It's been a week since I've heard the cheerful "good morning!" from Dr L, the kind doctor. I have no idea what happened to him, probably rotated to another ward or hospital. He's been replaced by the rude doctor, who turns out to be not so rude in the mornings after all..
I remember my first encounter with Dr L. I had a fever, and he came to do my blood culture. We didn't catch his name at the time, so my mum nicknamed him Dr Comel. Well, he is kinda cute, although that is not the point I'm trying to make here, hehe. He then replaced the previous MO, and started visiting every morning. I don't know how he keeps up, but he always has all the relevant data in his head everytime the specialist asks for information, e.g. blood count, chest x-ray, etc. And there are about 15 patients in here. The concerned look on his face makes me feel cared for, as if he worries for me, and that I'm not just another patient he's attending to. No matter how busy he is, I am always made to feel like I am his only patient. Some conversations are still crystal clear in my memory:
Conversation 1
Dr : Hello, are you feeling better today? Any more fevers last night?
Me: My cough is still not gone la doc...
Dr : Hmm, can I offer you some gargle then?
Me: Yeah, ok. Thanks. (wah...was he a waiter before this?)
Conversation 2
Dr : Hi! Haven't gone home yet?
Me: No, I was waiting for you. I thought I'm supposed to sign something before I leave
Dr : Eh no need la, I took care of it for you long time ago already...
Me: Aiyorr!! And I waited for you for the last 1 hour! Ok la..I'll be on my way then..
Dr : Ok. So are you comfortable here in a double room? Would you prefer a single?
Me: Of course la I prefer a single! But it's occupied now, right? What la you...thanks anyway!
Dr : Hehe..that's true. ok, you're welcome.
I won't bore you with more details. I trust him (95% of the time, because he is still learning), and all I know is that any pain I feel doesn't seem too terrible when he was taking care of it. I know he will be an excellent doctor throughout his career. You can learn all the stuff in medical books, but the people skills, you just have to have it in you. Maybe they should start stressing the subject in med school.
Dr L, wherever you are, thank you and good luck! Wish you were back here.
