Thursday, 27 December 2007

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

It's been a long time since I last posted and plan to write many intellectually stimulating blogs but first, for the 3 people who occasionally glimps over my blog, I hope that you all had a good Christmas. I got a good haul without sounding to materialistic. I hope everyone else got what they wanted.

My main Christmas present was DRIVING LESSONS!!!!! So in January, the South West be warned, I'll be hitting the roads. I honestly can't wait though. I see driving, uni and many other things as a step to independence and while I don't want to wish my life away, I still want to grow up.

Although the Daily Mail sure do know how to piss me off! I've got my provisional and hope I won't be too badly affected so fingers crossed.

Christmas has left me desiring an iPhone. I want it so much but refuse to pay the full price or a 18-month contract.

I once again hope you all had a Merry Christmas.

Saturday, 20 October 2007

Long Time No See

Well I've been busy over the past month. That's my excuse for not posting more often. I've begun my plan of preparing my application for medicine. I so far have been elected to represent my college as a further education officer, am now part of my town's official youth council and also have contacted a man who can get me to help out with my local hospital's radio. I've just got to arrange some work experience, save the world from some virus and fit in my job and I'm a few steps closer to becoming a med student.

Now college has been great. In the time between the last post, I've been to two main college parties and many smaller ones. They have rocked ass. I have one a month and can not wait for my next one in November. Me and my mates have a blast!

I've been watching the med well, with updates coming in from RemedyUK, Foundation Programme and the DoH. The situation seems to be getting worse, with the DoH attempting to stop non European Doctors from entering the MMC system. AS if it's their fault. The government's poor planning, higher med school out put and reduced consultancy positions has resulted in the overflow of foundation doctors. Discriminating against other countries will not help, only buy them time.

BTW, Little Medic is back from his elective and has been posting all about it for a while. I recommend checking it out! HERE
Also If your cool enough to be invited (or bribed him enough) then check out Little's Private Blog, where he dishes all the dirt about missbliss (only joking)

Monday, 17 September 2007

College and other things...

Well I've been at college for a good two weeks. I haven't covered it in much detail but choice of college has plagued me for months. I had the option of a high ranking college in the top 10 of the country or a college that is full of chavs, my friends and had a recent build. Logic suggests the first choice however with 4 weeks to the start of term, I applied to my local "crappy" college and with my great results got accepted the same day.

I'm now enjoy chemistry, biology, maths and law with my mates. I have got everything sorted and am glad of my choice because several friends at the "other" college are exhausted from extremely long days. My college isn't the best but I chose friends over standards, something I won't do for university (I promise).

My courses are going well while my mind constantly looking at the medical world to see the state of the health care after the MTAS disaster. It seems to died from national news with only the occasional mention of how "doctors are incompetent" or whatever (I don't read the daily mail anymore ;))

Thanks again to people who dropped by to say congrats on my results.

I would also like to take the chance to show people a blog that I feel will continue to be a enticing read. Harry's Unprotected Text records his journey through med school admissions and into Barts. I would recommend people keeping an eye as this blog will most likely record the current state of medical education from start to finish (BTW Congrats on your first day Harry).

Bit of a random blog with a range of topics. To finish it off, currently listening to the Fratellis' album Costello!

Grammer and Spelling poor, may correct later.

Thursday, 23 August 2007

GCSE Results

I'm so please with my self (Don't I sound pompous)!!!! I love my GCSE RESULTS!!!!

3 A* - English Language, Geography and RE
6 A - Science (Double), Maths, IT, Citizenship and English Literature
1 B - Graphics

I'm off to college! Another Step towards MEDICINE and BEING A DOCTOR!!!!!!

Wednesday, 15 August 2007

Policy Based On Patient Views ... Yeah Right!!!!

Choice of admission date or hospital and having enough information about hospitals to make an informed decision ... were ranked at the bottom of 82 issues.
Yes the policy of providing choice for patients, which resulted in NHS Choices and choosing any hospital for your admission, has been driven though by the government even though the Health Commission's most recent survey proved we didn't care. Article here and survey here.

Tuesday, 14 August 2007

Don't Be A Doctor!

