Goodbye to the Alf

November 12, 2006

Goodbye to the Alf

I'll miss the Alfred. Clinicals would not have been the same without the 6.30 am trudge down the dim-lit corridors to the lockers during general surgery days, the quiet janitor who upon greeting him would wave shyly at me and then quickly resume his mopping as if it was the most fascinating thing to do on earth, the friendly interns who sometimes gave me the disturbing impression that they knew less than me (and I don't know much at all), Jean who always has a ready smile, the coffee baristas who always remembered my usual order; "Mocha for you, sister?" and the registrars who always made me feel welcome.

I've come to accept that my experience with patients will always be different. Some are riddled with political and religious innuendos, others leave me sad and some causing to ponder about life.

My first clinical year officially ended on Friday. Exams are just around the corner. I'm three weeks away from home. I've been studying since 8.30 am. At 11 pm, my dad sends me an SMS. He tells me that absence makes the heart grow fonder.

I know I must be stresed or extremely tired when that made me tear instantly. Or my emotional balance is so out of whack that anything could easily tip it over.

I'm off to MMC and Frankston for paediatrics and Dandenong for women's health and psychiatry. That is, if I pass third year. InsyaAllah.

A shout out to Rahayu - Happy 22nd Birthday! (this is a day late) This reminds me I have 6 birthday presents and 1 wedding gift to shop for. Maafi fulus.

And finally a little picture of me at the Alfred. Courtesy of Amy who went a little crazy taking photos on the last day. And I quote, "Trust me your parents will appreciate this photo. This is what they paid for!" Haha. Amy you're a gem lah. I know I bring the 'rah' in your life! (Stop watching all those Korean shows ok.)