10 questions with Gabriel

(Gabriel is in pink, standing at the extreme left of the photo)

1.     Why did you choose your course?

The medical career attracted me because of my interest in science, passion to help the needy, and being able to constantly move around and communicate to people. I specifically chose dietetics because of my love for food. It brings people of different backgrounds together, and an expression of joy. But many people today have taken the extreme by over consuming food such that obesity and other food related illnesses are proliferating into a societal problem. Through this course, I hope to be equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to educate the public with a right attitude towards healthy habits.

2.     What do you love about your state/Australia/UK?

Adelaide may not have much nightlife to offer, or the best activities in the city; but it offers one of the best natural get-away.

3.     What are the top 5 items you would bring from Singapore to Australia/UK every semester?

I would bring the different local food premixes, dried Chinese herbs and local snacks. Asian groceries can get expensive in Adelaide, as they are not widely sold. Some familiar brands are not available here too.

I would have my mother’s “secret” recipes kept close to me, especially when I’ve to live independently. These recipes are handy for potluck session with friends, or even introducing my culture to the Aussies.

I would bring my bolster because Australia doesn’t sell any.

I would bring my music books. Playing the piano is my way of relaxing, enjoying and “escaping” the world. 

Lastly, I would bring my hard disk of movies and TV shows. During free times, it is good to seat back and catch some programs to loosen up.

4.     Which Singaporean food do you miss the most?

Home-cooked soup! Being brought up in a Cantonese family, I have piping-hot soup during most meals. My mother would use the traditional charcoal stove to boil Chinese soups (and even desserts, stewed food, clay pot rice) for hours. After the hard work and long wait, I get to enjoy a heartwarming bowl of rich soup.

5.     What is the first thing you would do upon returning back to Singapore from Australia/ UK?

Go on a bicycle food trail with friends is a good way to move around Singapore to capture the different sights and sounds. And while we get to eat, exercise is necessary too. Most importantly, eating in a group is much more enjoyable and fun, and wider variety of food to choose from.

6.     Which aspect of your course do you like the most?

Getting to tweak recipes. My healthy living is having a balance lifestyle. A person doesn’t need to forgo completely something, but can substitute with a better alternative, like swapping wholemeal for ‘white’ processed food. Modifying recipes allows me to create food that is fun, tasty and still healthy.

7.     What were the top 3 challenges you face when you first arrived in Australia/UK?

Adelaide’s weather is drastic. Back in Singapore, where there’s only sun and rain, Adelaide can get really cold and windy on one day, but hot and dry on the next.

The Australian culture tends to be more open and expressive as compared to the Asia’s. Certain colloquial or topics of discussion used here are unfamiliar to me. 

University life is much different from past school experiences, especially the fact that I’ve more independence. It requires more self-discipline to revise and prepare before lessons.

8.     If a friend visits you in Australia/UK , where would you bring him/her to?

Handorf is a beautiful, old German town that offers a picturesque view of traditional houses, accompanied with good, authentic German food, wine and cheese. The road comes to a sweet ending at a famous jam-making factory, where people can do some strawberry picking.

9.     What is one common misconception about your course?

We are all very healthy “freaks”. People tend to perceive dietitians as constantly counting calories, promoting steamed vegetables and good proteins, and advocating only for no sugar and low fat. Yes, we advice and practice right eating habits mostly; however, dietitians are humans. While we sometimes do give in to cravings, it is essential to achieve a balance. What I will like to share with patients in the future is to eat the appropriate food, in the appropriate amount, at the appropriate time.

10. What is the most unique food you have tried in Australia/UK?

Kangaroo, emu and crocodile meats.

Written by:
Gabriel Wong Jun Yung

Flinders University
Nutrition and Dietetics Year 1 (SA)

Tracking tumours

ST Recruit (9 Mar, R26) carried a profile story on Mr Lim Fang Keang, Principal Radiographer, Department of Oncologic Imaging, NCCS, featuring his job as a radiographer. Mr Lim, who has been a radiographer for 20 years, shared that he is like a “detective” who must understand patients’ conditions and plan how to go about tracking tumors. He explained what his job entails and how good radiographers need to be meticulous and mindful of patients’ safety. The article noted that Mr Lim’s work also involves training and research, where he trains younger colleagues and radiology students, and is involved in radiology research that could provide new treatment options for patients in the future.

Swimming for Marie Curie Cancer Care

(Joelle on the left, Gladys on the right)

From now till June 2013, Gladys and Joelle, along with thousands across the UK, are raising funds for the Marie Curie Cancer Care by taking part in the world’s largest fundraising swim.

The annual swim is organised by the Swimathon Foundation and this year, all proceeds will go towards Marie Curie Cancer Cure to give people with terminal illnesses the choice to die at home. Marie Curie nurses provide them and their families with free hands-on care and emotional support, in their own homes, right until the end. Every £20 raised provides one hour of Marie Curie Nursing care in a patient’s home.

Both girls are avid swimmers. Over the summer holidays when they returned to Singapore (where the wonderful sun was so dearly missed), swimming everyday was a norm for them and they would feel uneasy when they skip it. For these two speech therapists in the making, swimming became their essential daily therapy.

