Thread by @twt_malaysia

Ok I better start tonights discussion, I think I might bebel a bit longer than yesterday.

First, to show the results of both polls yesterday.

Not surprising, but still interesting to see it.

Generally, both polls reveal the same results, though sample size is quite a big difference.

A resounding NO to choosing a doctor as a career.

That bad ah guys? 😂

Anyway, I'm not here to tell u whether it is good or bad. I'm only here to share with u what is it like to be a doctor, in Malaysia.

Whether it is worth pursuing, ultimately it is up to u (or your parents, in some cases 😂)

Over the past years, the issue of doctors seem be quite a hot topic. From doctors pay, working hours, contract system, to housemanship, housemanship & housemanship 😂

Being a doctor today compared to 10, 20 years ago is a world of a difference. Our understanding of diseases, our approach to it & of course, our expectations & demands are different.

But the aim is still the same (well, mostly), to save lives, prevent complications.

Ok a bit off tangent.

Back to M'sia. In M'sia we practice the UK system of apprenticeship. From HO (House Officer), MO (Medical Officers), and if they decide to pursue further education, Registrars & eventually Specialists.

Many will say HO is the starting point of your career, I beg to differ.

U start when u step into the lecture hall as a 1st year student. Graduating as a HO is the continuation of the career, not the start (because med school is not the end)

The HO life is tough. Again, many will say, 'surviving HO'. There r even workshops/courses called 'HO survival courses'

I think this puts it in a unnecessary negative light. Though tough, it is how we make of it that matters.

As a HO, u r already expected to know certain things, not to re-learn what u studied in medschool. This is important.

HO is the time where u apply what u learn under supervision & learn new skills that can be only taught during working life.

I spend a bit more time on the HOs because I'm personally interested in young doctors welfare, I think more ppl should speak up for them.

But I also think young doctors need to know what they are in for when they chose this career.

Many young doctors talk about work-life balance & they seem very distressed when the work basically turns into their whole life.

Yes, it will.

Young doctors r concerned about lack of sleep, lack of recreational time, lack of family time. Which are all valid concerns TBH.

But the thing about being a doctor, it is unfortunately (for some) a calling that u will have to put duty above self.

Young doctors wont agree w me on this. My peers and seniors will.

Why the change in opinion as we grow older?

Simply because being a doctor is a journey. After the initial euphoria of graduating, in reality life is not rosy as a HO. It's tough, demanding. U will need to toughen up, in many ways.

Eventually as u practice, u realised what it will mean to have this responsibility.

U will realise that all those complains of lack of sleep, lack of recreational time, even lack of money doesnt matter.

What matter is the patient in front of u. When u are the only person who can make a difference between life and death.

Being a doctor takes some kind of resilience. Nobody can teach u that, nobody can explain what it is.

U just sorta grow into it, if u are willing to embrace it.

That said, it doesnt mean we shouldnt strive to improve working conditions.

Health care 10 years ago & now is different, so the stresses & expectations r different too.

I fully support better working conditions, e.g proper doctor lounges for everybody to rest, better pay, etc

But the balance between better 'work life' balance and training young doctors needs to be carefully thought.

Ultimately, young or seniors doctors, the responsibility is to our patients.

Once u understand & accept this, then u can ask yourself whether the career is worth it.

There is no shame in saying no. Some ppl have different priorities, some are truly passionate. Everybody's motivation is different.

I can bet u, those doctors who voted 'NO' in the poll, if u sit down & talk to them, ask them given a choice, would they have chosen to be a doctor again, they will say yes.

Simply because it is worth it.

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