Lmst

Tagline: “Hourly Toilet Break”

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

If humans had taglines, what would yours be?

Those who have worked with me know that I have such thing called “The Hourly Toilet Break”.

Firstly, because I consume lots of fluids and secondly, that is how I ensure I do get the break once in a while on a busy day or maybe, the day is quite slow and I am just, bored.

Of course when the day is rather busy and hectic, time just flies and that I do not even realise the time passing by. By the time I actually do complete my task and take the opportunity to just rest for a while, 2-3 hours have gone by.

How Did The Hourly Toilet Break Started?

Photo by Hafidz Alifuddin on Pexels.com

I didn’t actually planned for such thing at work. Obviously.

At home, I do frequently go for my toilet breaks as I’m forever consuming green teas or black coffees or water. All of which contributes to the filling of my bladder, in addition to the fluids being diuretics.

It wasn’t until I started my tagging in my sixth rotation, the Emergency & Trauma Department that I reinforced this so-called “hourly toilet break”.

The tagging hours in the Emergency & Trauma Department is long, just as in other postings whereby we had to work from 7am til 10pm everyday with an off day each week for 10 days straight.

Thus, it helped me in ensuring that I either get to sit and recollect myself during hectic days or to make the hours pass during slow days.

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1822 #dailyprompt1829 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1863 #dailyprompt1881 #dailyprompt1941 #dailyprompt1949 #dailyprompt1950 #dailyprompt1952 #dailyprompt1957 #dailyprompt1964 #dailyprompt1968 #doctor #emergency #healthcare #hospitalUmumSarawak #housemanship #internship #kuching #medical #Medicine #sarawak #sarawakGeneralHospital #tagging #tagline #toiletBreak #writing

Surviving 10 Days Of Tagging | Emergency & Trauma Department

Related Posts:

My tagging days in my sixth and final rotation, Emergency and Trauma Department, lasted for a total of 10 days which was from the 11th of April till the 23rd of April 2025. This is excluding our one “off day” for the week.

Did I manage to last throughout the tagging days?

Not quite.

I did take a sick leave during my second week of tagging. The reason was that I was just extremely tired.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

The tagging hours in the Emergency and Trauma Department is from 7 am till 10pm, just in other postings.

The good thing about this department is that we do not need to do morning reviews. Thus, coming way early prior to our shift is unheard of. We merely come and leave on time.

However, considering that it is the Emergency Department, things are unpredictable whereby things could be quiet one moment and hectic the next.

Hence, on days which burn, it can be extremely tiring. But, completing these tagging days are a must and so on slow days where the hours seem to pass by really slowly, I make it a point to have an “hourly toilet break“. On busy days, it may be the only time that I am given a chance to sit and breathe.

On top of that, I made sure I took my lunch and dinner break. Not because I was hungry as I was used to having my meal for the day after work. It was merely my way of spending my time during my tagging days.

At 10pm, the shift is over and I leave, even if the floor is busy because the following day my shift begins at 7am again.

Finally after 10 days of “tagging“, I have finally off-tagged and shifted to “shift hours“.

Photo by Andrey Grushnikov on Pexels.com

There are no assessments in order to off-tag. as there were in other postings, which is a good thing. However, tagging in this posting felt long and seem to went on forever for me. Perhaps, this was because I was mainly tagging alone as I entered a month later than my fellow peers.

Nonetheless, I was glad to be done with this schedule and shift back to a regular 12-hours shift.

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1826 #dailyprompt1828 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1855 #dailyprompt1860 #dailyprompt1861 #dailyprompt1865 #dailyprompt1948 #dailyprompt1953 #dailyprompt1954 #dailyprompt1962 #doctor #emergency #emergencyAndTrauma #hospital #hospitalLife #hospitalUmumSarawak #houseOfficer #housemanship #kuching #Malaysia #medical #Medicine #sarawakGeneralHospital #tagging #trauma #writing

My Last Shift As A House Officer in Medical | Housemanship Diaries

Related Posts:

At the time of writing this article, I am no longer in my Fifth Rotation, Medical but already in my Sixth Rotation, The Emergency and Trauma Department and at the same time, due for my last shift in my Sixth rotation as well as being a House Officer.

Looking back, my last shift in the Medical Department seemed ages ago.

However, I remembered that I was night shift at that time and was at Male Medical Ward (MMW).

My duration working in this ward was around 3 weeks. However, it was my least favourite as compared to Medical 3, Medical 4, the Infectious Disease (ID) Ward or being part of the Perimedical team. The superiors were alright but it was the vibe of the ward in general that I found unsettling that I can’t quite place my fingers on.

The night shift in Medical is from 8pm till 9am. However, on that day, I recalled leaving home at 6:30pm to go to work as we were not allocated any “long day” shifts.

“Long Day” or “LD” are those who work from 7am till 10pm. Thus from 6pm till 8pm, prior to the night shift person coming, there is a 2 hours gap which is filled by them.

On that week, there were no “Long Day’s” and everyone had the opportunity to return home at 6pm. However, who would fill in the “2-hours gap”?

