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At the time of writing this article, I am on Day 105 since I’ve started my internship / housemanship as a junior doctor in Sarawak, Malaysia. Currently, I am in the fourth and final month of my first posting, Orthopaedics. It is safe to say, I have found the sweet spot in this posting and I am somewhat able to navigate my way around independently and carry out my duties for the day with ease. However, let’s not jinx it. I still have a good 2 weeks left before I officially leave the department.
Ever since I’ve begun my journey as a junior doctor, I’ve neglected doing the simple daily things that used to bring me joy, such as writing and cooking.
The thought of sitting and jotting down my thoughts for the day onto paper while I enjoy the aroma of fresh tea or coffee or to simply enjoy a simple home cook food was thrown out the window.
All of these for the sake of recuperating after a hard day’s work as well as studying.
As I mentioned, I have finally figured my way around my shifts in this current department and is able to set aside some personal time for myself. Thus, I started writing and cooking again.
Hence, this bids the question of “what have I been working on?”.
1. This Blog / Website
Before I begun my housemanship / internship, I had a 2-year plan for this website, my YouTube Channel as well as my Podcast. All of these were put on hold of course. However, I have yet to continue about my plan. As of now, I am simply writing and scheduling articles during my short free periods.
2. Studying
In order to understand certain procedures or diseases, I need to have the theoretical knowledge as well.
I somewhat “know the gist of it” and surprisingly I am rather out of touch when it comes to my theoretical knowledge from medical school.
Thus, the saying goes “the eyes can’t see what the mind doesn’t know“. Studying beforehand or after a day’s work further deepens my general understanding and allows me to function better at work.
3. Self-Care
I started cooking again, which feels amazing and rather therapeutic. It is something I look forward to as I’m about to end my shift. Nothing beats a self-prepared home-cooked meal.
Aside from this, I started soaking my feet in a bucket of warm water with epsom salt. I’ve yet to know the benefits. Honestly, I simply do it because I’ve read somewhere on its benefits in rejuvenating the body and I’ve yet to further my research on it. In addition to that, it is also something that my mother used to prepare for me upon returning from work during one of her visits to Kuching, Sarawak.
It somehow became a habit and doing it brought a sense of comfort. I am after all a creature of habit.
Lastly, I started prioritising certain hours of sleep. Does that mean that I do not put in extra hours at work during my day off? I still struggle with this battle of shutting off and partly because I am simply bored being at home that I would rather go to work.
However, I realised that in order for my mind to remain calm and clear, I need rest. Thus, I try.
Hence, the title “Self Improvement, Self Development & Self-Care” as these are what I’m currently working on.
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The Theoretical Doctor 