Me and National hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL), Colombo

It's 31st August 2020 ; officially leaving NHSL, Colombo. I guess I stepped in to NHSL in 2011, first to meet my personal tutor in surgery department. Then since 2012, started Clinical training, if I am not mistaken. And whatever I learnt in Medicine (ie MBBS) was learnt based there; in associated hospitals as well. God knows the number of exams I had to write in NHSL, from modules, to finals to MD selection exam.

I recall the first patient I clerked in Lalantha sir's ward very well. A fascinating story of the value of NHSL. And so many such fascinating stories, many sad and traumatizing once too. I am just blogging these to read on a time I have Alzeimers or so and may not remember these good times. Although I told it as good times, it wasn't so pleasant all the time. Conflicts and challenges were in abundance. Clinical group conflicts, prof groups conflicts etc. Reflecting back it was all very interesting. And at the end of all the training, the final MBBS; the so called great barrier. I can never forget the tolerance and the motherly love and respect shown by the patient given for my long case exam in medicine. I am sure it was her wishes that helped me perform well in the case.

And then as a demonstrator in 2017, NHSL was anyway an integral part, particularly for researches.

I was also fortunate to land on the same wards I studied as a student in my internship training as well. I have already blogged on the internship times and hence will not be repeating as I got reference material for later typed already. The 2 long years of extended internship, which had it's ups and downs. Worked under lots of bosses, over 15 consultants in 2 years career , not very bad 😌. this lot will always be remembered as the people I worked most at a stretch and those who motivated to be where I am today, every step of the way.

The particular period had so many experiences , unforgettable ones and even involved in treating bomb blast victims; which I never thought I will witness as a Sri Lankan ever, after 2009.

After the long, daunting internship, had to select so called proper RHO appointments here, with a lot of ambiguity , and hopefulness selected to work in Cardiology, preferably, an ICU. And there I met one of the best consultants I worked under, Dr. Nuwan Ranawaka, interestingly as the first MOs to the new consultant. It was a privilege to work under a consultant who recalls himself having an internship, RHO period , Registrar period and so on , prior to be a consultant. The logical teaching and the pleasant personality of sir, made Nuwan sir a great mentor. I wish I could learn more form him, but the circumstances weren't so.

Cardiology was another place to work under 10 consultants (mainly 6 lets say) in 11 months. There I met so many very helpful cardiology SRs and MOs. Particularly, seeing the cardiology SRs being able to manage so much work and retain their peace in mind was a motivation. They are virtually walking communications, and I even hated the few hours I had to attend to their phones sometimes, and these people kept doing it for minimum 3 years and I wonder how? Cheers to all cardiology SRs .

The MOs at Cardiology too helped us as much as they could, and never let the juniors exploit. Particularly with the exam times and all, the support given by all were amazing. Everyone provided us with all privileges and mutual respect.

The COVID times made the cardiology days very different and unique. I wish we never get such a time in Sri Lanka although I accept, as a healthcare professional the work load became easier though the risk of COVID infection was high.

After nearly 8 years, I will be officially going away from NHSL, Colombo to Colombo North Teaching hospital and what will happen next is in the future to see. 

Lot of things happened at NHSL, many sweet memories, some challenges and few unpleasant memories too. After all, this is what was with me as the "last supper" (for the time being) at NHSL, and ironically NHSL had a fair share of it. Will be missing it? or will I have more of it ? 😉