There i was, at the start of the year fearing that i will have to be the chief resident for half of the year. When our training officer appointed me the chief resident of our department, i appealed that if they would allow, i will decline and let my colleague, T, continue as the chief for the rest of the year. Our TO insisted and so, im now the chief resident and well, the doer of all things. You name it, i get to do it, despite the already heavy load, the pressure of the perfecting my craft and dealing with difficult fellow residents. Not to mention, our department has been under scrutiny by all other departments. They seem to look down on us when, if push comes to shove, all our residents way back in medical school has been always at the top of the class and some topnotchers. It just so happens that we chose a specialty, much different than theirs. They want us to do the same things that they do...what they dont understand is that, we wouldnt be a separate department or specialty if we are all doing the same things. And all of us in our department believe, without being too concieted...that if we were in their shoes, we will be able to do what they're doing without breaking a sweat, (laughs). But we are a bunch of humble and confident people and the more they put us down, the more we become stronger and better.
Now, being the chief resident, is another story. You will have to deal with the external and internal problems. Especially if u have a fellow resident who, as our TO describes..insatiable. Always complaining about things and is never satisfied despite the fact that most of the time, i go out of my way just to please that person. Always craves for attention and always makes it a point to make people think that everybody's out to get him/her. Well, some people are just like that. And what do i do...continue being amiable and pleasing until this person leaves and be out of my life forever. in the workplace of course, there's always someone more or less like this person. I dont think im perfect, i have my shortcomings but please.... less selfishness. We're all just residents, having our training and our own pressures and problems.
Speaking of training, my specialty is not that hard. I chose it coz of its nature and well the practicality of it. I use to practice in the rural area where i grew up and have always been active with helping people as much as i can. I figured that getting the right kind of training, i could come back and be able to provide my people better care. Being a doctor in the philippines is not that rewarding. You get to manage patients but will have to resort to the less ideal treatment because of the lack of technology and well, because of the fact that most of patients here are just above the average income level. Even us doctors, im already 30 yrs old and im still struggling. I still live with my mom because i still cant afford my own house. I still ask for allowance to buy some luxuries because the money i get is enough for just my necessities. Im still longing for the day when i will be having a good practice and well enough income to build a family of my own. Plus, there's this malpractice bill, looming like a darkcloud over us. Im glad, filipinos dont have make their children leave the house when they get old enough. In fact, parents want to hold on to their children as long as they can.