry with rice and poppadom for lunch today :)

First long day on the job, and the expression says it all

I guess after a while it become a routine...

Huge full moon tonight - captured while walking back home from work

Fish and chips Fridays are very popular here :)

All decked out in blue today

DAY 2148-2160

Jul 21 - Aug 2

1) After just over a year of preparation, I am finally here in the UK - wide-eyed and ready to begin my training as a Foundation Year 1 doctor. The last few days in Malaysia were quite stressful, as I had so much to pack and so little time to say goodbye to everyone. In hindsight, I really underestimated the work that is required in order to relocate to another country. To everyone whom I did not manage to meet up with, I do apologise but will try my best to do so when I return for holiday.

2) The flight to the UK was relatively smooth. I boarded Etihad Airlines (which had a stop over at Abu Dhabi) and even bumped into my good friend Mariss who was on the same flight! It was really a pleasant surprise as I thought I would be the last person to leave for UK, given that all my other friends had arrived already. On arrival, I found no indications of a heatwave - the temperature was a balmy 15°C and it rained for the next two days. Luckily I had an umbrella with me then...

3) The next couple of days, I had to sort out my bank account and British Residence Permit (BRP). Unfortunately, while I had my Lloyds card, I had forgotten my password and had to reset everything and order a new card. It also meant that I could not update my phone number and address, as I needed a valid BRP to do so. And when I went to the post-office (in Wolstanton) to collect my BRP, the staff told me there was a delay and asked me to come back next week. Obviously I wasn't too happy to hear that.

4) Bank and ID problems aside, everything else has been relatively smooth sailing. I love my new accommodation - a 15-minute walk away from the hospital (Royal Stoke University Hospital). Last week, we had an induction for all new incoming junior doctors, followed by three days of shadowing in the wards. I'm starting off in gastroenterology, followed by trauma & orthopaedic surgery, and then emergency medicine. It definitely takes some getting used to, as the hospital uses a lot of electronic systems that I am unfamiliar with, but I suppose that explains the need for an induction and shadowing period. 

5) I've taken loads of pictures along the way, so just click the link below and scroll down if you're interested. Thanks very much for visiting my blog as always, and have a great week ahead. Take care and stay safe, cheers!

Royal Stoke University Hospital - my workplace for the next two years

Beyond excited (and nervous!) to officially begin my journey as a Foundation Year 1 doctor :)

Last day in Malaysia before boarding the plane to Manchester - gotta have something special for breakfast

My favourite curry rice at Woolley Food City

Saying goodbye to the dog my dad and I normally pass by during our morning jog

A very happy and contented cat

Goodbye grandpa - I'll see you soon!

Very grateful to my cousin for giving us a lift <3

Till next holiday dad

Love you loads mom

Thanks Pei Ying for coming along!

So this is it - farewell Malaysia (for the next two years anyway)!

What a coincidence to bump into a fellow RUMC graduate - my good friend Mariss!

Sleep-deprived us struggling to stay awake to board the next plane 

(this was taken at a stop over in Abu Dhabi)

The stewardess referred to this as Arabian eggs - it was absolutely amazing!

Bought two study tables and a study lamp at B&M - need to get my essentials before starting work

Stoke-On-Trent Railway Station - on my way to London today for an ID check with the General Medical Council (GMC)

Lovely morning today

And here comes the train (the one on the far right)

Finished my appointment with the GMC - successfully obtained provisional registration :)

350 Euston Road is their headquarters

Beautiful mural on my way to lunch

The Palace Theatre, London

Lunch today at Hawksmoor Seven Dials

The look on my face says it all - excited to try their award-winning steak which was recently ranked as the "best steak in the world"!

Surprise surprise - met up with my good friend Sai here! (okay we planned for this)

I got the sirloin well done, while Sai got his rib eye medium rare :)

There's always room for dessert!

Dark chocolate and salted caramel gelato combo - at Gelupo

Was really fun catching up with you bro

Clinical Education Centre - first day of induction as the new junior doctors

The best choice indeed!

Yet another happy and contented cat!

Furama Palace - time for some Chinese food today

Beef fried hor fun was huge in flavour

With my new friend and fellow colleague in the same department, Dr. Clarence

Beautiful flowers on the way back from collecting my BRP card