Clinicals 3C

Each clinical placement leaves me with different memories. In my mind's eye, I can vividly picture the times I spent with each of my patients-some bring laughter, others tears. All of them beautiful. There is a buildup of excitement each time a placement draws near, there's also fear and uncertainty of how things will turn out, but excited nonetheless. Because we are rotated through the different fields of practice (neurology, paediatrics, mental health, hands, geriatrics etc), each placement feels like a brand new experience, every time.

My last clinical placement was with mental health. And contrary to the stigmas the general public has of mental health persons, I really had fun there! There was joy in planning the programmes, in implementing them, in reading up more about the conditions, in spending time to interact with the people. And I often found myself in the cafe talking to them, listening to their stories and experiences. Joy, joy:) I learnt to love the different ways of interaction. It could be quiet at times, observing from a distance as one choose the right colours to blend into a picture, collecting leaves from different plants, laughing at jokes at the cafe, listening to their stories when they decide to open up and share, talk about the thinness of the coffee, their musings on life. I'd spend time talking to the people working there too, to encourage them in small ways on the things they're doing and not to give up, listen, to their stories as well. There was a zest and spirit to do things right, to take time and energy to do them, and I thank God for the strength throughout the weeks:) At times it wasn't easy being the only student there.

Had a nice treat from some of the staff there, and bade my goodbyes to the dear people whom have patiently shared their stories!

Blessings, blessed.