Der Mensch lebt nicht für sich allein…

Wie beeinflussen wichtige Lebensereignisse oder der Lauf der Zeit deine Sicht auf das Leben? … und das ist auch gut so. Damit könnte es für die heutige Kolumne #sozusagen schon sein Bewenden haben. Aber so billig kommen wir dann doch nicht davon. Es geht genaugenommen um zweierlei verschiedene Ausgangslagen - und um eine daraus abgeleitete Folge. Die eine Lage beschreibt wichtige Lebensereignisse, die andere pauschal den Lauf der Zeit. Photo by Cristian Dina on Pexels.com Wichtige […]

https://anwaltsblog.wordpress.com/2026/02/04/der-mensch-lebt-nicht-fuer-sich-allein/

Moderation Is Overrated

What habit do you defend even though you know it’s indefensible? Here’s the thing everyone loves to clutch pearls about: my caffeine habit. I drink enough caffeine to legally qualify as a minor electrical grid. Energy drinks. All day. Every day. People tell me I shouldn’t like they’re breaking news that stimulants aren’t on the wellness bingo card. Thanks, Doc Instagram. I know it’s indefensible. I just don’t care. Caffeine is the duct tape holding my brain together. It’s […]

https://ericfoltin.com/2026/02/04/moderation-is-overrated/

Your Perspective Isn’t Broken, It’s Weathered

Daily writing promptHow do significant life events or the passage of time influence your perspective on life?View all responses Time doesn’t change you. It peels back the cheap paint until you’re staring at raw plywood wondering when the hell you thought that glossy crap was ever gonna hold up. You think divorce is some melodramatic chapter in a Lifetime movie? Nah. Divorce is the universe yanking the card table out from under everything you believed about forever. It rearranges your […]

https://ericfoltin.com/2026/02/04/your-perspective-isnt-broken-its-weathered/

My New Year’s Eve – 2025

Related Posts:

31st December 2025. I was NOT oncall.

It was a Wednesday and it was a normal working day. Hence, at 7:45am, I left to work as usual and was there by 8am. It was the New Year’s Eve. I thought that maybe, just maybe, there would be less patients in the clinic.

The day started off smoothly. Surprisingly, there were many patients who came for their follow up followed by additional patients (the defaulters and walk-ins) but it was manageable. We went about our day, seeing each patient and when lunch time came, we went for our lunch break.

At 2pm, we went about our work, seeing patients as usual and I was taking my time with each patient. The patient load in the afternoon shift was lower compared to the morning shift and both my colleagues were done with their patient load.

Suddenly, a staff nurse barged into my room saying that there is a massive accident that just occurred nearby, 2 patients were already brought in and 2 more were on their way. They called in all available doctors (which were only the three of us) to help out.

I told my colleagues to head out and help out first while I rushed through the consultation of my final patient. After that, I rushed to the tiny Emergency Room of the clinic. My colleague who was oncall on that day was already attending to a child. I went over to the other patient, an old lady and did my primary survey and fast scan.

She was desaturating badly under room air and needed oxygen support. She had an open skull fracture, multiple abrasion and laceration wounds over her face, upper and lower limbs as well as rib fractures and on top of that, her left leg appears shortened and she has a closed fracture over her right lower limb.

I didn’t think that we should proceed with an x-ray at our clinic even if we had the facility at that time, the best would be to send them straight away to the hospital because she could deteriorate further any time. Thankfully, her GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) was full.

I was focused on my patient, stabilising while referring her to the specialists of various specialities as well as the emergency physician that when I finally got ready to transfer her out that I noticed the child that my other colleague was attending to. The child’s right arm was crushed and the distal limb of his right arm was pale and his right lung was obvious till mid-chest.

Just how in the world is he still awake? The poor child was crying out in pain…

Judging by the state of his and my patient’s injuries, it was definitely high impact.

The story was, the whole family were travelling back from Miri to Kuching. Both the parents were sitting in front and the father was driving whilst the two children and their grandmother were sitting at the back.

The father claimed that he was not speeding but as he was about to make a u-turn at a junction, he claimed to have hit the curb and the car turned many times into the other lane before finally stopping and the grandmother and one of the child were thrown out of the car.

It sounded like a very high impact collision. Thankfully, the parents and the other child were well and unscathed.

