Pediatrician

I brought Ivan to see the Dr today as he's still having fever after 4 days. Pediatrician is one of the specialists who make big bucks besides the gynecologist. However, when comes to dedication and compassion in their work and patients, not many Drs service with a heart.

We brought the boys to many pediatricians before but mostly it's around our area or a little bit further up. I’m ranting my experiences with the Pediatricians in this post. Bear with me please. There were so many disappointing ones and the worst in the record is Dr Trouble in Puchong Jaya.

Dr Trouble (Puchong Jaya)

This is the worst in history. We were in an opened-door consultation room and on the Dr's right hand was the scanner and his left hand was the list of barcodes with different types of illnesses (imagine Giant hypermarkets' cashier).

First question from the Dr, "What's wrong with him?"

"He has fever since yesterday". *beeeeeeeeeeeeppppp* (the Dr scans the "Fever" barcode).

"Anything else? Flu?" (Hard selling)

"Eerr ... ya, runny nose" *beeeeeeeeeppppp* (scans on the "Flu" barcode)

"Sore throat?"

"We are not too sure. Could you check?"

Dr reluctantly checks Ivan's throat. "Ya, a bit red" *bbbeeeeeeeeeeepp* (scans on "Sorethroat")

"Cough?"

"Yes, especially at night." *beeeeeeeeeeppppp* (scans on "Cough")

"He seems to be wheezing badly. The nurse will help you with the nebulizer later. He also need to come in for the next 2 days. No need to wait. Just tell the nurse that you are here for the Nebulizer" *beeeeeeppppp* (scans on "Double charge" - Hhaha .. I made this up)

Oh dear ... Ivan was put on the Nebulizer for the first time and he cried apeshit. We continued with the same treatment for the next 2 days before we realised what a crap Dr he is. It was disturbing to see almost all children there were on Nebulizer. I have a feeling that this is Dr Trouble's standard procedure. All of them were queuing up to get a dose of their 'drugs'. That was Ivan's first, second and last time. I silently prayed that he couldn't last in Puchong. Unfortunately, it went unanswered. I have a feeling he's still around though, conning other innocent parents.

Dr Fullamak and Nurse Fuiyoh from Bandar Puteri.

Well, she was okay in my list until the AH1N1 virus episode.

AH1N1 at that time was quite a scare. Plenty of information on prevention but nothing much on treatment details. Naturally, we were worried sick. As a worried parent, I would want the Drs (or nurses are also fine) to provide feedback as promised. I’m relating to the test results.

Jef brought Ivan for throat swab and was told to expect call from the hospital the next day. We waited and waited.. no calls. So, I called instead.

Nurse Fuiyoh gave me false assurance that everything is fine, based on her assumption that if it’s positive, the hospital would already knew it by then. So, she assumed that it has to be negative. When asked whether we could speak to the Dr, she said Dr has gone home.

We were getting really anxious as the next day was Sunday and I dread to prolong the wait for another day. About half an hour later, Dr Fullamak called. She informed us that it’s positive and we should drop by the hospital to pick up the medications. She said, “Pick it up from the emergency ward”. I asked her about Jay. I would want to have him tested as well. She replied, “Sure. The MO (medical officer) in the emergency ward will assist.” “We live very nearby. Can you wait for us please? We will come immediately”. “It’s okay to look for MO. The Dr there will assist you.”

We were treated like just ‘another case’ and I can understand why. It's the hospital and they see plenty of these cases everyday. But, can’t they pretend to care for a second?

Dr Wonderful from Puchong Jaya

Like the name implies, this is the best Dr so far. Of course the Dr has some weaknesses too (c'mon, no one is perfect) and let’s bicker about her weaknesses first.

Weaknesses :

1. She’s late most of the time. Clinic starts at 6.30 but she’s only there at 6.50 pm ++. I hate to wait. Especially with a sick child. There was once, we are the first in queue and we still had to wait for almost an hour.

2. She answers phone calls during consultation.She's the first Dr I know who answers phone calls during consultation. I find it rather disrespectful, considering that she's a professional.

Strengths :

Plenty.

1. She never hurries the patient out despite the long queue outside. She listens to the parents and checks your child thoroughly.

2. She explains your child’s condition in layman term and if necessary, she tells you what to expect in the next few days time. She does this so that you will not be caught surprised.

3. She calls you after a consultation (sometimes), just to follow up on the condition of your child.

4. She picks up your call and answers queries on the phone. I learn to appreciate this alot later on (even though I find it rather disrespectful at first). You know, especially when you just want to clarify something really quick with her.

5. She doesn't mind working through lunch and spending more time to see one more patient. On Saturdays, she sees patients from morning till 4 pm ++, without lunch. That's real dedication, folks.

There ... let me know if you would like to have Dr Wonderful's contact. :)