PRIORITIES FOR THE NEW YEAR
(a New Year Devotion Study)
Today is the first day of the New Year in the Western Calendar. Yet this day is celebrated almost all over the world although in some other countries they have their own New Year day. The Western Calendar is widely accepted as it is the most accurate calendar, following the sun and the seasons throughout the year.
The Western Calendar is based on the Roman calendar, standardised by Julius Cesar. The Julian calendar consisted of 12 months. The months from January to June were named after Roman gods, while the months September to December were named after the Latin numbers seven (sept) to ten (dis). This anomaly was due to the addition of July and August, named after the two emperors Julius and Augustus Cesar. This calendar worked well but after 1500 years, the calendar was 10 days out from the seasons. In 1582 AD, Pope Gregory deducted 10 days and added an extra day for every four years.
The Church dated the Calendar from the year of the birth of Jesus Christ. Thus 1 AD (Anno Domini) means in the first year of our Lord. The years before Christ were dated as BC. Thus the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ stands in the middle of recorded history. However, the church liturgical calendar does not start with 1st of January, which does not have any religious importance. Instead the church begins the year with the first Sunday of the Advent, which is 4 weeks before Christmas.
Some countries follow the lunar calendars which correspond well with the phases of the moon. Most religious festivals still follow the phases of the moon. However they would be out of phase with the seasons. The Islamic calendar still follows the lunar system while the Jewish and the Chinese have luni-solar calendars by adding an extra month every 3 years.
Devotion Passage:
Ephesians 5:15-17 - “Be careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.”
The scripture tells us that we should live wisely. Our life on earth is limited. Psalm 90:10 “The length of our days is seventy years, or eighty, if we have the strength; yet their span is but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass, and we fly away.” A life span of 70 years totals 25,567 days. If you are 40 years old, you have about 11,000 days left and if you are 60 years old, you only have 3652 days left! When you are young, life seems to last forever but now that I am 68, I can begin the countdown on the number of days left!
Our days on earth are influenced by the evil one. There are so many “thieves of time” which would rob us of our time to do well. There are so many distractions and temptations, taking us away from God. If has been calculated that even if we attend church every Sunday, we would only spend a total of 5 months out of 75 years of our life. While we can spend 12 years watching TV and movies! What about the hours we waste on other frivolous and sometimes even sinful activities!
We are often being stressed in fulfilling many of our commitments in studies and work, especially if we are over ambitious and pursue a lifestyle of materialistic luxury. There is often the distraction of spending hours on our career, at the cost of spending time with God and our family. As a wise man said, “If you are depressed, you lived in the yesterday; if you are anxious, you live for the tomorrow; but if you are at peace, you are living for today. Even if you are living for today, make it EVERYDAY!
Even living a life of usefulness requires time. It takes time to study hard, to perform efficiently in your work and to serve the unfortunate in the community. It takes time to be close to God, to study His Word and to fellowship with His family.
Another year has passed. A new year begins. May the next 365 days (and many that follow) bring a special perspective in our lives. May we know our priorities among the many activities that demand our time. May we find the first priority to be close to God and discover His purpose for us. May we remember to connect with our family members, whether near or far away. May we relate to our friends, new and old (I mean long time). May we show compassion to those who are less fortunate in our society.
As in Jeremiah 29:11, the Lord declares “For I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
2014 New Year Letter
2014 NEW YEAR LETTER
The past year 2013 had been a traumatic year for me and my family. Yet somehow, I thank God for the medical condition which came at the right timing. By the end of 2012, I have decided to slow down my medical practice by not conducting deliveries. Our clinic had also decided to bring in a new partner. Not long after that, I was diagnosed to have lymphoma ulcer in my stomach.
It certainly gave me a jolt! We realise that we cannot live forever. My 67 years of health have almost given me a sense of complacency and immortality! However, I have seen younger friends with serious medical conditions, which would have been disruptive to their jobs and family life. Financially, we are stable and our children are well settled in their careers. Simon (Choon Sin) and Natasha with two-year Myra are now in KL, he with the Citibank and she with Roche Diagnostics. Daren (Choon Yu) and Christina have been in the government hospital in Kota Kinabalu since the last 5 years and he had recently started his part-time private Oncological practice. Juni has been back to HSBC HQ from Kuching.
