Saturday, May 09, 2009

2nd night on-call

Friday, 8 May 2009
6.30 pm - Started my on-call by standing by a Chinese during her delivery. She was remarried with a 2nd husband. 4th pregnancy (history of 3 miscarriages). I think she was so scared and in pain that her grip nearly broke off my ring and little fingers. Had to reassure her and give inhaled anaesthesia / sedative.. When she finally delivered, aside from suturing the episiotomy, the MO and nurses left the room.. she hung on to my hand tightly, begging me not to leave, coz she was afraid, and lonely coz nobody came to visit her. So accompanied her a further 15 minutes or so lar, reassuring her that everything is fine, had a bit of chat about me being a student, not being able to speak Chinese convincingly (that's why during delivery the staff nurse of mixed Malay-Chinese descent commented that my choice of Mandarin words sounded funny) etc. Then her husband came looking for her when she has been transferred to the Pusat Bersalin, had to show the husband where it is..

10.00 pm - For a moment I thought could get my 1st OT signed off with a Caesarian section.. after a long exhaustive wait for 45 minutes.. the baby came out via normal vaginal delivery on the OT table.. *swt* even the MO to perform the surgery was shaking his head.

Saturday, 9 May 2009
12.45 am - Vietnamese lady married to a Malaysian Chinese husband. Husband was asked to come in to translate the doctor's instructions for the wife when straining / pushing. Instead the husband got so excited, that from the way he encouraged his wife to push, it would seem like I'm watching the scene of a die-hard Japanese football fan's reaction in front of the TV when his team is about to score a goal.

1.20 am - I conducted 2 deliveries.. both ended up as instrumental ones with vacuum coz if we wait any longer, the outcome for the baby is not so good (Argh, I needed to do my normal deliveries!!), but oh well, got one vaginal exam signed off as well.

Thursday, May 07, 2009

1st on board

Yes, I delivered my 1st baby today!!! Co-shared with a midwifery student (thankful the staff nurse allowed me to coz usually when midwifery students are there during the day, they get preference over us).. He weighs 3.55 kgs with an Apgar score of 9. Delivery time: 10.30 am in the Labour room. 4 more to go..

p/s: And in my enthusiasm to cross over to help the staff nurse perform an episiotomy upon invitation, I accidentally hit my head on the overhead lamp (twice), in full view of the patient.. *swt* Ouch.. but nevertheless, she wished me all the best :-)

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

Musings in times of busy-ness

A few repeat incidents occured today..

1. In the gynaecology ward, I was flipping through the case notes of the patient I'm following up on, and the nurse asked me how come the file was so thick.. to my surprise, I realised I was reading the wrong case notes. So I reacted sheepishly as I returned the case notes to the patient in the next bed. The middle aged lady in the bed beside my patient's bed told her, "The doctor looking after you very 'cute' leh.. (hen ke ai) eh are you Malaysian Chinese ar? You got the Japanese look leh etc etc" I was like *swt*

2. I asked the specialist to sign my ward round attendance. She commented, "Ur name is Gary ar? Eh, macam itu Spongebob punya siput kan? Nama pun sama."

That aside,
3. I remembered a Vietnamese friend of mine in YA CG last year.. long time didnt talk to her already.. last Sunday I had the opportunity to catch up with her for a while, since it has been quite some time.. I remembered when I first met her then, was very encouraged to see that although she was a foreigner among Chinese, with language difficulties and despite her boss making it difficult for her to attend CG and camps, she still has the heart to try her best to come. I thank God for her testimony which she shared about her life being changed from being a very pessimistic person away from home, to one who found hope in the midst of a family away from her biological family. She is actively serving in Sunday school and recently she shared that she had been retrenched, and might be sent back to Vietnam soon by her employers. But it is encouraging to see her still hanging in there optimistically, and in return she did comment that I changed a lot since my days in YA. I guess in due time, we all need to grow :-)

Tuesday, May 05, 2009

10th Southern region and international church camp

A Sustainable Church

Jesus is building His church to be His end-time instrument that will establish His kingdom on Earth. Though difficulties or attacks may occur, the church will survive until God's plan is fulfilled. God wants to use His people to carry out His vision. God's will is for all churches to be sustainable for the Master's use. He will do His best to sustain each local church, but each should do its part as well.

We do not want to build a church that lasts only for a short time, but one that will last until Jesus returns. How can we be sure that our church is sustainable? Come and join brothers and sisters from Southern region, East Malaysia, Indonesia, India and Taiwan, as we find out more!

