DAY 794-807

Nov 4-17

1) Time for a much needed update of my blog. I've noticed that the length between each blog post can be used as a yardstick for how busy I am at the moment. Which obviously would indicate that I am up to my neck with work. I'll try to summarise the things I've done in the past two weeks or so.

2) On Nov 3, Malaysian Medics International Ireland (MMII) organised a Research Symposium at the Trinity Biomedical Science Institute (TBSI). I was privileged to be invited to present my research project(s) at the event, as well as being on the panel for a discussion session on lab-based research vs clinical research, along with other professional researchers/doctors. There was a huge turnout (it's Trinity so yeah XD), and I was very happy with the enthusiasm shown by the future student researchers. The panel discussion was awesome as well, moderated by Eunice, who did a great job distilling the many questions that the audience had regarding research. Most of them who came had little research experience and were looking for tips and advice on how and where to begin with research.

3) On Nov 5, we had our REGUB (Renal, Endocrine, Genitourinary and Breast) exam. It was raining in the morning, and I had to run to a different bus stop to catch an earlier bus to the main campus. It didn't help that the bus stop provided no shade from the rain. Anyway, I made it to college with time to spare, got myself a large cup of coffee, and with my veins pumped with caffeine I sat for the paper. Done and dusted. I was unproductive for the rest of the day, but that's just the side effects of the caffeine wearing off I guess XD

4) On Nov 7, my good friend Zi Yan and I went for the "Run In The Dark" event. There were two options - 5km or 10km, and we opted for the longer distance. The temperature at night wasn't as cold as it was for the marathon, and I was really glad to finish without stopping (thus partially redeeming myself for the full marathon XD). We collected our goodie bags, and stayed behind to get some KFC. That was the end of the night for us, and we went back home soon after.

5) On Nov 10, Zi Yan and I attended a SafeTALK training course, organised by the AMSI RCSI (Association of Medical Students Ireland). The talk focussed on suicide prevention, and how to be alert and spot "invitations" which are the signs that someone may be considering suicide as an option. It also aimed to get everyone talking about mental health, and to move away from considering it a taboo subject. I found the talk very helpful, as the presenter had been through this harrowing experience themselves.

6) On Nov 16 (i.e. this morning as I'm typing this), we had our OSCE examinations in Beaumont. Three systems were covered this semester - gastrointestinal (GI), lower limb (LL) neurological sensory, and LL neurological motor, respectively. We had five minutes to perform the entire examination, so the day before, my friends and I practiced the night away. I was the first batch examined this morning, and was very happy indeed to have passed well. The OSCEs in Intermediate Cycle are pass/fail, so the strategy would be not to fail, rather than perform flawlessly.

7) Now that I've covered everything that has passed, I'll share with you everything ahead. Tomorrow (Nov 17), PMCSA is organising a Farewell Dinner for the students leaving for Penang (i.e. us) at the end of the semester. It will be a tear-jerking moment for us as we part ways with our peers, friends and colleagues for the past 2.5 years. But as all good things must come to an end, that doesn't mean we have to be all sad about it. Thus, I've made the decision to dedicate a poem to everyone at RCSI, to remember and treasure the memories we made, and to remind everyone that this not a goodbye, but rather a see you again soon.

8) On Nov 23, RCSI Cancer Society is having a Bake Sale in conjunction with Movember - which aims to promote men's health and fund research on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and suicide. It is a great cause, and we even have a competition on growing a mo' (moustache) for the entire month. Zi Yan and I are one of the eight teams participating, so if you'd like to support us (please do) you're more than welcome to donate to this link (https://www.gofundme.com/v25pxh-movember). Just make sure to indicate in the "Leave a Comment" section which team you are voting for. The end goal is the same though - all proceeds will go to the Movember Foundation. So what are you waiting for - donate to the Running Mo's! ^^

9) On Nov 26, we will have our CNSLF (Central Nervous System, Locomotor, Forensics) module exams, which thankfully, are in Beaumont. It will be another harrowing week for us, as the following week is our end-of-semester exams. To make matters worse, we have practically ONE day in between each of our exams, and we have both MCQs (multiple choice) and SNQs (short notes) to cover. That will be one heck of a week for us, and you can expect me to be in the library ALL DAY LONG for that.

10) Following our end-of-semester exams (which end on Dec 12), I will have 3 days break before I must bid Dublin farewell to return to Malaysia - capping off an incredible 836 days spent abroad! That would summarise the events for myself, and for the next couple of weeks, I may find it difficult to post regular updates on my blog due to the mounting pressure of exams etc, so do bear with me. That's about it for this edition of my blog post, and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Have a nice weekend, cheers! :D

P.S. A TONNE OF PHOTOS COMING YOUR WAY, SO DON'T LEAVE WITHOUT SCROLLING DOWN FIRST. CHEERS! :)

Thank you very much MMII for having me over to present my research experience!