I thank God that my condition was detected early. Surgery, which could be mutilating, was not necessary. Of all the malignancies, lymphomas have been known to respond to standard chemotherapy drugs for over 30 years. The drugs have been well tested and proven least debilitating. There are newer drugs eg Rituximab which acts specifically against the lymphoma cells, new injections to stimulate white blood cells and better drugs against vomiting.
Being in a partnership, I was able to take off five months completely from work in the hospital. I had never taken such a long period of leave before. The time was certainly fruitful. I had time to recollect and review my life. I managed to write down my memories, from the early childhood, to school days, university in Bombay, medical career and also my service in the church. They had been compiled and photocopied into 5 separate booklets. However, I had my first book, “Young Emotion” published. So far I have distributed 500 copies and collected about RM3000 in donations which would be sent to the PFS Students Fund.
During the year before, I was able to link up with more than a hundred of my Penang Free School mates and 70 of the Malaysian University of Bombay Alumni. Many of them have not seen nor heard from one another, some for as many as 40 years! I organised separate reunions for the Old Frees and Bombaywallas in Ipoh, refreshing old memories and re-establishing new ties among old friends. Many of them were very concerned and supportive when they knew about my health condition. The time was also spiritually meaningful as I had more time to read the scriptures, pray and worship our Almighty God. I am seeking his direction for the years ahead, if in His mercy, he will grant me many more healthy years to enjoy on this earth.
I must first thank GOD Almighty for his boundless mercies in healing me and reassuring me throughout last four months; my wife for her loving care and devotion, including gently “nagging” me on my diet and rest; and my children and in-laws for their support and love; bishops , pastors and members of St Peter’s Church and other churches for their prayers and concern; doctors and staff of Sime Darby Medical Centre and Ipoh Specialist Hospital for their expert treatment and care; my partners for allowing me to take four months from the clinic and their advice; many relatives and friends who had sent emails, Face book comments, messages and telephone calls with their encouragement, support and prayers.
Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year!
The past year 2013 had been a traumatic year for me and my family. Yet somehow, I thank God for the medical condition which came at the right timing. By the end of 2012, I have decided to slow down my medical practice by not conducting deliveries. Our clinic had also decided to bring in a new partner. Not long after that, I was diagnosed to have lymphoma ulcer in my stomach.
It certainly gave me a jolt! We realise that we cannot live forever. My 67 years of health have almost given me a sense of complacency and immortality! However, I have seen younger friends with serious medical conditions, which would have been disruptive to their jobs and family life. Financially, we are stable and our children are well settled in their careers. Simon (Choon Sin) and Natasha with two-year Myra are now in KL, he with the Citibank and she with Roche Diagnostics. Daren (Choon Yu) and Christina have been in the government hospital in Kota Kinabalu since the last 5 years and he had recently started his part-time private Oncological practice. Juni has been back to HSBC HQ from Kuching.
I thank God that my condition was detected early. Surgery, which could be mutilating, was not necessary. Of all the malignancies, lymphomas have been known to respond to standard chemotherapy drugs for over 30 years. The drugs have been well tested and proven least debilitating. There are newer drugs eg Rituximab which acts specifically against the lymphoma cells, new injections to stimulate white blood cells and better drugs against vomiting.
Being in a partnership, I was able to take off five months completely from work in the hospital. I had never taken such a long period of leave before. The time was certainly fruitful. I had time to recollect and review my life. I managed to write down my memories, from the early childhood, to school days, university in Bombay, medical career and also my service in the church. They had been compiled and photocopied into 5 separate booklets. However, I had my first book, “Young Emotion” published. So far I have distributed 500 copies and collected about RM3000 in donations which would be sent to the PFS Students Fund.
During the year before, I was able to link up with more than a hundred of my Penang Free School mates and 70 of the Malaysian University of Bombay Alumni. Many of them have not seen nor heard from one another, some for as many as 40 years! I organised separate reunions for the Old Frees and Bombaywallas in Ipoh, refreshing old memories and re-establishing new ties among old friends. Many of them were very concerned and supportive when they knew about my health condition. The time was also spiritually meaningful as I had more time to read the scriptures, pray and worship our Almighty God. I am seeking his direction for the years ahead, if in His mercy, he will grant me many more healthy years to enjoy on this earth.
