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Overseas Medical Elective-Sultan Qaboos University Hospital Week 2 (11/8/24-17/8/24)

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Overseas Medical Elective-Sultan Qaboos University Hospital Week 2 (11/8/24-17/8/24)

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Goh Siaw Wen

Matric number: A187715

Date: 17 August 2024

2. How is your progress

In the second week, I have started to join an outpatient clinic and observe for OT. In SQUH, the waiting area of the clinic is being divided into male and female areas. Also, because the population in Oman is small, but the country itself is so big, the transportation for the patient to come to the hospital is hard (it takes around 4/5 hours). Because of this, the number of patients in SQUH is also not much. Luckily, the language barrier is not a big problem for me, as most of them can speak both Arabic and English. The document is also mostly written in English; thus, I can understand the case by reading the notes on the computer; even the doctor communicates in Arabic with the patient. I am able to observe a hernia surgery by my supervisor. Also, the privacy of patients in SQUH is important, as in the ward, the curtain of patients is always closed. Besides in the hospital, I also enjoy my weekend visiting one of my Oman friends's houses. She is so welcoming that she cooked a lot of local food for me and my friends. To be honest, I had the fullest stomach on that night! They gave us tons of Oman snacks before going back! During the visit, she also told us a lot of interesting culture in Oman. What a well-spent time!

3. Points to remember from week 2!

We should respect every cultural difference and be curious to learn others' culture

We should be positive and seek opportunities to learn even if there seem to be fewer sources (e.g., less patient, supervisor busy, etc.). If we are proactive in searching for the chance, there is always something to learn there.

4. Your feelings &thoughts

I felt being lucky as I have met a lot of nice people and allow me to have opportunity to experience different culture and make me out of my comfort zone. It is because I seldom has the opportunity to have foreign friends, however, through the exchange, I have chance to hear a lot of other countries culture as well as medical pathway.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

Be curious about many things and be proactive to find the answer. It is because previously I have put more focus in studies and do not explore more about the world. However, I learnt that the world is full of interesting knowledge out there for me to explore.

6. Any difficulties/ concerns? How did you cope?

One of the difficulties I've met is that I felt it was hard to mingle well with all the exchange students. I think the problem is that there are too many exchange students (around 50), and I even cannot remember all their names yet at this time. I try to find more opportunities to start a conversation with them. I have observed that they like to ask questions such as 'How was your day?' Therefore, I start to mimic their style every time.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

I have planned to join Internal Medicine for the following weeks as I always want to strengthen my medical knowledge.

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Phase 2: Medical Project at IVHQ New Delhi, India 🇮🇳

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Phase 2: Medical Project at IVHQ New Delhi, India 🇮🇳

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: THESIGAN GANESAN

Matrics Number: A188895

Date: 10 Aug 2024

2. How is your progress?

I arrived in New Delhi, India at 12.30am on 5th August 2024, Monday. On the next morning, we had a short orientation on the history of India, healthcare system, languages, religions, caste system and dormitory rules. The volunteers present are from different parts of the world namely the UK, USA, Poland and Portugal. Some of us are volunteering for the Medical Project and some are for the Teaching Project at the nearby slum in Faridabad, Haryana.

Later that day we did some ice breaking and visited some tourist places in New Delhi, the capital of India which are the Agrasen Ki Baoli, India Gate and Rashrapti Bhavan. On Tuesday, Day 1 of volunteering, we left for the clinic around 9.40am and was introduced to the doctor and he explained on the do’s and don’ts in the clinic. Most of the patients have really poor medical literacy, hence the doctor helps us translate to the patients. In the clinic, we do history taking, check vitals (manual BP, temperature, SPO2 and Random Blood Sugar), present it to the doctor and we dispense the medicines that he prescribes which are readily available in the clinic. Some of them require other blood and radiology investigations which the doctor provides referrals to the nearby lab or radiology centre. For medicines that are not available in the clinic, he writes prescription for the patients to get it from the pharmacy by themselves. Something noteworthy is that some patients travel more than 20 kilometers by feet or bicycle to get treated here as the clinic is free.

