Image Source: freebiesupply.com

Image Source: https://scontent-atl3-1.cdninstagram.com

At the moment, I am eagerly waiting for my graduation ceremony day to arrive. Although the result list was released back in mid June, the graduation ceremony for Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia falls on end of October. The timing is somewhat slow, considering that the graduation ceremony in Newcastle University is held in July. While I was scrolling through the ceremony photos on Newcastle University facebook page couple of days ago, I found something odd in the photos particularly the graduates. No matter how I tried, I could not sort it out until I went to my friend's grad ceremony couple of weeks ago. Of course, the mortarboards were missing in the #NCLGRAD photos! Literally none of the graduates were wearing mortarboards/ caps other than the robes. Curiosity got the better of me, hence I went searching for answers to this rather peculiar questions on google. As it turned out, Google did not disappoint me. It had something to do with tradition.

Image Source: www.ncl.ac.uk

So the story goes like this. Once upon a time, Newcastle began as a division which then later turned into a college of Durham University. It taught mainly medical and scientific subjects at that period of time. As the Toon division outpaced the Durham in scientific research, tensions were rising between the two universities. Eventually, Newcastle became as in independent university and called the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1963. In order to celebrate the momentous event, students celebrated the freedom from Durham University by throwing their traditional hats (mortarboards) into the River Tyne. The university later became the University of Newcastle.

There you have it. Thanks to TheTab Newcastle and Newcastle University's official webpage, I got the full story of it. Well, to be honest, I do not really mind with the absence of mortarboards at all because it is kind of a hassle to wear one and the feathery robe itself is cool enough. Some of my friends actually told me that it is way better without the caps as they would mess up your hair big time. Alas, I just want to graduate and attend the grad ceremony. Can't wait. Till then, bye.

Image Source: www.ncl.ac.uk

I have finally come to the last chapter of my undergraduate studies, the gruesome fifth (final year). It was undeniably challenging to an epic scale. During the start of the course, I was literally still in holiday mode after returning to Malaysia from the United Kingdom. Never mind that I was exhausted and suffering from jet-lagged after some 20 hours of journey, I have not touched any of the curriculum materials as I was busy doing medical electives throughout the year (which were not related to my learning objectives to certain extent). Also, the schedules for final year was not really helping at all as they were packed whereby I was in hospital five days a week, each day from as early as seven in the morning until four (sometimes five) in the evening.

Image Source: genius.com

Image Source: genius.com

Sam Smith recently releases his first single "Too Good At Goodbyes" from his second album "The Thrill Of It All" and it sounds simply amazing. The singer reveals that he wrote this song sometime last year when he was in London after having a break up with a guy he dated. He added that the song is actually focused more about himself and the way he deals with a heartbreak rather than the ex. He mentioned that he felt as if he was getting better in accepting break ups after these incidents.

In my honest opinion, Sam Smith is really good at making terribly sad songs as they really touch the heart of the listeners. In tandem, I feel sorry for the singer having to go through break ups while writing songs for the album. On a side note, I could not believe that he has lost massive amount of weight since I last saw him in the news! If you have not already listened to the song, watch the music video below and let me know your thoughts about it. Peace out.



Too Good At Goodbyes lyrics

You must think that I'm stupid
You must think that I'm a fool
You must think that I'm new to this
But I have seen this all before

I'm never gonna let you close to me
Even though you mean the most to me
'Cause every time I open up, it hurts
So I'm never gonna get too close to you
Even when I mean the most to you
In case you go and leave me in the dirt

But every time you hurt me, the less that I cry
And every time you leave me, the quicker these tears dry
And every time you walk out, the less I love you
Baby, we don't stand a chance, it's sad but it's true

I'm way too good at goodbyes
(I'm way too good at goodbyes)
I'm way too good at goodbyes
(I'm way too good at goodbyes)

I know you're thinking I'm heartless
I know you're thinking I'm cold
I'm just protecting my innocence
I'm just protecting my soul

I'm never gonna let you close to me
Even though you mean the most to me
'Cause every time I open up, it hurts
So I'm never gonna get too close to you
Even when I mean the most to you
In case you go and leave me in the dirt

