Those who teach, do better!

Most people believe with the saying that those who cant do, teach. That, to be frank, is totally ridiculous! At least in medical and dentistry. Or health for that matter.

You see, after graduating about 2 years ago, i was immediately registered as a dentist under a registered body and was posted to Kuching for specialty rotation. Well, being a first year dental officer, of course I thought I learned a lot during my specialty postings. And i did, actually. Especially in hospital attachment. Getting first-hand training in OTs, something that, to some grad dentists, would find a little bit alien because lack of exposure during the first year attachment because of discrimination and inadequate confidence of specialists towards them. I, however, enjoyed handling trauma cases, toileting and suturing wounds, stabilize fractured bones, learning about cancer and tumours in moutn. Because of the wide variety of cases i saw during my rotation in Sarawak gen hospital. And of course not forgetting these very helpful and supportive specialists who are not so stingy about sharing experience and knowledge. Unlike other specialists in other parts of the country. I love and enjoyed every minute and second of my specialty rotation. Ive got my doubts and worries and recklessness during my oncalls but I managed well. Many thanks again to a very good support system from colleagues, staffs and friends back in Kuching.

After a year of completing specialty postings, i was sent out for general dental practice. Out, in a district, 3 hours drive away from Kuching. Needless to go back to the timeline again, cutting the story short, i was unhappy in Betong. Discrimination by the superiors, and the feeling like i dont belong there because I cant speak Iban (thats a funny reason to go, i might say). It was depressing that it strikes to me that I need to get away to improve myself in the field of dentistry. Of course the other reason for my leaving is because there is no development. I felt static and I dont learn that much because the other superiors are being too competitive, when they shouldnt, actually. So, I thought to myself, its now or I'll suffer these doom.

Way back then, before I even decided to explore Sarawak, i had my plans of joining the university healthcare setting as an academician. I cant quite clarify the reason why I wanted to join the university. But to some people, those who become academicians, chose that because they cant perform clinically. Obviously there are totally wrong about it. You cant be an academician if you cant perform in the first place. Because to become an academician in health, means you have to be the pioneer. Academicians are the reference point to future health delivery. Every knowledge has to be tip top. Every clinical performance, judgement, decision, is being watched and learned by fellow students. And that is not something that is easy to maintain. Mentally, spiritually, physically, emotionally, you've got to be ready. The main responsibility of a healthcare academician is guiding newbies, making sure that they are to be release with sound knowledge and a good practice. It seems no biggie. But, that is only easier said than done. And I think, after writing this blog down, that is the reason i chose and decided to join university, to become an academician. To challenge myself. Not to run away from the district, but rather running away from ignorance & injudiciousness.

So, now, here I am, in school of dentistry, iium, as a trainee lecturer. Aimed and dream big of becoming oral maxfac surgeon. Because my surgeon back then, said so. Thanks, Dr Lani.

Now, dont be scared. Dentistry is painless. Er, rephrasing, Surgery is painless! :)

I cant remember what case this was, and who captured it.

And this is me and colleagues just doing nothing in the surgery.

Photos from when I was in Kuching. A one year++ exciting journey that was cut short. I miss Kuching!

Nonetheless,

We invariably tell each other, and our students, that the academic tripod consists of patient care, teaching and research. In fact, in the real world where science is performed and medicine is practised, a better understanding of the academic tripod might be: "If its new, its not true; if its true, its not important; but if its new and its true and its important, then we knew it all along." - Phil Gold, 1995