Tuesday, November 28, 2006

Aaaaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh

Today was one of those days where you hate studying medicine in London because of the cost and unpredictable transport services. Train delays meant I was late for a day placement. In terms of learning, the day was useful but there was some confusion as to the whereabouts of my coat at home time. Security obliged in opening the area but it wasn't there. Eventually I bumped into someone who was supposed to give it to me but hadn't a chance. After missing the bus to the town centre, I waited in the dark and cold for another bus. Luckily the bus driver was related to Schumacher and I ran like a crazy lady so I made it to the train station in good time. Or so I thought. The timetable was wrong and the train left 10 minutes ago. I wanted to scream but waited 30 minutes for another train. Finally it arrived, we went three stops and stopped. 'Ladies and gentlemen, there has been a signal failure because of the damp weather '. I gritted my teeth, cursed under my breath and resisted the temptation to go into meltdown. What followed was a nightmare journey where the Chiltern railways (yes you) train went at snail's pace or stopped completely before reaching London. Three hours later I walked into the flat, tired and hungry. I will never use that rail company again and will claim for compensation.

My day on the cardiac ward was incredibly good. Friendly staff and patients were the order of the day. I respect the patients so much as they must be tired of everyone listening to their heart and they agreed to let me listen anyway. Bureacracy is endemic in the NHS with clinical staff entangled in it's web. The SHO shook his head in disbelief when I mentioned the lack of training posts. I can't wait till the MTAS form is sent off so I can forget about it for 3 months.

Damien Rice's new LP 9. The difference between this record and the last is what exactly?

Sunday, November 26, 2006

Buffet Bond

Zoolander is hilarious. Expect nothing less with Owen Wilson, Vince Vaughan and Stiller in a movie. I saw Casino Royale on Friday and without a doubt Daniel Craig has silenced his critics. The Eva Green character's accent was at times English and in other parts Polish. But this is such a minor point and doesn't detract from the pure blockbuster action. Bond is back and manlier than ever (Pierce Brosnan was too slick for my liking).

It was a friend's fancy dress party on Saturday. There was alcohol and pulling galore but not on my part as that would actually mean having 'fun'. The general practice placement finished without incident and I have a more positive view of the specialty. After sitting through communication skills goodness, we were allowed our weekend. Many colleagues are jetting off on elective and I must resist the temptation to climb into their luggage. Here's one for the medic manual, never pick an intense special study module in the run-up to Christmas.

Large buffet meal at Spanish Tapas place. When you eat that much there is nothing left but to nap. A chance meeting with an FY1 friend did nothing to boost the mood. It seems problems with seniors and inflated egos are the order of things. Any way, newish music this week:

Gwen Stefani- The Sweet Escape - Will it be eclectic or Madonna homage?
Lucy Silvas- The Same Side
The Game- Doctor's Advocate. I need to have a listen but I am still getting through the mix tape which has like a billion tracks.
Snow Patrol- Eyes On Me. I won't even pretend to be some indie expert but I love this album.
Amy Winehouse- Back to Black. Jazzy-soul from North London's finest. I like Rehab but nothing matches her debut record.
The Killers- Sam's Town. Less mainstream than Hot Fuss but o.k.

Robin Thicke supports Pharrell Williams at Brixton next month. Fingers crossed he does a small solo set in London.

Thursday, November 16, 2006

Bottle Neck

This week has been rewarding. I made some good pick ups diagnosis-wise and I feel more Dr-like doing supervised consultations. It is a nice feeling despite a rumour that the specialist training (ST) application system is more of a shamble than foundation years (FY)1/2. In essence there is a bottle neck post FY1/2. It is touching that the many years of training are worth it.

I'm in London this weekend seeing some old friends.....

Saturday, November 11, 2006

In the country

Last weekend saw a few drinks in central London with friends and fireworks in west London on Guy Fawkes night. I went on a spin ball ride where like a mouse in a wheel you plastered to the side of a metal contraption rotating at high speed. I was very very scared but it was fun. It got a bit rowdy later on. Beer, balconies and plants is all I will say. You can fill in the rest.

Our GP introduction day saw a GP facilitator with more scathing wit than myself and Jimmy Carr put together. He made the painfully drawn out session somewhat bearable.

I've become a country bumpkin courtesy of my general practice placement. The staff and patients are all very sweet but we have lots of touchy feely assessments to do in between beloved medical training applications service (MTAS). If one more person asks me why I'm not in London at the weekend.....

The Robin Thicke album is on heavy rotation. I cannot recommend it enough. Note to a certain 'hip hop mogul' producer who insists on releasing solo albums. The public are not stupid. Will Smith can rhyme better and if you want to be a credible solo artist it helps not to collaborate with female singers who will upstage you in your own video.


Look out for :
Amy Winehouse Back to Black
Boyz II Men The Remedy
Ciara The Evolution
Damien Rice 9
Mary J Blige Reflections- The Journey
The Game Dr's Advocate
The Killers Sam's Town