Thus, I remembered me and my colleagues at that time coming into a mutual agreement and compromise that one person would stay till 7pm and the night shift person would arrive an hour earlier at 7pm.

It was a good compromise except there would be nobody to accompany us till 10pm and usually their help is valuable. Those hours till 10pm can get rather hectic at times.

I remembered arriving around 6:45pm and started receiving handover from the AM teams and was cautioned to lookout for a particular patient in the acute cubicle who was rather unstable.

Upon finishing our handover, the Medical Officer on-call for that ward arrived and things started to go hectic.

I can’t exactly remember what happened but I was on my feet the whole time and did not begin my “coming mornings” till 3am.

Thankfully, I was still able to complete them before 5am and the morning bloods were out in the system on time.

That morning during my post night shift, I was “summoned” for minimal bloods which I completed immediately. Usually during my post night shift, I would remain within the sights of the “AM team” and offer to help out where I could.

But I remembered at that time that I was completely spent. I decided to rest in the House Officer’s room and take any bloods a little later prior to my shift ending, if there were any.

Surprisingly there were none after that. I recalled seeing a junior taking the blood of a patient as I was exiting the ward and asked him as to why he did not just ask me.

He claimed that upon arriving for his morning shift, I looked rather spent and after I left to take a short break in the House Officer’s room, he just did not want to disturb me. After all, he said, it was only one patient.

I was touched and grateful. It was a small gesture. However, it’s small, simple things that sometimes touches you.

After that, I clocked out for the last time as a House Officer in the Medical Department.

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1844 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1861 #dailyprompt1865 #dailyprompt1878 #dailyprompt1881 #dailyprompt1885 #dailyprompt1892 #dailyprompt1895 #dailyprompt1903 #dailyprompt1949 #dailyprompt1953 #dailyprompt1954 #dailyprompt1955 #dailyprompt1956 #dailyprompt1963 #doctor #hospitalUmumSarawak #houseOfficer #housemanship #kuching #lastShift #medical #medicalPosting #Medicine #sarawak #sarawakGeneralHospital #ward #writing

Jobs That I’ve Had

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

What jobs have you had?

Teacher

Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko on Pexels.com

My first job that I’ve ever had was as a Teacher.

I had just completed my STPM which is a form of pre-university course in Malaysia, equivalent to that of the UK A-Levels and I was waiting for my results.

At that time, I was on a holiday with my parents and was perusing through Facebook when I came across an advertisement on a job offer at a nearby language centre, looking for an English Language teacher.

Without any expectations, I applied for it. At least, I’d have some exposure and regularity prior to entering Medical School in September that year.

Shortly after I returned home, I received a call and an email responding to my application. I went for the interview session and was soon called back and offered a job to which I accepted.

Barista

Photo by Barcelona Albertus on Pexels.com

My second job, I was a barista at a coffee shop as well as worked at the cash register of a store, both at the same time during my first and second year of medical school after which I stopped and subsequently used to work as a waitress for an F&B company. That was my third job. My second and third jobs were jobs mainly to earn extra cash after classes amidst my free time.

Looking back, I probably should’ve just focused on my writing.

Junior Doctor

Photo by RF._.studio _ on Pexels.com

My fourth and current job is working as a junior doctor at Sarawak General Hospital. I still am one since I started practicing in 2023 and is currently going through my sixth and final rotation (at the time of writing this article) before finally receiving my full APC or license to practice independently both in government or private sector.

Am I ready for it? Certainly not.

However, somehow I haven’t quit and I kept pushing through. I don’t know how or why and before I knew it, 2 years has flown by.

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1819 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1854 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1863 #dailyprompt1884 #dailyprompt1948 #dailyprompt1952 #dailyprompt1953 #dailyprompt1955 #dailyprompt1957 #dailyprompt1959 #dailyprompt1971 #doctor #hospitalLife #houseOfficer #housemanship #jobs #medical #medicalOfficer #medicalSchool #Medicine #partTime #work #writing

Reflection – After Almost 2 Years Of Practicing As A Junior Doctor

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

“Would you want to return back to medical school?”

No.

I enjoyed my 5 years of medical school very much and I appreciate the memories formed throughout those years.

However, after working as a junior doctor for 2 years, I would not consider turning back time, just to go through medical school all over again. I enjoyed studying and it was equally tough and fun. Besides that, I had the best study group, “The Impostors”.

Going through the COVID-19 Pandemic season of social distancing and online classes made the journey easier. I remembered staying back in Kuala Lumpur and waking up in the morning prior to starting class just to set up my laptop and my connecting screen, sending the link earlier to the group, sharing the slides if needed and while the classes are on-going, I would go about cooking, cleaning or folding clothes.

My coffee and tea would be on standby and everything was prim and proper. Besides that, breakfast, lunch and dinner would always be prepped by me, for me or my friend who lives upstairs. After that, I would proceed to study during the wee hours.

I think the time I managed to complete reading various textbooks were during the COVID pandemic.

