Bookish Thoughts: 10 ‘Medical’ Books lying on my Bookshelf needing some TLC!

After knowing where am I posted to next, things start to move fast and there are just so many stuff that needs attention! I guess this is part of growing up! Currently I am dealing with housing stuff (since I am going to work in another city not in my hometown or KL), and some financial stuff (which I am worst at, taking baby steps here), and everything seems so confusing!

I am thankful and blessed to have my ever supporting family and friends to guide me in this so that I can take a breather and still chill and live the moment, seize all the opportunities that I can spend with my family before I am shipped (literally) to the Cat City! (Multiple sobs, I don’t want to leave this place!)

Anyway back to our countdown for today, 10 books that I would love to read that is medically related, here we go!

1. Medical Breakthroughs – The Reader’s Digest (in my bookshelf since: pre-med)

This book has been lying on my bookshelf since I am 18 (think daddy or mummy got it from a book fair before entering med school)! The pages are interesting enough for me to flipped through once in a while but I have not gotten much out of it yet (too much words, and too many distractions in my life). Though it may be slightly outdated by now, I still hope to get the most out of this book!

the version that I have, hehe! *image from http://www.readinghabit.com.au

2. The Encyclopedic Atlas of the Human Body – A Visual Guide to the Human Body (owned: pre-medschool)

Another book scored when I was doing my A-Levels back when I was 18 and at that time it was a SPLURGE with a price tag of RM50 from a book fair. Since then it has been lying on my bookshelf, have only flipped through it once when I am buying it (guilty call… =p ). Nonetheless, recently while cleaning up, I’ve found this again and flipped through, was quite a gem! =) Recommended for fresh meddies to be or curious babies like me, and although I’ve transported this book back to my hometown to be my dad’s reference book (he is interested in alternative medicine), I am thinking of sneaking it to the Cat City with me. I am guessing that it be helpful when I am losing my bearings especially during the first few months of ‘de internship’!

3. Human Lifespan Development – mummy’s copy (pre-clinical)

This was one of our prescribed readings back in first year which brings back much nostalgia. I still remember vividly our interesting psychology lectures by the Monash team, especially Mr Paul Jambu! Thanks for making psychology so much interesting! I have never read a page the real book but I have found out its existence in my house when I was in year 2.

our lovely Mr Paul Jambunathan! Thank you for making Psychology like a game! =) *image from google*

My mum was doing her Masters in Counselling and this was one of her prescribed readings. At that time I was doing one year of Counselling course from the Buddhist Gem Fellowship (hoping to volunteer as a telephone counsellor) as well so was quite interested in the book, but still was too lazy to flip it though. My last push was during my clinical years, especially in Paediatrics or when I was doing my Geriatric posting during my final year.

To add more fire to it (=p), I had the privilege to do my clinical elective in the Neurology department of the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) London, one of the top kids hospital over in London and had managed to join several clinics dealing with developmental paediatrics (which basically deals with problems of kids growing up). It was an eye-opener and made me even more interested to read up more about (when I am not bounded with procrastination =p)

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), a dream come true!

4. Stress and Mental Health Society – Dato’ Dr Tan Chee Kwan (pre-clinical)

Due to some event twists and turns, I’ve gotten this book since pre-med years. This book is recommended if you are interested in psychiatry and think that the normal psychiatric books are too bored to flip through. Dato’ Dr Tan is a prominent clinical psychiatrist who have dipped his toes in art, writing, sports etc. His book are filled with anecdotes, inside jokes and artsy-fartsy stuff occasionally. A good book to flip through (though I’ve just flipped 5 pages of it) so this is definitely following me to Kuching!

5. The Prescription for a Lifetime of Great Health: The Doctors: 5 minute Health Fixes – The DOCTORS with Mariska Van Aalst (owned at 2012) 

This book was from the Big Bad Wolf (BBW) Sales in KL (I think) back in December with a price tag of RM20. I gave so much thought to it before buying (as usually books from BBW are as low as RM3-5), thinking that it was a splurge! Laid on my bookshelf for two years until recently when I started cleaning the house that I’ve rediscover this book which I gave it to my dad to bring back to my hometown.