But every time you hurt me, the less that I cry
And every time you leave me, the quicker these tears dry
And every time you walk out, the less I love you
Baby, we don't stand a chance, it's sad but it's true

I'm way too good at goodbyes
(I'm way too good at goodbyes)
I'm way too good at goodbyes
(I'm way too good at goodbyes)
No way that you'll see me cry
(No way that you'll see me cry)

I'm way too good at goodbyes
(I'm way too good at goodbyes)
No
No, no, no, no, no
(I'm way too good at goodbyes)
No, no, no, no
No, no, no
(I'm way too good at goodbyes)
(No way that you'll see me cry)
(I'm way too good at goodbyes)

'Cause every time you hurt me, the less that I cry
And every time you leave me, the quicker these tears dry
And every time you walk out, the less I love you
Baby, we don't stand a chance, it's sad but it's true
I'm way too good at goodbyes

Image Source: acharts.co

Image Source: coverlandia.net

I cannot stop myself from listening to this song repeatedly. First of all, I was surprised to find out that James Arthur hails from Middlesbrough, UK when I was practically there doing my medical elective! All I know about him is that he is the winner of X Factor and nothing more than that. Turns out there were couple of issues that happened to him and he suffered anxiety and depression for quite some time before returning back to music industry.

He has released his second studio album "Back From The Edge" in October 2016 where most of the songs reflect his hardship and struggles throughout the years. "Can I Be Him" music video portrays him standing in the metro having eye contact with two girls. The soulful song highlights his incredible and passionate vocals. If you have not already heard or watched the music video, watch it down below. Let me know what do you think about the song in the comment box. Till then, bye!

Picture credit: adampractice.co.uk

Picture credit: shibleyrahman.com

Image Source: thefourthplane.com

I am delighted to share the news that I did my SSC3 which happened to be in the Cardiothoracic Anaeasthesia department in the United Kingdom! In the beginning of the 4th year, all the students are required to submit their names if they have plans to do their SSC in the UK. I was at first in the stage of dilemma on whether I should do my SSCs and electives in my home country as the expenses could be quite high in the UK, let alone the MYR currency was absurdly low compared to Pound Sterling (still does). More importantly. I was not convinced at all that I could even pass the fourth year exam as it was dubbed as the most intense and toughest exam of all! After having a deep consideration as well as taking advice from people around me, I decided to go with the plan of heading to the UK.

However, I was really taken aback by the amount of paperwork and preparation that I have to make prior flying to the land of tea and scones. Nonetheless, after going through a vast amount pressure and deadlines, I finally got my visa and flew to the UK in April to start my SSC3. Having said that, I was allocated in James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough to do Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia, a specialty which never cross my mind that I would simply be doing for a career. When I was in JCUH, every single thing was brand new to me, ranging from little things such as the plan of the gigantic hospital, the culture to the staff. Worse of all, I literally had zero knowledge about anaesthesia as it is something that is not really emphasised in the medical school.

Thankfully my supervisor, Dr Mellor was really helpful as he guided me to set my learning outcomes for the SSC. Despite his busy schedules, he took the time to have an update on my progress and sort out my timetable for the entire six weeks. Throughout my placement, I managed to observe countless of surgeries (about three each day) and gain tons of knowledge from the consultants, registrars, not to mention the staff nurses! Apart from learning the technique of sedating the patients prior to their surgeries, I had the chance to observe the whole surgeries at the same time. Thus, I got to learn both fields at one go (cardiothoracic and anaesthesia)!

Aside from putting patients to sleep, anaesthetists have to ensure that the patients are always in stable condition throughout the operation. In tandem, I also get to join the ward rounds in the Intensive Care Unit. I was somewhat surprised to find out that the operation list is actually managed by the anaesthetists instead of the surgeons. After all, there are always limited amount of beds in the wards. I As the days went by, I slowly developed interest in this field and honestly speaking I would not mind to pick it as my future career at all by the end of the placement! Till then, au revoir!