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Second Week of Cardiology Elective Posting at Bandung Heart Clinic, Indonesia

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Second Week of Cardiology Elective Posting at Bandung Heart Clinic, Indonesia

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Name: Aisyah Tsabita Izzatul Jannah

Matrix Number: A185539

30/08/2025– 05/09/2025

What have I done?

In this last week of our EP, we continued with similar activities as in the first week. But this time, we were fully in charge of performing history taking and ECGs. Since there were two of us, we took turns conducting the procedures. Occasionally, we also attached to dr. Agus Thosin when special procedures were performed, such as echocardiograms and treadmill tests. He also explained a bit about how to see abnormalities and what kind of findings you might find in an echocardiogram. We also assisted in preparing patients for treadmill tests by placing the ECG leads and preparing the equipment needed by the patient.

One of the things that I remember the most this week was when doctor allowed us to listen to murmurs in a patient with mitral regurgitation. It was very loud and heard even without any maneuver done. As usual, every day ended with a discussion session with dr. Agus, where he taught us how to interpret ECGs and recognize findings in abnormal echochardiograms.

On the last day, we had the opportunity to attach with dr. Veronica Dwiharsi. She was very welcoming and actually excited knowing we would be attaching to her clinic, and allowed us to stay until she finished. So during this time, we observed her taking history and performing cardiovascular physical examinations including echocardiograms. I learned a lot from dr. Veronica because she was actively interacting with us, and taught us a lot about symptoms, medications, I remember she explained about the difference between antiplatelet and anticoagulant and the four pillars of heart failure.

Even though the patients there are not too diverse as they are in the hospital, we were able to recognize some patterns and take more time in digging deeper into each patient. I also learned how important it is to recognize your patient personally (as in learning their medical records, past procedures, and so on), as it will be helpful in adjusting managements.

To conclude, it was an enriching experience as we shifted from observation to active participation. Being entrusted with full responsibility for history taking and ECG procedures enhanced my confidence in clinical skills.

Points to remember from week 2

Every medications given to the patient must go through careful adjusment, because some drugs may cause side effects which harm patients.

Treadmill test is not for everyone to do, we must consider patient's age and lifestyle (sedentary or active) as it may cause a biased result.

Recognizing clinical murmurs, such as those heard in mitral regurgitation.

Key points in interpreting abnormal echocardiograms, the difference between stenosis and regurgitation.

Your feelings & thoughts

This week felt more engaging and rewarding as we had hands-on experience and more responsibility. Being trusted to handle history taking and ECGs independently boosted my confidence. Observing and learning directly from both dr. Agus and dr. Veronica was a valuable experience.

Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

There was no significant concerns, though there are still some unfamiliar procedures (such as treadmill or echo), it motivates me to read and learn more about it.

2 words to describe elective posting so far

Challenging and fulfilling

Your plan for next week

We did EP for 2 weeks (as it was the duration permitted by the clinic), but it was an informative and fulfilling experience

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Week 3 of Elective Posting at Hezzy Beauty Clinic Located in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia

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Week 3 of Elective Posting at Hezzy Beauty Clinic Located in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia

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Name: Jesica Dwi Alfina
Matrix No: A185510
Date: 25/08/2025 - 26/08/2025

What have you done?

After finishing the second week, we got the chance to join the pengobatan gratis (free medical service) at the clinic, still at the Tasikmalaya branch. This event is usually held routinely every month. We started the activity after lunch, and around 15 patients came that day. We tried to do anamnesis, checked their blood pressure, weight, and height. After asking about their complaints, we referred them to the supervising doctor who was on duty that day.

On the next day, we observed the last treatment we could see during the elective, which was facial treatment. We first observed, then had the chance to try it ourselves under supervision. We used the facial steamer and the microdermabrasion machine. At the end of August, I also decided to return to Malaysia.

Points to remember from Week 3!

1. From the pengobatan gratis, sometimes elderly people come just to share their stories or worries. So, don’t judge them, just listen.

2. If there is a patient with suspected psychiatric problems, don’t simply assume it’s just stress. We can explore more deeply what the patient is experiencing and again, just listen.

3. It is normal if blackheads appear again a few weeks after facial treatment because our skin keeps producing oil or sebum. That is why regular facials are recommended if you want to maintain clear skin.