I've been catching up on my med-blog reading after deciding to step back from the computer for a few days and discovered a little gem of a blog. Incidental Findings provides a wonderful look on med school and life as a doctor. It is honest, descriptive and sometimes blunt. I surfed through blogs and discovered a series of posts called "Don't Become a Doctor". There are currently ten but a planned 16 so I await six more.

I found the series very useful and gave me a side to medicine I haven't seen. I would recommend others to read it because I feel I am more more comfortable for when my time comes at med school interviews.

For those who are too lazy to read the pages I have linked and summarized each post.

1# - Describes how as a doctor you see people at their worst. You will see suffering, abuse and all kinds of human atrocities. You will face the dark side of humanity, if you can't accept it don't choose medicine.

2# - As a doctor you will learn to emotionally detach yourself from patients. Yet this can cause problems at home and in relationships if you remain closed.

3# - Curing is rare as many diseases cannot be eradicated. Medicine is more about extending life.

4# - Medicine will become part of your lifestyle. "A cruel mistress" who will always be there.

5# - You should not look to the career for admiration. Yes people will constantly ask your advice but if they are not your patient then you should not give it. Responsibility comes with the job and you must be aware how serious people take your word.

6# - Your sense of humour should be dark, not to be horribile, but to distance yourself. If you can't accept that then get out as other staff will laugh.

7# - Being thanked for all your work is not something to look for in medicine. Not all patients will thank you and you may even be sued. Look elsewhere for constant recognition.

8# - Others careers may stay constant but medicine will change. You must keep up or fall behind.

9# - Like any job you will get responsibility, however you are given responsibility over human life. People trust you to make the decision. If you can't except the pressure, walk away now.

10# - Many doctors are portrayed badly in the press. GPs are seen as greedy and selfish. If you are looking for prestige and admiration then medicine should be avoid. The media will not help the image.

All pre-meds and those considering please read these. I would also recommend another series he has written called "Why I Choose Medicine, #2, #3 and #4"

Wednesday, 1 August 2007

My Brain Ain't Empty ... Far From It

Based on Couz's post I decided to make my own list:
  • Money (I have so must I need to buy and yet I never seem to have enough)
  • My work are being arseholes because I want to change my contract hours for college.
  • I can't decide if i have chosen the right college. I have moaned at my friends to come to my college cause it is better, but when it comes down to it I have a strong desire to go to my local college.
  • My local hospital volunteer department hasn't responded to my emails, I need to phone them up, something I wasn't hoping to do but oh well.
  • I'm going on holiday at the end of August to Spain. It's great but the day after we get back college starts. Very poor planning on my parents part.
  • I need to get into shape and build some muscle but I am too lazy and lack motivation. I've never struggled with projects or tasks before.
  • If I go to the currently chosen college then I will not know anyone. I am scared and nervous, I've never felt thing about a school before.
  • I want to go into medicine so bad but have two years, I'm just very impatient.
  • I want to watch all of Heroes but haven't got time to sit down.
  • It dawned on me two weeks ago that my grandparents won't be here for ever. I've been spending more and more time with them but feel I won't be ready for the inevitable.
  • Watching the NHS crisis unfold I worry about the future of UK doctors not only for myself but to the many currently in training.
  • My room is a mess. I have been slipping on many bases over the past few months.
  • I feel embarrassed about this list and posting private emotion but I think I'm still anonymous.

My Heart Goes Out


I have been watching and reading the news searching for information on August 1st or D-Day as Dr Rant puts it! Many sites have focused on the scandal but take the view of patient care being delayed and only cover the fact many jobs have not been filled or all start on one day.

The Mail covers the issue over two days both here and here. Remedy UK is given the opportunity to talk on the topic saying 'Wednesday is a bad day to go into hospital.' It does well to cover both the patient care and the job scandal. The second article recognises that hospital are a risk to patients. I for one am scared yet the DoH stride on stating 'The rotation of junior doctors starts in August every year and has done for decades.' Yes this is true however the introduction has been staggered and consultants and SHOs have been available to provide support. The system is currently flooded with doctors new to their work place and possibly entire city/town. They have been shitted on by the Trusts, Colleges and DoH. Yet the system rolls on and I congratulate the doctors for pushing through.