Swimming is an awesome way to keep fit. A gentle swim can burn over 200 kcal in half an hour and a fast front crawl can burn as many calories as an 8mph run. Varying different strokes work practically all of the muscles in the body. Swimming helps develop a swimmer's general strength, cardiovascular fitness and endurance. Plus, the girls enjoy doing it, so there’s nothing to complain about!

Since both girls enjoy swimming so much, why not swim for charity? They’ve each taken on an individual distance challenge. Joelle will be completing 1.5km while Gladys will be completing 2.5km within 1.5hrs. Both girls aim to raise £100 each for charity and are hoping to get as much support as possible.

Please support Marie Curie by donating at their personal fundraising pages below. Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Your effort will go a long way in helping those in need.

Joelle: http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=433704&langPref=en-CA

Gladys: http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=433723

Written by:

Gladys Tan & Joelle Mok

University College London

Speech Sciences Year 2

Why Speech Pathology?

(Katelyn)

The very question I always had in my mind during my college days was “what/ where will I be 5 years down the road?” It wasn’t a simple question at that point in life.  But after my A levels, I didn’t have much struggle choosing which path to take because I knew I have always wanted to be in the healthcare sector. I want to be part of the team that touches lives, reaches out and makes a positive difference in someone’s life while they cope with their disabilities and navigate their way to recovery.

“I want to be a speech pathologist!” was what I told people.
Normally, people will go “Oh, help me with my public speaking… And my presentation skills…”

A common misconception on Speech Therapists is that we are elocutionists or public speaking experts, basically bringing normal speech to a higher level. But nope, we don’t run public speaking training programmes; we enable our clients to have a right of say in their lives. Speech Therapists see a wide range of clients from infants to elderly with communication and language disorders as well as upper anatomy disorders such as eating, drinking and swallowing problems. Celebrating a joyous occasion over food, laughing and talking seem like daily ABCs to us. But many people are actually hindered by their circumstances to express, to voice and to interact with people. Every individual has a maximum and optimum functioning level. So as an aspiring Speech Therapist, I would like to help build the bridge to achieve this- to let their needs, wants, emotions and aspirations be heard. It will truly be a joy not only to see them be able to speak or communicate, but also to see them establish real human relationships, do what they enjoy and attain the quality of life that was taken away from them.

Travelling 4000 miles away from home to study is never an easy feat. Although fears and uncertainties plagued my initial journey, the beauty of Brisbane city and the warmth of the locals soon resolved them. Brisbane is a laid-back but upbeat city, with plenty of promenading, outdoor entertainment and vast beaches like the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast. I usually spend my free time gathering and relaxing with my new friends and at times, exploring the vibes of Brisbane city. Every day is a fresh adventure as everything is entirely new to me here. While studying the expertise for my profession in future, I’m learning about life too- independence, resilience, courage, diligence, positivity and strength. I feel utmost blessed and thankful to be able to study in such a prestigious university and living in such a lovely city. Studying aboard is filled with a lot of thoughts of missing home as well as ups and downs, but counting my blessings rather than worries, I’m sure it will be a life changing and fulfilling 4 years ahead.

So back to the question- what do I see myself as 5 years down the road? Honestly, as naïve as it may seem, no earning of big bucks, no high ranking positions or calling the shots in the office… I see myself in a job that I love. I will be caring, serving and leading the people around me in all the small ways I can. I will make a difference- a difference to the people around me. I will do small things with great love, with abundance of kindness, smiles and hope.
Yeo Shu Qi Katelyn,Written by:University of Queensland,Speech Pathology Year 1 (QLD)

Run, Swim, Cycle for a good cause.

(Jansen is the one with a headphone)

An epic challenge faces the Bath University Triathlon Team as they prepare to complete 18 iron-distance triathlons in 18 hours. The team’s bid will take place on Wednesday March 13th on the University campus in the 50m swimming pool, around the roads of the University and on turbo trainers outside the University library.

The 40-strong triathlon team have each set themselves personal challenges all surpassing distances they’ve previously swum, biked and run. Some are taking on an Olympic distance triathlon for the first time whilst others will try to complete a half iron. A few brave souls set their sights even higher with full iron-distance attempts! Each of the athletes will have to push hard to achieve their goals and ensure the successful completion of the team's challenge.

The team is aiming to raise £3000 for the Zoe Sarojini Education Trust (www.zoetrust.org), which gives young children living in poverty in South Africa the chance for a brighter future through education. It supports individual children and parent-less, child-headed families in Cape Town and the village of Ingwauvma. The fund also helps to support the Ekukhanyeni Orphanage, home to a number of the trusts children and Khethani Christian School.

In 2012 the fund was able to pay for the uniform and stationery for all its kids, a laptop which has given a young boy with cerebral palsy the chance to complete his exams, sports equipment, warm light havens for revision, extra maths tuition, a photocopier for the teaching staff, a Christmas meal, presents for the Ekukhanyeni kids and other benefits.

