Under Construction

Despite the fact that I miss ORL-HNS so much, I must say I find Ophthalmology fairly enjoyable as well. The sheer quantity of cases we see at the PGH Ophthalmology Department provides us with the perfect opportunity to learn a lot about eye problems and diseases of vision.

Something I really appreciate about this rotation is that because of the large numbers of patients the Sentro Oftalmologico Jose Rizal caters to every day, we the students are trained in practicing completion of our history and PE in a quicker and more systematic manner, so as to facilitate a rapid patient turnover. This I found was a very efficient way by which the department is able to teach us while at the same time attend to the multitudes of patients coming in for consult daily. And because of the large numbers we have to see to, it’s quite common that we get to encounter a handful of very interesting cases that make for great learning experiences here and there.

The residents are very smart and willing to share their knowledge once you present to them the patients you’ve seen; however, one thing I found of note was that they seemed just a bit less accommodating than the residents from my previous rotations. Coming from a rotation were the culture is very nurturing and student-friendly (the residents, consultants and staff at ORL are (arguably) the nicest, friendliest people in PGH), it’s difficult not to compare the people in Sentro, who, because of the amount of business they have to do daily are almost always tired-looking. Though it’s a rarity, it’s not unheard of that some patients here take a talk-down for things both serious and nonsensical from residents who may have been too tired and easily irked by just about anything.

Nevertheless, I’ve learned a lot during my first week here. Yesterday was my 24-hour duty at the ER, where most of my cases were ocular foreign bodies and trauma-related injuries. Fortunately I was not as exhausted so as to stop me from going home for the weekend, so I get to share the eve of my birthday with my family. 

Which brings me, I’m gonna be a year older tomorrow! I can’t wait! :)