Image from http://www.thedoctorstv.com

Now that I am back in my hometown, Kedah, and flipping though this book, I’ve just realised that this book is indeed, a hidden GEM!! Short and sweet, its a good companion book for your household, and just like the book described ‘you will have a house doctor with this book’. It’s something like Murtargh but in layman’s term and loaded with many general knowledge stuff, along with household tips and tricks! I am now thinking of sneaking it to the Cat City! =p

6. Kill or Cure: An Illustrated History of Medicine (owned: 2014)

This book has been luring me to buy every single day as I walked pass the High Streets of Chiswick while on the way to GOSH back in London. Priced at 9.99 pound in Bookcase, the steep price tag was stopping me from buying this book. Until one day when it suddenly disappeared from the window display, I panicked and ran into the bookstore to enquire about the book, luckily it was still there and flipping through it, I knew this is the book that I NEED in my bookshelf.

image from goodreads

So at the very next day, I bought this baby back home and as a result have to sacrifice my shopping purchases. The only regret is I’ve been neglecting him and doesn’t give him the love that he deserves (this book is definitely a guy)! Time to shower some love to you, big guy!

7. As Nature Made Him – John Colapinto (owned: 2014)

This book was thrifted in one of the old bookstores in Melbourne, in a quiant little street (can’t remember the exact place! =*( ) for a mere 3AUD. As the title suggests, this book is about transgender issues, a true story that follows ‘a boy who was raised as a girl’. The topic itself and the price tag is enough for me to stash it, but the final touch was that as I was flipping through the book, a Christmas Card dropped out, with a lovely message inside (to the previous owner I think). What better book to have than a well kept one which carries a story and some personal touch? =)

8. Pharmakon – Sorry forgot to jot down the author’s name (owned: 2014) 

Another book thrifted when I was in Melbourne, from another nice little bookstore at the price of 3 AUD, located at a street near to the CBD where my little sis is staying. The boy and I spotted this bookshop while sipping coffee on the super artsy street (I need to ask my housemate, the Dutch Lady about the street name, she recommended and it WAS a nice place to chill and spend an evening). After coffee we went inside the wonder store and I scored several books (as usual) from this shop. One of the best scores was Mr. Barrack Obama autobiography <Letters for my Father>, was a fantastic read! And now back to this book, it was about pharmaceutical companies and consumers, and stuff along the lines. I’ve flipped through it, seems pretty good and since I’ve finished its sibling, now its time to work on this book!

9. Psychiatric Emergencies – library of the Alfred Hospital (owned: 2014) 

This book was scored when the boy and I were in our second rotation of our final year in Melbourne. We went to the Chapel Street in one of the weekends for their Astor Theatre, which is an old school cinema to watch <Indiana Jones>! Was a pretty amazing experience! Chapel St. itself was pretty cool and both of us were like kids in the candy store wandering around, admiring the architecture which was well preserved and maintained its ‘old-ish’ charm. Lovely place to spend an evening!

the boy and I before being ‘Indiana Joned’

And of course we spotted several unique bookstores selling differing genres of books and themes. I was walking along the street when I spotted this book dated at least 10 years back about psychiatric emergencies. At the price of 3 AUD, I was like I AM GETTING THIS! What are the odds you will find a book from the library of the hospital you are attached to outside of the library itself on sale; from Alfred the Great (as some medical students have coined it); and its about Psychiatric Emergencies (I am interested in child psychiatry)! So this book went straight into my stash and I’ve never flipped it since (since I was buying it as a momento).

Alfred the ‘Great’ LOL!

