I’m not going to lie. It has been one of the toughest weeks – career-wise. In my head, it has been my career marathon (Read this post). And I feel like I just passed the 18th mile. In a marathon, the 18th mile is notoriously known as the hardest. Some even say that though 13.2 miles is the halfway point, the 18th mile is really the physical body’s halfway point. It’s really when you are not that far but you are bloody tired and losing your form (What am I talking about, I don’t have good form in the first place).
I like checklists. As a preview…
And it really was the most challenging 2 weeks ever. Just like a marathon, this was a mental and physical test of endurance, on top of actually training for an actual marathon. And don’t forget being a mum. But David, as usual really steps up to the plate.
Last set of Nights. During these nights, we were down a junior doctor. So I had to pick up the small tasks throughout one of the Acute Medicine wards. Some memorable moments were looking after 1) a chap with severe electrolyte imbalance (on replacement) and started having an arrhythmia and started becoming breathless and clammy. Still chatting though – continue the infusions, keep an eye. 2) a lady with PR3+ vasculitis who had increasing breathlessness due to partially treated chest infections (pleaaase don’t let it be pulmonary haemorrhage)… oh what she’s started itching on cipro? STOP IT! 3) IVDU, cannula out, need US-guided cannula for antibiotics. No switch his IV clari to PO, he may be able to go home in the morning. 4) Man with BP 210/108, tingling in his face, arms, legs. No bleed on CT head. BP 145/72 after 5mg amlodipine. I think he can be discharged, GP to titrate antihypertensive.
Medical Oncology interview. For this interview, there is a clinical scenario, an ethics station, a research station, and a portfolio/commitment to specialty station – all about 5-6 minutes each. Now although I get really really nervous during interviews, I actually also really enjoy them. In preparation, a couple of Regs helped me by doing a mock interview the week before. I read up on several different Acute Oncology emergencies (with the help of the teaching slides from the Oncology teaching group I set up), I read up on a couple of clinical trials and their design, got re-acquainted with my CV, and ultimately find the answer deep within me… “Why do you want to go into Medical Oncology Specialty Training?” I was happy at the end of this interview. I went on a 4 mile run straight after to run off the adrenaline.
Then got a bit of a break before travelling to Liverpool for PACES. so we went to Manor Farm.
PACES. I was meant to have been done with PACES already but due to the junior doctor strikes, my original date was cancelled and was moved to the 27th of March to Liverpool. As you can imagine, I had already peaked as I was ready 2 weeks ago. This was a really tough adjustment because I was also already getting ready for the interviews. It was very difficult to switch back and forth. At this point, I was probably more focused on Oncology. PACES as I’ve already talked about in the past is my chip, is my crutch, my disability. I could talk about this more later and maybe relate it to marathon running somehow. Liverpool was actually nice though I as too preoccupied to take photos and it was too wet and cold to go for a run so treadmill runs at the Novotel. Anyway, results on the 18th of April. Hang tight.
Okay pause. Take a breather and a sip of water. Part 2 tomorrow.
Reach for the Seven Stars 