Went out for shopping for groceries…And coffee beans. I did not realize that Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) was closed in Mid Valley Megamall (but open in other areas), so I then drove to another mall to get my beans (for my cold brew coffee that I drink when on call). During that particular drive, I had to go through a police blockade, where the police officer was trying to tell me that coffee is not important for a doctor. I politely persuaded him that it is important enough, and he let me through after a short discussion.
There’s too much jokes made about how coffee is important for us doctors, and anesthetists in particular:
But seriously though:
When on call, we potentially do not sleep a single second, until the next morning. If you’re lucky you go back (like me); if not you work till again the end of the next working day. If you’re stuck in an operating theater that ends late? Luckily my day post call does not end beyond noon.
Even when sleepy the mind must stay sharp to make quick and correct decisions and remain skillful performing procedures that may potentially kill patients. When was the last time you felt guilty that a patient died probably because you weren’t sharp enough? You’re luckly to not be a dogtor.
Doctors in the past may do up to 14 calls a month! Doctors nowadays may do up to 8 calls a month. And you work the next day if you’re not an anesthetist. Imagine on call - post call - work - on call. Do you realize the stress and fatigue? Coffee keeps us going.
Just like how the police are important in maintaining peace and other duties, we doctors are important too, and our jobs are tiring too. Don’t underestimate our need for legal stimulants. And I’m making my own coffee, not buying sugar-infused cans/comparatively more expensive freshly brewed cups (1 cup is not enough). I’m not angry at the officer; everybody underestimates the fatigue our profession causes.
Anyways, enjoy some pics showing the scene during this second week of restricted movement. My mind goes out to every one impacted. I may have to directly deal with COVID-19 in the future (not yet), and will remain completely single for the foreseeable future. And restricted from meaningful training.
Keep your distance everyone
Empty shops everywhere
Wanted to buy coffee beans to make my coffee…Oops
Hand sanitizers everywhere
Lining up to enter a supermarket, with the aim of maintaining distance by limiting the number of people inside
1 line for entering and exiting. Like (in theory) for donning and doffing
Temperature checks and hand hygiene when coming in
Out you go that way
Distancing markers when queueing
Initially there was a “must wear mask rule” but luckily it it not enforced (because it is not scientifically sensible)
Cancellation of promotions
Still open (my favorite cream puffs)
Of course, for take-away only
The management has done a good job telling what’s available and what’s not