10. Time to Live: Jannie Tay’s Journey: Mum’s stash

I have noticed this book in my mum’s bookshelf since 2013 and she recommended me to read it since its pocket size and was a quick read. It is an inspiring autobiography about a strong woman who carries multiple roles being a businesswoman and at the same time juggling her career and her family. Things gets harder as she has to take care of her physically challenged daughter as well. She managed to do all of those, on top of that being involved in charity and caring for the underprivileged.The book dictates how she overcomes all the challenges and her insights, which I think would be an empowering read to all women.

I am blessed and privileged to get to know three of such inspiring woman in real life; my mother, my grandmother and my little sister. They have worn so many hats at a time, being successful and  yet managed to take care of the family and themselves so well, at the same time being supportive and ever loving to each other. To them I am eternally grateful and thankful for, and I wouldn’t have been in my place now if it wasn’t for them, and of course my great giant the DADDY as well! =) I love you all! And to the other strong women that have left footprints in my life, thank you for shaping me and giving me the confidence for me to believe that I can pursue my dreams and passion!

daddy! the giant behind me =)

Bookish Thoughts: 10 “Medical” Books I’ve Read In Med School

Being a doctor has never crossed my mind until the age of 15, my ambition has always been being a scientist and astronaut during primary school, musician, lawyer, PR relations in high school right up till 15 years old when i suddenly realised that my actual passion all the while has been medicine!

There has been several experiences, books and ideas planted on to me, like seedlings waiting to bloom into a young tree! =) Looking back, med school has been a roller coaster rides and often other than family and friend support, several things have played a pivotal role in helping me to experience med school thoroughly!

Anyway we shall leave this to another day and focus on the title today!

google images

1. Don’t Worry, Be Happy by Dr Phang Cheng Kar (Clinical Psychiatrist, Malaysia)

– Recommended age: Pre-med/ year 1 (read in 2011)

– This book was born when Dr Phang was a medical student himself, fun read with loads of doodling and anecdote. A photostated copy of the book was given to me by a kind aunty from Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA) and later on I receive another signatured copy from Dr Phang (yay) from a talk that he gave to us organised by the Monash Counselling Department.

-psss: Since I have two copies of the book I am thinking of giving away one of them! Do PM/comment me if you are interested ya! =)

CAUSE i’m HAPPY! =P
*google image thanks!*

2. 7 Steps of Highly Effective People –Stephen R. Covey

– Recommended age: Pre-clinical/ Anytime when u feel uneffective? (read in 2006-2011)

– I’ve read 50% of the book from my high school library and later on this book appeared as a recommended reading and was one of the lecture from Dr Sivalal during first year of medicine teaching study technique. I think I didn’t managed to finish the book, though I remember it was a good one, and graphic or simplified version of it? (I have rather short attention span =p)

3. Tuesday with Morrie –Mitch Albom

– Recommended age: Pre-clinical /clinical/ palliative care(read in 2011)

– This book is a recount of the author’s pastor from his childhood suffering from a neuro-muscular disease and is slipping away slowly. The author delicately recalls the moments spent with him while including his own emotions and reflections. I was introduced to him via his work <The 5 people you meet in heaven> by a dear friend’s mum when I was feeling lost and down 7 years ago. For that I am eternally grateful and blessed. <The time keeper> is a good read as well!

4. Escaping daddy – Maria London

– R.A: Medical ethics/ Paediatrics/ Psychiatry (read in 2012)

– This book is a real recount of young Maria as a teenage sex worker forced by her father. Things get worsen when due to the circumstances she is involved in drug and drinking habits. The emotions, struggles, experiences were painfully written retold and I am truly moved by her courage and by telling the world, creating awareness the issue of child prostitution and abuse.