Date: 4-7 June 2009
Venue: Peacehaven, Genting

Monday, April 27, 2009

Today I got reminded...

..to guard my heart after each small victory (eg not to become like Elijah ran in fear despite after a 'fire fall down from heaven' victory over the prophets of Baal, or Joshua whose army got defeated in Ai after conquering Jericho, because of 1 person's mistake), so that the fire and momentum doesn't get stolen away.

..to ask myself how I can improve and better understand the urgency and importance of this Vision.

..that the key is indeed the man, and whether certain things come to past depends on what the person sees, and eventually his actions.

..that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Thank you for a wonderful sharing over a cup of tea.

Monday, March 16, 2009

Pressing on - vol. 2

1. Midway through my paediatrics posting.. and I realised that I still have a long way to go, from the backlogged amount of things I need to read up, to the online assignments (doing it can be the bane of my existence since I can be real ignorant about EBCP and HSM). Ok, so I've gone from never handling a child before, to watching one die during emergency resuscitation (heart failure) last week, to entering the neonatal ward (finally).. At times during classes, can feel kind of stupid lar when quite a number of questions duno how to answer (still in the process of refreshing medicine and surgery from last year), but at times, I also duno how to impart to people who asked that I survived (or should I said stumbled my way thru) last year not by my ability or intelligent capacity (ie not by how much i studied), but by God's grace..

2. A phone call from home left me with something I don't really need at this point of time: a reminder of past and ongoing issues. Nevertheless coping with God's grace.

3. 2 weeks ago, watched a movie - Fireproof; about a firefighter whose 7 year marriage is falling apart, amid his attitude problems. As they prepare for divorce, his father challenged him to a 40-day love dare to save their marriage.

From the movie, 2 scenes struck me deep inside:
1. Caleb's dad suggested that things probably are not working probably because he is just doing the bare minimum to get past. In other words, need to go all out and give our best.
2. After Day 20, Caleb becomes frustrated that his wife is not responding at all to his efforts, because he has been relying on his own strength. His dad explained to him that the halfway point is the most difficult because you have to decide whether your heart is really into it or not.

Ever felt that with very passing day, as we get busier, as new things pop up, as if you are knocking on a door which will never ever open? But I wanna thank a friend who forwarded his reflection on whether certain things are worth it. In the past few weeks, thankful to have been refreshed.. Stories of Joseph who went from prison to prime minister, the 4 men helping the paralytic through the roof and the woman with a blood disorder who pushed through the crowd; people who got more than they could have ever imagined.

Yesterday Sunday worship, there was a song that really spoke to my heart, it was previously sung by one sister, a teacher, who shared her testimony last week - in summary how people around her did not give up on her, and despite the various trials and challenges, her persistence paid off, her character got moulded as she continued to lay down herself, and she was able to be a blessing and encouragement to many people. A simple song, but one which brought forth a deep longing and revival inside which I have not felt in a while.. Responded, knelt down and prayed.

Kukerjakan VisiMu


Bawaku berjalan bersamaMu
Tuhanlah yang jadi kekuatanKu
Dan taruh RohMu dalam hati ku
Agarku kenal kehendakMu

Chorus
Ini aku ingatlah Tuhan
Ku berikan hidupku bagi Mu
Berapapun harga yang 'kan ku bayar
Kukerjakan visiMu

Friday, March 13, 2009


wei zhu lai mong xiang- ending -
Wei Zhu Lai Mong Xiang (Dream for the Lord)
1st verse
xiang pian li, er shi di mo yang
(The face of my childhood in the photo)

ji li zhe, nian shao di shi guang
(Reminiscing the days of my youth)

ceng jing zai ni wo di xin zhong
(For it has crossed my heart)

yao deng shang yue liang yao fei yue tai ping yang
(To go to the moon, to cross the oceans)

2nd verse

duo nian hou, wo men dou cheng zhang
(Years later when we are all grown up)

gao bie liao, qing se he mi wang
(To say goodbye to immaturity and uncertainty)

ceng jing zai ni wo di xin zhong
(For it has crossed my heart)

bian zhi di meng xiang, shi fou yi yi wang
(Our knitted dreams have they been forgotten)