Your feelings and thoughts

Actually, this was not my first time joining a free medical service, but it was my first time trying what I have learned at UKM. At the beginning, we were divided into different tasks such as anamnesis, measuring vital signs, and checking height and weight. But since many patients were waiting, in the end, we all had to try everything ourselves. At first, I felt nervous and afraid to do it on my own, but once I started, the fear disappeared by itself.

Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

For me, it was quite difficult even though I am originally from the same area and share the same traditional language, which is Sundanese. Many of the patients spoke mostly in Sundanese, and it was my first time asking patients questions in that language. I was worried that the words I used might not be polite enough, especially when speaking to older people. In the end, I mixed Sundanese with Indonesian when speaking. It sounded a bit awkward, but at least it helped both sides to understand what the patient really meant.

2 words to describe elective posting progress so far

Challenging and Rewarding

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Week 3 of Elective Posting at Hezzy Beauty Clinic in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia

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Week 3 of Elective Posting at Hezzy Beauty Clinic in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia

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Name: Marsha Nurhaliza

Matric Number: A185414

Date : 25/08/2025 - 26/08/2025

My progress so far
In my third week, I felt a clear difference in how involved I was compared to the earlier weeks. On Day 1, the clinic organized a free treatment day, and it was inspiring to see how aesthetic services can also be brought closer to the communityand this gave me the chance to really step into a more active role. I was in charge of doing the early anamnesis, where I greeted patients, asked about their main complaints, and noted their history. I also performed vital sign checks—blood pressure, pulse, temperature—and measured weight and height. At first, I was a bit nervous because there were so many patients and I didn’t want to make them wait too long, but with practice, I found a rhythm. It was rewarding to see that even these small tasks made a real difference in helping the doctors work more smoothly.

On Day 2, I focused on observing facial procedures. While it seemed like a simple treatment from the outside, I realized how much detail goes into every step—ensuring cleanliness, preparing the patient’s skin, choosing the right products, and explaining aftercare. Watching the doctors handle this reminded me that even procedures considered “basic” in aesthetics require knowledge, skill, and patient trust.

Looking back, I can say that my progress in Week 3 wasn’t just about what I did, but how I started to feel more confident being part of the clinical workflow rather than standing on the sidelines.

My feelings and thoughts
This week was meaningful because I finally felt like I was contributing something tangible. Being trusted to do the anamnesis and TTV made me feel more like a healthcare professional in training, not just a student observing. I also noticed how my interactions with patients improved—I became more comfortable with my words, more aware of their body language, and more confident in guiding the process. It gave me a sense of belonging and purpose.

How I learned and applied the skill of decision-making in my EP journey
Decision-making came into play even in these small roles. For example, during anamnesis, I had to decide which questions were most relevant for each patient, since time was limited. When recording vital signs, I had to quickly interpret whether results were within normal limits or if they needed to be highlighted for the doctor. These weren’t big, life-changing decisions, but they taught me the importance of being attentive, thinking on my feet, and taking responsibility for the information I provide. I realized that decision-making is not always about making the “final call” but also about the small, everyday choices that support patient care.

How I managed my time throughout this EP journey
Week 3 was busy, but I learned to manage my time better than before. I started preparing the night before—reviewing procedures or terms I might encounter the next day—so I wouldn’t feel lost. During clinic hours, I tried to stay fully present, balancing between observing, assisting, and asking questions at the right moment. After clinic, I wrote short notes and reflections, which helped me process what I learned and keep my memory fresh. This rhythm of prepare–participate–reflect kept me organized and made the week feel more productive.

My plan for next week (Week 4 already finished, so holiday plan)
Since my elective posting officially ended with this week, my plan for next week is to spend time in Indonesia with my family. After three weeks of learning, observing, and practicing, I feel it’s important to take a step back, recharge, and reflect on the journey as a whole. I want to carry forward the lessons—not just the technical knowledge, but also the confidence, patient interaction skills, and time management habits—into my future clinical years. The holiday will be a good moment to rest and also to prepare myself mentally for what comes next.

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Week 3 of Elective Posting at Hezzy Beauty Clinic in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia 

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Week 3 of Elective Posting at Hezzy Beauty Clinic in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia 

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1. Your name, Matrix Number, Date

Name : Dina Athika Ramadhani

Matric Number : A185413

Date : 25/08/2025 - 26/08/2025

2. Your Progress so far

Week 3 of my elective was at Hezzy Beauty in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia. On the first day, I and my team were engaged in a community service program in which we offered free medical check-ups and consultations to the first 15 citizens. The activities involved taking blood pressure, taking medical history, checking eyesight, and giving free consultations with a general practitioner. This exercise was important since it allowed us to interact with the local community, practice our clinical abilities, and value the importance of having easy access to basic healthcare in improving well-being within communities.