5. One Last Goodbye – Kay Gilderdale

– R.A.: med ethics/ palliative care/ peadiatrics (read 2013)

– A heart-breaking true story of Lynn Gilderdale who was diagnosed with a rare disease of chronic fatigue syndrome (myalgia encephalomyelitis). *spoiler alert* This book was written by her mother recording the process of Lynn reaching a diagnosis, being stigmatized as ‘faking it out’ among several others. The book also describes Lynn’s decision on euthanasia under the legal age and subsequently her mother being charged for murder.

euthanasia… A happy pill?
*google image*

6. A Nurse Abroad – Anne Watts

– R.A.: public health/ clinical/ health economics/ global health (read 2013-14)

– Scored this book for 1/2 pounds in a cancer charity shop when I was doing my electives in London! Best book choice ever! This is a autobiography of Anne Watts, a freshly trained UK nurse who inherited his father’s adventurous spirit and set sail for Canada to practice. Later, with much spontaneity and open heart to learn and experience more, she worked in Australia outback and was exposed to aboriginal health; the Arctic to work in clinics in an igloo; and participated in the Vietnam War (this is recalled in the other book, have yet to scout for it yet! >.<).

– Apart from bringing back nostalgia from UK, this book also serves as a more detailed introduction to Aboriginal Health in Australia, which I have the privilege to be exposed more about the community and Indigenous health when doing a 3 month compulsory attachment in Melbourne late January. *Monash also offers Rural Elective for Malaysian Campus students starting from my year whereby students can apply to do an elective in rural Melbourne! I did not managed to get a slot but my best friend did and it was the best experience ever! =)*

Australian Outback! =)
*thanks google image*

7. Lockdown – Drauzio Varella

RA: Infectious Disease/ Public Health/ Health Economics (2014)

– Bought this for RM8 from the Big Bad Wolf (BBW) Fair in Johore Bharu. “Inside Brazil’s most dangerous prison”, the tagline is enough to pull a Brazil football fan and detective serious fanatic to buy the book! It is about how a ID doctor reach out to Brazilian prison system to spread public health, namely HIV prevention programme. It started off pretty dry, explaining the prison system and what not (took me 1/2 a year to go through) but later on the story became so gripping to me and I finished it in a week from mid-book onwards!

wouldn’t mind being ‘LOCKDOWN-ed” if its this cute! =p
*image from google*

8. Complications – Atul Gwande

RA: Anaesthesiology/ Emergency Department/ Health Econs/ Medicine/ Surgery (2014- ?)

– A very big thank you to the cutest and very dedicated Monash Doctor Couple Dr Rafidah and Dr Azim who run our ED and Anaes posting and for making learning so fun, and for lending out this book to us! =) I have only managed to read the book till midway when the 6 weeks rotation ends and did not have the opportunity to finish it, but I can still remember many of the details described by this American surgeon and his point of view and observation, including medical errors; the symbiosis relationship of medical conferences and sponsors; the privatization of medical care and medical insurance to name a few.

Note to self:Definitely going to read all his books in the near future.

9. The Examined Life – Stephen Grosz 

– RA: Psychiatry (2014)

– This was my 24th birthday present from Mr Liew! ❤ *shy shy* Stephen is a psychoanalyst who in this short and sweet book records the dialogues with his patient (deidentified of coourse) and his own thoughts and reflections. Was a pretty quick read, finished in one night (wasn’t sure due to the sugar rush or was a easy read in general =p) Anyway pretty great point of view and good size to toss in your handbag to read on the go!

=p *image from google*

10. House of God – Samuel Shem

– RA: final leg of med school/ Initiating internship (or Housemanship) (2014)

– Thrifted at 3 AUD from a charity shop during my family trip in Sydney after my graduation ball. Bought this on the day of “Sydney Siege” itself, a sad day where 2 hostages were gunned down by extremist =(. We were brought to a ‘safe area’ by my lil sis who which is Manly Beach as we were staying in the city area and stopped midway for a chemist and bumped into this quaint little family owned charity shop.