I must first thank GOD Almighty for his boundless mercies in healing me and reassuring me throughout last four months; my wife for her loving care and devotion, including gently “nagging” me on my diet and rest; and my children and in-laws for their support and love; bishops , pastors and members of St Peter’s Church and other churches for their prayers and concern; doctors and staff of Sime Darby Medical Centre and Ipoh Specialist Hospital for their expert treatment and care; my partners for allowing me to take four months from the clinic and their advice; many relatives and friends who had sent emails, Face book comments, messages and telephone calls with their encouragement, support and prayers.
Blessed Christmas and a Joyous New Year!
Tuesday, 24 December 2013
CHRISTMAS: Fables, Facts and Faith
CHRISTMAS:
FABLES, FACTS AND FAITH
Christmas is probably the most popular festival in the world, celebrated all over the world, even in Communist and most Islamic countries. Yet many of the customs celebrated are part of the fables passed down as traditions.
A) FABLES of CHRISTMAS
Fables by themselves are not entirely wrong. They are not fairy tales. Most of the Christmas fables are based on some customs and traditions which are not directly opposed to Christian beliefs. However, the over-emphasis on such fables would replace the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas was not celebrated till the early 4th century. In the olden days, most people did not celebrate birthdays. The date itself, 25th December, originated from the widespread Roman festival to welcome the sun at the end of the cold winter. Since nobody knew the exact date of Jesus birth (not likely to be in winter, as the shepherds were out with the sheep), the early church decided to adopt the Roman holiday as the Christian holy day to celebrate the coming of the SON. The icon of popular Christmas is often the merry Santa Claus, in his red suit riding on the horse or sleigh. Santa Claus was based on the historical person of St Nicholas, who as a bishop was generous to the poor. From St Nicholas, he was called Sinter Klaus in Holland. Much later, he was made famous in America as Santa Claus, with the dress and mitre of the bishop modified in the familiar red costume. The Christmas tree was introduced by Martin Luther himself who was struck by the beauty of the fir trees glistening in the moonlight during the cold dark winter. Later Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria brought indoor the fir tree lighted with candles. The holly and mistletoe were used as decorations as they were among the few plants which survived the cold winter. Even some of the stories associated with Christmas are not found in the Bible. The donkey is not mentioned, neither is the inn keeper with his saying “there is no room in the inn”. It is not even mentioned that Jesus was born in the stable. Baby Jesus was placed in the manger, a feeding trough for animals. Eating of turkey and pudding, singing of carols and sending of greeting cards were introduced much later in the celebration of Christmas.
B) FACTS of CHRISTMAS
i) Facts of History (Luke 2:1-3)
Luke in his gospel mentioned several historical figures and events such as Caesar Augustus and Quirinus. Other figures mentioned were Pontius Pilate (mentioned in both Apostles and Nicene Creeds) and King Herod. Historically, there was a census taken around that time. The birth of Christ marks the centre of world history and the present calendar dates from that day.
ii) Facts of Prophecy (Luke 2:4-7)
Jesus was born in God’s timing (kairos) Galatians 4:4-5. His birth was in the middle of recorded history, in the time of Pax Romana. There was widespread peace, good roads and a universal language of Greek, which were all favourable for the spread of the gospel after the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was from the line of David, as prophesised by Isaiah (9:6-7). The parents had to travel to Bethlehem, to fulfil the prophecy in Micah 5:2. His mother, Mary fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, “the virgin with child.”
iii) Facts of Facts of Science
The virgin birth was actually virgin conception. Mary conceived her pregnancy without any human contact but by the power of the Holy Spirit. The pregnancy and delivery would be normal, like any other mother would have gone through. Before in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) was known, God had introduced the miracle of incarnation. This would be the only way that the divine could manifest as human and yet remained sinless. The divine became as a human embryo that developed into a normal human baby during the nine months in the womb of Mary. She was called Theotokos, carrier of God. There is debate whether Jesus inherited Mary’s genes (thus the Roman Catholics had to make Mary sinless in the doctrine of Immaculate Conception). It would be more logical that Jesus is entirely free from the fallen human genes of his parents but has sinless genes incarnated by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Star of Bethlehem which drew the wise men from the East was probably the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, two of the brightest planets and which moved (unlike stars) across the sky.