On the second day, we observed an uncomplicated aesthetic treatment done by the therapist, which was a face treatment. The treatment began with washing the patient's face to remove oil and dirt, followed by a gentle face massage to promote relaxation and circulation. Next, a steam machine was applied to open up pores to make it easier to proceed. Afterwards, comedo extraction was performed to remove blackheads and whiteheads. This lesson gave me a very good understanding of the facial process, what it is used for, and how each step contributes towards healthier skin.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

Week 3 of my elective was spent at Hezzy Beauty in Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia. I and my team were involved in a community service program where we provided free medical check-ups and consultation to the first 15 citizens. The activities included taking blood pressure, taking medical history, eyesight checking, and providing free consultations with a general practitioner. This was an important exercise since it allowed us to interact with the community, enhance our clinical skills, and understand the importance of making easy access to basic healthcare for a boost in well-being among communities.

On the second day, we observed a simple aesthetic treatment by the therapist that was done to the face. The procedure began by washing the face of the patient to remove oil and dirt, followed by a gentle massage on the face to induce relaxation and blood flow. Next, a steam machine was employed in order to open the pores in preparation for the rest. Then, comedo extraction was performed to remove blackheads and whiteheads. This lesson gave me a very good understanding of the facial process, what it's used for, and the way each step results in healthier skin.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

During my EP experience, I learned the importance of decision making in interacting with patients and in observing procedures. For example, in the free medical check-up, I needed to decide what questions to ask first and how to prioritize the patient's concerns due to the limited time. I also learned to decide when to observe intently and when it was appropriate to ask questions to the doctor or therapist. These small decisions confidence-boosted me and also made me a more critical thinker in clinical practice.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

I was able to organize my time through the clinic schedule and balancing observation, note-taking, and reflection. I also tried to use my time in between non-clinic hours to reinforce what I had learned throughout the day and study for the next session. This kept me on top of things, prevented me from rushing, and maximized each learning opportunity.

During weekends, i usually spend my time roaming around the city with my friends and we tried some local foods which i’ve never tried before especially i’m from Sumatra and i had my elective in West Java which almost have different kind of foods and taste, so after we had our day finish at the clinic we were immediately going to have some culinary and it was totally so fine. Besides that, we also explore the cities and the mall

6. Your Plan for next week (week 4) ?

Since i did my elective internationally from Malaysia to indonesia so me and my teammates indeed only give for approximately almost 3 weeks to do elective posting at the Hezzy Clinic. So, it wasn’t fully 4 weeks but i was so grateful got an opportunity to have my elective time learning things that i’ve never learned during my year 3. So plan for next week is already done by this week.

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Week 3 of General Surgery at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta.

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Week 3 of General Surgery at Mater Dei Hospital, Malta.

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Thon Guan Lin

A194921

23/8/2025

2. Your progress so far

On Monday, I joined the ward round, and it was a very busy morning, which my supervisors described as a “chaotic Monday.” The reason was that last week had been my supervisor’s on-call week, during which they received many patients. As a result, we almost walked through the entire hospital to observe each patient’s condition, consult them, and update their management. The ward round lasted about 3 hours and 30 minutes. Most of the cases were small bowel obstruction.

This week, there was one more accompanying doctor who often explained the patients’ conditions to me during the ward round, while my supervisor was busy examining and consulting patients due to the heavy workload. After that, I went home and later joined the afternoon social program, which was a visit to Valletta. We visited the most anticipated site, St. John’s Co-Cathedral. The cathedral was stunning and left a deep impression on me. Inside, there was also a masterpiece by the famous painter Caravaggio. We then walked around Valletta to see other beautiful places such as Upper Barrakka, which offers a view of the Three Cities.

On Tuesday, I joined my supervisor’s clinic, where we also saw many patients. The whole clinic lasted almost 4 hours. I learned about the management of different surgery-related cases in Malta, especially how post-operative colorectal cancer patients are managed. In the evening, I joined the social program, which was a visit to Ħaġar Qim, a historical temple in Malta that amazed me.

On Wednesday, we had another ward round. Most of the patients were the same ones I had seen on Monday, so I already knew their conditions and could better understand their follow-up treatments, which was a valuable experience. There was no social program that day, but I had dinner with my friends at a famous traditional Maltese restaurant, and the food was delicious.

