End of Rural Week
Just came back from a rural place near Port Augusta! Med school had organised us a week-long camping trip called rural week. The objective of it was to give us a better idea on how rural practice would be like. Many people have the concept of rural practice being very boring and that doctors have very little social life since they are so isolated from everyone else. I guess this trip was to show them how exciting it can be. For us international students, rural practice is a very foreign concept. Singapore is way to small to have rural places so I don’t really know how that can apply to us. I guess if we do choose to stay and practice in Australia, we can consider practising in a rural area?
Overall, I had lots of fun during the camp. I got to know a lot other med students that I wouldn’t have and a few others a lot better. Away from the stress of completing work in time, late nights and other commitments. Away from technology. Being able to admire the vast sea of stars in the middle of the night and waking up to the sunrise each morning is actually quite a good change from city life. The only minor problems I had were the incredibly cold nights which makes waking up a very laborious chore and the constant complains from people that don’t wish to be here. I can see the charm the place has but I probably won’t be attracted enough to go rural.
I think being in the Army has taught me one thing which is there are times when the situation is out of your control. So instead of the dreading it, why not try to look at it from another point of view. You have to go through it anyway, why not try to make the best of the situation?
Now, I’m back and down with a horrible sore throat, blocked nose and fever which sounds like vaguely like Strep throat. (Rheumatic fever alert!) I seem to have the propensity to fall sick during holiday periods. It seems like even my body wants me to take a break. Shall take the weekend to rest and recharge before starting again on Monday!
