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 =)

Life in Halifax #6 - Observership and End of Link Program

This is a late post. My observership was in July actually. Observership basically means that shadowing a doctor in hospital and whether we have the chance to see patients on our own depends on the doctor we shadow. 

There were up and down during my observership as expected. What I didn't expect was the feedback from the second doctor I followed. I was told that I was like a Med 1 student for her. (I'm Med3!!) That was really depressing. I did what I could to impress her after getting such feedback. At the end of the week following her, finally she sees me differently and told me that I will do well in my coming clinical year. Seriously, UP and DOWN.....

That was Pediatrics clinics. 

After that I did 6 days in Emergency department. I did both day shifts and night shifts and I enjoyed a lot a lot a lot. It was so fun that I saw patients on my own and I can see improvement on my skills after 6 days. The doctor has been very nice, helping me a lot, teaching me a lot. Thanks! 

Within the 6 days, I was scolded by patients, praised by patients' and patient's family members, confused by patients, rejected by patients and met patients who hid their stories from me as well. Some patients are really difficult but at the same time, they somehow made my day an interesting one. It's a very good challenge for me and all these patients have somehow been my motivation to be a better person or better doctor in the future. 

Believe in being STRONG when everything seems to be going wrong.

Believe that HAPPY girls are the PRETTIEST girls.

Believe that tomorrow is another day.

Believe in MIRACLES! 

So there comes end of my link program! HOORAY!! =)) 

Gambateh !!

Bad and good things happen everyday, all we have to do is to keep ourselves optimistic and continue fighting!!!