Then, I graduated and started my housemanship. It was extremely tough at first and it’s still difficult now at times but I’ve grown to accept the fact that there will be difficult days as well as good days.

Three months later after starting my housemanship journey, my first pay was banked in and subsequently, every month I received my monthly pay.

Eventually as I become more and more senior, things became more and more familiar and easier and some things or procedures became a reflex, even the management plans.

Thus, considering, the things that I’m doing now which I think is much easier as compared to my medical school days, would I want to turn back time?

Nope. Medical school is important and equally tough. On top of that, I’m not getting paid. Instead, my parents had to pay for my medical school fees.

So, no. I cherished those days as I said. But I certainly do not want to relieve them again.

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1812 #dailyprompt1819 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1844 #dailyprompt1852 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1854 #dailyprompt1855 #dailyprompt1857 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1948 #dailyprompt1952 #dailyprompt1957 #dailyprompt1964 #doctor #houseOfficer #housemanship #juniorDoctor #medical #medicalSchool #Medicine #reflection #studying #working #workingVsStudying #writing

Preparing For My Exit From The Medical Posting As A House Officer | Housemanship Diaries

Related Posts:

Medical. My Fifth rotation.

While I was in Medical School, my favourite rotation was the Medical Posting and I’ve always imagined myself being a Medical Officer in Medical.

Thus, upon entering my Housemanship Journey, I did not choose to rotate in Medical as my first posting. Many people said that the Medical Posting is the most difficult posting of all the postings due to the patient load as well as the workload.

Thus, I began in Orthopaedics and placed Medical as my Fifth Posting. Mainly, because I wanted to “enjoy” it. Enjoy it in the sense that I already knew the basics and knew how to function as a House Officer and would be able to learn how to manage the patients.

However, albeit being a senior poster, some old habits retain. In the Medical posting, we were required to hand in our logbooks 2 weeks prior our End of Posting Date.

However, I approached my mentor 5 weeks prior my exit. Unfortunately, my assigned mentor at that time was not available and asked me to approach my Specialist-in-charge of House Officers at that time to request for a new Mentor.

I approached the Specialist-in-charge and was assigned a new mentor which happened to be someone I worked with multiple times while I was in Medical 3.

The following week was a rather tensed week for me as I tried my best to cram as much as I could.

I finally had my assessment with my first mentor who is a Medical Officer that Sunday. Thankfully, I passed.

2 days later, I went for my assessment with my second mentor, my reassigned specialist, who passed me as well.

The issue next was the completion of my 12 CMEs. CME stands for Continuous Medical Education which occurs once a week on Tuesdays. In other postings, only 5 CMEs were required in order to pass. Sadly, it is not the same for the Medical Posting.

Unfortunately, CMEs done online were not acceptable even if there are certificate of attendance.

Luckily, I had attended a Hospital CME some time ago and I was only looking for ONE more CME prior to my exit of this posting.

Thus, I used that to my advantage and finally, I was able to hand in my logbook and officially exit the posting.

Sadly, a few days prior to my exit, something occurred that led to the demise of a patient. But, that is a story for another article. Thankfully, that did not affect my exit from this posting and I exited, on time.

If you are due to finish the Medical Posting or any posting in general, take it as a lesson from me and approach your assessors much earlier.

Otherwise, all the very best!

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyblog #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1812 #dailyprompt1813 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1844 #dailyprompt1852 #dailyprompt1854 #dailyprompt1855 #dailyprompt1857 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1861 #dailyprompt1862 #dailyprompt1881 #dailyprompt1963 #dailyprompt1964 #doctor #endOfPostingExam #houseOfficer #housemanship #medical #medicalOfficer #Medicine #writing

Surviving The Night Shift In The Medical Posting In General | Housemanship Diaries

Related Posts:

The shift that I have always dreaded but enjoyed the most were the night shifts. I dreaded it because I knew that I would be alone most of the time and afraid that I would not be able to cope with the adrenaline rush or anxiety or the craziness that might ensue. However, I enjoyed it because that meant that I will be able to sleep in prior to going for my shift and the following day at 7am, the morning team will start arriving and I am not alone anymore.

The Medical posting in general is a “heavy” posting because of the patient load. Almost all of the patients are so-called “Medical” patients once Surgical, Orthopaedic, Psychiatric or other causes have been ruled out, and it could stem from something as simple as electrolyte imbalance to myocardial infarction or stroke.

Thus, imagine the amount of coming mornings.

Prior to entering this posting, I’ve always enquired and listened to my fellow colleagues’ input and experiences. Most of them would say that “In the Medical posting, the rule of thumb for surviving the night shift is to start taking the bloods as soon as you arrive for the night shift”.

True enough. That is something I have practiced since and even in other postings as you do not know just when something may happen and next thing you know, the sun is rising and your coming mornings are late and the morning team have arrived and the bloods are still pending or not in the system or yet to be taken and the medical officers and specialists have arrived.

Sadly, when there is a delay in the blood investigations, there is a delay in management.