We had to transfer both patients in two separate ambulances to the Red Zone of the Emergency Department at Hospital Bintulu as one ambulance could only transport one patient at a time.

Upon arriving, I met my colleague and friend at the Red Zone of the hospital. After we have handed over to the medical officers and specialist in the Emergency Department, we headed back together. However, upon reaching back, there was another patient who came in who was extremely tachypnoiec.

Oh, here we go again… Another Red Zone referral…

We stabilised the patient and referred her to hospital again. The clock was already showing 10pm when we left. The journey to the hospital takes about 45 minutes to an hour for each journey and the both of us have yet to have our dinner. This time, I choose to accompany her for the referral, mainly for emotional support and also in hopes of stopping by McDonald’s to get a takeout.

Yes, we did stop by McDonalds after sending the patient safely to the hospital and yes, we used the ambulance and went through drive-through.

By the time we left, it was already 11pm. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour and it was raining heavily. At this point, I was wondering if we would end up celebrating New Year’s in the ambulance.

Me and my friend ate in the ambulance on the way back while we joked and exchange oncall stories. Thankfully, we reached a little before midnight. The day was completely unexpected, not to mention tiring but it was nice to have spent it with a friend.

It’s still the beginning of 2026, so if I’m not too late, Happy New Year!

If you are travelling anytime soon or in the future, do drive safely, stay within speed limits especially if it is raining. Remember to get your car and tyres checked before any long distance journey and NEVER drive under the influence.

Stay safe always!

Related Posts:

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #bintulu #Blog #blogging #clinic #collision #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1829 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1844 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1943 #dailyprompt1948 #dailyprompt1951 #dailyprompt1953 #doctor #doctorSLife #emergency #emergencyDepartment #generalPractitioner #healthcare #housemanship #Malaysia #medical #medicalOfficer #Medicine #newYearSEve #oncall #sarawak #writing

12 Hours Shift – Counting Down My Hours Each Time At Work

Related Posts:

How do you waste the most time every day?

At the time of writing this article, which was back in June 2025, I was going through my 6th Rotation of my Housemanship which is in the Department of Emergency and Trauma. As a House Officer in the Emergency Department, we go by the 12-hours shift.

This meant, our shift is from:

  • AM Shift: 7am till 7pm
  • PM Shift: 10am till 10pm
  • Night Shift: 10pm till 10am

In this department, they are strict in regards to adhering to a minimum of 60 hours per week in total. Thus, in a week, our schedule is as follows;

  • A total of at least 4 daytime shifts (AM or PM Shifts)
  • One night shift
  • One off day

That is provided one has off-tagged of course.

Perhaps, it is the “last paper syndrome” that I was experiencing being in the 6th and final rotation, I would be counting down my hours each day at work. Thus, upon arrival at work, I would start my “12-hours countdown on my phone.

On slow days, I made it a point to go to toilet every hour, technically my so-called “hourly break” whereas on busy days, the toilet break is the only time I could take a break. This is followed by ensuring I have at least one meal per day during my shift.

Otherwise, the schedule in the emergency department is relatively better as compared to my previous rotations. Nevertheless, the tiredness is still there.

Related Posts:

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1822 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1853 #dailyprompt1854 #dailyprompt1856 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1863 #dailyprompt1865 #dailyprompt1892 #dailyprompt1942 #dailyprompt1950 #dailyprompt1951 #dailyprompt1977 #doctor #doctorSLife #emergency #emergencyAndTrauma #emergencyDepartment #emergencyMedicine #healthcare #hospitalUmumSarawak #houseOfficer #housemanship #kuching #Malaysia #medical #Medicine #sarawak #sarawakGeneralHospital #shift #writing

Lazy Days As A Medical Officer

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

Do lazy days make you feel rested or unproductive?

While I’m at work, I’d be looking forward to returning home or towards my off day. In contrary, while I’m at home or on my off day, I’d be thinking about returning to work.

Do you feel the same way?

Previously, as a House Officer, I’m used to the “one off day per week”. Whereas, as a Medical Officer, weekends and public holidays are granted off days, except if you’re well… oncall and that depends on your current department as well as some departments require you to put in a half day shift during weekends or public holidays.

