Travels of a Sale alumnus
Time out: Dr Chu watches a footy match in the Northern Territory with some of the young locals.
Vichai Chu completed Year 4C in Sale in 2011 and is now working in the Northern Territory. Here he takes time out to reflect on his experiences studying with Monash and since graduating.
As I write this on my birthday, I reminisce about the time I was a medical student in Sale exactly three years ago. I remember that day very well because I observed and assisted with the birth of a baby boy. Unfortunately, I was unable to convince his mother to name him “Vichai” for my (and his) birthday. Surely this didn’t have anything to do with the fact that the family was Caucasian?
My time in Sale has prepared me well for what was to come. After graduation, I was matched to the hospital of my choice—Goulburn Valley Hospital—for my internship. There, I rotated in general practice and anaesthetics in addition to the core terms. I chose this hospital because of the hands-on experience. (I estimate that I intubated around 40 patients and scrubbed in for multiple PICC insertions and lumbar punctures.)
I am currently participating in the Northern Territory Prevocational General Practice Placements Program, where I fly three days per week to remote islands such as Melville Island and Goulburn Island to see Aboriginal patients. There, I face a different set of challenges such as late presentations, a lack of understanding about diseases, and non-compliance with treatments. Still, it is a very worthwhile undertaking as Aboriginal people are very welcoming and have a rich culture. It is inspiring to know that we as public health advocates are slowly making a difference in ‘Closing the Gap’. When I return to Victoria, I will continue my role as a resident in the anaesthetic, intensive care, and emergency departments.
I think practising outside metropolitan areas is an invaluable experience and I encourage all to embrace this unique and rewarding opportunity. Sale’s integrated program has positively shaped my bedside manner, consultation skills, and procedural skills. This could not have happened without the mentorship of the clinicians and administrative staff at East Gippsland Regional Clinical School.
Vichai Chu
Graduate Year 4C Sale 2011