Chorus
ren sheng di li xiang shi wei zhu fa guang
(Oh, our lifelong ambition is to shine for the Lord)

shi qu lei shui, shi wo men geng jian qiang
(The tears wiped away served to make us stronger)

lu yi ran man chang, bie shi qu pan wang
(Though the road is long, do not lose hope)

tong ku shi, ji de you zhu zai ni shen pang
(Remember that God is with you when you are in pain)

wei zhu lai meng xiang, wei zhu lai fa guang
(To dream for the Lord, to shine for the Lord)

sui ran you cuo zhe dan, wo bu yong ju sang
(Though setbacks will come, but I need not be sad)

zhu shi wo li liang, zhu zhi yin fang xiang
(The Lord is my strength, the Lord shows the way)

wo men di ri zi you meng xiang
(We have dreams in our lives)

you can lan di yang guang
(With bright rays of sunshine)

Saturday, March 07, 2009

Latest from the lame-zone

One night at a restaurant,
Syaima: Eh, Gerilong.. u wanna hear something lame or not? One day Char Siew Pau was feeling hungry, so he ate himself.
Me: Ceh, like that I also can say lar.. one day Tai Pau was in a hurry, so he tapau-ed himself..
*after that, silence.. everybody stopped eating*

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Looking ahead after a week among kids

I have a friend whom I knew since secondary school, and he is currently studying medicine in Russia. His testimony really blew me away, but anyway, no matter what people tell me about his past, I thank God for his life. Anyway, I'm thankful that since the day we spent some time sharing, he often sends me encouraging emails, one of which contains the following snippets:
How big is your vision?
by Rick Warren


Over the years, I've learned that – contrary to popular opinion – the bigger the vision, the easier it is to reach that vision, and, ultimately, the size of your vision should be determined by the size of God.

How big do you think God is? The issue is not who do you think you are, but who do you think God is? In your dreams for your ministry, don’t limit yourself by saying, “What can I do?” Instead ask, “What can God do in this place?”

Really something that I've been reflecting on for the past exciting week, and how things are going to work out this year - it needs to be more of You, less of me.. As I have shared about God's faithfulness previously, I learnt to give thanks in all circumstances. Got my results back yesterday. Despite the busy-ness and difficulty of Year 3, a significant improvement from Year 2..

How has the past few days been ar? well, just started paediatrics posting. I must admit that it was a daunting experience, since I didnt really have any experience handling a child in a medical context (and I don't do it so well with my little cousins whom I only see once a year during Chinese New Year *rips hair out*). Nevertheless, will need to push myself out of my comfort zone and take up the challenge to learn. Even, a friend asked me, "Don't you have babies / kids in church to cradle / play with?", whom I avoid usually :p lolz

A few unkind words and incidents which I heard left much to ponder about lar.. why do certain people do such things, but as Proverbs 4:23 says - 'Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life'. Something easier said than done, especially when it comes to responding to situations, or exercising discernment and wisdom while sharing, as I found out yesterday and today.

As much as I'm excited, I do not deny that it's going to be busy this year.. Was chatting with my shepherd on the challenges of this year's workload and the prospects of on-calls, and I got reminded of a lesson learnt last year during the peak season of assignments, as he shared with me about a British athlete named Eric Liddell. You can watch his story in the 1981 movie, 'Chariots of Fire'. In the 1924 Paris Olympics, he caused controversy when he refused to run in the finals of the 100m sprint, his main pet event, just because it was held on Sunday. At that time, he got criticised a lot, as people probably thought along the lines of "What in the world are you thinking.." but later against all odds, he won the 400m, an event he was less favoured in, broke the world record for that event at that time, and went on to win more gold medals than he ever imagined. 1 Samuel 2:30 - 'Those who honour me I will honour.'

Saturday, January 31, 2009

What to say..

I know I haven't updated for ages.. yeah.. so what's been going on for the past 2 months? The following is the condensed version of events. Well, there's Hope Malaysia national convention.. Helped out with a wedding and Christmas service.. Then, to the disbelief of many who asked, celebrated Christmas in the jungle (ie Hutan Bandar JB) through the university students group survivor camp.. and as preparation 2 days before the camp (and also before UTM semester starts), also watched Remember the Titans, followed by some sharing. Of course, the night after the camp got Christmas BBQ.
Bought a new laptop at JB's PC fair.

Then, helped out with the East Asian Medical Students Conference (EAMSC) in Sunway. Helped mum made cookies for Chinese New Year, tried taking up some Mandarin, Hokkien, driving etc. Tired, been reminded of the need to slow down, especially after trailblazing Kuantan-KL-JB.

Overall reflecting on the year that has been, it has not been easy, with various challenges. Neither will be it be this year. Nevertheless, if one phrase sums it all up of the things which I have been through, the theme song for the above-mentioned wedding says it all - God has been faithful. Will not type any further, but look forward to share if the opportunity arises.