I’d say for me, considering I live alone and I don’t even own a car here in Sarawak, I’m pretty much lazy and unproductive to the point I get restless sometimes.

That’s counter productive as rest days are meant to make you feel… rested, right?

Thus, on my off days, since I’m an early riser, I try not to disturb my circadian rhythm by getting up at the same time as usual every morning, partly because I forgot to off the alarm or somehow, my body clock just wakes me up every time.

To feel so-called “productive”, I’d do some studying with my morning coffee till I well, lose my focus, then I start wondering about lunch and start cooking, handwash my clothes because I’m too lazy to walk downstairs with a bag of clothes and finally doze off for my afternoon nap.

I’d then wake up in the evening to have dinner and pack my essentials and bag for work the following day before finally, retiring to bed early.

I really need to be more productive during my off days.

Even me writing this just sounds too depressing.

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1823 #dailyprompt1829 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1943 #dailyprompt1945 #dailyprompt1946 #dailyprompt1947 #dailyprompt1948 #dailyprompt1949 #dailyprompt1950 #dailyprompt1952 #dailyprompt1954 #dailyprompt1956 #dailyprompt1959 #doctor #doctorSLife #hospital #hospitalUmumSarawak #housemanship #kuching #lazy #lazyDays #medical #medicalOfficer #Medicine #plasticAndReconstructiveSurgery #plasticSurgery #plastics #sarawak #sarawakGeneralHospital #surgical #writing

My FIRST SOLO Oncall Shift As A Floating Medical Officer

Related Posts:

My first solo oncall shift was on the 17th of August 2025 a few days after I have completed my tagging period.

I had a passive oncall on standby just in case things got out of hand, which is a good thing. However, I was adamant to try to survive on my own as if I only had myself and the specialist. Thankfully as well, it was on a weekday which meant I was able to reach out and ask for help if needed and the others would be able to assist if needed or advice me.

As usual, morning rounds, followed by peri rounds. The role as an oncall medical officer of the day is to update the progress of the patients in the specialist’s WhatsApp group as well as to upload any latest wound pictures, if any.

The day was rather busy with rounds and in between I would receive calls from Klinik Kesihatan (Community Clinics), usually requesting a clinic date. Thankfully, no referrals yet.

After rounds, I headed back to the ward to complete any pending joblists before heading into the operating theatre (OT) for a patient that was awaiting her call to OT.

During that operation, there was a referral from the Emergency and Trauma (ETD) Department, referring a case of laceration wound over the forehead for a 3 year old boy.

The medical officer at the ETD was kind enough to assist in taking the bloods as well as admitting the patient. My colleague on the other hand came to check in on me after her day in the clinic and attended to this kid.

After the first operation, the following case was called which was the 3-year-old kid. I have always enjoyed being in the operating theatre, or any hands on procedures.

Despite knowing that I should be conserving energy, instead, I proceeded to carry on and after the second op, I entered an ongoing flap operation next door to assist.

Another referral came for a laceration wound over the forehead for an Orthopaedic patient who was post-operative and transferred to ICU. Apparently, it was missed when the patient arrived at the Emergency Department as he suffered multiple opened fracture and was posted for operation immediately. Thankfully, he was intubated and sedated and I was able to perform a bedside toilet and suturing for him.

By the time I was done, it was midnight. I went back to the oncall room to shower and change for the night. I would usually change into scrubs again if I were to be oncall, just to be on standby in case I was needed immediately.

I did not sleep that night, it just felt wrong as the flap operation was still ongoing since 8am.

I went in again to check in on them, however, I was not needed at that time. Thus, I kept a fellow colleague company.

At 2am, I returned back to ward to complete the planned discharge of a patient and started my morning review. Thankfully, I did. In between, I was referred a new case of another kid who suffered another laceration wound at his right eyebrow. Thus, counselled the parents, obtained consent and admitted the patient.

After that, I was requested to collect bloods or bags packed cell for the patient who was still ongoing operation. When the commotion was done, I returned to continue my early morning reviews.

By 4am, I went back inside the operating theatre to check in on the ongoing operation. Technically, still far from done. Scrubbed in to assist with harvesting the skin for split thickness skin graft and refashioning of the affected limb.

At 8am, we were finally done. The operation officially lasted for 24 hours. All of us scrubbed out and I changed out of my attire to return to ward and follow rounds.