Thus, it is a tachycardic moment for me. Prior to entering my shift, I would screen through the coming morning list and upon arriving, I would usually prep my trolley, ensure my coming mornings are divided and arranged according to their cubicles, ensure enough syringes and needles are set aside as well as the alcohol swabs and cotton swabs.

Then, I will begin taking my coming mornings, usually working my way from the back of the ward then towards the front cubicle, subacute cubicle and finally, ending with the acute cubicle.

Usually in between, something will occur, maybe a patient newly admitted into ward or a patient will suddenly be hypotensive or hypertensive or hypoglycaemic or starts throwing up or wants to have a small talk.

Normally, I would not mind entertaining them. However, if I’m still due to complete my coming mornings, I would proceed to complete it and I usually will not rest until I do. At least I’ll be rest assured that should anything occur in between, I would not have to worry about the completion of my coming mornings.

The night shifts can be rather unpredictable as one minute it can seem rather quiet and calm at first and hectic the next. At times, it can get overwhelming as well.

However, have faith and know that help is always nearby and start taking your bloods as early as possible.

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1826 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1852 #dailyprompt1854 #dailyprompt1857 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1861 #dailyprompt1865 #dailyprompt1950 #dailyprompt1952 #dailyprompt1957 #dailyprompt1959 #dailyprompt1964 #dailyprompt1968 #doctor #doctors #healthcare #hospitalUmumSarawak #houseOfficer #housemanship #kuching #medical #medicalPosting #Medicine #nightShift #sarawak #sarawakGeneralHospital #writing

My Next 6 Months (Post Housemanship)

What is the biggest challenge you will face in the next six months?

Related Posts:

At the time of writing this article, it is the 8th of April 2025, Day 644 of my Housemanship Journey. I have just completed my Fifth Posting in Medical and is currently on leave as well as due to begin my 6th and Final Posting in Emergency Medicine on the 11th of April 2025.

One posting or rotation lasts for a total of 4 months if there is no extension, for House Officers.

Thus, it’s safe to say that for the upcoming 4 months, my focus would be on leaving and enjoying my final posting and the challenges I would most probably face then would be the completion of my logbook, preparing my presentation for CME and preparing for my end of posting assessments.

But how about for the subsequent 2 months after that?

That’s a grey area for me.

First of all, I do not know myself on the department that I would want to serve in as a Medical Officer as I enjoyed every posting that I have ever rotated in.

Next, the state or hospital that I would be interested in practicing in for at least the next few years. Currently, I am practicing in Hospital Umum Sarawak, otherwise known as Sarawak General Hospital or “SGH”, in Kuching, Sarawak.

Personally, I would like to stay back over here and serve here rather than to go back as I absolutely love it here and feel like this is where I am meant to be.

However, things might change in the future considering that I would want to get married and my partner is living in Peninsular Malaysia. That’s one as well as the consideration of my parents, having grown up as an only child.

Thus, a grey area for me, nevertheless. Me, being comfortable with procrastination has pushed this thought to the back of my head and refused to entertain since I have to submit my full MMC application by the 13th of April 2025.

This means, I have to set my mind on a department as well as my choice of state (location) or hospitals of choice.

Oh dear…

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#6Months #article #Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1823 #dailyprompt1829 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1844 #dailyprompt1852 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1855 #dailyprompt1857 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1862 #dailyprompt1863 #dailyprompt1878 #dailyprompt1881 #dailyprompt1885 #dailyprompt1886 #dailyprompt1892 #dailyprompt1903 #dailyprompt1976 #doctor #emergencyMedicine #futurePlans #healthcare #hospital #hospitalUmumSarawak #houseOfficer #housemanship #kuching #Malaysia #medical #medicalOfficer #Medicine #plan #sarawak #sarawakGeneralHospital #writing

Iced Tea & Cold Brew Coffee

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

What is your favorite drink?

As the title entails, it is Iced Tea and Cold Coffee.

1. Iced Tea

Photo by Barbara Webb on Pexels.com

I fell in love with tea, green tea, black tea and oolong tea in particular when I was 14 years old.

At that time, I was looking into drinks to aid my weight loss and I came across green tea and oolong tea being suitable drinks in facilitating weight loss when consumed without sugar.

Thus, I brewed my first proper sugarless green tea and fell in love with the taste. Ever since then, I started drinking it on a regular basis and it has pretty much replaced water for me.

Did it aid with weight loss?

Perhaps in the beginning, eventually, I continued drinking it because I enjoyed the taste be it warm or cold.

As I started working, I would usually prepare cold brew green tea in order for me to bring to work the following day.

Photo by Charlotte May on Pexels.com

Why cold?

The environment that I’m working in can get rather warm and considering I am a person who perspires easily, the temperature of the tea eases me and provides immediate rejuvenation.

Even after a long day at work, nothing refreshes me more than a cold brew green tea served in mason jar and a straw.

2. Cold Coffee

Photo by Marta Dzedyshko on Pexels.com

I am a HUGE fan of coffee, black sugarless coffee in particular.

