Learning from your patients Part 1

"You learn more from your patients than from the books,".

So i was told when i was a medical student; at that time it was difficult to confirm that. Sceptical.Macamana lak kalau tak baca buku boleh jawab soalan dak? Memang tak logic. 

But mind you, if the statement comes from a senior wise consultant, not one but most of them.. then the wise truth is in that sentence. 

The true lesson on becoming a doctor/medical personnel is never during that long journey to pass the exams. It is totally different. Langit dan bumi. 5 years of med school is honeymoon and none of what we do during this time would really prepare us for the life afterwards. One can imagine with the stories being shared by seniors, lecturers, specialist in the ward but none can come close to when one expererience it. 

Being academically able is just a prerequisite and not a must. But if one is not academically able, then one will struggle more because of the amount which is being needed to be digested. I cannot imagine how i managed to overcome the 5 years of having the 20 odd books facts in your mind. Subhanallah. Only he knows what is best for us. 

The basic knowledge yes is important. The "basic" requirement to have that at the back of your mind. Once you step into the housemanship period. Yup, this is where the reality will show up. When one realizes and perhaps ponder, Betul ke buat medic ni? Berbaloi ke? 

Housemanship is the most important and critical period. Everything will be tested here. Knowledge. Attitude. Resilience. Adaptability. Most important of all, your intention aka NIAT is tested to the max. Kata ikhlas kan.. buktikan!! 

Skills? this you start developing it at this time. Of course, it depends on where you are and who you are working with. The trust by your seniors is the thing we sort after. the more you do, the more you are better at it. 

And true.. the more you are at work, the more you realize you learn. The issues in medical management is not about which page, but who it was and what happened to the person. The book is just a reference point to understand. Nothing is 100% textbook, there is always a twist or a small print of signs and symptoms that was presented. 

The different levels that you achieve, you realize you learn more from the patients. Not just about their disease and how to handle it, but the holistic nature of management. 

Its about treating the person and not just the disease. 

Macam jargon.. but its true.