Both are of the same age of about 1 year plus. While both are similar in age, there is a difference between the two.
Sabah has provided me the opportunity for me to travel and bird widely, gaining experience and skills in bird identification. Along the way I have met new people with similar interest. The 'sports' is already becoming an obsession. Every free time in the early morning or late evening is spent to bird. With the shift system applied to house officers, birding opportunities have become even more abundant. My lifer list is now nearly at 250.
What about being a doctor, my true 'career', the job where I should put my dedication in making myself a better doctor? This is my 4th posting. I will be moving to my 5th if my department lets me. After 1 year plus, working as a doctor, I must admit that my skills and knowledge are not on par or to the level which I am satisfied. Sure, during the months of work I have gained experience and knowledge but honestly it is still inadequate in my humble opinion. Sure the shift system has given me a lot of free time for myself and sleep, but in the long run, it has made me more calculative and pampered. Within weeks after the implementation of the shift system I have forgotten the lethargy accompanying a busy oncall and to work the next day til end of office hours. I am honestly ashamed with my MOs whom are still obligated and dedicated to continue their work even being post-call.
Shift system is not all that bad or for birding. Perhaps I should capitalize with the extra free hours. Some of the things possible now are:
- Study for MRCP, MRCS or other exams
- Attend OTs or minor OTs to gain more hands-on experience
- Attach to pediatric surgery activities, my supposedly main interest in medicine.
- Read more on my spiritual aspects of life and other non-medical (and birding) aspects.
So where is my direction in my life career? Birds or Human lives?
Failure to change now would only lead to the detriment of my future patients. Islam demands the best in our work. To be the best requires realization and hard work as well as tawakal. Not solely the latter.
