Quotes from around the ward..
I do learn in the ward. From the patients mostly. Here’s what I learned this week alone..
1. On the art of listening..
Patient:”what do you want me to do doctor?”
Doc: “I want look at your neck to see if your vein is bulging, have a tap on your chest to hear what it sounds like, and listen to your chest with this stethoscope. I am looking for any signs of the fluids in your lung getting any less. If it hasn’t that I would hear a crackling sound..bla bla bla”
Patient:”What do you want ME to do, doctor?”
Doc:”Ohh..just lie still please”
2. On getting old
Patient:”It’s hard work this..”
Me: What is, Mr. B? (thinking to self: is it because he has to drag his catheter bag everywhere he goes? oh, wait a minute he needs to get to the wheelchair first coz he only has one leg, or is it because he is tied down to the oxygen..?)
Patient: Getting old.
3. On showing your appreciation to your loved ones
Doc: we need to get the tube in so that we can feed you. Your wife and son agrees that it is the best way to go from here. is that ok?
Patient: ghhhee..raaaa…mmeeeyy..hghhrrrrr (while pointing at the wife and son)
Doc: What is it sir?
Patient: theyyy..ghraaa..dentttjj..lifeeee..
Doc: hmm?(leaning closer)
Patient: (trying again)
Doc: Oh, they are the most important people in your life, your wife and son!
Patients: yesss..
*the patient had vocal cord plasy by the way.
4. On the unpredictability of death.
Me: thank you for letting me examine you. I hope your breathing continues to get better.
Patient: No, thank you love. You know what, next time I see you, you will be my doctor.
Me: gehehehe (grinning sheepishly)
*The next time i saw her was the day after. she was dead then.
An esteemed colleague once told me. In medicine you’ll always be frustrated by people. But you will never get bored. Because people is never boring. They will never cease to amuse you.
They are amusing, yes. But above all, they teach me loads. About the reality of life. About humility. About being nice to people -just because, and not having to have a reason to. I bet there is no better way to learn.
And that is why medical students are let loose in the ward, despite knowing for a fact that we are accidents awaiting to happen. Ha!