My love for coffee began since I was in primary school, which I think is a bad thing since children are not supposed to consume coffee.

Back then, my mother would used to prepare coffee for my father and milo for me prior to my father sending me off to school and heading to work.

Me and my father would then switch drinks after he has drank half of his drink.

Then, when I turned 14 years old, I started pulling an all nighter or getting up at midnight just to study.

Eventually, I developed immunity towards coffee and is able to fall asleep even after consuming it. Thus, I merely consume it out of addiction and routine.

As I started working, as mentioned in my explanation for cold tea, the environment is rather warm for me to be consuming hot coffee. Hence, I would prepare my mason jars of coffee the night prior and transfer it into my flask the following day.

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #beverage #blackCoffee #Blog #blogging #coffee #coldBrew #coldBrewCoffee #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1820 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1852 #dailyprompt1854 #dailyprompt1855 #dailyprompt1856 #dailyprompt1857 #dailyprompt1862 #dailyprompt1865 #dailyprompt1873 #dailyprompt1881 #dailyprompt1886 #dailyprompt1892 #dailyprompt1897 #dailyprompt1959 #doctor #drink #drinks #favouriteDrink #icedTea #tea #writing

My Grocery List As A Junior Doctor – While I Was In My Vegetarian Phase

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

Being a Junior Doctor or a House Officer, we are located the lowest in the hierarchy of medical personnels. That is because we have just started practicing which means there is still a lot for us to learn on top of learning how to be a safe doctor as well as the simple management of the patients’ condition down to their tailored management. Thus, this automatically translates into long hours at work, a mentally and physically tiring journey as well as a reduction in our total night’s sleep.

Are we married to our work? In a way yes and also no.

Not that we want to or that we are workaholics but being in this field, it is an unspoken expectation which seems to have befallen us.

Thus, our so-called “work-life balance” is almost always in disequilibrium and we try our best to destress in whatever way suits us best.

For me, it is cooking and recently, I have embarked on a vegetarian journey for the Lenten season (at the time of writing this article, it was during Lent), as well as a way of trying to be a pinch healthier to my already unhealthy lifestyle.

Since I enjoy making my own meals, I rarely eat outside. Thus, the idea that vegetarian food is a little bit difficult to be obtained or ordered online, does not really bother me.

A bright side to this is that, I’m lacto-ovo-vegetarian, meaning I consume egg amidst being vegetarian as well as dairy products and throughout my vegetarian season, I did not reduce my food portion (which may be bad). Rather, I simply changed my food choices from non-vegetarian to vegetarian and from ordering take-outs to consuming more home prepared meals.

Thus, what are the grocery items that I ensure I stock up on a regular basis?

1. Tofu

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch on Pexels.com

I absolutely CANNOT live without tofu. It is extremely versatile as I could make any kind of dish with it. Most of the time, I would simply dice it and marinade with some spices and air fry it.

At times, when I’m feeling fancy, I would use it as a burger patty as well.

2. Mushrooms

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

This is another versatile ingredient. From enoki mushrooms to crab mushrooms, oyster mushrooms or button mushrooms, you name it. I’m a big fan.

I try my best to stock up on fresh mushrooms. However, since I go through it pretty fast, I would usually fall back to dried mushrooms since it is readily available in the mart of my residential area.

3. Eggs

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Luckily, I chose to be lacto-ovo-vegetarian, meaning if I ran out of ingredients, I could pretty much add egg, be it just cracking them into my broth or frying them.

4. Bird’s Eye Chilli

Photo by Anna Nekrashevich on Pexels.com

Bird’s eye chilli or “cili padi” as we call it in Malaysia.

I am a big fan of spicy food and since I go through chilli powder pretty fast, I started incorporating them into my dishes.

Be warned though, if you’re not a fan of spicy dishes, adding one too many may render the dish unconsumable.

5. Rolled Oats

Photo by Karyna Panchenko on Pexels.com

This usually takes some time before it finishes.

Since I am a “heavy eater”, I started substituting my rice with rolled oats instead, which is something I started doing 2 years ago.

I’m not a big fan of having my oats with milk as I find it rather sweet or sometimes just bland for my palate. Instead, I prefer savoury dishes and the oats complements most of the dishes well.

6. Curry Leaves

Photo by Rahul Sonawane on Pexels.com

This does not really serve any purpose except I merely enjoy the aroma emitting when I sizzle it with oil, adding a nice aroma to my dishes.

7. Random Vegetables – Cabbage, Leafy Vegetables, Potatoes, Cabbage

Photo by Mark Stebnicki on Pexels.com

I started eating greens again.

I have always loved eating vegetables. However, it is not easily obtained since I do not have a car, I rarely go out and the nearby residential mart does not sell them.

Thus, I order online, I usually have a few fallback vegetables which I would add to my cart which are cabbages, any leafy vegetables, potatoes and aubergines.

Photo by Laker on Pexels.com

Cabbage is another versatile vegetable as I could add it to my curry dishes and it does not wilt immediately, as an extra ingredient in my stir fried noodles as well as when I cook “okonomiyaki”.

