DAY 2410-2447

Apr 8 - May 15

1) They say spring is the time for sudden rain showers, blossoming trees and flowering plants. That certainly tallies with my experience here in Stoke. These past few weeks, as I was walking to and from work, I have noticed this change - the dramatic rise in temperature, flowers blooming in colourful splendour, and even the sudden but brief downpours.

2) Against this backdrop, a lot of events were unfolding in my personal life, including my grandpa's passing. I was in County Hospital that day, attending the one-day Advanced Life Support (ALS) course. While I was prepared mentally for the practical skills assessment, I had completely overlooked the fact that there would be a must-pass 120-question objective exam on the same day. After toiling through multiple practice scenarios, I managed a "pass" for the Cardiac Arrest Simulations Test (CASTest). With  just minutes to go before I was due to sit the objective paper, I received news that my grandpa had passed on. 

3) Going into the exam hall, I had to mentally block out any intrusive thoughts and focus only on the paper itself. Towards the end, my mind was already preparing for the inevitable eventuality of failing this paper and having to return for the repeat. Or so I thought. After the exam, we were provided with dinner while the papers were marked. Then we were individually called by the examiners who delivered our results. Against all my expectations, I received a congratulations rather than commiserations - I had passed both parts of the course and was therefore deemed a "competent" ALS provider. 

4) My friend MJ was really kind and offered to give me a ride back, saving me the hassle of waiting for a shuttle back. To be honest, I cannot recall much of the conversation we had - I was just so overwhelmed with emotion. I remember closing the room door and just crying my lungs out, before sleeping the night away. Reflecting on this here in my blog has certainly helped, as have all the heartfelt messages from family and friends alike - I really do appreciate it!

5) Tomorrow I will be heading down to London for three days. More updates to follow in the next edition of my blog. Until then, thanks very much for visiting as always, and have a great week ahead. Cheers! 

Spring is well and truly here

Yes they had to get my surname wrong as well

Breakfast is served

I really enjoy the lush nature at County

Lunch with a serving (or two) of coffee

Dinner while awaiting our test results

Advanced Life Support results - valid for 4 years

DAY 2204-2217

Sept 14 - 27

1) It's been two months now, and the F1 doctors are halfway through their first rotation. For the past week, I've been assigned to the acute medical unit (AMU), and specifically to see patients in the Emergency Department. I thoroughly enjoyed my brief time here, as it gave me the opportunity to see undifferentiated patients and develop an approach to examining and managing common presentations. 

2) An update from my previous blog post regarding the Prescribing Safety Assessment (PSA) - I passed! This means that I have fulfilled one of the mandatory requirements for progression to the next year (F2). It also means that I have one less item to worry about, as if working and learning on the job weren't stressful enough... 

3) Recently, we've had Keele medical students (usually in their final year) shadow us throughout our shifts. They would clerk and examine patients, and present them for discussion before getting signed off. They were also allowed to prescribe medications using their "purple pen" - an excellent initiative by the university to expose medical students to prescribing before actually starting work. Of course, each prescription would need to be checked and countersigned to ensure patient safety. I've relished the opportunity to assist and guide these medical students, as i) I've only recently graduated and so can relate very much to their challenges, and ii) because I hope they will learn from my mistakes and become better doctors. 

4) With the PSA out of the way, I can focus on doing my job, and also look through the requirements for progression into F2. Essentially, every junior doctor keeps an online portfolio which records any procedures, skills, teaching, and reflection done. Certain assessments (such as the PSA and ALS training) are mandatory for progression. At the end of the year, a review is carried out by senior consultants to decide if the doctors are allowed to progress into F2. I have only just started skimming through the requirements for my e-Portfolio, and hopefully I'll be able to get started soon.

5) Other events that have transpired in the past few weeks include the temperature dropping quite significantly (especially in the past week), and me getting a haircut. I also got some proper winter clothing to keep me nice and warm for the coming winter. So far so good - I'm happy to be working here and looking forward to learning more on the job. That's it for this blog post, wishing everyone a great week ahead, take care and stay safe. Cheers!

Unplanned lunch and catch up with Ivan - fellow F1 and proud Trinity graduate :)

Back at the Health Library - very conducive place to revise or relax

This overhead bridge connects the Health Library to the Lyme building of the hospital

View from the overhead bridge

Different venue today for our fortnightly academic training sessions

The hospital cafeteria does really good Sunday roasts

Post haircut smile - on my way to Newcastle today

Our Lady of the Angels and St. Peter in Chains - a Roman Catholic Parish church built in 1857

Costa Coffee for a light lunch after walking the better part of 4 km

This is the largest cappuccino I've ever had

On the way back home from Newcastle

Got some new threads for the cold :)