Thursday, June 17, 2010

My Brisbane Stint

I am not sure what to write as the title of this post. I don't like serious blogging for many reasons...First, I am not a fast typist at all and writing could really consume my precious time. Then, I am never been a good writer neither in Malay nor English. This morning I feel like writing something, since my brissy stint is reaching its end. Towards the end of my shift this morning, my colleague Andrew congratulated me for successfully finishing my 7 days of night shift and asking me about my plan. I have told him that I am coming back tomorrow for a meeting with Prof regarding my research project for my sabbatical leave and the CICM training. It is on procalcitonin and I might get Yoshiro to give me a hand. I will try to get someone later to help me in data analysis from this unit at RBWH. Then Andrew asked me when am I leaving to Malaysia. After some explanation, which include a brief period of reporting duty and then coming back to complete my contract, meeting all of supervisors of training, etc etc, his comment was "Why is life is getting more complicated". Absolutely true mate.. That made me ponder, on the way back home I have been thinking a lot about my decision in coming to Brisbane, completing this exam and cicm training. I realised that, It is a very valuable experience indeed. I am happy that in my life I have met many people from different countries, different background, different life experience and at the same time making new friends everyday. I don't mind of being international and feel contented with this achievement. I don't envy those people at home whom are being promoted and achieved something without going through the long winding road that I have been through now. I don't envy them at all.. I am glad that I went thru the challenge and being accepted here.

1. After all preparations, finally I managed to register with the QMB. Yes, a lot of money and time spent and 2008 was my difficult year. It is not midlife crisis but it involves family, career and ambition. Finally on the 4th October 2008, I flew to Brisbane accompanied by my wife. Quite impressive since the hospital provided me with accommodation for 2 weeks. I started at TPCH. I think everything happenned for a reason..I was not prepared to sit for the exam then and this decision brought me to another phase of life here, i.e. RBWH

2. Life in RBWH is not as I expected as well. I struggled to study for my exam. Well, exam ...I think I was left alone and towards the end I was lef with no support...Praise to God that I passed the theory and proceed to viva and clinical exams. The fellowship is considered as high standard and to keep on par with the knowledge I compromised on my sleep substantially. The surmounted pressure in many aspects, draining me both mentally and physically. I just get exhausted and actually pushing myself very hard. Sometimes, I just don't have any more courage to go on.....

3. This bring me to another phase, a short October stint which will be negotiated. Anyway I hope I will stay focus on the exam and keep in tract as for the preparation.. I worked hard till the last day of my stay and finally also completed my assessment form. The October phase was postponed due to unavoidable personal reasons. It is a blessing in disguise

4. Wish me luck and my sincere heartiest appreciation to all my mates and wife who are giving their endless support. The most important is the journey and the knowledge gained.