These are my food grocery list by default. I’m not exactly a health conscious person despite being a doctor myself nor do I reduce my food portion. It is merely a step for me to try and be a little bit healthier which is sustainable for me and hopefully in time, it deems fruitful.

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#Articles #Blog #blogging #cook #cooking #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1812 #dailyprompt1813 #dailyprompt1829 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1920 #dailyprompt1936 #dailyprompt1944 #dailyprompt1956 #dailyprompt1962 #dailyprompt1976 #doctor #eating #egg #food #groceries #grocery #healthyEating #healthyMeals #houseOfficer #housemanship #juniorDoctor #kuching #Malaysia #medical #Medicine #sarawak #vegetable #vegetarian #writing

My Teenage Years

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

Describe a phase in life that was difficult to say goodbye to.

Upon reading this prompt, I was reminded of my high school days. The first year of high school was very tough for me in terms of adjusting to a new school, cultures and subjects.

I went from a comfortable place to a different one without any guidance nor advice and I went from being a senior to a freshie all over again, which I did not like.

In addition to that, I had a very bad temper and used to talk back to my seniors which did not aid in my reputation. Well, that was the first year, things started getting better the following year onwards and my grades picked up. I have accustomed myself to the flow.

It was during my teenage years that I met my good friends whom I still keep contact to this day albeit not meeting much.

Looking back, I enjoyed my routine and studying very much. Waking up early was the hardest part of the day, which surprisingly isn’t one for me now, I have transitioned into an early riser.

This is followed by shower, preparing my breakfast and lunch for school, which mostly just includes me grabbing bread or biscuits and stuffing it in my bag and wait for my parents to send me off to school, which is usually my dad. He would send me off prior going to work.

I was truly blessed to have experience that.

In school, it was about attending classes, completing homework or assignments, gossiping with my friends or attending extra-curricular activities. However, the place I truly enjoyed spending my time was in the library. Thus, if I were to bunk class, I would lock myself inside the library and just study or read. The perks of being a librarian. Thankfully, my teacher-in-charge of the library always had my back if I were to be questioned regarding my whereabouts.

After school, my mother would be the one who usually picks me up from school and most of the time, we would eat outside. Occasionally, she does cook at home and as I am writing this reflection, I truly miss these simple heartwarming dishes.

This is then followed by me showering, completing my homework, studying, chilling, going out with my mom and getting ready for tuition or extra classes which are usually in the evenings or on alternate days.

Life was simple and predictable. I remembered attending multiple tuition classes during the week, mainly because I was bored being at home as I was not allowed to simply go out with my friends as I pleased. Thus, I looked forward to those evenings.

Holidays and weekends were the things I looked forward to as well and I enjoyed recuperating or simply helping my parents out with their chores, watching movies or TV shows, studying with music, writing and playing video games.

Surprisingly, what aid me in studying back in high school was due to video games. Perhaps it was the way I “destress” and it drives my mind.

I was not allowed to work during the holidays as my parents feared that once I get the taste of my own earnings, studying will no longer be a priority. However, my pocket money wasn’t great either. But I still got by and occasionally, my dad would slip in some money without my mom knowing just so I could enjoy a nice meal across the road with my friend.

The stress back then were focused on exams and completing homework. Occasionally, life dramas do get in the way, all part and parcel of being a “teenager”, having crushes, jealousy and bullying.

However, for the most part, I enjoyed my teenage years and looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing except to be more disciplined in my studying and to learn more.

Those years flew by rather quickly. Before I knew it, I was a senior and the stress of choosing a major or course and the university applications kicked in. Over the years, I’ve accumulated multiple fond memories with my friends as well which were a mixed of beautiful ones, silly and extremely foolish ones, which we do look back and laugh about during our meet-ups.

If you are reading this, I hope that you did enjoy your teenage years as much as I did too. If you are a teenager, do not fill your time with just studying, immerse yourself in extracurricular activities as well and discover new habits. It is the season of discovering yourself, and hopefully in years to come when you do look back and ponder, it will be filled with sweet memories as well.

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #classes #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1826 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1862 #dailyprompt1953 #dailyprompt1954 #dailyprompt1955 #dailyprompt1956 #dailyprompt1957 #dailyprompt1959 #dailyprompt1962 #dailyprompt1963 #dailyprompt1971 #dailyprompt1976 #dailyprompt1977 #dailyprompt1978 #dailyprompt1979 #doctor #highSchool #homework #johor #johorBahru #memories #reminiscing #school #student #teenager #tuition #writing

Working on New Year’s Day (2025)

Related Posts:

This will be the second year in a row that I’ve chosen to work on New Year’s Day. If you’ve read my previous similar article last year, I’ve mentioned how my father has this tradition of working on New Year’s Day every year, ever since he started working at the age of 18. It is something that I’ve adapted as well.

This year, I began my year in the Department of Medical which is my Fifth Posting in my Housemanship Journey. I entered this department on the 11th of December last year.

