THERE has been much news on the healthcare system, but many don’t know what lurks behind the scenes.
Housemen (the lowest ranking or junior doctors) are seen as inexperienced and known for their fresh-out-of-university enthusiasm.
But many don’t know what they go through in their daily lives.
A typical housemen has three shifts: The morning shift — 6am-6pm; long day shift — 6am-10pm; and the night call which varies from department to department, either 6pm-6am, or the hours could extend until 5pm.
They deserve a pat on the back for the wonderful job they are doing, but is that enough?
I have seen multiple doctors scream and shout at housemen and junior doctors, but somehow they built a strong immunity against bacteria and scoldings.
There is nothing wrong in correcting a junior doctor when a mistake has been made.
I also know of a medical officer in a hospital who seems to terrorise the junior doctors.
He has been working there for almost 10 years, is experienced and knowledgable in his field.
He has been reprimanded due to inappropriate attitude and
behaviour, and was sent to a district hospital as a disciplinary action.
He also underwent anger management classes.
Just last week, as I walked into a ward, I heard a loud yell, and a houseman was being scolded complete with expletives by the said doctor, next to a patient.
I assumed the houseman must have done something so bad that a patient almost lost his life.
The reason behind that massive scolding was that the houseman had misspelt his name by one alphabet.
The doctor has been known to body-shame housemen, and use rank to intimidate the juniors.
I gathered this information after speaking to more than 10 junior doctors and housemen who have worked with him previously.
Some of them are now medical officers and some are doing their specialisation papers.
This issue, apparently, has been going on for years, but none of the housemen are willing to complain.
Why? There had been complaints made, but their information was not kept private and once news spread regarding a complaint, it was hell for the junior doctors.
Mental health should be a priority and not overlooked.
Every junior doctor goes through enough hardship and it’s the hospital’s job to guide them through it.
It is through tough times that they learn to become better doctors.
A doctor is someone whom people need and want to trust.
I hope this raises awareness of the lot of housemen and junir doctors, and that some action can be taken.
As much as we need more doctors, we also need to be aware of why we are losing doctors every other day in the system.
D.D.
Kuala Lumpur