On Thursday, we had another ward round, but it was less hectic than Monday’s and Wednesday’s. We started around 8 a.m. and finished at about 9 a.m. Afterwards, my supervisor brought his team—including the HO, another doctor, and me—to Starbucks and treated us to coffee. He explained that this is their weekly activity, where they have tea time and chat with each other. I found this culture really nice, but for the previous two weeks they had been too busy to do it.

In the afternoon, I joined the social program again, which was kayaking and a barbecue at Ġnejna Bay. This was my second time kayaking, but my first time kayaking alone. The whole experience was so relaxing and peaceful—I paddled slowly and enjoyed the wind. It made me feel very happy and calm.

On Friday, I finally witnessed my very first surgery in Malta. I entered the operating room at Mater Dei Hospital for the first time and observed a laparoscopic appendectomy, which was also my first time ever seeing this procedure. I was amazed because I had never seen it before in my life. In addition, I also saw an open left inguinal hernia repair. Around 12 p.m., I went back, which marked the end of my third week.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I felt really happy and excited because I had been anticipating my visit to St. John’s Co-Cathedral, and I finally made it. The interior was truly astonishing and left me in awe.

Besides that, I was also very happy because I finally entered the operating room and witnessed my first surgery in Malta. It was a laparoscopic appendectomy, which I had never seen before, and it impressed me greatly.

Moreover, I felt calm and relaxed, especially while kayaking. It was good for me because I finally had some time for myself.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

During my EP journey, I learned and applied the skill of decision-making in several ways. In the hospital, the daily schedule was not fixed, so I had to ask my supervisor each day about the plan for the next day. This taught me to make decisions on how to manage my time effectively, ensuring that I arrived at the hospital punctually and was always prepared.

I also practiced decision-making during ward rounds and clinics. By observing different cases, especially post-operative colorectal cancer patients and surgical cases like laparoscopic appendectomy and hernia repair, I learned how doctors make clinical decisions regarding patient management. This helped me to think critically and understand the reasoning behind different treatment options.

Outside the hospital, I had to decide how to balance my time between social programs and rest. For example, on weekends I chose to spend one day exploring Malta and another day resting in the hostel to recharge for the week ahead. This balance improved my time management and personal decision-making.

Overall, my EP journey taught me to make thoughtful decisions both in clinical learning and in daily life, which helped me grow in responsibility and independence.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

On weekdays, I usually go to the hospital every morning, and the sessions usually end in the afternoon. In the afternoon, I will join the social programs if there are any. Since the hospital schedule differs from day to day, I ask my supervisor daily about the plan for the next day to make sure I arrive on time.

On weekends, I usually spend one day going out to explore and enjoy Malta, while the other day I stay in my hostel to rest and prepare for the coming week.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

My plan for next week is to continue following the ward rounds and attending clinics.

Besides, since it will be my last week, I hope I can take a picture with them.

I will also continue joining the social programs, as it is the final week, and I want to create more memories with my friends and spend meaningful time with them in Malta.

I also hope to see some interesting cases next week.

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Week 3 of HPB discipline under general surgery in Princess Alexandra Hospital 

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Week 3 of HPB discipline under general surgery in Princess Alexandra Hospital 

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Lau Ting Ting

A195864

18/8/2025-22/8/2025

2. Your progress so far

This week I went to the clinic and operation theatre. I was allowed to have a history taking from a gallstone patient because Dr Butler, the head of HPB department was busy discussing case with his registrar. After Dr Butler introduced me to the patient, I started to talk to her. She was friendly and presented her chief complaint very well and very easy for me to understand. She had a CT scan a year ago that found out she had a asymptomatic stone in gall bladder. So, she was referred to the PA hospital and came to the clinic due to excruciating pain for a week. The management given by dr was laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

I also had a very new experience that I get to suture on a real patient. The procedure was laparoscopic assisted removal of gastric band. The suturing method used was subcutaneous suture. The registrar teach me once and let me do one stitch. Although I do it very slow when I’m still very happy to get the chance.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I felt very happy and excited especially when Dr asked me if I wanted to scrub in to do stitching in the end of the procedure.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

This week, I developed decision-making skills through hands-on clinical and surgical experiences. In the clinic, I was given the opportunity to take a patient history while Dr. Butler was occupied. I had to decide how to approach the patient, ask relevant questions, and guide the conversation to gather useful clinical information as what I had learn in UKM.