You Are So Faithful
by Bob Fitts


Verse 1
Like the sun that rises everyday
Oh You are so faithful, dear Lord You are faithful
Like the rain that you bring and every breath that I breathe
You are so faithful oh Lord

Verse 2
Like a rose that comes alive every spring
Oh You are so faithful, dear Lord You are faithful
Like the life that You give to every beat of my heart
You are so faithful oh Lord

Pre-chorus
I see the cross and the price You had to pay
I see the blood that washed my sins away

Chorus
In the midst of the storm through the wind and the waves
You'll still be faithful, oh You'll still be faithful
When the stars refuse to shine and time is no more
You'll still be faithful, You'll still be faithful oh Lord

Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Coming up..

19 December 2008
Results release for MBBS

24-26 December 2008
S.U.R.V.I.V.O.R. Camp
Venue: TBC (some mountain in Johor)

28 December 2008
Balik kampung (grandma's birthday)

1 January 2008
SMCF reunion (not sure able to make it, probably not..)

5/6 January 2008
In KL / Sunway. Doing some catch-up.. err.. consider buying some books?

7-11 January 2008
East Asian Medical Students Conference (EAMSC), Monash University Sunway campus

Other things to do:
Improve guitar skills
Practise more Mandarin
Practise driving

Monday, November 24, 2008

Little things..

Exams over already, but I'm thankful for my shepherd lor yesterday afternoon for driving down all the way from Skudai to pass me a bottle of chicken essence as a little token of encouragement :-) It rained super heavily after that, so I was actually wondering how did he drive off to Jusco Taman Universiti after that..anyway, thanks!
Philippians 4:6-7 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests unto God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Introverted Sensing Feeling Judging (ISFJ)

A while back quite a number of people bugging me to do a personality test. Duno what all the hype is about, but just putting my results for fun here:

The Nurturer

As an ISFJ, your primary mode of living is focused internally, where you takes things in via your five senses in a literal, concrete fashion. Your secondary mode is external, where you deal with things according to how you feel about them, or how they fit into your personal value system.

ISFJs live in a world that is concrete and kind. They are truly warm and kind-hearted, and want to believe the best of people. They value harmony and cooperation, and are likely to be very sensitive to other people's feelings. People value the ISFJ for their consideration and awareness, and their ability to bring out the best in others by their firm desire to believe the best.

ISFJs have a rich inner world that is not usually obvious to observers. They constantly take in information about people and situations that is personally important to them, and store it away. This tremendous store of information is usually startlingly accurate, because the ISFJ has an exceptional memory about things that are important to their value systems. It would not be uncommon for the ISFJ to remember a particular facial expression or conversation in precise detail years after the event occured, if the situation made an impression on the ISFJ.

ISFJs have a very clear idea of the way things should be, which they strive to attain. They value security and kindness, and respect traditions and laws. They tend to believe that existing systems are there because they work. Therefore, they're not likely to buy into doing things in a new way, unless they're shown in a concrete way why its better than the established method.

ISFJs learn best by doing, rather than by reading about something in a book, or applying theory. For this reason, they are not likely to be found in fields which require a lot of conceptual analysis or theory. They value practical application. Traditional methods of higher education, which require a lot of theorizing and abstraction, are likely to be a chore for the ISFJ. The ISFJ learns a task best by being shown its practical application. Once the task is learned, and its practical importance is understood, the ISFJ will faithfully and tirelessly carry through the task to completion. The ISFJ is extremely dependable.

The ISFJ has an extremely well-developed sense of space, function, and aesthetic appeal. For that reason, they're likely to have beautifully furnished, functional homes. They make extremely good interior decorators. This special ability, combined with their sensitivity to other's feelings and desires, makes them very likely to be great gift-givers - finding the right gift which will be truly appreciated by the recipient.

More so than other types, ISFJs are extremely aware of their own internal feelings, as well as other people's feelings. They do not usually express their own feelings, keeping things inside. If they are negative feelings, they may build up inside the ISFJ until they turn into firm judgments against individuals which are difficult to unseed, once set. Many ISFJs learn to express themselves, and find outlets for their powerful emotions.

Just as the ISFJ is not likely to express their feelings, they are also not likely to let on that they know how others are feeling. However, they will speak up when they feel another individual really needs help, and in such cases they can truly help others become aware of their feelings.

