DR. WAJEEHA ISSUES

   I  struggled to a complete my ALS bit more than ACLS. ALS and ACLS are advanced lifesupport courses. "ACLS was a cakewalk , why are you struggling here? "Voice in my head kept playing.My mind was a bit more confused . I wondered why my flow was not smooth. We were allotted mentors during the session , they took some time out to practice with me separately where I realised I was mixing subtle things from ACLS with ALS. The defibrillation steps, some of the management. The defibrillator we used back in India was different and the safety issues there were different. Despite having cleared MRCEM OSCE where you do ALS , this was different.Probably because it was appropriate in that setting and the machinery there was familiar. Reflecting from it I realised that my mind was UNLEARNING and RELEARNING. There were times where there was a shortcircuit and fireworks. There is no perfect way of doing things, its what works as per your situation and setting.

  Two moments in the ED this week made me realize that I come from a parallel universe. One involved a teenage patient who had applied bronzer that I found while cleaning her skin for a IV cannula which left me surprised as I come from a part of the world where teenagers paint their skin with whitening agents to look more attractive. The second moment was during my teaching session on Organophosphorous poisoning, where I wondered if my accent was causing disengagement . However, I learned that it was simply a rare presentation of organophosphorous poisoning in this part of the world. It felt like I was narrating my adventures from a tropical trek! Have you ever had a moment where your cultural background clashed with your environment ?

  "Experience-Based Co-Design" we have all witnessed its essence unknowingly . My family home is the example I can reflect on .Growing up I didn't like how my house was designed. We (the whole extended family) wanted my dad to sell the house . Dad let his architect friend design our house and would not sell his house (for obvious reasons!). Mum had to balance out the situation so she decided to make small changes. So, it was one change idea each year .She would talk to us individually and listen to our perspective and review her sphere of influence and the impact /utility the idea had.For my siblings the colors were not welcoming while I pointed the flooring. Mum wanted the stairs to be personalised. My grandparents wanted certain conveniences around the toilets. It took her about 4-5 years to make the house a home that was acceptable . From color preferences to spatial arrangements, each family member contributed insights. The lovely thing about it was , the keystakehold...

 As I stood, needle in hand, attempting to cannulate a restless 6-year-old, I felt the weight of uncertainty settling in.The cannulation failed. I realised it is going to be a challenge and plan was to seek help. Seeking guidance, I turned to a senior colleague for assistance. His response was simple yet profound: "Is the child difficult or cannulation difficult?" I paused, allowing the question to sink in. My initial response was hesitant: both. But in that moment, a nurse gently interjected, "The child is not difficult, the child is autistic." Those words hit me like a bolt of lightning. Suddenly, the barriers I faced took on a new perspective. It wasn't merely about the technical challenge of cannulation; it was about understanding and accommodating the unique needs of each child. Returning home, I delved into learning modules on autism and pediatric care. What I discovered was a glaring gap, not just in my own knowledge, but in the broader Indian healthcare ...

  First experience as a consulting at a QI Clinic was so similar to my seeing first patient as intern! Firsts are special ! I thought I should share it here! So, the candid definition of a QI Clinic is its a therapy session not for you but your Quality improvement project where we help you help your improvement initiative. I reflected on my journey from being a medical student immersed in textbooks and clinical shadowing to transitioning into a medical intern. In my final year, I recall moments of uncertainty regarding my continued interest in medicine (Deja vu). However, engaging in my first consult as a medical intern dispelled many of the concerns I had held then and sort of reassuring me that I can practice medicine. So ,after practicing "complex QI methodologies" for my project , I never had that confidence to state that I could help/advise people in their QI projects until the other day. I am now eager to participate more frequently in these clinics to play around with ...

Hello All Ever had one of those nights where everything that could go wrong seems to do just that? Let me take you on a rollercoaster of candid chaos and unexpected brilliance, as I navigated my first night leading a shift in an unfamiliar center. Picture this: Stress levels through the roof, feeling like a fish out of water, and apologizing more times than I can count. My team's glances were a mix of skepticism and judgment, and I questioned every decision I made. Forgetfulness, clumsy mistakes, and endless apologies became the soundtrack of the night, and I found myself stumbling into the wee hours, going home much later than planned. The turning point came when I spilled my chaotic night to the senior who took over from me. His two cents were a revelation – insights, strategies, and a perspective that turned my canvas of confusion into a potential masterpiece. The consultant, in a one-on-one, shared even more wisdom on navigating the intricacies of a shift leader role. Feedback,...

Ever had one of those days where everything seems to be conspiring against you? Picture this: I stumbled back home from a draining night call, craving the simple joy of a bowl of cereal with milk. But alas, 2.2 liters of spoiled milk dashed my hopes, leaving me hungry, exhausted, and downright upset. In a moment of desperation, I dialed up a friend and invited her over to my place on her day off for some fun activity which she reluctantly accepted. Instead of dwelling on the sour milk saga, I decided to embark on a sweet adventure – making Rasgulla, a delightful Indian dessert. As we transformed the kitchen into a makeshift Rasgulla workshop, something magical unfolded. Amidst the simmering sugar syrup and the aroma of cardamom, we found therapy in the simple act of cooking. The rhythmic motions of kneading and rolling became a form of meditation, and the bubbling syrup mirrored the release of pent-up stress. It was like turning a kitchen disaster into a culinary haven of solace.By the...

