"Attention passengers, we need a doctor on board."

During my one week break from uni, I was on my way to a family reunion overseas. While flying from Sydney to Hong Kong, I heard the PA announce that a doctor or nurse was needed to help with a situation. Immediately I wanted to go up and help, but I also doubted my own abilities as I'm just a first year medical student that hardly learnt any pathologies/treatments.  I recalled the PBL session regarding medical attention on the plane and recalled a 'fact' that there is statistically a doctor on every plane and I thought I'd better leave it up to the doctor.

While I was battling between my urges, two pages have gone by. After the third page, I summed up the courage and told the staff that I am a medical student/pharmacist and I would like to help. I made sure I clarified that I was a first year medical student and was not capable of diagnosis or prescribing treatment.

Enjoying my holiday!

I went into med school expecting to be overloaded with school work and things to learn. However I was still surprised to see only 3 one week holiday breaks scheduled on our timetable for the entire year.

No more one and a half month July holidays. Now each week is more precious than ever!

Quick! Rest and play as much as you can. School is starting again next week.

Good morning block 2

In the blink of an eye half an year has passed and I've already sat my first end of semester med school exams. After a 2 day break (ie the weekend) teaching for block 2 (- cardiovascular) is about to begin.

BRING IT ON!

2014 GAMSAT result release!

Congratulations to all those who sat the GAMSAT this year!

Hope you all were happy with your results this year. Best of luck to those who will be applying for med school this year!

For those who weren't satisfied, rest well and sharpen up for the next try!

First med school exam! My initial med school experience!

I had my first med school exam today. It is definitely a funny feeling to go to the exam feeling like you are going to fail, and then come out of the test feeling fine!

It has already been 6 weeks since med school started, and although I knew med school wasn't going to be easy, the amount of content they cram into the lecture is takes a little to get used to. 

So far, the first six weeks of 1st year med school has been the 'foundation' block. This block focuses on getting non-science background students up to scratch with medical science content. So for the past 6 weeks we've been taught intensely on:

• Anatomy
• Microbiology
• Cell biology
• Histology
• Physiology
• Social Foundations of Medicine

My General Registration has finally arrived

I’ve finally received my General Registration as a pharmacist today. I lodged my application since November 8th, it finally arrived on December 31st.

During these 9 weeks, I’ve gone through excitement, annoyance, frustration ,out rage and indifference. I’ve called AHPRA at least 10 times, and by the end I’ve come to accept the thought that ‘it’s not going to happen any time soon’.

It wasn’t until my friend texted me that I realise the registration came through. Too bad that it had to come through the day after my last shift. I guess I'll get to experience being a full pharmacist at my next job.

Oh well, now it’s time to look for a job next year! It’s really scary… hope it all goes well!

Happy New Year People!

Waiting for general registration

Back in November 6th I've submitted my registration paperworks to AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Registration Agency) to change my registration from a provisional pharmacist to a general pharmacist.

Their website indicates that the process from provisional to general takes up to 10 days, but can also be between 4-6 weeks.

It has now been 6 weeks and I'm still waiting for news. I must admit that this has driven me crazy, especially when I see my friends obtain their general registration even though they submitted their application later than I did.

Oh well, I've called them up at lease 10 times over the last month or so. I don't think there is any more I can do. I think this is a test of my patience, and I am failing miserably.

Probably the moment I stop caring and checking my application progress, they'll give me the good news.