The ISFJ feels a strong sense of responsibility and duty. They take their responsibilities very seriously, and can be counted on to follow through. For this reason, people naturally tend to rely on them. The ISFJ has a difficult time saying "no" when asked to do something, and may become over-burdened. In such cases, the ISFJ does not usually express their difficulties to others, because they intensely dislike conflict, and because they tend to place other people's needs over their own. The ISFJ needs to learn to identify, value, and express their own needs, if they wish to avoid becoming over-worked and taken for granted.

ISFJs need positive feedback from others. In the absence of positive feedback, or in the face of criticism, the ISFJ gets discouraged, and may even become depressed. When down on themselves or under great stress, the ISFJ begins to imagine all of the things that might go critically wrong in their life. They have strong feelings of inadequacy, and become convinced that "everything is all wrong", or "I can't do anything right".

The ISFJ is warm, generous, and dependable. They have many special gifts to offer, in their sensitivity to others, and their strong ability to keep things running smoothly. They need to remember to not be overly critical of themselves, and to give themselves some of the warmth and love which they freely dispense to others.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

UL's timely message, with 8 days to exams

Currently listening to:
How I Love You - Planetshakers
Psalm 77:11-12
I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will meditate on all your works and consider all your mighty deeds.

When we meet new trials, review how good God has been to us, and this will strengthen our faith to move on!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008


I may not have everyone's email / Facebook contact, but here's wishing the 2nd year meddies (who will be having their exams tomorrow) all the best, despite the long road ahead of them :-) Gambate!

Sunday, October 26, 2008

The 90/10 principle

Felt like putting up a lesson my ex-shepherd in Melbourne, Jason taught me 2 years back, which I recalled recently (found out that it was based on a book by Stephen Covey - Yes, the author of '7 habits of highly effective people').

In life, 10% is made up of what happens to you. 90% is decided by how you react.

We really have no control over 10% of what happens to us. We cannot stop the car from breaking down. The plane (or people) will arrive late, which throws our whole schedule off. We may be stuck in a jam. We have no control over this 10%. The other 90% is different, because you determine it.

Let's use an example. You are eating breakfast with your family. Your daughter knocks over a cup of coffee onto your business shirt. You have no control over what just what happened. What happens when the next will be determined by how you react. You curse. You harshly scold your daughter for knocking the cup over.

She breaks down in tears. After scolding her, you turn to your spouse and criticize her for placing the cup too close to the edge of the table. A short argument follows. You refuse to give in and instead stormed upstairs and change your shirt. Back downstairs, you find your daughter has been too busy crying to finish breakfast and get ready for school. She misses the bus. Your spouse must leave immediately for work and can't send her to school.

You rush to the car and drive your daughter to school. Because you are late, you drive 40 miles an hour in a 30 mph speed limit. After a 15-minute delay, a near-accident and throwing the $60 traffic fine away, you arrive at school. Your upset daughter runs into the building without saying goodbye. After arriving at the office 20 minutes late, you find that you forgot your briefcase. Your day has started terrible. As it continues, it seems to get worse and worse, important decisions could not be made, and some work could not be done, because you forgot your briefcase. Your boss was left fuming, and threatened to fire you if it happens again. You look forward to coming home, but when you arrive home, you find a small wedge in your relationship with your spouse and daughter.

See the problem?

Saturday, October 18, 2008


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Verse 1
When troubles come, I trust in You
For I know You will lead me through
And I know You are faithful, till the end

Verse 2
And when the storms are drawing near
When I'm with You I don't have to fear
You're my shepherd on whom I can depend

Pre-chorus
Through the day, through the night
I know You're always by my side

Chorus
Lord You are always here with me
There is no changing God in thee
You are the same yesterday and today
And forevermore

Here on Your promises I stand
You hold my future in Your hands
My solid rock, almighty God
I worship You

Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Final stretch

Watched 'Facing the Giants' last Saturday. Despite 2008 coming to an end, let's see this final quarter as a new beginning to give God our best touchdown for one final time this year!

Plot
In six years of coaching football, Grant Taylor has never led his Shiloh Eagles to a winning season. After learning that he and his wife Brooke face infertility, Grant discovers that a group of fathers are secretly organizing to have him dismissed as head coach. His car breaks down frequently, and his house is falling apart around him. Devastated by his circumstances, he cries out to God in desperation. When Grant receives a message from an unexpected visitor, he searches for a stronger purpose for his football team. He challenged his players to believe God for the impossible on and off the field. When faced with unbelievable odds, the Eagles must step up to their greatest test of strength and courage. What transpires is a dynamic story of the fight between faith and fear.