Having just off-tagged the week before, I was still allocated in my first pool which is the Perimedical Pool.

Looking back as it is currently April 2025, at the time of writing this article, I do not quite remember where I was allocated to. I think that I was most probably taking care of the stranded Medical patients in the main building.

Thankfully, I remembered it not being a hectic day and I was allocated the “short day” shift, meaning that I had the opportunity to return home at 6pm.

Considering it was New Year’s Day which is a Public Holiday here, things were rather slow and tuned down.

Thus, it was a rather slowed down and uneventful day, ending with me returning home on time and unwinding early.

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#2025 #article #Articles #Blog #blogging #bloggingAsADoctor #dailypost #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1829 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1852 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1854 #dailyprompt1855 #dailyprompt1857 #dailyprompt1860 #dailyprompt1862 #dailyprompt1863 #dailyprompt1865 #dailyprompt1945 #doctor #hospitalUmumSarawak #houseOfficer #housemanship #kuching #lifeAsADoctor #Malaysia #medical #medicalOfficer #Medicine #newYear #sarawakGeneralHospital #work #writing

Surviving Tagging And Finally Celebrating Christmas In The Medical Posting – Housemanship Diaries

Related Posts:

In the Medical Posting, seniors were required to tag for a minimum of 10 days prior to off-tag while juniors had to tag for a full 14 days.

I was due to have my off-tag assessment and in the Medical Posting, we were required to off-tag with Physicians, meaning the specialists.

Tagging everyday in the Medical Posting was rather annoying for me since we had to stay until 10pm and being a regular early riser, I would start feeling sleepy around 8pm as that is the time I start to unwind and go to bed.

However, I can’t because I am still tagging. On top of that, since I am tagging, I would be too exhausted by the time I reach home to even consider studying. I had to prioritise my sleep more or I would crash.

Thus, I tagged for a total of 12 days which consisted of two off days. Thus, in reality, I only actually tagged for 10 full days.

In order to officially off-tag, I had to have my logbook signed by the physician who assessed me as well as to have each procedure filled and countersigned by the medical officers.

Long story short, I finally off-tagged on Christmas Eve and did not realised that I have been allocated an off day on the 25th of December.

This was perfect as my parents flew in on the 24th night. Thus, upon having officially off-tagged, I left and started getting ready to travel to the airport to meet my parents.

The following day of course was Christmas which was well spent with my parents.

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #bloggingAsADoctor #christmas #dailyBlogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1812 #dailyprompt1826 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1855 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1861 #dailyprompt1862 #dailyprompt1865 #dailyprompt1873 #dailyprompt1881 #dailyprompt1884 #dailyprompt1885 #dailyprompt1892 #dailyprompt1897 #dailyprompt1904 #dailyprompt1906 #dailyprompt1950 #dailyprompt1951 #doctor #healthcare #hospital #hospitalUmumSarawak #houseOfficer #housemanship #internship #Malaysia #medical #medicalOfficer #sarawakGeneralHospital #writing

My Morning Routine Being A House Officer Leader In The Surgical Posting | Housemanship Diaries

Related Posts:

There are three main leaders in the Surgical Posting. One is in charge of curating the weekly schedule, the other, in charge of ward and cubicle / bed allocations as well as to reallocate if there are any people who took emergency leaves or medical leaves and the third one, in charge of our attendance at work.

I was the daily allocator. Being the “allocator”, I would be in charge of designating the house officers to the selected cubicles of both the male and female surgical wards (MSW and FSW), the Peri, EMOT and ETD as well as to look for substitutes if there are any last minute changes or leaves.

Usually, I will prep my allocation in advance after the schedule leader has done the schedule and make necessary changes along the way. The leader in charge of the schedule usually determines which person works the night shift and when as well as to approve any leaves. Usually, the house officers will be divided into their respective wards.

The night before, I usually run through the suggested allocation in the “Leaders Group” with the medical officers in charge of the House Officers to screen through.

After receiving the green light from them or making necessary adjustments, I would then upload the list in the House Officer’s group. Thus, they would then know where they would be covering.

The list is usually sent in the “MOHO” group, meaning the group containing the House Officers and Medical Officers at 6:30 a.m.

Thus, I would wake up and be on standby at 5am everyday, even on my off days as I would wait for any messages should anybody take medical leaves or emergency leaves and make the necessary adjustments needed.

At 6:30 a.m sharp, I forward the daily allocation into the “MOHO” group.

If I happened to be working on that day, I would pause in between work just to send and then go about my work.

However, if I happened to be on leave or having my off days, I would then return to sleep or go about my other activities after 6:30 a.m.

It was an interesting experience having had the privilege to hold the position as one of the posting leaders.

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#Blog #blogging #bloggingAsADoctor #dailyBlog #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1844 #dailyprompt1852 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1854 #dailyprompt1856 #dailyprompt1857 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1860 #dailyprompt1861 #dailyprompt1862 #dailyprompt1863 #dailyprompt1865 #dailyprompt1897 #dailyprompt1903 #dailyprompt1930 #dailyprompt1957 #doctor #healthcare #hospitalUmumSarawak #houseOfficer #housemanship #internship #kuching #leader #Malaysia #medicalOfficer #morningRoutine #sarawakGeneralHospital #surgery #surgical #writing

Reflection Of The Surgical Posting | Housemanship Diaries

Can you share a positive example of where you’ve felt loved?

