Finally I'm done with my internal medicine rotation! It's one of the toughest, according to senior. Not that tough though coz I have gone through smoothly, although the result is not out yet. Hmmm..  can pass la!! I think.. Haha.. 

After internal med rotation, I feel that I know medicine more in terms of medical knowledge and this whole medical field thing. To be honest, I have never thought of doing internal med for residency 3 months ago, but after my general internal med rotation, I find internal med a very interesting field to be in. I was quite into surgery before this, because I'm always amazed by hands on skills, especially after I have done some in family med rotation. I knew I like hands on stuffs. However, internal medicine is a totally new rotation for me. I had no idea how an inpatient ward works, how ward rounding is, what kind of patients I expect to see, what kind of management and plan before entering this rotation. But now, I'm not an expert yet, but I have so much passion towards internal med now and I have learnt a lot from this rotation.

There is always so much to learn, not only the medical knowledge, but also working as a team with different discipline from nurses, to nutritionist, to attending, to residents to specialists. Each of them has very different expectations. Not too high on students, but I always hope that I can perform my best. I was pressured by nurses before, residents helped out and I also did my best in doing my duty. At the end, it turned out to be a very happy ending. I'm glad I was optimistic that time. I knew I can do it! Lol.. However, working with different people is never easy.  

Besides that, I have to mention that we are kind of like being thrown into the sea since the beginning of our rotation. We have to avoid predators and find food on our own before we are died of hunger. It sucks. And nobody helps us. And people always forget that we are actually learners. Of course, there are kind and helpful attending or residents who are willing to teach. I really appreciate it. Learn to survive in different environment! 

I have to admit that I still have a lot weakness compared to the locals here. It is so stressful when I compare myself with the locals. I'm gonna turn this stress into motivation and I'm hoping that it can push me further, further and further! 

Life is great when we are keep learning new things. I'm glad I'm learning everyday. 

p/s: went shopping today and bought dresses~~ happy girl!! =)

Can I trust you with my heart?

"Can I Trust You With My Heart"

When you meet that certain someone,
You've been searchin hard to find......
It's a new love full of passion,
That can sometimes make you blind.
I don't mind being swept away,
If I know right from the start.......
So before we go much further girl,
Can I trust you with my heart?

In the time we've spent together,
I have learned to trust in you.
So many things you given....
Before I even asked you to.
But reality and romance,
Are sometimes far apart.
So, what I really need to know is......
Can I trust you with my heart?

Can I cast my cares upon you? 
Can you stand the heavy load?
Can I count on you to walk me, down that long and winding road?
If you promise me these simple things, I can gurantee.....
You can always count on me.

Can I cast my cares upon you? 
Can you stand the heavy load?
Can I count on you to walk me, down that long and winding road?
When two hearts souly surrender, and are sworn to understand..... 
It completes a perfect union, between a woman and a man.
So please don't misunderstand me,
I don't want to go too far,
Without knowing just one answer ......
Can I trust you with my heart?
Please Girl.... 
Give me just one answer....
Can I trust you with my heart?

Life in Halifax # 11 - inspiring support group

I remember the reason I chose community clinic is because I want to have more exposure on community health promotion like support groups or any campaign. After 1 week plus in the community clinic, finally I've got the chance to experience one of the support groups.

 It's a group for people who are dealing with mental illness and addiction. When I went in, most of them were preparing coffee or tea for the following session. I was told that this is their routine, having some snacks and coffee/tea before session starts. Today, the social worker, N, made a new rule which is to hope that everyone could stay in the room till the session ends instead of going in and out of the room. Not to restrict anyone's activity, but to help them to build up self-discipline I guess.  

However, there, I see people supporting each other, learning to cope better with their life, offering help to each other, talk and listen to each other and love. Some described that they have found another family in the group. They are all lovely people. 

This week is a topic week. So someone from addiction group, D, was invited to give them a little talk. I would say that it was more interactive than I have expected. They are just so great and some even think of supporting people around them. I'm seriously impressive. 

After the session ended, D gave everyone a small inspiring gift. 

Life is not easy, I know. But, do keep your dreams alive! 

They keep us motivated and always lead us to a better future.  

Life in Halifax #10 - Introduction to clerkship

Class started and class ended. In just 3 weeks of introduction to clerkship, I feel that I have experienced a lot new things. For sure, one of them is meeting new people, the locals! I have to admit that I'm not good in making new friends=( However, a lot of them have made me feel so warm and welcome, especially D, who offer me a ride, S who walked back with me, J and R who took initiative to talk to us and some others friendly classmates. Thank you very much, sometimes things that people do subconsciously just matter so much to me. 

I am amazed by my new classmates who are married and some of them even have children, yet they are still studying hard in medical schools to be a doctor. I guess they must be having a very good attitude or thoughts towards learning to achieve their dreams. I want to learn their passions towards medicine from them.

Gambateh in psychiatry rotations!!! =)) 

Life in Halifax #9 - Sir Sandford Fleming Park

Enjoyed my afternoon in another park called Sir Sandford Fleming Park. Lucky me, I saw a wedding ceremony in the park. So sweet, so romantic~~

There is a tower called Dingle tower in the park. I didn't know how tall it is though. However, it was not a difficult climb to get to the top of the tower to view the breathtaking scene. 

Here are some pictures to share =)

This is the entrance of the park. It took me a while to really get into the park. 

This is the Dingle Tower, from far. 

View from Dingle Tower. 

Nova Scotia flag in strong cozy wind. 

The staircase in the tower. 

The front of the tower. 

This is everywhere in the park, but I don't know what it is...

Signboards have been very helpful for people who lost easily like me. 

  

I saw squirrels in the park, tried to take photo of the squirrels but failed =( They are too afraid of me. 

Life in Halifax #8 - Fisherman's Cove

I went to Fisherman's Cove in Dartmouth. I really like the shops there. They are very colourful and the decoration of the shops is very beautiful. I wish I could buy something from every shop. Haha!!

Let pictures speak the words! 

Some flowers I saw on the way to Fisherman's Cove

Saw this outside a house. I think this is part of the decoration of the owner's garden. 

Finally, I have reached Fisherman's Cove

One of the beautiful shops.

Another nice decoration 

The colourful shops.

Enjoyed a popsicle on this sunny day!

Just a turn at the broadwalk, a lot people fish there.

And someone caught fishes!! 

Planned to go to a beach after going Fisherman's Cove at first but I had spent too much time there, so it was quite late. But I will go to the beach next time. Maybe next summer? =))

Life in Halifax #7 - Point Pleasant Park

Officially, my break has ended! Today is the last day and I'm not going anywhere because I have to prepare for tomorrow. Actually there's nothing to prepare. Haha!! Here comes Med 3 Clerkship, the first year of my clinical years! 

I have been to a few day trips within this 1-week-break and they are so so so fun. The main purpose of day trips mainly is to brush up my photography skills and to walk in the nature! 

Here are some of the photos I took in Point Pleasant Park!

I had a surprises in Point Pleasant Park and I have never thought that a park can be so nice. And I watched sunset there. It might not be the best place to watch sunset, but I have enjoyed it very much! 

The entrance of the park.

Berries is everywhere in the park. 

My red bag which has accompanied me for a few trips.

A big anchor statue in the park!

Sunset~~

more photos @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/100132610@N03/

You are welcome to give any comments regarding to my photography skill =)