C) FAITH of CHRISTMAS
The birth of Jesus Christ led to different responses of faith. In Luke 2:14, angels praised with proclamation “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom he favours.” Then the shepherds believed and began to evangelise, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what has been told them about the child.” (Luke 2:17). The wise men (nowhere in the Bible was mentioned the actual number) came to worship and bring their offering. “..and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts.” (Luke 2:11) Let us continue to enjoy celebrating Christmas with all its fables adding to the merriment. Let us remember the facts of history, prophecy and science supporting this miraculous event. Jesus Christ has humbled himself from the glory of heaven to be born on earth, so that He can provide us peace and eternal life. Let our faith be enhanced by believing and praising, worshiping and offering. This Christmas, let us begin to share the GOOD NEWS to all.
Christmas is probably the most popular festival in the world, celebrated all over the world, even in Communist and most Islamic countries. Yet many of the customs celebrated are part of the fables passed down as traditions.
A) FABLES of CHRISTMAS
Fables by themselves are not entirely wrong. They are not fairy tales. Most of the Christmas fables are based on some customs and traditions which are not directly opposed to Christian beliefs. However, the over-emphasis on such fables would replace the true meaning of Christmas. Christmas was not celebrated till the early 4th century. In the olden days, most people did not celebrate birthdays. The date itself, 25th December, originated from the widespread Roman festival to welcome the sun at the end of the cold winter. Since nobody knew the exact date of Jesus birth (not likely to be in winter, as the shepherds were out with the sheep), the early church decided to adopt the Roman holiday as the Christian holy day to celebrate the coming of the SON. The icon of popular Christmas is often the merry Santa Claus, in his red suit riding on the horse or sleigh. Santa Claus was based on the historical person of St Nicholas, who as a bishop was generous to the poor. From St Nicholas, he was called Sinter Klaus in Holland. Much later, he was made famous in America as Santa Claus, with the dress and mitre of the bishop modified in the familiar red costume. The Christmas tree was introduced by Martin Luther himself who was struck by the beauty of the fir trees glistening in the moonlight during the cold dark winter. Later Prince Albert, the German husband of Queen Victoria brought indoor the fir tree lighted with candles. The holly and mistletoe were used as decorations as they were among the few plants which survived the cold winter. Even some of the stories associated with Christmas are not found in the Bible. The donkey is not mentioned, neither is the inn keeper with his saying “there is no room in the inn”. It is not even mentioned that Jesus was born in the stable. Baby Jesus was placed in the manger, a feeding trough for animals. Eating of turkey and pudding, singing of carols and sending of greeting cards were introduced much later in the celebration of Christmas.
B) FACTS of CHRISTMAS
i) Facts of History (Luke 2:1-3)
Luke in his gospel mentioned several historical figures and events such as Caesar Augustus and Quirinus. Other figures mentioned were Pontius Pilate (mentioned in both Apostles and Nicene Creeds) and King Herod. Historically, there was a census taken around that time. The birth of Christ marks the centre of world history and the present calendar dates from that day.
ii) Facts of Prophecy (Luke 2:4-7)
Jesus was born in God’s timing (kairos) Galatians 4:4-5. His birth was in the middle of recorded history, in the time of Pax Romana. There was widespread peace, good roads and a universal language of Greek, which were all favourable for the spread of the gospel after the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was from the line of David, as prophesised by Isaiah (9:6-7). The parents had to travel to Bethlehem, to fulfil the prophecy in Micah 5:2. His mother, Mary fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 7:14, “the virgin with child.”
iii) Facts of Facts of Science
The virgin birth was actually virgin conception. Mary conceived her pregnancy without any human contact but by the power of the Holy Spirit. The pregnancy and delivery would be normal, like any other mother would have gone through. Before in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) was known, God had introduced the miracle of incarnation. This would be the only way that the divine could manifest as human and yet remained sinless. The divine became as a human embryo that developed into a normal human baby during the nine months in the womb of Mary. She was called Theotokos, carrier of God. There is debate whether Jesus inherited Mary’s genes (thus the Roman Catholics had to make Mary sinless in the doctrine of Immaculate Conception). It would be more logical that Jesus is entirely free from the fallen human genes of his parents but has sinless genes incarnated by the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Star of Bethlehem which drew the wise men from the East was probably the conjunction of Jupiter and Venus, two of the brightest planets and which moved (unlike stars) across the sky.
