Summer attachment - First Year

Salam 'alaikum. Salam for all.

How's all your insides doing? Fine I hope.

Just finished my practical. Half of it anyway.

Have to finish the other half in Malaysia.

Let me share a few tips for the practical, for those who haven't done it yet.

This come in late as i have to experience it before i can write on it.

But of course, this only work if you're doing it in a foreign country where you don't speak the language. *wink2*

Do's

1. Come early on the first day. Only.

2. Don't be afraid to ask to go for a break. Trust me, they love it when you're gone.

3. Make sure you tell them you won't understand anything they say. That way, they won't bully you too much.

4. When they say something, nod and look smart. Even if you don't get a word they're saying.

5. Read up on some practical things like how to take blood pressure manually, because they usually assume you know it and don't teach you if you don't ask.

6. If you do ask them for guide, well, don't bother to ask. You won't understand anyway.

7. Be honest. If you don't know or can't do something, tell them. It's lives you're dealing with.

Don'ts

1. Don't just sit and look bored. They'll give you more work. Trust me, it's no fun.

2. Never put your off your plan for another few minutes. If you have plans, eg to leave early or to sneak out, act on it immediately. Because they can receive your brainwave through telepathy and find you to give you more work so your plan won't succeed. Plus, you're going to be a doctor. You need to plan fast, and work your plan.

3. Don't be bothered by the yip-yapping of the patients. First of all, you don't understand a word they're saying. Second, they'll just end up not doing what you tell them to. Most probably because they don't trust you.

4. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. This is the time to make it all. Mistakes are part of a learning process. Sure, they might get angry at you, but why bother. You wouldn't understand anyway. Just make sure you don't cause irreversible damage to the patient's brain, heart, liver or any other organs for that matter.

Easy enough isn't it? Good luck then!

Learn, and keep on learning. It will be worth it in the end.

ps: Bye-bye Warszawa. Hello Roma!

Sekian.