Please help to change children's lives by sponsoring the Bath University team at www.charitygiving.co.uk/bathunitriteam

Personally, I'll be swimming 4km, cycling 100km and running 15km on 13th March, all on campus. Any support would be deeply appreciated!

Jansen Her
University of Bath
Pharmacy Year 2

Candid thoughts, reflections, and reality checks

(Matthew is in black, standing on the extreme left of the photo)

How I came to choose Physiotherapy

That time of the year came when  A-level results are released. Questions started arising: What now? What do I really want to study? Overseas or Local?

With these questions in mind, I used the time while I was in National Service to narrow down the courses I was interested in, tried to teleport myself 10 years into the future, and this is how it went: 

Desk Job? Nah.

A desk job was simply a no-no. I knew I had an interest in the life sciences and the human anatomy. Research? Yes, but the thought of spending years on end cultivating bacteria and waiting for results was quite a huge turn-off – it just wasn’t my cup of tea.

I remember attending the Xperience Pharmacy camp organized by NUS Department of Pharmacy. During my Junior College years then, I shadowed the current Associate Consultant Clinical Pharmacist at Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, Mdm Doreen Tan, who gave me an eye opener to clinical work. The hustle and bustle of going around the wards, being kept on your feet for the greater part of the day, meeting different people and going to work knowing there is nothing routine about your day were all major pulling factors towards working in a clinical setting. 

So which discipline?

However the question was now: which discipline? I was introduced to the other lesser-known-yet-indispensable Allied Health professions (AHP) by Doreen who helped expand my limited knowledge on the patient care system from “in” to “out” patient care. More importantly, she debunked my stereotype of doctors and nurses being the only ones important in patient care and management. My largest takeaway from the shadowing stint:  a doctor’s role in patient care is not as large as most may think. Doctors play a pivotal role in healthcare, yet many other AHP work seamlessly alongside doctors as cogs in that giant machine.   

Hard Truth #1: Physiotherapy was not my first choice.

Medicine was. Well, at the time of university application, I didn’t know whether I really wanted to be a doctor. Medicine popped into mind together with wanting to work in the healthcare industry. Not much about the other health professions I knew, except that Singapore did not offer local degree courses for AHP.

So I did apply for Medicine… and was rejected.

Thus, you can say Physiotherapy was my “Plan B” for Medicine. But after a year in the Physiotherapy course, after speaking with some of my Medicine friends and hearing their doubts about entering the course, I can say I am glad I chose Physiotherapy. If however, you truly think Medicine is for you, go ahead and apply for the course! But if you are feeling something for one of the many AHP out there, then do continue reading! Of course, you are welcome to read even if your heart is already set on medicine! I will be in seventh heaven if I can change your mind! 

Pharmacy? Podiatry? Speech Therapy? Decide!

So I went to further explore the other AHP. The clinical environment was too exciting for me to give it up. Much as I had an interest in Clinical Pharmacy after the Camp, the thought of marrying Chemistry for the next four years after my harrowing relationship with JC  Chemistry was a bit daunting (For all Org Chem Lovers: even if you do not excel in it, Pharmacy is for you!).  My forte and interest were in practical, hands-on interaction and thus I narrowed it down to the physical therapy disciplines. 

Ultimately, Physiotherapy.

Each discipline has its attractions. Physiotherapy’s main draw for me is its amalgam of the physical therapy disciplines! I like to be a Jack of all trades and, perhaps in time to come, a master in more than one.

Other factors include extensive hands-on experience, the joy of studying the whole human anatomy (Yes, head to toe). While protocols are taught as fundamentals, a physiotherapist is encouraged to design treatment plans creatively – definitely my kind of challenge. Fuse the room for innovation with the busy and hectic hospital setting and you get why I was drawn towards Physiotherapy.

Thus, Physiotherapy came up tops after much deliberation! It is always easy to say in retrospect, but for many of you called to make a choice about your future for the first time, you may have many doubts and big questions like, “What if I only like it now?”

My suggestion? Go for attachments to observe if the environment truly suits you. If you are keen on working in a hospital but you’re unsure which profession suits, shadow professionals in both Medicine and Allied Health.  Invest some time to do some research, engage in conversations and attachments, and you will be more informed to make a wise decision. Yes, it is the holidays – and while the hospital may be the last place on your mind, you might be surprised at what you may find at the end of the journey!
 
Written by:
Matthew Neo
University of Sydney,
Physiotherapy Year 2 (NSW)

Welcome!

Dear Members of SAHPS,

First and foremost, a very warm welcome to the society! WASSAHPS (as in What's AHP and also What's Up) is a space where members from both the UK and Australia can share some stories and tips about life as a student in the field of health sciences or as an Allied Health Professional (AHP). It may be an unforgettable trip, a simple yet yummy recipe or anything under the sun!

We hope that through these sharing, everyone will have a better idea of the journey towards being an AHP and also how it is like living in the other hemisphere! (Makes good resource for planning your grad trip/holiday as well ;))

If you would like to share your story, feel free to contact us at any of the email addresses below:

SAHPS.UK@gmail.com
SAHPS.AU@gmail.com

Happy writing!

Cheers,
SAHPS