In the operating theatre, I was offered the chance to perform a subcutaneous suture during a laparoscopic-assisted gastric band removal. Despite feeling nervous and unsure, I decided to take the opportunity. I carefully recalled the technique demonstrated by the registrar and chose to prioritise accuracy and safety over speed.

These experiences taught me that decision-making in medicine involves more than clinical judgments—it includes knowing when to act, how to engage with patients, and being open to learning opportunities.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

This week, I managed my time by staying focused and adaptable in both the clinic and theatre settings. While Dr. Butler was discussing a case with his registrar, I used that time productively by taking the initiative to speak with a gallstone patient. I managed the limited time with the patient by asking clear, focused questions, ensuring I gathered relevant information efficiently without overwhelming her.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

I will continue to go clinic, observe procedures and complete my evaluation form.

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Week 3 General Surgery at The St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital

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Week 3 General Surgery at The St Andrew's War Memorial Hospital

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1.⁠ ⁠Your name, matric number, date

Name: Khor Tze Quan

Matric Number: A192355

Date: 18/8/25-22/8/25

2.⁠ ⁠Your progress so far

This week I got to join surgery from multiple disciplines. For me, it was a busy yet most fruitful week so far.

I had observed procedures from the plastics surgery discipline, which is performed by Dr Eddie Chen (middle left picture). At first it was bilateral brest reduction with removal of accessory breast. It is a surgery to remove excess breast tissue, fat, and skin from both breasts, reshaping them to a smaller, lifted contour. I was offered to scrub him with him and his surgical team, and I manage to assist him a bit during the procedure. He also taught and show me the anatomy of the breast while operating the patient. The other plastics surgery procedure I had observed was facial soft tissue and fracture repair, which performed on a patient's face due to trauma from felling off an e-scooter. After that, I had lunch with the surgical team together at the staff's pantry before I called it a day.

I also get to see a thoracic surgery performed by a cardiothoracic surgeon, which is wedge resection of the left upper lobe caused by Aspergillus sp. fungi- an uncommon case in Australia (perhaps in Malaysia as well). For me, it was a whole new experience as it was my first time observing such procedures.

I also got to observed several general surgery procedures which is performed by Dr Nicholas O'Rourke, the president of Australia and New Zealand Hepato Pancreatico Biliary Association, and all of those procedures were laparascopic assisted. I also followed him to a patient's room as he was going to break a bad news that the patient has HCC. He also taught me and another medical student throughout the day. We also had a short coffee break and one of the RN had made a cake for us to eat (it was tasty!)

3.⁠ ⁠Your feelings and thoughts

Although I was very tired this week, but I had learnt alot and had a great time in the hospital. The surgeons, nurses were very kind and helpful to me as usual. It felt like the hierarchy did not exist among the hospital staffs and me. I was also happy as it was my first time getting a coffee treat in Australia, as the coffee can be pretty pricey when it was converted in Malaysia Ringgit.

4.⁠ ⁠How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

Throughout my EP journey, studying and revising back the medical books I had learn back in UKM is important. Because most of the questions that the surgeons asked here can be found in the lecture notes back in my preclinical years, which leads me, a medical student from the National University of Malaysia to utilise well in my elective posting in Brisbane. Revising back and forth the medical lecture notes consistently everyday, I can answer the given questions confidently and mostly without any mistake and definitely without hesitation and mouth stutter.

5.⁠ ⁠How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Throughout my elective placement, I managed my time by being organised and flexible with my learning. I recognised that operating theatre lists and clinical schedules could change at short notice, so I learned to be adaptable and make the most of whatever opportunities arose. After every procedures I had observed,  I used the extra time to revise anatomy or write up reflections.

6.⁠ ⁠Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Observe more new surgical procedures if possible, enjoy my final week in Brisbane before heading back to my home country to celebrate Merdeka.

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Week 2 General Surgery at Dr. Sitanala Hospital

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Week 2 General Surgery at Dr. Sitanala Hospital

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Name: Nashwa Tazkia Roesli

Matric number: A185506

Your progress so far
This week marks our second week at RSUP Dr. Sitanala. By now, my friends and I are very familiar with the hospital's routine, especially in the OT, where we’ve been fully attached since last week. We feel that we gain the most when we are hands-on during surgeries. This week, I had the chance to deepen my suturing skills and was trusted more by the doctors and nurses.

