Hi everyone. It's Sunday morning, and I've got a few minutes to spare before the round.

The MO gathering last night didn't get full attendance, but those that went definitely made the most of it. Unfortunately, whenever you stick a bunch of doctors together, they almost always end up talking shop, and I'm pretty sure the diners around us picked up on our profession early on, as I spotted a couple next to us staring really hard -- but not in a bad way. The restaurant wasn't crowded -- a sign of the bad times, 'cos this place is usually fully booked -- but the food is excellent, the liquor sublime, and the ambience classy and perfect for romantic occasions ( not applicable to us, but we enjoyed it nevertheless :)). No freebies, sadly, but when we paid up using the SMA credit card, we did get respectful acknowledgements.

It was a good time to catch up, and we shared some really funny stories about our experiences in the various wards and the MICU. Did you know that the thermoscan, which records your temperature via the ear, is totally useless? Everyone who's used it says the temperatures in the 2 ears can differ by up to 1 degree Celsius, after which most just revert to the good ol' under-the-tongue method. Other accounts weren't as amusing, as we heard how certain medical/surgical services are shunning isolation wards and making specialist referrals impossible. And if my blog has been one-sided in its high praise of medical personnel, well, let me bring you crashing back down to earth as I reveal how some fellow MOs, upon hearing that the posting has been extended one more month, have opted to go on no-pay leave, and another may resign at the end of this month. Others take medical leave for the slightest complaint -- one chap got 2 days off for complaints of cough, with NO FEVER, and a NORMAL CHEST X-RAY. Then there are those who refuse to help when the sick ones can't do their calls, and some who still whine about getting days off in the midst of manpower shortage. Over at TTSH and the CDC, my colleagues tell me some MOs who are given night duties at the dreaded SARS wards just refuse to turn up. So yes, we have our black sheep too.

But at last, The Straits Times featured a great article about 2 courageous docs at TTSH today. One of them is my fellow med school classmate, Dr. Anuj Gupta, currently an internal medicine trainee, who volunteered his services to care for SARS patients when the hospital asked for assistance. I don't know him well, but he's always come across as quiet and unassuming. However, this revelation has definitely shed new light on his character, and he really makes us all proud. Bravo, Anuj!
The other doctor interviewed is Dr. T. Umapathi, who is a consultant neurologist at the Neuroscience Institute and comes over to Changi General to see neurology referrals. He is a very good doctor, and an extremely good person, and I've never met anyone who doesn't have the highest respect for him. He's also of the "quiet and unassuming" variety, but cares deeply for his patients, and never fails to answer our queries even when he's rushing around seeing cases.
Personally, I think the bravest ones are usually those who have the least propensity to brag. I had no idea these 2 doctors were on SARS duty until now. They embody the altrusim that the medical profession aims for, but doesn't always achieve, and I'm very inspired by their stories. I take my hat off to them both.

Before I forget, I thank you, the readers, for your words of encouragement. :) I'll try to email you once I find some time -- hopefully today. After all, it's your interest that keeps this blog alive.

On to the morning round. Till next time...