– This book is a fictional story of how a guy intern in UK survived 1st year of ‘hell’ internship in the ‘House of God’. The book follows the intern waddling through his way with his fellow comrades till the end of the year, with a detailed and unique insight of hospital administrators; the relationship among partners; with family members; between interns and their superiors and hospital directors ‘the boss’; and of course the interesting relationship with nurses! (though most are pretty crude ones, kids watch out! =p)

HOUSE-man

That’s all for now! =) Thanks for enduring with me and hope that it helps! =) The medical school journey for me has been a bumpy one but I am blessed to meet all the great and fun people who never failed to inspire me! And since today is World Kidney day and being Women Month, I will be MARCH-ing it on and try to post frequently this month regarding the topic, and before my holiday ends and I have to start working for real as a houseman in Malaysia! =)

38Women’s Day: Girls and Education in Malaysia

Today’s focus: girls and education. The point was brilliantly raised by this author, who currently serves in Kedah (go hijau kuning!)!

I recalled when I was fresh out from Form 5 into national service (17 years old), I had this realisation that many of my fellow camp mates are already talking about marriage and some were even engaged before they were in the camp.

I vividly recalled one of our camp commanders mentioning that us as first batch were the ‘lucky ones’ since most of us will be going to college or university or joining the army forces later on (they even further organised a further education fair for us when in the camp). According to him, the later batches were usually school drop-outs or not planning to further studies, most even alredy has children or are pregnant at the time of entering the camp and have to be sent home a few days after.

Some of the lady campmates were even being abused by their partners and was found out during the initial medical check up, but they were too scared to voice out and did not want to take further actions so there is nothing much the camp commanders could do other than giving them ‘temporary shelter’ throughout the three month period away from home.

There is more than we can do via education, empowering our girls! And I definitely agree with my friend​ the next step will be via Women’s Health. =)

p.s.:
One Book recommendation:
– pretty quick read and interesting!
– do let me know if you managed to buy the book at a cheap price ok? have always wanted to read it but its too pricey!
– (I stood at MPH to read a couple of pages thus am able to give a quick review hahaha)

Book Review & Thoughts: little victims

Since the first time I landed my eyes on this book in the Big Bad Wolf Sales, I know that I’m so deeply attracted to it cause I bought it even though the cover was not in a good shape (when usually I’m a person who judges the book by its cover! =p). And that night the first book that I reached unsurprisingly was this book, Little Victims by Harry Keeble with Kris Hollingtin.

Based on true stories of British’s vulnerable children, the author tells us his encounter as a cop in the Child Protection unit with several vividly described cases brilliantlly weaved together. From a mother who shook her daughter to death to children who were caged for several years, the cases were utterly shocking. My heart totally went out for the little victims and those around them who also suffered the collateral damage. Some of the kids even have to relive their nightmare in the courtroom, which is usually a very intimidating and traumatising experience to them.

Reading the book was like a roller coaster ride of emotions to me, shocked and sad for the kids who have to go through the ordeal, frustrated when justice did not prevail to them, and relieved when some of them managed to have a better life with their family after being rescued. But what deeply moved me was how courageous, resillient and loving the kids were, despite after going through all the ordeal and torment. For more than a few times, I have to draw myself out from the book for a while as I was so deeply affected by the cases.

On the other note, the book also gives the general public a rare chance to understand how the police, social workers, teachers, healthcare profession and even the public community work together to protect and save the children from potential dangers as much as they could. The author also highlighted some of the reasons that delays or toughens the job of child protection and provided suggestions on improvements on various fields. Besides, the author responded to his feedback from his first book with much concern and welcomed feedback for this book humbly (this book is his 2nd installment on child abuse, the first one being Baby X, which is currently in my wish list! 🙂 ).

All in all, this book has left a very huge impact on me and I’m certain it will live in me for years to come. A very big thank you to Harry Keeble and his team for the great work in giving us the rare opportunity to have a glimpse of how does Child Protection works and be aware of the various forms of child abuse.

