As he saunters through the ward

Joe: You just came?
Dr. Ed: Yup. First day. First posting. Completely lost.

There came a new houseman in the male medical ward. And there’s one thing about him that arrests my attention.

He’s always smiling from ear to ear. I don’t know why. He’s just being over-friendly, I guess. He smiles to everyone – his colleagues, the physicians, the nurses, the patients and even to ME. He glows with radiance as he saunters through the crowded ward in his spotless white coat and a stethoscope around his neck. He exudes a positive vibe that attracts people around him.

I find myself sneaking surreptitious glances at him. He looks rich. Must have graduated from IMU or PMC (Penang Medical College). He’s always kept busy by doing admission clerking, blood-taking, taking orders from MOs and toeing the line. I can sense he’s a bit lost at times. And I particularly like the helpless look on his face which is similar to that of a little boy who gets lost in a huge mall. It makes me feel like protecting him, analogous to what a hen would do when a ferocious eagle dives from the sky to prey on her chicks.

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It’s now the second week of medicine posting. I was unfortunately selected as the group leader. Very burdensome indeed. Classes never seem to go according to the timetable. The physicians are super-busy. A lot of precious time and money are wasted on calling and waiting in the clinic to negotiate with the consultants and re-schedule whatever that needs to be re-scheduled. Consequently, my phone is always low on credit.

By the way, some of the clinicians here are really awesome. They inspire us with their professionalism. They hold us spellbound with their superb examinations skills that take decades to be polished to perfection. During each ward round, there’ll be junior doctors, nurses and last but not least, nosy and thoroughly impressed medical students tagging along. Like a convoy. Looks very grand.

Many a time, I wonder when I can be that impressive.