Lovingly Yours

Orientation

Mohammed Hamdan

"Do you know what being a Post graduate resident means?" The question is directed to all us newly joined doctors in the post graduate program in Khaledia hospital by the head of the department, department of Pulmonolgy.

We are a group of four people who have joined the pulmonology post graduate program after clearing one of the most difficult exams candidates sit through to be able to enter said programs.

Two poeple will be posted in this branch and other two will be posted in another branch of the same hospital. I just hope I get posted in the hospital that has a better, easy going mentor and many varied patients so I can learn a lot.

Medical knowledge is all about knowing the normal day to day disorders and what makes a doctor great is their ability to identify the difficult mystery cases and treat those too. Having that edge and skill is what doctors work hard for and I am not an exception to the rule.

"Every year many post graduates join the programs, some by choice, some by circumstances. And every year someone quits because the pressure is too much, or the workload is a lot or they don't go along with colleagues or seniors. The ones who have the guts to go through all that and still rise to the challenge and complete the program are the ones worthy of applause. Do you think you have it in you to do it? Are you sure you'll face every challenge and not cower back no matter the circumstances?"

Those words send goosebumps erupting over me, I've heard tales of seniors exiting the program because the excruciatingly demanding hours got to them. I would like to think I won't be one of them and I'll do good and see this program to the end. May Allah give me the strength for that.

"Will you quit?" Dr. Aleem asks, he is an elderly man in his 50's and has been working in this hospital as soon as he graduated 23 years ago making him one of the oldest faculties of the institution.

"No we won't." We all answer as a group. This meeting is an orientation session for the department and the day we get assigned to respective hospitals.

"That's good. Let's see who all holds onto these words till the end. As you all are well aware, this program is 3 years long followed by 1 year of compulsory posting in the same hospital. The details of your duties will be explained by assistant professors of the department."

I see Dr. Afsa mam and Dr. Umer sitting a little away to right and left of Dr. Aleem, I liked both of them when we talked before I officially joined in.

"Dr. Shumaila and Dr. Hamdan will be the pair to work in this hospital. Dr. Bilal and Dr. Asmara will be posted in the Hatta branch. You will work in the same hospital and get acquainted for three months and then change for three month, that way you can have a chance to work in both hospitals and get better exposure."

"I expect you all to give your best to the work assigned, always wear protective gear whilst in the hospital especially in the ICU since we deal with highly infectious agents everyday. Maintain decorum and discipline. I will keep a keen eye on all of you and get daily updates on all that you've done and failed to do. Make sure you study while working and prepare well for exams as well. There should be no incidents which will put this department on the spot. Don't make me doubt my expectations on you all." Dr. Aleem addresses everyone in the room.

The words he said about expectations have the required effect on me. My pulse speeds up and palms become clammy.

In sha Allah, I will do well and not give them a chance to doubt me otherwise.

"Asfa, Umer, guide them well, I'll leave them in your care alright?"

"Yes Sir."

"Get acquainted and start work from tomorrow onwards."

"Hamdan, we both will work together, im excited, i was hoping this would happen and it did. " I hear Shumaila speak,

"Yeah so it seems. It's good to be your partner." We were classmates and became friends, she has a good head on her shoulders, respectful, talented and competitive but in a good way. I'm glad to have her as my partner.

We all have small talk among each other before we get called by Dr. Umer.

"Introductions aside, congratulations you all for getting into this post graduate program. Let's work together and help each other in difficult times. You can approach me or Dr. Asfa if you have any questions or doubts. We will try to help and guide you whenever and however possible."

"We have all types of patients come in our OP department and the types of cases we only read in textbooks and journals. There is so much to learn so keep a receptive mind. As you know my name is Dr. Asfa and I would like you all to not be hesitant to ask for help in time of need."

These were the same words they both said to me before and they are saying it again, makes me so happy to have such great mentors and I am definitely looking forward to work even more now.

"Your work will be to assess the patients that come for a checkup, make sure to auscultate each patient so you'll learn about lung sounds, then you take proper history, examine the patients and present your findings to us..." instructs Umer sir,

"And do not hesitate while presenting cases, you will make mistakes and that's alright ok?" Asfa mam adds smiling at us.

"If the patient needs to be admitted then they will be shifted to the ward or ICU depending on thier condition and treatment will go on as prescribed by us or Dr. Aleem."

"You guys have any question?" They ask expectantly,

"When can we do procedures like bronchoscopies?" I ask eagerly, I can't wait to do my first bronchoscopy.

"Somebody's in a real hurry here." Asfa mam smiles at me and chuckles, "not so soon doctor, you still need some training before you catch hold of the reins."

Everyone chuckles at my expense while I find my shoes too interesting all of a sudden not wanting to look up.

"How long will our work hours be?" Bilal inquires, that was actually my next question.

"You will be working from 8am to 4pm. Friday and Saturday are the days you decide who works and who gets a leave. It's best if you guys alternate and work."

Understandable. It'll be easy. I look forward to it all.

"Anymore questions?"

"Not at the moment,no." I tell them.

"OK, I'll make a Whatsapp group and you can post questions and queries, we'll answer those. See you in the wards and ICU from tomorrow onwards." Dr. Umer instructs us as he smiles.

I have a really good feeling about this. Alhamdullilah.