(at Trinity Biomedical Science Institute)

Certificate ^^

Turnout was great - really happy with the overall planning and organising!

 From l-r: Desmond Chua (4th year UCD), Myself (3rd year RCSI), Dr Roshaida Abdul Wahab (PhD Candidate UCD), Dr Wan Mahmood (Specialist in General Medicine, Diabetes and Endocrinology), Dr. Arimin Mat (Research Fellow in Endocrinology UCD), Eunice Lim (Moderator, 4th year UCD)

As mentioned before, the turnout for the Research Symposium was very good! ^^

Enjoying a brief respite (while contemplating how to tackle upcoming REGUB exams)

Post REGUB exam meal with everyone!

l-r: Andy, Barry, Winston, Mat Noor, Kuhan, Myself

(enjoying a good breakfast at "1784" Cafe at RCSI SSG)

The Running Club of RCSI - over 60 people signed up for the "Run In The Dark 2018"!

A beautiful night to remember!

Zi Yan and myself, after completing the Run In The Dark 2018! 

#TeamRunningMo's 

Very glad to have finished in one piece XD

Colourful lights illuminate the bridge at night :)

All that glisters is not gold—

Often have you heard that told.

Many a man his life hath sold

But my outside to behold.

Gilded tombs do worms enfold.

Had you been as wise as bold,

Young in limbs, in judgment old,

Your answer had not been inscrolled

Fare you well. Your suit is cold—

Cold, indeed, and labor lost.

A well-deserved meal post-run :)

Indeed, the side dividers are the thing I miss most about the old Mercer Library

(pic taken outside the Beaumont Library)

Attended the safeTALK on suicide prevention

Bulletin Board in No. 26 York St. New Academic Building

Movember 2018 - advertising for a good cause - so make sure to donate!

(link: https://www.gofundme.com/v25pxh-movember)

THANK YOU <3 <3 <3

l-r: Myself, Hong, Zi Yan practising for our OSCE exam the next day :)

(at an undisclosed location somewhere in the heart of Beaumont Hospital :)

Sneak peek: This is the same room to be used for our OSCE examination the next day

Providing FREE counselling advice! :)

DAY 740-745

Sept 12-17

1) Yet another week has passed, and with it we've accomplished a lot. For a start, Fresher's Week is well and truly underway. In actual fact, it's a fortnight of activity rather than a week's! So everyday is something new for the newcomers to RCSI, with each club/society taking turns to organise events to get to know everyone better.

2) The RCSI Cancer Society (in which I am fortunate enough to be Co-President) organised its own event as well - our very own Pink Party! Held at Opium (restaurant, bar, nightclub), all ticket sales go to charity (specifically Breast Cancer Ireland in aid of research). Before the event, we were given a chance to promote our society during the Clubs and Societies Sign-Up Day - which coincidentally was held on the same day.

3) Unfortunately, Sign-Up Day coincided with a majority of our lectures (for the IC2 students). This meant that the initial setting up and manning of the booth was done by the other committee members (who did an amazing job!). After our lessons at 5.30pm, I took the next bus to Eden Quay, got dinner, then took over the hour or so. There was a really vibrant atmosphere at the Sports Hall, with all the fresh new faces, and also the beautiful decor all around. Not to mention all the food and snacks in between!

4) We had over a hundred register interest in our societies - a fact that I'm really proud of. We also managed to sell a lot of tickets, and with everything else in place, there was only one thing left to do. The party would start at around 11pm, and the last bus home for me (from the city to Beaumont where I live) would be 11.30pm. There was literally no use going there for 15 minutes and then leaving; either I go the full monty or not go at all.

5) Now those who know me well will know that I'm not the party-type of person, but I decided to go regardless, because a) I didn't want to not go to a party organised by a society which I was committee of; b) it would most likely be the last time I would experience this type of atmosphere in Dublin (I don't expect to do this in Malaysia). So there was still the problem of what to do with the transport back - then I asked my friends if anyone was willing to let me spend the night at their place.

6) I was indeed fortunate that I had such kind friends who let me stay over at their house, so with that sorted, I went for the party with everyone. It was all great craig, although I abstained from any alcohol (hepatotoxicity is a real side effect of the medication that I'm currently on, secondary to my abysmal tolerance XD). At around half past one, we hired a six-seater back to my friends' house, where I spent the night.

7) Here's the thing - we had class the next day, at nine! Despite my best efforts, I made it at half past, only to find the attendance sheets being filled up. Thankfully, the sheets were left unattended even after the lectures, which allowed for some tempering with... As we were off Friday, the rest of the week has been mostly just me studying in the library, trying to catch up with the week's lectures as usual. That'll be it for this edition of my blog, thanks for visiting as always, and have a lovely week ahead. Cheers! :)

Clubs & Socs Sign-Up Day 2018!!!

