I am the only child of two Chinese immigrants who came here almost three decades ago searching for a better life. They came here with not much more than the clothes on their back and the will to provide for their families back across the ocean. They sought to make Australia their home without a … More I hate watching them grow old
I started primary school almost two decades ago. Whilst many memories of my time there have faded over the years, there are certain things I can conjure up vividly and will think about every now and again. This is one of them. We were in grade four, a bunch of ten year-olds restlessly lining up … More Ching chong eyes
1. Always round up. You surely can’t start working at 10:05am can you? Might as well start at 11:00am. 2. And if the next time you check the clock it says 11:01am, round it up again. 3. Prioritise the things you need to do. That online sale that expires in the next two hours is … More 10 ways to maximise your procrastination
“Rose would be a good person to talk to, if she’s up for it.” I was being that annoying medical student again, asking staff for patients who would likely consent to speaking to me. I was with my friend Jack, and with that we made our way through the confusing maze of rooms before we … More She told me she was committed to killing herself
She came into my life when I was 7 years old, and boy did I fall in love. Dad said he had a a surprise for me and I excitedly waited for him to unveil his present. She peered meekly over the edge of the cardboard box, her brown eyes piercing my shy and lonely … More I miss my best friend, every day
1. Told a patient we would come back and check in later, but never did 2. Hoard handover and patient notes because the confidentiality bin is just too far away 3. Directed to a patient to take a history from and never went 4. Made up examination findings because it’s probably more likely “heart sounds … More 10 Things all Medical Students have done, but we’d rather not admit
If there’s one piece of advice people in the healthcare system would tell you has saved their life, it’s “Don’t take it home with you.” Sounds heartless? Sounds trivial? It’s not. Doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, the list goes on. People who see both the durability and fragility of life every day. People who witness … More Don’t take it home with you
Confessions of a Doctor to be 