The BMA are found to be commenting in many articles. There is "complete confusion about the recruitment process" and "Juniors will miss out on clinical work because of last-minute interviews". They have the audacity to moan about an application system, suggesting reasons for the flaw when only a few moths ago the opposed Remedy UK and many of the BMA's members. They encouraged the introduction of the system which is crumbling around them. It is appalling they could say this but here they are. However I did not write this post to moan (well not completely) I wanted to congratulated the doctors, nurses and other health care professionals who have dealt with and supported hospitals across the country. Well done and thank you. With out the hard work and continual input our health care would have died long ago.

Saturday, 21 July 2007

I HATE AMAZON

Short Rant! Basically Thought I'd order book online. Thanks to Amazon's piss planing and co-ordination with the Royal Mail. I am forced to spend the day without the book and purcahse one tomorrow morning!!!!!!

I am very annoyed and will be returning the book the moment it arrives.

Friday, 20 July 2007

Thank God We Still Have the NHS

I was surfing the web for some interesting stories when I came across this! Down in Arizona Northern Cochise Community Hospital's computer billing system made a hilarious but expensive mistake. As bills for health care where sent out, patient costs were mixed and edited result in bills ranging from $100,000 to $49 million.

They have yet to hear from the person charged for $49 million but I'm sure they'll be back at the hospital soon with a heart attack.

It kinda makes you glad that we still have a free health care system so we don't have to worry about ridiculous bills on our door step.

Also side note: HARRY POTTER AND THE DEATHLY HALLOWS WILL BE RELEASED IN LESS THAN 9 HOURS, 57 MINUTES AND 40 SECONDS AT THE TIME OF POSTING!

I AM OFFICIALLY OBSESSED WITH THE SERIES AND CAN NOT WAIT TO GET HOLD OF THE BOOK!

Tuesday, 17 July 2007

Don't make me take the other kidney...

Building on my previous post about donor shortage and a possible market. The BBC have today posted an article on presumed consent for organ donations. It basically brings to light an appeal from the Chief Medical Officer on a low numbers of organ donors and how a presumed consent unless otherwise stated would be a good solution.

I believe this is a great idea as most people are very viable donors and being realistic, they won't be using those lungs any time soon. Hundreds of lives could be saved through donations. I for one would like to see the system be implemented, but I suspect human right activists will make short work of the proposal.

However while waiting for the proposal to get through, you can make a difference, sign up today by clicking here! Become a registered donor!

Sunday, 15 July 2007

Going Once, Twice, SOLD ... Kidney goes to the gentlemean with chronic renal failure

The BBC recently raised the issue here on whether it is ethically correct to sell organs such as kidneys like commodities. Over 400 people die every year waiting for an organ so why shouldn't we tempt people with the offer of payment. This is a very materialistic view and could not possible run parallel with the current organ donor system.

It would be a cruel way to run our health care. A health service for all would return to those who had money and those who didn't. Yes more people could be saved, but should the NHS foot the bill or maybe it should be the patient? Who pays and and who receives! The system could be open to abuse with the rich benefiting and possible illegal "seizing" of organs to supply this black market.

I don't ever see the real possibility of a "purchase-an-organ" program but who knows what the world is coming to.

One possible trade it style solution can be found from the above mentioned article.
Patients will have a family member or friend who is willing to donate a kidney, but transplant surgeons cannot carry out the operation because the kidney doesn't "match" and would be rejected by the patient's body. A kidney exchange is a computer program that finds compatible pairs of donors and patients.
"I could give a kidney to your patient and you could give a kidney to my patient."
So patients get their kidneys, no money crosses hands and two people are benefitied by it. The NHS is considering the scheme but who knows.

I'd be interested to see the opinions of others but I doubt it ;)

Monday, 2 July 2007

Don't Mess With HTML or XML

Stupidly I've been messing around with my template. Didn't save as I went so have had to wipe the slate clean. This has resulted in a blank blog with a basic template. Found this wonderful scrubs one but just didn't work. Maybe some other time.

Will write more soon