MY MOTHER worked as an IT professional in a hospital for 14 years, and she emphasised how challenging the work of doctors and nurses is.
Twelve hours, six days a week, topped with the mental strain of having to deal with demanding conditions - emergencies, unreasonable and often unappreciative patients, as well as their families, and more.
My mother would meet doctors who made do with chicken pie as their lunch as they rushed to complete the 101 things on their to-do list, which included seeing patients and grooming junior doctors, along with professional enrichment through lectures.
Nonetheless, they did their best, with dedication.
I, myself, have had positive experiences with healthcare professionals - with attentive nurses seeing to my every need and doctors who were patient, gentle and conscientious, despite their long, tiring hours.
My arthritis doctor still gives me a full-body check-up every time I go for my appointments, while making small talk about my life.
I can genuinely feel her concern for me, something I do not think I can ever thank her enough for.
During the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) crisis here, doctors and nurses put their lives and safety on the line to help Singapore fight the disease.
Out of fear of passing the virus to their loved ones, some doctors did not even dare go home.
Why do they still do it, given the long working hours, the challenging situations and the rude patients?
My doctor would reply that it is not the money, but the passion and sense of satisfaction they get when a life is saved.
I salute healthcare workers, who deserve more gratitude than they are receiving. I am, indeed, grateful for all the work our healthcare workers do.
Rachel Tey (Miss)
Twelve hours, six days a week, topped with the mental strain of having to deal with demanding conditions - emergencies, unreasonable and often unappreciative patients, as well as their families, and more.
My mother would meet doctors who made do with chicken pie as their lunch as they rushed to complete the 101 things on their to-do list, which included seeing patients and grooming junior doctors, along with professional enrichment through lectures.
Nonetheless, they did their best, with dedication.
I, myself, have had positive experiences with healthcare professionals - with attentive nurses seeing to my every need and doctors who were patient, gentle and conscientious, despite their long, tiring hours.
My arthritis doctor still gives me a full-body check-up every time I go for my appointments, while making small talk about my life.
I can genuinely feel her concern for me, something I do not think I can ever thank her enough for.
During the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) crisis here, doctors and nurses put their lives and safety on the line to help Singapore fight the disease.
Out of fear of passing the virus to their loved ones, some doctors did not even dare go home.
Why do they still do it, given the long working hours, the challenging situations and the rude patients?
My doctor would reply that it is not the money, but the passion and sense of satisfaction they get when a life is saved.
I salute healthcare workers, who deserve more gratitude than they are receiving. I am, indeed, grateful for all the work our healthcare workers do.
Rachel Tey (Miss)