Our lovely booth :))

All the sweet treats (plus laptop on the right for people to sign up!)

No sign up no food XD (jkjk)

If that spot of light were any closer I could star in a Colgate advert...

At Opium

Thanks so much guys for letting me spend the night over! <3

Lunch with my Trinidad & Tobago friends

(l-r: Myself, Joshua, Ishtar, Sarita)

If there's ever been a more clear cut case of psychotic tendency, I've yet to see it XD

Grilled salmon with roast potatoes and mixed vegetables - what a great combo :)

Vegetarian pie, with peas and chips - and a generous dollop of mayo :))

Pasta bolognese with a huge portion of corn - I simply love the colour contrast here ^^

DAY 567-575

Mar 22 - 30

1) I've been pretty busy the last week, for a couple of reasons. RCSI Cancer Society organised their Daffodil Day Bake Sale, in an effort to raise funds for cancer research (Irish Cancer Society). Initially we were not given permission to use the Expo Stage at the No. 26 New Academic Building, but in the end we managed to set up there - and what a collection it was! Brownies, lemon squares, Rice Krispies, cupcakes, Daffodil flower badges, and even TWO tubs of Gino's Gelato (!) sponsored by Gino's themselves. While the other society members had baked most of these sweet treats, yours truly being the less culinary inclined could only provide moral support and manpower.

2) Initially, there wasn't that large a turnout - probably because the students had class. Soon, however, the numbers began rising, partially due to the awesome deals we gave them. €1 for a tub of Gino's anyone? We tried to give them the most bang for their buck, short of actually toppling the ice cream. After a while, the ice cream began to melt, turning into a gloop of still awesome goodness, so Claire had to take it to the refrigerator. All in all, it was a really good day to raise funds for charity. Just a pity I couldn't be around the whole day, as I had other business to attend to.

3) Among the many things I've done, none was more striking than my getting a haircut. I used to get my free haircut at the Dublin School of Barbering, but recently I've noticed the website (where you book your appointment) has been taken down, and my efforts to walk there to enquire have been unsuccessful so far. As I could not wait much longer (see my 'before' pic below and I'm sure you'll agree why) I decided to have a haircut anyway, at the Grafton Barber. They have a student deal for €10 on weekdays, before 12pm. So I got my haircut, and even received a complimentary coffee as well! Not a bad deal at all :)

4) Last week was International Cultural Night 2018. My friends have been working incredibly hard for this moment - where different student bodies compete in a dance-off to promote their culture and background. I wasn't participating in this edition (I did last year) as I could not commit to the long hours of practice, compounded by the fact that I've now relocated to Beaumont. To cut a long story short, PMCSA (the RCSI equivalent of MSoc) clinched Overall Champion with a brilliant display of diversity and artistic flair - as they enthralled the audience with their intricate dance moves, accentuated by their authentic costumes and outfits! A truly monumental feat, and a huge congratulations to all those involved! :)

5) Today was our OSCE Station exams. It is a practical exam, with no grade but a simple pass-fail system. Fail, and there would be a repeat exam the following week. No one wants to fail, and so, in the days leading to this date, my friends and I were practising like mad, to cover all possible scenarios. We each took turns playing the patient, examiner, and the medical student. The videos available - we felt - were not much help, but fortunately they provided us with the mark sheet criteria as well, so we could go off that. As my batch went into Tutorial Room 4 of the Smurfit Building today, my heart was beating with anxiety. What would be the task? Would I be able to complete them in time? (we had only five minutes)

6) In the end, I got a Mr. "Smith" (for those studying in RCSI, you'll remember him as the very famous surface model with Dr. Mark Murphy in those YouTube videos), and the task was posterior chest examination. I had just finished chest wall expansion when time was called, and it was feedback time, by the invigilator. "You've passed. Good technique overall. Congrats". That's all I needed to hear. One huge load off my shoulders. And now, just two weeks more till our Cardioresp mid-terms, and another two weeks till our final semesters. This semester - and indeed, this year - is passing by so fast I can hardly catch up. And with that, I'll end my blog update here. Enjoy the photos, and thanks for tuning in. Have a great one, cheers! :)

RCSI Daffodil Day Bake Sale!!

(with my new haircut XD)

Bake Sale!

(more pics below)

Congratulations guys - awesome job! ^^

The morning view as I await the bus to the city centre (Eden Quay)

A huge thanks to Education in Ireland for this! :))

That is a very impressive diagram indeed!

Whoever did this you've got real talent :)

From this...

To this!

Wearing the Irish Cancer Soc T-shirt, just in time for the Bake Sale

Cupcakes, Rice Krispies, brownies - for €1 a pop!

The pièce de résistance - Gino's gelato in two flavours - amaretto and strawberry!

The Post Office ("GPO Dublin")

Smurfit Building 2nd Floor - practising for our OSCE's