C) FAITH of CHRISTMAS
The birth of Jesus Christ led to different responses of faith. In Luke 2:14, angels praised with proclamation “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom he favours.” Then the shepherds believed and began to evangelise, “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what has been told them about the child.” (Luke 2:17). The wise men (nowhere in the Bible was mentioned the actual number) came to worship and bring their offering. “..and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts.” (Luke 2:11) Let us continue to enjoy celebrating Christmas with all its fables adding to the merriment. Let us remember the facts of history, prophecy and science supporting this miraculous event. Jesus Christ has humbled himself from the glory of heaven to be born on earth, so that He can provide us peace and eternal life. Let our faith be enhanced by believing and praising, worshiping and offering. This Christmas, let us begin to share the GOOD NEWS to all.
Monday, 2 December 2013
Names of Clinics & Specialities
NAMES OF CLINICS AND SPECIALTIES
Doctors like to name their clinics after their own names. Sometimes it is not very appropriate. Would patients like to see a Dr Quek? On the other hand, I had former class mate called “Mohsin” who later became a psychiatrist. In Hokkien (and he was from Penang), the word means “crazy”! Or a Singh should not call his clinic “Awtar Clinic” in Penang, as the word sounds like bluffing. There may be a Catholic Hospital or an Islamic Hospital but will there be a Sikh Hospital?
Some of the clinic names, we would like to see:
Dr See Eye Clinic
Dr Chew Oral Clinic
Dr Gigi Dental Clinic (Gigi is a lady’s name)
Dr Harry Skin Clinic
Dr Kok STD Clinic
Dr Mahalingam Klinik for Men
Dr Ma Maternity Clinic
Dr Saw Bone Clinic
Dr Sit Piles Clinic
Dr Ow Pain Clinic
Ah Choo Allergy Clinic
Polyclinic Wang, Dollah & Manikam
Moo, Kow & Ngeow Veterinary Clinic
Longest Name
The longest name of a medical speciality is probably Otonasolaryngology, a term not often used by the doctors themselves. They are often called Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists for short. However, some of them have extended their fields to head and neck. So their signboards have gone longer: Klinik Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck! If other specialities called themselves by the organs they treat, gastroenterologists would be called specialists in oesophagus, stomach, intestines and rectum! Gynecologists would have more embarrassing terms to use!
Unusual specialities
A foreigner remarked that he was surprised that in Malaysia, he has seen medical clinics treating chin and lip conditions, probably mistaken for Clinic Dr Chin and Dr Lip. On the other hand, Chest physicians are reluctant to call themselves Pulmonologists while the corresponding surgeons are called Thoracic surgeons.
O & G
The old word “midwifery” has long been discarded for the medical doctors. It is still used for nurses. The term comes from an old English word meaning “with wife”. The name of our speciality is rather long and cumbersome. Suggestion to shorten it to Gynecology alone, which is adequate, have not been generally accepted, though the term “Gyne” seems to be popular. Often the name is shortened to O&G, or OBGYN. In Bahasa, it used to be called Sakitpuan & Perbidanan, which was rather crude but suitable for rural areas. In Chinese, it is simple and direct, Fu Chang Ker.
Physicians and Surgeons
As a rule, specialties ending in –ology are physician-related as surgeons would add the suffix “surgery”. Cardiology and Neurology are medical and Cardiacsurgery and Neurosurgery are surgical. Specialities dealing with a specific area of the body such as the eye (Opthalmology) and even women’s reproductive organs are both physicians and surgeons, limited to their field. The only exception is Urology which is actually surgical while the medical equivalent is Nephrology. Nowadays with minimal surgery and endoscopy, some of the procedures have overlapped. Both gastrologists and gastrosurgeons perform similar endoscopic procedures. Even radiologists have entered into interventional radiological surgeries.
Dr or Mr
Surgeons from UK prefer to call address themselves as “Mr” rather as “Dr”. Historically, the surgeons were barbers, not doctors. Yet the term “Mr” is retained as it seems to be higher in rank than the ordinary doctors in the medical profession. After struggling for years to be professionally qualified, they prefer to drop the title of Dr and return to Mr. In Malaysia, the title is even more inappropriate as it is confusing to the public. After all, do they want to be called “Encik” or “Sin Sung” in the local languages?
Car Plates
In the seventies, the car plates in Penang had two letters. The gynecologists were booking their cars with PV, the urologists would choose PU and the rectal surgeons PR. Then in Kelantan, doctors were waiting for the DR.