Picture this: a consultant dropping truth bombs about not overthinking every patient scenario and advising to chill a bit. Who would have thought that this simple advice would spiral into a domino effect of revelations? Brace yourself for a candid journey where sorting through the chaos of both my work and personal life became the ultimate game-changer. It all started with a consultant's feedback – a gentle nudge to pause the overthinking marathon for every patient. Understanding the socio-economic factors in their environment emerged as the missing piece in the puzzle. It was an epiphany that whispered, "Chill a bit, and the answers might just unfold naturally." Now, let's talk about the unexpected connection between the consultant's wisdom and my personal life. Sorting through the clutter of my refrigerator, kitchen, and room became a reflection of the chaos in my work. As I embraced the art of decluttering, a magical transformation occurred – my approach toward...

In the not-so-distant past, my instinctive reaction to criticism or conflict was to raise defensive walls. Apologizing was a sign of weakness, an admission that I might be wrong. Little did I realize that this defensive strategy was not only isolating me but also hindering authentic connections. The transformation began when I started to view apologies not as surrender but as a means of fostering understanding. It's not about accepting blame for the sake of it; it's about acknowledging the impact of my words or actions on others. The shift from defense to apology wasn't instantaneous – it took conscious effort and self-reflection. Professionally, the apology reflex has become a valuable tool in my toolkit. Admitting mistakes doesn't diminish my credibility; it enhances it. Clients and colleagues appreciate authenticity. They can sense when an apology is genuine, and this authenticity builds trust – a currency more valuable than any professional facade . Sure, there were...

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of communication – a realm where I used to wade through murky waters of suppressed frustration. Not too long ago, my go-to move was expressing a vague discomfort, mumbling a half-hearted "this bothers me." It was like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded, stumbling over my words and hoping someone would decipher the hidden message. But oh boy, have things changed. The evolution from that mumbled mess to confidently asserting my needs has been nothing short of a revelation. It's not just about stringing words together; it's about finding my voice, loud and clear. Assertive communication is a skill I didn't even know I needed until I stumbled upon it. It's not about being confrontational or domineering; it's about standing up for myself, expressing my thoughts, and ensuring my needs are acknowledged. The power of this transformation is palpable, not just in my personal relationships but in every nook and cranny of my exi...

In the grand scheme of life, we often find comfort in the familiar phrase, "That's just how I am." It's a shield we use to protect ourselves from the daunting prospect of change. But let me tell you, I've embarked on a transformative journey that shattered this shield, replacing it with an armor of self-awareness and an eagerness for growth. For the longest time, admitting to imperfections felt like peeling off layers of my identity. I clung to the notion that these quirks and idiosyncrasies were an inherent part of me. Little did I realize that this very resistance to change was hindering my personal and professional development. The revelation hit me like a lightning bolt - the power to evolve lies in acknowledging our shortcomings. Instead of brushing off feedback with a casual shrug and a nonchalant "That's just how I am," I started embracing the discomfort that comes with recognizing areas for improvement. It was like flipping a switch, illumina...

Greetings from the Boot Camp Transformation Series!  Today, I want to share a candid moment that unfolded during my journey, reminding me that amidst the hustle, kindness can be the quiet hero. Picture this: the daily grind, the relentless march of tasks, and suddenly, a curveball—I wasn't feeling my best. In the spirit of prioritizing well-being, I took a day off. Now, in the corporate jungle, taking a sick day can sometimes feel like a complicated chess move, but this time was different. As I scrolled my phone with one eye open, I checked my messages and found a note from my line manager. No, it wasn't the standard message. Instead, a thoughtful message greeted me. She shared that she would postpone the meeting and expressed genuine concern for my well-being. "Glad you're taking your health seriously. Really hope you feel better soon," she wrote. In that moment, amidst sniffles and a box of tissues, I felt a warmth that had nothing to do with my well being. Some...

Hello all In the boot camp of my Quality Improvement (QI) journey, a pivotal feedback session with my QI manager became a defining moment. She delved into the nuances of my progress, probing into the depths of my confidence. The question hung in the air: "How would you feel talking to executives?" I hesitated, admitting a certain consciousness when presenting to top-tier leadership. My QI manager, with a knack for unraveling barriers, probed further. "You've engaged with the CEO and Chief Medical Officer successfully. How did those interactions go?" In a moment of self-reflection, I acknowledged that I had articulated my ideas clearly in those high-stakes encounters. The revelation set the stage for a breakthrough. "Then who are these executives you are conscious about now?" she questioned, gently nudging me to confront the specter of self-doubt. As I took a moment to reflect, a realization unfolded—I had navigated the upper echelons of the organizatio...

Good morning lovely people!  It's time to share a gem from the trenches—a tale of congratulations, handshakes, and a pregnant pause that left me questioning my Englishness. Picture this: a typical shift, the fluorescent lights humming, and excitement buzzing in the air, when suddenly, baby news dropped like confetti on a weekend. In the midst of the hustle, a staff member, realized she was expecting. Cue the joyous congratulations from colleagues, including yours truly. Now, I happened to overhear the baby banter and, like any good boot camper, joined the congratulations chorus. In the spirit of camaraderie, I strolled over to offer my hearty congratulations to the new mum. With a big grin, I extended my hand for a good ol' handshake. But wait for it—the unexpected twist came when she shot me a look that could rival a cat caught mid-sneak attack, ignored the outstretched hand, and thanked me with a nod before darting off. Well, slap my knee and call me befuddled! There I stood,...