Finito

I am coming to the end of my cardiology rotation. I've just finished a week of nights, which in retrospect was a heck of a lot less stressful than the first set of nights. Whether that's due to the fact that I've gained more experience since or that it was just that much easier, I can't really say. But it was a good set of nights with a sprinkling of interesting cases (including my first acute DC cardioversion), and Shelley, the reg I was on with, was good company and provided ample support.

After this, I'll have about 4 more days of cardiology, and then I switch over. I must say that I've enjoyed my stint in cardiology. Wouldn't mind a career in it, but then again, I wouldn't mind a career in most bits of medicine. I've definitely learnt a lot, and I'm probably more confident than I was back during the start of F2. Well, I've probably improved on the art of appearing confident anyway.

I've also done my final assessment for the rotation, and one of the comments given was that I was a lot more easy-going, which I found rather amusing. As some of my colleagues and some of the staff nurses can attest to, I'm not exactly one to hold back my comments when I come across acts that are devoid of logic or a certain amount of grey cells. And that's probably why the consultants I get along the best with are the ones who're feared as they are straight talkers and don't really mince their words. At least you know where you stand with them, as opposed to two-faced individuals that are the bane of society.

And that's also why I can't possibly get into politics anymore so than necessary, for the simple reason that I won't be able to keep my mouth shut if and when I come across some bumbling idiot who's trying his utmost to ruin the country.

Where shall I begin with the current issues that're plaguing our country? The fact that mere criticism is considered tantamount to treason as it would appear that the powers that be are omnipotent? Or that the rakyat are told to live frugally whilst even minor politicians are building mansions like nobody's business? Or shall we talk about the fact that the current goverment came into being with promises of cutting down the amount of mega projects and corruption, but since then there have been various announcements of dodgy projects (including 3 'secret' projects worth RM20 billion that by the way, nobody knows about, and oh yes, was not open to tender) and Malaysia has dropped further in the list of corrupted nations in the world? The fact that what little projects that are being started so far seem to be of more economical benefit to our southern neighbours also defies belief.

And let's not forget the statement by our de facto law minister that the Anti-Corruption Agency has no place in investigating 'internal' UMNO matters (err...one wonders if he has actually read the law) and the fact that ever more increasingly, ugly racial politics is rearing its head again and again. Apparently the bangsa Malaysia idea is a no-go, as oh-my-God, the malays would be displaced. Sheesh.

It's such a pity that the only true intellectual who was in our government is no longer heading the cabinet, and is being increasingly marginalised by the very people that are most beholden to him. Melayu mudah lupa? You bet. Even dogs remember kindness. And these would be the same fuckers who'll be visiting his family and shedding tears when the poor old man dies in the future. What's the point of bleating about Islam and its values when we're surrounded by such vertigo-inducing heights of hypocrisy?

The only piece of good news in the past week was the fact that the Democrats have re-taken both Houses over in the States. One hopes that this will provide a counter-balance to the excesses of the Bush administration and some semblence of stability will ensue. I guess we'll just have to wait and see. Other than that, the best good news at the moment is that I can totally forget about work for the moment and look forward to spending some quality time with Sweetie and others back home.