***

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A few days after reading this book, the news of the shooting of 26 children and adult in Sandy Hook Elementary school was in the headline of newspaper worldwide, leaving the world in shock and horror. These little victims and the teachers who fought bravely to protect their children will be mourned and be in our hearts forever.

Closer to home, in Alor Star (my hometown 😦 ), a 2 year old boy died after suffered from serious head injuries as a result of abuse by his mother’s boyfriend. According to the victim’s grandmother, during his last visit in August the grandmother has noticed some bruises and bite marks on his grandson’s body and had lodged a police report against the boyfriend. Sadly, it didn’t stop the tragedy to fall onto her beloved grandson.

Child abuse is a serious offense which is often neglected as the little ones are often too young to ask for help or assistance. It is therefore to the public, to us to be more sensitive and pick up the tell-tale signs, and to notify the authorities responsible for it. In Malaysia, there is a service available whereby the society can give tip-offs to the officers in charge annonymously by calling Nur at 15999. Who knows, this small action might just save the life of a little victim.

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** P.S.: images (aside from book cover) are from Postsecrets.

Summer holiday project: Book challenge!

So, as my previous post have mentioned, my goal for myself during this break will be 2 books per week, which made up a total of 28 books before 13th February 2013! And I have always been wanting to join a book challenge (am now looking for a suitable one next year, SO excited!!) so i think this will serve as a very good warm up!

Anyway, these are the books that I plan to ‘tackle’ for my challenge *drumroll please!!*:

1. One Last Goodbye (Kay Gilderdale): Biography/Memoir
2. Fifty Shades of Grey (E.L.James): Erotic Fiction
3. The Match King -Ivar Kreuger (Frank Partnoy): Biography/History/Business
4. Little Victim (Harry Keeble with Kris Hollingtin): Non-Fiction/Crime
* Review here! =)

5. The Gift of the Magi & other short stories (O.Henry): Literary Fiction/ Short Stories Collection
6. 1492 -The Year Our World Begin (Felipe Fernandez-Armesto): History
7. A Far Country (Daniel Mason): Contemporary
8. As I was Passing (Adibah Amin):Journalism
9. As I was Passing 2 (Adibah Amin): Journalism
10. Winston Churchill -a life (John Keegan): Biography/Memoir
11. For One More Day (Mitch Albom): Philisophy/ Self-Help
12. The Vision of Dhamma (Nyanaponika Thera): Religious & Inspirational
13. Pretty Little Things (Jilliane Hoffman): Thriller/Suspense
14. A Brief History of Science -As seen through the development of Scientific Instruments (Thomas Crump): History/Science & Technology
15. Small Vices (Robert B. Parker): Thriller/Suspense
16. The Strategist -the life and times of Thomas Schelling (Robert Dodge): Biography/Memoir
17. Checkmate (Malorie Blackman): Thriller/Suspense
18. Desire (John Eldredge): Religious & Inspirational
19. Walking the Dead (John Eldredge): Religious & Inpsirational
*with book no.18, the two books are combined into one volume: The Heart in my version of it
20. Shutter Island : Thriller/Suspense
21. Stress and Mental Health Society (Dato Dr Tan Chee Khuan): Medical, Health & Fitness
22. World Mythology (): History/Cultural
23. Great Battles -Decisive conflicts that have shaped history (): History/Military
24. Wangari Maathai -Unbowed: One Woman’s story (): Biography/Memoir
25. Nelson Mandela -Long walk to freedom (Nelson Rolihahla Mandela): Biography/Memoir
26. Island of Light -Buddhism in Sri Lanka: A concise History and Guide to its Sacred Sites (T.Y.Lee): Religious & Inspirational
27. Create Yourself (Liu Yong) : Self-Help
28. Poetry, Language and Thought (Martin Heidegger): Philosophy

Yeap, these are the books that I’m planning to read during the break! =) And it will be lovely if you could leave some suggestions or comments to help me out in reaching my goal! ❤ Wish me luck!

=) time to install some new software into my brain! =)