This Slum Clinic has been running for many years under the supervision of IVHQ India. We start the clinic from 9am to 1pm where everyday I saw almost 50 to 70 patients with various health issues. The common ones are asthma, fever, flu, generalized body ache, ear infection, throat infection, gastritis and allergies. However, some interesting cases that we had this week were Varicose Vein in a 17 year old boy, Furuncles in 5 kids and wound debridement for a post-traumatic leg infection. All of this cases were handled and treated with such little resources in the clinic. Also, routine checkups for Diabetes patients and their medications  (Metformin) are readily available in the clinic.

After clinic around 1.30pm, all the volunteers are back, we have lunch together and plan on the things to do for the rest of the day. For now, we have visited various busy markets of New Delhi, The Connaught place, Khan Market and Lodhi Garden. The transportation that we use here are Tuk-tuk and Uber, where my preference is the Tuk-tuk which is more fun. On the weekend, some of us took a day trip to Jaipur (Pink City) which is famous for its palaces, markets and museums. Jaipur is located 6 hours away from Delhi, where we learned lots about the history of Jaipur city and bought some souvenirs for my friends and family back home in Malaysia.

3. Points to remember from week 2!

1. Arising to obstacles - I almost missed my flight to New Delhi because it was a very short layover since my flight to KL from Penang was delayed. In that hustle, I lost my IC on the way as I was rushing, however I did not stop when I realized I lost it since I had my passport and Visa which were enough for me to get through immigration and on my flight to India. I did ask the officers present on how to proceed and they told me to handle this once I arrive back in Malaysia as I had required travel documents for now.

2. Adaptability to new environment - Coming from the southern heritage of India, I thought I would be able handle this trip but visiting the Northern parts of India was really eye opening. The language spoken, the culture even though it might not vary much from Tamil Nadu, it was still difficult for me to adapt. The first two days was enough for me to get used to my new environment and the food which is home cooked by my host. The other volunteers were an added bonus to this trip because they’re really friendly, caring and fun to hangout with.

3. Charity for the poor - India may be a large economy, however their poverty rates are very high compared to other countries. Their healthcare is really expensive. Most of them are not able to afford proper clothes, food and are homeless on the streets. While working in the clinic everyday, made me realize and be grateful of the resources that I have back in my country. This clinic is so poor, that they can’t even afford for alcohol swabs and hand sanitizers, which I did donate some to the clinic. We should give back to the needy as it is the least we could do to help them.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I am really glad that I did take on this challenge of traveling solo to a new country. I thought I would be down with homesickness but I’m really surprised with myself. Being away from Malaysia, my family and friends is something I would not be able to do but well I think I have underestimated myself. Through my first week, I have been really grateful to my parents and nation for providing me with proper food, water, clothes, shelter and importantly good healthcare. Even in India, the medical resources are so less and its healthcare is really expensive which makes me ponder about the other third-world countries around the globe. I do miss Malaysia’s clean environment and its food, hence I’m really looking forward to it next week.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

One good thing that I can practice now is learning how to survive/ treat patients with the little resources that we have. Because, as doctors we wouldn’t always be in a hospital setting which is complete and fully functional. Hence, we need to adapt to the change and also rise to solve the problems with whatever that we were given in that situation. While working in that clinic, the doctor thought me some alternatives that we can do to treating patient wound. We might not always have a sterile glove but it is okay to treat it. The risk of infection is definitely there but at least we could manage it for a few days before we go to a better hospital setting.

It was really a life lesson and made more interested in practicing emergency medicine.

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

One concern I had was the hygiene of the clinic. India has very poor drainage system and the slum clinic has also been affected by it. To overcome this, me and the other volunteers had to organize a clean up with the community to ensure they receive the best healthcare from the slum clinic. As it was also a mandir (temple), it was only right to keep it clean for the local community to conduct their daily prayers.

The pharmacy was also not organized, hence I brought some markers and pens to reorganize the medicine cupboard, which would help the present and future volunteers to work more efficiently.

Communicating in a new language through the doctor was only time consuming and made the waiting period longer for the patients. Hence, when I had some rest time I learned a few medical terms in Hindi which made it easier in communicating with the patients. Sometimes, the other colleagues and I use Google to translate for the patients. The patient:doctor ratio is really high, so we came up with new ideas to make the clinic more efficient and safe for the patients.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

My plan for next week is to attend the clinic and help as many patients as I could. To also see if there are any new cases which would be inspiring if we could treat them with the very little resources that we have. The learn as much as I can from the local doctor as he is really well-versed in treating patients from the slum. Also, to visit other places in New Delhi and the Taj Mahal in Agra on my free time which will complete my stay in India. I would also like to ask for charity from my family and friends back in Malaysia to donate this local communities as it would be really helpful for them. Last but not least, to try the delicious northern Indian food, learn more Hindi and more about the Delhi culture and history before I leave.

Healing in the heart of India 🇮🇳: Medical Volunteering in New Delhi

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Juntendo University Clinical Observationship (Second Phase)

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Juntendo University Clinical Observationship (Second Phase)

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Tan Jia You, A188027, 11 August 2024

2. How is your progress?

In my first week at Jutendo University’s General Thoracic Surgery Department, I faced some initial confusion about navigation, but was aided by the incredibly polite and helpful Japanese staff. I received my access card and a university map, and managed to observe an endoscopic lung biopsy for a suspected lung cancer case. Language barriers with the doctors made it challenging to understand the procedure, but I introduced myself and took note of the advanced technologies, including the Da Vinci robotic surgery system.

I also attended a health seminar on global health sector differences and emergency procedures, though as a third-year medical student, my contributions were limited. Throughout the week, I observed various surgeries like endoscopic lung segmentectomy and lobectomy, gaining insight into treatments for lung cancer, which is prevalent in Japan due to high smoking rates.

The week concluded with an exciting trip to Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto during a public holiday, offering beautiful scenery and a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture. We also started a Japanese language class, learning key terms and manners useful for navigating both the medical environment and daily life in Japan.

3. Points to remember from week 2?

In my first week at Jutendo University’s General Thoracic Surgery Department, I navigated initial confusion with the help of courteous Japanese staff and received an access card and map. I observed an endoscopic lung biopsy and various surgeries, including endoscopic lung segmentectomy and lobectomy, though language barriers with the doctors made understanding the procedures challenging. I also experienced advanced technologies like the Da Vinci robotic surgery system and participated in a health seminar on global health differences. The week concluded with a memorable trip to Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto, where I enjoyed the rich cultural experiences and began a Japanese language class to improve communication and cultural understanding.

4. Your feeling & thoughts

This week at Jutendo University has been both exhilarating and enlightening. Navigating the hospital’s unfamiliar terrain was initially confusing, but the warmth and helpfulness of the Japanese staff made the transition smoother. Observing complex surgeries like endoscopic lung biopsies and advanced technologies was fascinating, despite the language barriers. Participating in a health seminar broadened my perspective on global medical practices, and the cultural trip to Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto was a highlight, offering a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. Overall, I’m excited about the learning opportunities and cultural experiences ahead.

5. ONE good thing from what you did you can practise now!

This week was filled with valuable experiences, from observing advanced surgical techniques and cutting-edge technologies to engaging with the highly courteous Japanese staff. The opportunity to witness surgeries like endoscopic lung biopsies and robotic-assisted procedures provided profound insights into modern medicine. Moving forward, it’s crucial for me to enhance my Japanese language skills to bridge communication gaps and fully grasp medical procedures. I should also proactively seek explanations and guidance from my colleagues to better understand complex techniques. Additionally, continuing to immerse myself in both professional and cultural experiences will help me adapt and grow in this new environment, ensuring a richer and more effective learning journey.

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

This week, the primary difficulty was navigating language barriers, which made understanding medical procedures challenging and hindered effective communication with staff. To cope with this, I should prioritize improving my Japanese language skills, focusing on medical terminology to better grasp procedural details. Actively seeking brief explanations and clarifications before and after observing surgeries will also be helpful. Additionally, building strong relationships with colleagues and supervisors can provide more opportunities for learning and support, while staying patient and persistent in adapting to the new environment will aid in overcoming these challenges.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

Next week, I plan to focus on several key areas to enhance my experience and effectiveness. First, I will prioritize improving my Japanese language skills, especially medical terminology, to better understand and communicate during procedures. I will seek opportunities for briefings or one-on-one discussions with my supervisors and colleagues to clarify procedures and enhance my learning during surgeries. Additionally, I aim to immerse myself more fully in the hospital environment by observing a wider range of procedures and participating in departmental meetings or activities. I will also continue exploring local cultural activities and interacting with the community to deepen my understanding of Japanese customs and practices. By balancing these efforts, I hope to build stronger professional relationships, gain clearer insights into medical practices, and adapt more smoothly to both the clinical and cultural aspects of my experience.

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IVHQ Volunteering : As a teacher in Cochin, Kerala (Week 2)

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IVHQ Volunteering : As a teacher in Cochin, Kerala (Week 2)

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Uthaya Kumar Rajasingam (A189438)

20th August 2024

1. Were the objectives of the project fulfilled?

Yes, the objectives of the project were successfully fulfilled. Over the two-week period, I observed tremendous growth in the students’ understanding of the key concepts, particularly in areas such as home and habitat, as well as the sources, uses, and conservation of water. The interactive and varied teaching methods, including storytelling, games, and hands-on activities, made the learning process engaging and effective. The lesson review at the end of the two weeks revealed that 95% of the students had met the learning objectives. This was particularly gratifying, as it showed that the majority of students were able to grasp the concepts we covered. For the 5% of students who struggled, mostly due to learning difficulties, I worked closely with the class teacher to develop coping strategies. This involved discussing how to provide additional support and tailor future lessons to better accommodate these students’ needs. It was a learning experience for me as well, as it emphasized the importance of inclusivity and adaptability in teaching.

2. What have you enjoyed or liked the most about the project?

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the project was the opportunity to see the students come alive during interactive activities. Watching them engage in games like "Poison Ball," where they had to recall and apply knowledge from the stories we read, was incredibly rewarding. The game challenged them to think on their feet and reinforced what they had learned in a fun and dynamic way. Similarly, "Polly Says," a twist on the classic Simon Says game, allowed them to practice vocabulary and sentence structures by mimicking the actions of Polly, the main character from one of the stories. The memory game was another highlight, as it required students to remember details from pictures they saw and articulate their thoughts in full sentences, which helped build their confidence in speaking English. Beyond the classroom, I cherished the cultural experiences Fort Kochi had to offer. Being part of the Independence Day celebrations, witnessing traditional performances, and connecting with the local community made the experience even richer. The farewell moments, where students showed their appreciation through hugs, dances, and high-fives, were heartwarming and made me realize the lasting impact this project had on them and on me.

3. What have you found challenging about this project? (any part of the project you found hard to do)

The project had its fair share of challenges, the most significant of which was addressing the diverse range of learning abilities in the classroom. While the majority of students were able to follow along with the lessons and actively participate in activities, there was a small group that struggled due to learning difficulties. This required me to constantly adapt my teaching methods, finding new ways to explain concepts and break down information so that all students could engage with the material. Collaborating with the local teacher was essential in this process, as she provided valuable insights into the students' needs and how to best support them. Another challenge was the language barrier. Although many students were eager to learn English, not all were proficient, which meant that certain concepts needed to be communicated visually or through simplified language. Finding the balance between making lessons accessible while still challenging students to improve their English skills was an ongoing effort. Despite these challenges, the experience taught me a lot about patience, flexibility, and the importance of meeting students where they are in their learning journey.

4. What has really worked? (any part of the project that you thought worked well)

The use of interactive and hands-on activities was a standout success in this project. Games like "Poison Ball" and "Polly Says" proved to be highly effective in engaging students and reinforcing what they had learned. These activities turned abstract concepts into tangible experiences, which made the lessons more memorable for the students. For example, when we played "Poison Ball," students had to answer questions related to the stories we read whenever they held the ball as the music stopped. This game encouraged quick thinking and helped students solidify their understanding of the material in a fun, low-pressure environment. Similarly, the memory game required them to recall details from visual prompts and express their thoughts in full sentences, which enhanced their comprehension and speaking skills. Additionally, the focus on conversational skills—such as teaching students how to introduce themselves and talk about their likes and dislikes—helped them gain confidence in using English in real-life situations. Overall, these methods worked well because they combined learning with play, making the classroom an engaging and dynamic space for both students and teachers. The positive feedback from the students during the lesson review, where 95% of the class achieved the learning objectives, further validated the effectiveness of these teaching strategies.

5. What can be improved in this project?

While the project was successful, there are several areas where it could be improved for even greater impact. One key area is providing additional support for students with learning difficulties. Although I worked with the class teacher to develop coping strategies, more resources could be introduced to better assist these students. For instance, creating individualized learning plans or integrating specialized teaching tools, such as visual aids or manipulatives, could help these students engage more fully with the material. Additionally, language support could be enhanced. While visual aids and simplified language were effective to some extent, having bilingual materials or access to translation assistance would allow for more complex lessons to be taught without sacrificing clarity. Another improvement could be in the structuring of the curriculum. Although the activities and games were effective, a more detailed and organized plan from the outset would streamline the teaching process and ensure that all key objectives are covered systematically. Finally, extending the duration of the program or arranging follow-up visits could reinforce the learning outcomes and provide ongoing support to the students, ensuring that the progress made during the two-week project is sustained over time. By focusing on these areas, future iterations of the project could provide even more tailored and impactful learning experiences for the students.

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Juntendo University Gastroenterology Department (Phase 2)

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Juntendo University Gastroenterology Department (Phase 2)

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Lim Quan Pin, A180861, 5/8/2024 - 9/8/2024

2. How is your progress?

On the first day of my posting, I manage to attended orientation and basic Japanese class organized by Juntendo University International Centre. I also got the opportunity to meet other international student who started their posting on the same day as me. Following that, I went to gastroenterology procedure room to observe various type of procedure.

Throughout my first week of attachment to the gastroenterology department, I managed to observe a variety of cases and procedures in Juntendo hospital such as faecal microbial transplant (FMT), underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (underwater EMR), double balloon endoscopy (DBE), capsule endoscopy and also endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS). Other than that, I am honoured as I get the opportunity to join lunch meeting of gastroenterology department whereby I am able to meet my supervisor and also other professors and doctors from the department.

During my free time, I am able to travel nearby my hostel and get to enjoy the amazing view around Tokyo.

3. Points to remember from week 2!

The things to remember from the week 2 is that we have to learn to adapt to new environment and also respect the culture of the people at the new environment. This is the best way to earn their respect and get to adapt to new environment faster. This can also help us to build a better relationship and eventually lead to a better teamwork and better outcome.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I felt that study abroad is a brand new experience for me. I have to behave myself as I am now representing UKM in front of the other doctors here. On the other hand, I felt lucky that I have to opportunity to learn in a new environment and get to share knowledge with the international students here and get to know their life in their university. I am also grateful that the doctors here welcome me and trying their best to answer my question even though there is a language barrier between us.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

I manage to talk to my supervisor regarding how the doctors here handle their patient. I found that they treat their patient in a very serious way whereby they maintain the confidentiality with their patient and minimize chit chatting when doing procedure in order to not miss any minor detail that they might miss during the process. Since that, I would practice in order to be focus especially when handling patient in order to avoid any possible mistake in the process.

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

The difficulties I experienced during my first week of posting is that the language barrier between me and the doctors and patient especially when I need to find specific procedure room in the hospital. Other than that, we are advised to not use mobile gadgets in front of patients, taking pictures of the medical device and even during walking or using escalators. Luckily, the doctor and patient here are able to understand basic English and I am allowed to use translations while communicating with them.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)

For next week I would like to go to the simulation lab to try Da Vinci Surgery and also laparoscopy. I would also like to join the department rounds to know more about the type of cases in Juntendo Hospital.

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Palm Oil Harvesting and Sales -EP Week 2 (5/8-11/8)

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Palm Oil Harvesting and Sales -EP Week 2 (5/8-11/8)

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1. Tharshini Mohan, A187842, 11/8

2. How is your progress?

This week, my progress has been steady and productive. I’ve focused on the crucial follow-up tasks that are essential for maintaining the momentum from Week 1. I started by estimating the potential yield from our previous harvest and am optimistic about the figures. To ensure the palm oil trees remain healthy, we purchased 20 bags of fertilizer, each costing RM 60, and organized the workers to store them properly. This investment will enhance the nutrient content of the soil, promoting better growth and ensuring a good yield in the next harvest. I also visited the plantation to assess the condition of the fruits and estimated that they will be ready for harvesting in about 20 days. Additionally, I began compiling data for the sales report to compare last month's profit with this month’s expected figures after the second harvest. Overall, I feel like I am making meaningful progress in managing the plantation effectively.

3. Points to remember from Week 2!

- Regularly assess the condition of the palm oil fruits to predict the optimal harvesting time accurately.

- Investing in quality fertilizer is key to maintaining healthy trees and ensuring a good yield.

- Data collection and analysis are vital for understanding the financial health of the plantation and planning future actions.

- Proper storage of supplies, like fertilizer, ensures they remain effective and are readily available when needed.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I feel more confident this week as I begin to understand the intricacies of plantation management better. The hands-on experience of purchasing and storing fertilizer, coupled with the analysis of the potential yield, has given me a clearer picture of the challenges and rewards of this industry. I’m particularly proud of the organizational skills I’ve developed, which have helped me keep track of various tasks and ensure everything runs smoothly.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

One good practice I’ve adopted is the routine assessment of the plantation's condition. By regularly checking the fruits and soil, I can make informed decisions about when to harvest and how to care for the trees. This proactive approach will undoubtedly benefit the plantation’s productivity and is a habit I intend to carry forward in any agricultural or business venture.

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

One of the challenges I faced this week was managing the logistics of purchasing and storing the fertilizer. Ensuring that the workers handled the bags carefully and stored them in a dry, secure location was essential to maintain the fertilizer's effectiveness. I coped by creating a clear plan for the purchase and storage process and communicating this plan effectively to the workers and we managed to store it in a 30ft container located in another land of ours.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3):

- Begin preparing the plantation for the upcoming harvest by organizing the workers and planning the harvesting schedule.

- Getting workers to apply the fertilizer to the palm oil trees according to the nutrient management plan.

- Continue compiling data for the sales report and start drafting a financial analysis of the plantation’s performance.

- Monitor the weather conditions closely to adjust the harvesting schedule if necessary.

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Juntendo University Hepatobiliary Surgery Department (8/8/24 - 11/8/24) Phase 2

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Juntendo University Hepatobiliary Surgery Department (8/8/24 - 11/8/24) Phase 2

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1 Chantel Lam Bei Yii , A188828 , 11th August 2024

2 How is your progress

During the second phase of my elective posting, I observed surgeries like distal pancreatectomy, Whipple procedure, and robotic (DaVinci) surgical procedures after morning conferences. I prepared questions based on my revisions, and the surgeons patiently answered them, clearing up all my doubts. The doctors ensured that someone, often students from Juntendo University, was available to translate patient documents and surgical procedures for me.

In my free time, I practiced laparoscopic skills at the simulation center with the guidance of the worker there . After a few days, I managed to fold an advanced-level origami, which took me an hour. I also tried the DaVinci surgical system after observing the real one , which included tutorials and interactive games. Although it was initially challenging to control without direct touch, I believed I could improve with practice.

On weekends, I spent time with new friends from Juntendo University, visiting earthquake simulation centre (this is due to the sudden earthquake warning alert we received that shocked us out thus we wanted to be prepared if it really happens)as well as tourist spots like Shibuya Sky and Asakusa, and trying local cuisine such as Tempura and Udon noodles.

3 Points to remember from Phase 2

Theory alone is not enough; practical experience is superior and deepens understanding (my DaVinci & Laparoscopic surgery experience)

Practice makes perfect (surgical skills)

Don’t hesitate to ask questions; those who ask, learn faster

4 Your feelings & thoughts

Sometimes, self-reflection is essential. For example, I reflected that during my preclinical years, I learned a lot of theory but didn’t fully utilize or connect the knowledge, which made it difficult to identify anatomical structures when surgeons asked me. I realized I need to change my study style. Instead of complaining that I’m not learning enough from the surgeons, I should recognize that they are often too busy to explain everything. It’s up to me to take the initiative, ask questions, and proactively seek out learning opportunities. In clinical years, it’s crucial to be proactive rather than waiting for someone to spoon-feed information, as there’s no such thing as a stupid question.

I’m also incredibly grateful for everyone at the university who helped me during the Hepatobiliary surgery rotation. Despite not being fluent in English, they always tried their best to make the theories behind the surgeries understandable.

5 ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

The simulated surgical skills that I just learned such as laparoscopic skills , which I’ll try to join more workshops regarding this skills when I’m back in Malaysia in order to sharpen my skills which will be easier and make into good use in the future if I were to pursue in surgery specialisation .

6 Any difficulties/ concerns ? How did you cope ?

The main concern for this phase is the earthquake warning alert we received on 9th August and minor earthquake when I was having my dinner whereby it’s  something I haven’t experienced before in Malaysia .Thus , I changed my weekends plan rather than going to the famous tourist spots , I visited the Odaiba Earthquake simulation centre in order to raise my awareness and knowledge on how to prepare myself if it really occurs .

7 Your plan for next week (Phase3)

For the next phase , I’ll be changing my department to Cardiovascular surgery department which is a department I don’t get to try during my clinicals back in university and will need to try recap on the knowledges related to the cardiovascular system .

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Handmade Crochet Business Week 2 (5/8-11/8)

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Handmade Crochet Business Week 2 (5/8-11/8)

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1. Your Name, Matric Number, Date

Name: Eng Gui Wen

Matric Number: A187846

Date: 11 August 2024

2. How is your progress?

This week, I focused primarily on resolving challenges related to packaging materials, such as sourcing durable courier bags, bubble wrap, and appropriately sized packaging boxes that can accommodate most of my products. I opted for thicker materials to ensure sturdiness and prevent damage during transit. In a strategic move to enhance my brand identity without escalating costs, I customized fabric tags and invested in a personalized stamp for branding my packaging boxes instead of splurging on pre-customized ones. Toward the end of the week, I progressed by finalizing my products, sewing on the fabric tags and attaching keychain rings. However, my progress was somewhat hindered by unexpected issues with the fabric tags, which I'll elaborate on below.

3. Points to remember from Week 2!

The critical role of a strong brand identity became increasingly evident. Customizing fabric tags and using a personalized stamp on packaging are cost-effective strategies to reinforce brand recognition without inflating expenses.

The importance of flexibility and an open mindset when encountering challenges, such as high minimum order quantities, was underscored. Exploring alternatives like DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing for fabric tags allowed me to adapt swiftly and consider innovative solutions.

Effective time management is paramount, especially when balancing material sourcing with production. Allocating time wisely ensures that productivity in creating products remains high while efficiently managing other business operations.

4. Your feelings & thoughts

I experienced a significant level of anxiety, primarily because the time-consuming process of surveying and comparing prices for packaging materials left me with less time for actual product creation. Additionally, the need to avoid over-packaging to keep costs low and offer competitive prices to my customers added to the pressure.

5. One good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

Conducting thorough research and comparison before making any purchases is a practice I’ve found invaluable. It allows me to make cost-effective decisions and ensures I’m selecting the best materials and services for my business.

6. Any difficulties/ concerns? How did you cope?

One of the major hurdles I faced was dealing with the high minimum order quantities for fabric tags, which manufacturers typically set at 1,000 pieces. For a small business like mine, this was impractical and would result in unnecessary costs. To overcome this, I explored DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing, a more affordable option that provides the flexibility to change the design at any time. Unfortunately, the results were subpar, likely due to technique issues during the heat transfer process or differences in materials used by the seller. Undeterred, I continued my search and eventually found a manufacturer in China willing to accept smaller order quantities at a reasonable price. While this means a slight delay as I wait for the production and shipping process, it's a solution that aligns better with my business needs.

7. Your Plan for Next Week (Week 3)

My primary goal for next week is to officially establish my shop and significantly accelerate my crocheting process. I'm eager to see my business launch and ramp up product output to meet anticipated demand.

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Assalamualaikum & hi everyone

Congratulations you are already in the Week 2 of EP journey!

Please write, upload pictures/videos (lots of them please!), and share your journey with your friends. Like & comment on others sharing too!

1. Your name, matric number, date

2. How is your progress?

3. Points to remember from week 2!

4. Your feelings & thoughts

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)