During peri rounds, a patient was called to OT and I entered organ as I dislike peri rounds. After the OT, all of us were just beyond tired and I went home for the day.

No doubt, it was my first “solo oncall”, it did not feel lonely at all as since there was an ongoing operation, physically, I felt comforted knowing that there were people nearby and felt more like a slumber party instead.

And the most important part… I survived it!

Related Posts:

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1804 #dailyprompt1813 #dailyprompt1819 #dailyprompt1826 #dailyprompt1828 #dailyprompt1829 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1945 #dailyprompt1949 #dailyprompt1950 #dailyprompt1953 #dailyprompt1955 #dailyprompt1956 #doctor #floatingMedicalOfficer #healthcare #hospitalUmumSarawak #housemanship #kuching #Malaysia #medical #Medicine #oncall #plasticSurgery #plastics #sarawak #sarawakGeneralHospital #surgery #writing

His eyes are like windows that reveal love and compassion.

What book are you reading right now?

In the  ache corners of our hearts, we often find ourselves grappling with profound questions—questions about love, purpose, and the mysterious ways of the divine. I  look to figures like Joseph and David, whose lives were marked by pain and sacrifice, yet ultimately transformed into powerful stories of redemption and intercession. They endured hardships not for their own glory, but to raise the bar for their people, to break the chains of iniquity that bound their bloodlines.

Their stories remind me that sometimes, pain is the crucible through which our greatest potential is revealed.

As we navigate the complexities of human relationships, we discover that love, in its purest form, is indeed one of the most potent emotions. It can uplift, heal, and inspire, but it can also lead us into the depths of confusion and heartache. I’ve experienced this firsthand—wondering if a certain person is meant to be in my life, praying fervently for clarity, only to feel silence in return. In those moments of uncertainty, I have learned that our relationship with God is not just transactional; it’s deeply relational.

God desires an intimate conversation with us—a back-and-forth exchange between father and daughter, a sacred dialogue. I’ve come to understand that God embodies both masculine and feminine attributes, nurturing our spirits with an all-encompassing love. This love is the cornerstone of His deliverance; consider how He used Moses to free the Israelites and how He gives us hope through His Son. It is not through righteousness alone that we are saved but through the immeasurable grace that flows from His heart.

Some may argue that the Old Testament reflects a vengeful God, but the truth is layered deeper. Humanity has lost its way, ensnared by sin and its consequences, yet God, in His infinite wisdom, offers second chances. Remember the negotiations Abraham made with God, or how Moses interceded for the Israelites? These stories reveal a God who listens, who understands our plight, and who loves us fiercely even in our brokenness.However, love is not always straightforward.

Have you ever found yourself deeply in love with someone who seems oblivious to your feelings? You pray for a sign, for clarity, yet sometimes the answer is silence. It’s a painful paradox—wanting someone so intensely while the potential for that love to bloom seems bleak. In my struggle, I’ve attempted to convince myself that moving on with another person would dull the sharp edges of my heartache. Yet, that path often leads to further confusion, because my spirit remains tethered to the love that feels unfulfilled.

It’s natural to wish for a love that aligns with our desires, to yearn for companionship that feels meant to be. Yet, in the quiet spaces of our hearts, we must ask ourselves—who controls time? In my journey, I’ve learned that while I may wish to rush God’s timing, His plans are unfailingly aligned with our greater good.When God asks us to love those who struggle, who seem hopeless, it can feel daunting. Yet, that love is not merely about sacrifice; it’s a divine calling. If you find yourself in a relationship with someone who is lost or battling demons of addiction, remember that your love can illuminate their path.

It’s not about fixing them; it’s about nurturing them with compassion, understanding, and grace. You are not only sharing your love but also sharing God’s glory through your actions.As we reflect on these emotions and experiences, let us embrace our role as intercessors. Our lives are testimonies of God’s mercy and love. When we humbly submit our desires to Him, allowing space for His will to unfold, we find freedom—freedom in knowing that God understands our hearts and knows our future.

So let us practice the art of waiting, of loving sincerely, whether that love is returned or not. In this journey, we may very well discover that the love we share is not lost; it becomes the vessel through which God works miracles—not just in our lives but in the lives of others.