I have learned more advanced suturing techniques, particularly how to properly suture the fascia and deep dermal layers across different body regions: the scalp (craniotomy), abdomen (hernia repair and appendectomy), shin (below-knee amputation), and foot (ORIF). Scrubbing in for various surgeries gave me a clearer understanding of anatomy and key surgical landmarks, and I was able to ask the surgeons questions as we went along. The surgeons have been incredibly kind and open. They are not only happy to answer our questions but also ask us questions in return to make sure we’re following.

I also witnessed several fascinating cases. One that stood out was an evacuation craniotomy for a patient with a chronic hematoma. The hematoma had developed a skin-like capsule around it, which had to be removed before the contents could be evacuated. I scrubbed in for many craniotomies this week, and each time I am struck by the complexity and beauty of the human brain. When you observe it live in surgery, it somehow looks so simple and delicate, but it is truly remarkable. Another moment that left an impression on me was seeing a huge gallstone removed along with the gallbladder, which had been the root of so much pain for the patient.

Your feelings and thoughts
One of the most memorable surgeries I scrubbed in for was a below-knee amputation. The patient had previously recovered from leprosy, but a minor injury on his foot led to progressive necrosis due to his underlying condition, ultimately requiring amputation. I was amazed at how, with the right tools, an entire lower leg could be detached so cleanly. What made the experience even more memorable was that Dr. Wahyuni, the general surgeon in charge, left the closure to me and a senior nurse. As we sutured, we chatted about our backgrounds, how long he had worked at the hospital, and why I chose a double degree in Malaysia. While we were finishing up the deep dermal and superficial sutures, Dr. Wahyuni walked back in, looked at my work, and complimented it, saying it was clean and neat, like a real surgeon’s suture. I was honestly overjoyed. Even if she said it just to encourage me, it meant a lot, especially since surgery has always been one of my biggest dreams.

This week also showed me how unpredictable the OT can be, how it can go from calm and cheerful to intense within seconds. Near the end of the week, a patient was prepped for a hernioplasty, suspected to be a strangulated case. But when his chest x-ray came in, we were all shocked. It showed a classic boot-shaped heart with significant cardiomegaly. While the anesthesiologist consulted with ICU and cardiology, we were told to stay by the patient’s side in case he became unstable. A few minutes later, the heart monitor let out a deep, ominous sound. His vitals were crashing: BP 70/40, SpO₂ below 40, heart rate dropping. The patient was still responsive but clearly in distress, with cold and cyanotic extremities. We immediately split tasks, one of us called the anesthesiologist, another grabbed the nurse, and two of us stayed with the patient to monitor and support him. Once the doctor returned, she said he may have gone into shock, likely cardiogenic due to his heart condition or possibly septic from the strangulated hernia. It was a tense, real-life reminder of how quickly things can escalate.

How did you learn and apply the skill of decision-making in your EP journey?
Decision-making happened on many levels throughout this elective. One common situation was choosing who would assist in surgeries. With five of us and a limited number of procedures, we had to be fair while respecting each other’s interests. Some wanted to improve suturing skills, others were curious about specific surgeries. We would look at the OR schedule together the night before or morning of, and divide the slots in a way everyone agreed on. The goal was always that everyone got to scrub in at least once per day, and for any extra or emergency surgeries, we adjusted on the fly.

In the OT, decision-making also showed up in the little things, like knowing when to hand instruments, which tools to pass, and when to take initiative with suturing. And during the emergency situation mentioned earlier, we had to act fast, divide responsibilities, and keep the patient safe until the doctor returned. That was a clear example of teamwork-driven decision-making under pressure.

How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?
Honestly, my friends played a big role in keeping everything running smoothly. The days never felt stressful, more like a shared adventure. We would arrive at 7:45 a.m. every day, and on most days we were done by 4 p.m. But on days with long surgeries or unexpected emergencies, we stayed until 8 or 9 p.m. and no one ever left anyone behind. We waited for each other, supported each other, and made the most of every moment together.

Your plan for next week (Week 4)
This week marks the second week of my elective posting. It’s bittersweet. We wrapped up our posting with a small farewell celebration. We brought in lunch for the nurses, staff, and doctors as a thank-you for all their guidance and kindness over the past two weeks. Going forward, the plan is simple: keep sharpening my suturing skills and enjoy the remaining holiday time with my friends before we all head back to our respective academic schedules.