Didn’t realize that studying in Australia for the past 6 years has shaped me so much, the medical course that’s designed around building me up as a professional, communicating well to patients, compassion, and competence in my medical skills and knowledge. Much autonomy entrusted to me as an individual who’s mature enough to manage my student life, less structures and systems to ‘force’ me to comply in a certain way. The experience has been an empowering one, treated with much respect by senior colleagues as equals, encouraged along to press on in the course for they understand how difficult it can be. Perceived to be competent and when I do stuff up, they see it as a learning process. Job interviews were very much relaxed, much to do with our personalities, interests, and information about how they can serve us better.
BUT…
Today I had an interview with hospital reps from a certain S.E. Asian country, and the horrific fact struck, that the culture is quite different indeed in Asia. Felt that I was regarded as incompetent until proven otherwise! Examples of questions asked: "How many H1’s did you get? Where do you think you stand in comparison to your coursemates?" Errr.. honestly I don’t know, we don’t get compared that way… One of my friends who’s from another country got asked why she’s soooo keen to work in this other country.. was it because she has a boyfriend there??!!!!!!!!
Another friend who aspired to be a neurosurgeon got asked if he knew anything about the specialty, followed by "did you get any H1’s?" "No" was his answer, of which there were some raised eyebrows after, and then silence. They probably don’t realize that only 5% of students get H1 in the course, and probably think that the rest of the 95% aren’t allowed to dream big dreams.
Sounds like it’s gonna be competition and comparisons ahead. Back to the primary and high school days of trying to "get number 1 in class". Am rather sick of that system, or should intimidated be the word. Am just grateful that I know Someone who controls a BIGGER system, Someone who has brought out the best in me and will keep me grounded to be the person He has shaped me to be.
Otherwise gotta change name to Penny Kee Ah Soo already…