#2024 #altarforworship #authentic #battleofthechosen #bestgiftgod #bible #bibleStudy #bloganuary #bloganuary202430 #christianity #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1814 #dailyprompt1827 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1837 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1844 #dailyprompt2123

Money might not be able to buy me love, but it sure helps keep the lights on!

Name the most expensive personal item you’ve ever purchased (not your home or car).

What I buy often isn’t available in stores, which brings to mind that song, “My Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” I’ve experienced pain that soaked my pillow with endless tears, leaving me feeling like I lost a part of my very soul. It’s tough when you realize that what we all desperately need is a true sense of identity—something you can’t just fake until you make it, no matter how much you might want to. Heartbreak, constant disappointment, and the harsh realities of life can really make you start questioning who you are. That’s why, whenever I see clips of people struggling or trying to improve themselves, I don’t rush to judge or play the role of Judge Judy. I understand their pain all too well, and I genuinely hope they find the help they need as soon as possible.

I used to be that woman who thought that an expensive bag or a lavish vacation would numb the pain and fill the void inside me. But loving yourself is just as important as sharing a part of yourself with someone else. If you can’t accept and love yourself, you won’t truly see or appreciate the efforts of others. I had to seek help; I faced my demons instead of running away and resorting to endless dating and fleeting moments of pleasure to feel better. It became exhausting. I remember crying so hard that I could feel the weight of my tears, those lukewarm tears filled with pain. Psychotherapy has been the most precious gift I’ve ever given myself. It’s helped me grow, appreciate love, and love someone special without any expectations—just to love him and feel good about being so deeply in love with this man who truly deserves it.

They say that the more you grow, the more your perspective shifts. I chose to find myself first, to heal old wounds, and to bury them. I wanted to find someone who could listen without judgment. In today’s world, it’s tough to find that kind of love. We keep searching, yet we set the bar so high that it feels impossible to reach. I’m learning to settle down for less. Prison of my own selfishness made me reevaluate whether the standards I set for myself are realistic, healthy, and smart, or if I’m still chasing after pain when love could be right next door.

#2024 #bloganuary202430 #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1824 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1835 #dailyprompt1836 #dailyprompt1837 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1846 #dailyprompt1847 #dailyprompt1848 #dailyprompt2117

Tagline: “Hourly Toilet Break”

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

If humans had taglines, what would yours be?

Those who have worked with me know that I have such thing called “The Hourly Toilet Break”.

Firstly, because I consume lots of fluids and secondly, that is how I ensure I do get the break once in a while on a busy day or maybe, the day is quite slow and I am just, bored.

Of course when the day is rather busy and hectic, time just flies and that I do not even realise the time passing by. By the time I actually do complete my task and take the opportunity to just rest for a while, 2-3 hours have gone by.

How Did The Hourly Toilet Break Started?

Photo by Hafidz Alifuddin on Pexels.com

I didn’t actually planned for such thing at work. Obviously.

At home, I do frequently go for my toilet breaks as I’m forever consuming green teas or black coffees or water. All of which contributes to the filling of my bladder, in addition to the fluids being diuretics.

It wasn’t until I started my tagging in my sixth rotation, the Emergency & Trauma Department that I reinforced this so-called “hourly toilet break”.

The tagging hours in the Emergency & Trauma Department is long, just as in other postings whereby we had to work from 7am til 10pm everyday with an off day each week for 10 days straight.

Thus, it helped me in ensuring that I either get to sit and recollect myself during hectic days or to make the hours pass during slow days.

Click here for more articles & daily dose.

YouTube | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Spotify

About Me | Privacy Policy | Contact Me

#article #Articles #Blog #blogging #dailyprompt #dailyprompt1822 #dailyprompt1829 #dailyprompt1833 #dailyprompt1834 #dailyprompt1838 #dailyprompt1839 #dailyprompt1841 #dailyprompt1843 #dailyprompt1858 #dailyprompt1863 #dailyprompt1881 #dailyprompt1941 #dailyprompt1949 #dailyprompt1950 #dailyprompt1952 #dailyprompt1957 #dailyprompt1964 #dailyprompt1968 #doctor #emergency #healthcare #hospitalUmumSarawak #housemanship #internship #kuching #medical #Medicine #sarawak #sarawakGeneralHospital #tagging #tagline #toiletBreak #writing