Related Posts:

As you can see based on the prompt that I would be answering, Surgical Posting is definitely the place where the environment among the superiors felt more like a family to me and I’ve always felt the love and care towards one another and the patients in the whole team.

Prior to entering this department, I’ve always had my doubts and fear considering that I’ve heard numerous negative comments in regard to the department. Mostly, the department was deemed “toxic”.

However, upon entering there during my first day, I was guided and encouraged to follow rounds even when I seemed rather lost. I was not reprimanded or shouted at but instead I was guided and taught.

No doubt it is a tiring posting and after having completed my tagging period in all of the 5 major postings (Orthopaedics, Paediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Surgical and Medical), the tagging period in the Surgical Posting is the most tiring for me.

This posting sort of reminds me of Orthopaedics except the amount of patients are full-blown, never ending with random or common surgical-related issues and the patients are even more unstable.

The thing about being in this posting is that usually when an order is given by our superiors, it is expected to be carried out STAT, meaning immediately and they will usually keep checking in to know the progress and status of the patient which is both good and also annoying. Good because it keeps you on our toes and ensure things are being carried out. Bad as the day could be burning with multiple issues and joblists and there is lack of manpower and you barely had time to sit or even had a drink and next, you’re being summoned again.

However, looking back, I definitely enjoyed every bit of my journey over there. Eventually, I was given the responsibility of being one of the leaders in this department, the daily allocator to be exact, by my friend.

This unknowingly deepens my relationship among my superiors as we would constantly reach out to each other.

Along the way, I made friends with the nurses at Male Surgical Ward and I will always be grateful for their help.

The Surgical Posting also made me realise how much I enjoy Surgical-based and that I am one. Despite my initial interest in Medical upon entering my housemanship journey, I realised that I love hands-on more and I need to “see” the issue. For example, if a patient complaints of abdominal pain, assess the patient, send some blood workups which might help and in your direction of care as well as scans.

Most of the time, the issue is identified through the scan with the blood workup being highly suggestive. Thus we move on from there.

I can’t quite explain. Somehow it just make sense to me just like when I was previously in the Orthopaedics Department.

This posting is also where I spent the longest time. I entered the posting on the 4th of July 2024, which is around 5 months as I took a break in between due to my injury.

The Surgical Posting definitely holds a dear place in my heart. Upon bumping into my old superiors, I still greet them with joy and a smile, reminiscing my good times within the department.

If you are due to join the Surgical Posting, please prepare yourself both mentally and physically.

In my opinion, the Surgical Posting is a physically tiring and not as bad as it seems despite the multiple negative remarks. Perhaps, it was a different experience for others but in my humble opinion, it is NOT a toxic department. At least at the place that I am practicing in.

Have faith, hang in there and try your ultimate best everyday in both your work as well as in trying to learn the most you can out of this posting and journey.

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#Blog #blogging #bloggingAsADoctor #dailyBlogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1820 #dailyprompt1822 #dailyprompt1826 #dailyprompt1828 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1844 #dailyprompt1852 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1854 #dailyprompt1963 #dailyprompt1976 #doctor #healthcare #hospitalLife #hospitalUmumSarawak #houseOfficer #internship #kuching #Malaysia #medical #medicalOfficer #reflection #sarawak #sarawakGeneralHospital #surgical

Daily writing prompt Describe your most ideal day from beginning to end. View all responses

I can’t really answer this one because I really don’t know the answer. I’ll take a crack at it off the top of my head.

Wake up next to my love. Get my exercise in for the day, have some breakfast, shit-shower-shave, and start the day.
This is a fantasy, right? That means it is sure as hell not a work day so maybe I play the guitar for a little while, or go outside and photograph some stuff.
This is a fantasy, right? That means both of my step kids are home for a visit. The four of us, me and my wife and the two kids, spend the morning together doing… something… anything. Then we go to lunch together.
After lunch the four of us do something together… anything. I don’t even care if it’s actually a whole lot of nothing, as long as we do it together. Then we go to dinner together.
After dinner the four of us do something together. Watch a movie, play some games. Anything so long as it’s together.
End the day by falling asleep next to my love.

I am a simple man and I enjoy the simple things. I think my hypothetical ideal day demonstrates that. I’m also gettin’ old so there’s no sky diving or hang gliding type shit for me. Just family and happy. That’s ideal for me.

At this point I need to change the subject a little. I am going to start a new thing on these daily writing prompt posts. Google has given it’s stupid AI thingie the ability to generate images. I am going to use it to generate an image related to each day’s post. I’ll try this for a few days and see how goofy I can get.

Oh yeah, the image will be something with a Jedi Knight. For today, I asked Google Bard this question: