Education

Sunday August 21, 2005

In defence of orientation

I REFER to the letter “Nightmare of orientation” (StarEducation, Aug 7) where the writer urged the relevant authorities to prohibit orientation programmes for medical students in a public university. I would like to voice my opinion on several issues.

Firstly, the writer felt that bowing to the seniors is a very silly act. Does this mean that he will never bow to his professors or his patients, irrespective of whether they are old, young, poor or even mentally retarded? Does this mean that he will never bend down to touch and examine his patients’ feet?

The writer was also unhappy about the fact that he had to stay up till 3am with very little time to sleep!

Didn't anyone inform him that sometimes a doctor does not sleep for days, especially when he or she is on call. Forget about doing daily chores – there might not even be time for meals.

The writer was also extremely worried about his son's mental and physical health as his son was already not feeling well because of the long orientation programme. Then, I think he had better reconsider whether he is fit mentally and physically to under go the medical training for five years or even embark upon a career as a doctor.

If he is unwilling to sacrifice his sleep and his time, then it is still not too late to withdraw from the programme.

Please remember that to be a good doctor, it is not enough to be intelligent – there must be lots of dedication and sacrifice too.

MARGARET Via e-mail

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