Sub-specialities
With the preponderance of sub-specialities, patients are finding it difficult and expensive to seek treatment. Instead of seeing the general practitioner who is competent to treat uncomplicated medical conditions or even see the general physician who should be able to treat most complicated conditions. Now, they have to see the cardiologist for the heart, the endocrinologist for their diabetes, the neurologist for the nerve condition, the rheumatologist for the body ache, the nephrologist for urine infection and even the chest physician if they complain of cough!
Doctors like to name their clinics after their own names. Sometimes it is not very appropriate. Would patients like to see a Dr Quek? On the other hand, I had former class mate called “Mohsin” who later became a psychiatrist. In Hokkien (and he was from Penang), the word means “crazy”! Or a Singh should not call his clinic “Awtar Clinic” in Penang, as the word sounds like bluffing. There may be a Catholic Hospital or an Islamic Hospital but will there be a Sikh Hospital?
Some of the clinic names, we would like to see:
Dr See Eye Clinic
Dr Chew Oral Clinic
Dr Gigi Dental Clinic (Gigi is a lady’s name)
Dr Harry Skin Clinic
Dr Kok STD Clinic
Dr Mahalingam Klinik for Men
Dr Ma Maternity Clinic
Dr Saw Bone Clinic
Dr Sit Piles Clinic
Dr Ow Pain Clinic
Ah Choo Allergy Clinic
Polyclinic Wang, Dollah & Manikam
Moo, Kow & Ngeow Veterinary Clinic
Longest Name
The longest name of a medical speciality is probably Otonasolaryngology, a term not often used by the doctors themselves. They are often called Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialists for short. However, some of them have extended their fields to head and neck. So their signboards have gone longer: Klinik Ear, Nose, Throat, Head and Neck! If other specialities called themselves by the organs they treat, gastroenterologists would be called specialists in oesophagus, stomach, intestines and rectum! Gynecologists would have more embarrassing terms to use!
Unusual specialities
A foreigner remarked that he was surprised that in Malaysia, he has seen medical clinics treating chin and lip conditions, probably mistaken for Clinic Dr Chin and Dr Lip. On the other hand, Chest physicians are reluctant to call themselves Pulmonologists while the corresponding surgeons are called Thoracic surgeons.
O & G
The old word “midwifery” has long been discarded for the medical doctors. It is still used for nurses. The term comes from an old English word meaning “with wife”. The name of our speciality is rather long and cumbersome. Suggestion to shorten it to Gynecology alone, which is adequate, have not been generally accepted, though the term “Gyne” seems to be popular. Often the name is shortened to O&G, or OBGYN. In Bahasa, it used to be called Sakitpuan & Perbidanan, which was rather crude but suitable for rural areas. In Chinese, it is simple and direct, Fu Chang Ker.
Physicians and Surgeons
As a rule, specialties ending in –ology are physician-related as surgeons would add the suffix “surgery”. Cardiology and Neurology are medical and Cardiacsurgery and Neurosurgery are surgical. Specialities dealing with a specific area of the body such as the eye (Opthalmology) and even women’s reproductive organs are both physicians and surgeons, limited to their field. The only exception is Urology which is actually surgical while the medical equivalent is Nephrology. Nowadays with minimal surgery and endoscopy, some of the procedures have overlapped. Both gastrologists and gastrosurgeons perform similar endoscopic procedures. Even radiologists have entered into interventional radiological surgeries.
Dr or Mr
Surgeons from UK prefer to call address themselves as “Mr” rather as “Dr”. Historically, the surgeons were barbers, not doctors. Yet the term “Mr” is retained as it seems to be higher in rank than the ordinary doctors in the medical profession. After struggling for years to be professionally qualified, they prefer to drop the title of Dr and return to Mr. In Malaysia, the title is even more inappropriate as it is confusing to the public. After all, do they want to be called “Encik” or “Sin Sung” in the local languages?
Car Plates
In the seventies, the car plates in Penang had two letters. The gynecologists were booking their cars with PV, the urologists would choose PU and the rectal surgeons PR. Then in Kelantan, doctors were waiting for the DR.
Sub-specialities
With the preponderance of sub-specialities, patients are finding it difficult and expensive to seek treatment. Instead of seeing the general practitioner who is competent to treat uncomplicated medical conditions or even see the general physician who should be able to treat most complicated conditions. Now, they have to see the cardiologist for the heart, the endocrinologist for their diabetes, the neurologist for the nerve condition, the rheumatologist for the body ache, the nephrologist for urine infection and even the chest physician if they complain of cough!
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