It’s November 3. Technically our third day as Psychiatry rotators but officially our first day as one. The first two days of November were holidays so only the poor duty clerks like Pau and I had to endure the jittery moments of being alone and forgotten as Psychiatry clerks on duty.

Since I was the only person in the group who can go on Day 1 duty, I had to be within hospital premises last Sunday despite being absolutely clueless on what to do as a Psych rotator. It didn’t help that I was sick (read: febrile) the entire day. Good thing that the gods of the heavens were smiling upon me that day. I was greeted by 0 referrals and 0 ER calls for my first duty day. Pau, on the other hand was a little less lucky than I had been. At 12 midnight, I received a frantic call from her asking me to cover for her since there was an incoming Psychiatric patient and she was miles away from Manila. Que horror! Pau actually went home to Pampanga thinking she wouldn’t be called to see any referrals that night! Pau made it back to Manila on time and I believe it was a lesson to remember for all of us: never ever go home while on duty.

Our day as Psych rotators started with confusion. Among so many patients who could walk in to our little abode known as the Mood Clinic, an SS (social service) patient decides to drop by. Oh well hello there clerks! We were absolutely clueless at first but as our interview went on, it became more comfortable for us to talk to the patient about his life story.

Unlike the other medical specialties, I’ve never imagined myself as  Psychiatrist. Perhaps because I know it takes a lot of patience and determination to be one. Although I can be a very patient person, I don’t believe I possess even a quarter of determination which our esteemed Psychiatrists/preceptors have. And perhaps because I know I am a chronic patient myself. Hehe.

Three days gone. Twelve more days to go. I wonder what’s in store for us in the next few days. Not cardboard displays I hope! =)

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