Yes folks, its true, I have returned to beautiful SA and have embarked on a four year specialization program in Emergency medicine. Its good to be back and near my friends and family, and work is going well, although it did take a bit of time to adjust my attitude and expectations back to the state health system here. Will write a more detailed post soon, but let me just say this:
Of all the things that amaze me the most about where I work now, this is the best: I am currently in the Medical emergency dept (ie, only medical emergencies, no trauma) of a tertiary hospital in the second biggest city in this country.... and our (only) ECG machine still uses those old school sucker attachement bits, you know the ones you have to use with that sticky blue jelly? No neat little ECG stickers for our patients. The other charming thing about this particular machine is that lead V5 (chest lead 5) doesnt work. So, if you come in with chest pain and happen to be having a lateral MI, unlucky for you. I think the thing that amazes me the most is the complacency with which these facts are accepted: by everyone including the consultants! Come on folks, this is not the middle of the bush somewhere! This is a tertiary, referral centre! Anyway. That is my little rant for today.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Wear sunscreen
Remember the song a couple of years ago, based on a speech that someone gave to a graduating class? I think it starts.. 'Ladies and gentlemen, if I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it.....'
Well here are a couple of photos to show exactly why this is good advice. This young Irish lady took herself off to a holiday in Spain, and thought it best to sit out in the midday sun. She claimed she had factor 50 on, and that she was only out in the sun for 10 minutes, but as my hero Dr House says, ' All patients lie'. The woman could hardly walk!
The problem with a country like Ireland (where the sun hardly ever shines) is that when it does get sunshine, everyone goes completely mad and takes off all the layers and roasts themselves outside. The same happens when they go off on their annual trek to Spain/Portugal/Lanzarote/anywhere with a normal amount of sunshine hours per year.
Easily sorted out with some anti inflammatories and cold packs and aqeuous cream, my main advice to this woman was avoid the sun. For the rest of her life!
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