Sunday, March 22, 2009

Whoa..do I smell pessimism?

Today, I wasn't me. I think it was a combination of fatigue, cyclical hormonal changes, hunger and some weird news about my intended destination for training. I was almost depressed, a strange feeling for the normally upbeat and feisty little CPD.





Then I had a very good lunch with SH in A La II (a Jap restaurant at Ipoh Garden East) and voiced out my worries. The good thing about having good girlfriends are they are a great tonic to the soul...especially when we discuss our fears and plans. Further chatted with PS and Mich, decided that if i have focused my mind on something, I should make it happen no matter how tough the competition is, no matter how much harder I have to work. I made it past STPM and the one of the toughest medical school in the country, I should be able to withstand the challenges ahead.



I think this journey to become a surgeon is not about the destination...it's about the process of moulding myself into a world-class, highly-skilled, technically-gifted, ethical & compassionate surgeon. The process may be shorter or longer, easier or even tougher than what I projected it. Yet, as long as I am living out my dream and doing my utmost best in the most principled way, I know that I am on the right track. After searching the Scriptures and having some time off with my Lord, I am so much more relieved and motivated d. So, by the end of the day, I guess I am back to my normal, 'kick-ass' self again.



In the meantime, I still miss the chumi-chumi bakar in Jogja. Been racking my brains out figuring where on earth do we find such huge, juicy cuttlefish in Malaysia...anyone knows?

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi,glad to know u enjoyed ur trip to Indon.
Well ,I dunnow what u hv heard abt getting training down south.My sources told me that there is no guarantee that one will be given a training post,with or without MRCS/MRCP.
I am still thinking whether it is a wise decision after all ,to move from Japan to Singapore.

Anonymous said...

pessimistic or optimistic, it's you.

it's ok to make allowances for doubt and restlessness.

just 'cumi' will do. btw, did you dine at kampung daun in bandung? that's one helluva nice place!

DocIncognito said...

Hey CPD, I just stumbled upon your blog. Love it! You'ld make a really cute and pretty surgeon! ;)

It seems that you have sat for both the MRCS Part 1 and 2. If I may ask what was your incentive for taking these exams? From what I've heard, to be eligible for MRCS Part 3, one has to get a training post in the UK or Ireland, something that is not easy at the moment. Or is there another way? I really admire your resolve in chasing your dreams. If only more people(me included!) could do that...

DocIncognito said...

Sorry, I meant the CCBST(Certificate of Completion of Basic Surgical Training). Is there any way for someone who was trained in Malaysia to obtain the cert? To the best of my knowledge there are no RCS approved training programmes locally.

In UK, both the MRCS AND the CCBST are required for advancement into Higher Surgical Training. I'm not sure about Singapore though. Have you checked? Any input on this matter would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Unknown said...

to uwen...there r no guarantee in training anywhere in the world..i guess. just haf to aim for the best and work towards ur goals.

to koolgeek, i didn't go to kampung daun? where exactly izzit?

to doc incognito, i sat for MRCS1 and 2 bcoz i was aiming for training in the UK initially. pass PLAB but didn't go in the end. now thinking of going to singapore and aiming to enter into training there by next year. will work hard towards it. thanx for liking my blog! Sg training is very competitive but i wil try my best once i m there....

Anonymous said...

kg daun is a very nice 'survivor' like dining place up on the hill in bandung.

DocIncognito said...

I see, Singapore's a good choice, especially since u're so close to having MRCS in ur hands. By the way, have you tried applying for the Masters of Surgery offered by the local uni's. It seems to me that u qualify. I've heard that it's highly competitive, but have you given it a shot?

Unknown said...

No matter what decision I make, ultimately I have to face with the consequence and swallow the repercussions, be it good or bad. The next few months will be the defining period of the next chapter of my life.

Turbulent times indeed eh?

DocIncognito said...

Yup, eventually we'll have to make the decision and bear the consequences.

Hope the events in the next few months will play out in your favour. Do update us on the outcome! I'll be keeping a lookout for this blog. :)