Cervical Cancer Symposium at Shangri La hotel 29.5.2010

I have been looking forward for this Cervical Cancer symposium. Partly due to the fact unlike other symposium where the speaker would spill out medical jargon in the form of charts, diagrams, and graphs, this symposium would discuss the more practical method of approaching patients, which I feel is far more important than mere data and charts.
The speakers for this symposium are specialist from their respective backgrounds. First we have
Dr Anna Ong Lim-Pediatric Infectious Disease specialist from the Philippines,the renown gynaeoncologist  Dr Quek Swee Chong, from Singapore, Dr Maria Julieta Germar, who is a associate professor in obstetrics and gynaecologist university of Philippines, Manila, and Dr Cecelia Lavae, Clinical Gynae oncologist attached to Phillipines General Hospital.

Everything was so well organized that day. They printed name of participants of the symposium on files, and on the name tags along with the country of origin. .

Doctors from Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, and Indonesia attended this seminar.

One thing that is a little discouraging for me to attend CME or symposiums as such is the thought of being left out, as those who attends are mostly from mid age and above. Having said that, I don't mean to imply that I am young, don't get me wrong, it's just that our wavelength simply don't resonate with one another.
I wanted to ahem..ahem... cancel my attendance, however I got to know that GSK actually sponsored the attendees, which cost USD100 per head!

The facts are figures that was presented on that day was alarmingly worrying. Now, what do I mean by that?

Charts like this makes me worry.
There are doctors who thought cervical cancer is hereditary!... and due to bacterial infection??? Yikes!!! Now I know why 16% of doctors aren't particular about which brand among the 2 vaccine available in the market, and 8% are strongly against the idea of vaccinating young adolescent!.. ( I am sweating now!!)

A word of advice. Please ran away as  fast as you can if your doctor say this:-
1."Ini miny miny mo! Oh,ok... I think I shall use ******** today!!!"
2."Which one bettter,ahh?? Ok, now.. lets see.... you got a coin??"
3."Aiyah!! So obvious,lah! Those who cannot decide are simply blind or ignorant! One is bivalent, one is quadrivalent. You tell me.. Which one is worth it??? Count,lah!!"
4. Hmmm... you think good quality product BP lab can offer 3 doses for RM500,ah?

Indeed at the end of the day I've learned a lot of things,  especially on the practical side. This is what I've been hoping for in any symposium, where the practical issues are discussed in details rather than spurting out data in the form of charts and graphs which doesn't help me in my practice in creating an awareness at all!

I started to feel as if at any given time I will explode if the presenter continues to show graphs as such!This is the result of questionnaire given to doctor on their perception of those who are relatively more vulnerable to get cervical cancer. It's nauseating when you've been told 52% of doctors thinks only promiscuous women are prone to get it, a mind boggling 34% thinks it's related to personal hygiene,  and I almost fainted when 28% of doctors thinks it's hereditary!!!!
That goes to show how ignorant doctors in general are about cervical cancer.
It's a sin when a lifesaving and revolutionary vaccine that had changed the course of history in mankind is available, yet, they chose not to update their knowledge on this disease. If it's ranked 10-15th among reason for mortality, then I don't blame them for not paying much attention, but it's number 2!
I love the question and answer sessions, where the panel speakers had answered in detail, yet comprehensive manner to all the practical questions. I find the Phillipines and Indonesian doctors are inquisitive and more proactive in creating awareness about cervical cancer in their countries.
I am particularly impressed with Dr Cecelia from Phillipines who spearhead not 1 not 2, but a few NGOs and campaigns to create awareness among the public.
Cervical cancer vaccine has been in the market for 4 years now, yet, most Malaysians chose to ignore it, with the false sense of security that they aren't that unlucky to contract cervical cancer. Is that truly something you want to leave it to chance? 

These panel of experts seemed to answer the questions thrown at them so effortlessly. This is what i call knowledge at the tips of the finger. It doesn't matter how silly these questions were, but I realized only the Indonesian doctors asked questions. No Malaysians!

For those who reads my blog, I had previously mentioned that 10-15% of all Cervical cancers are adenocarcinoma. But Dr Quek's own data revealed a more alarming number... up to 25%!

I like the style of the presenter of this slide, she presented the meaning of lost in a more emotional, humane manner, rather than mere graphs and statistics, because each and our lives by any means is worth living to its' fullest, rather than just become a number, a part of statistics presented in conferences.
Another fact worth noting, that if in between doses, one found to be pregnant, she can actually delay the next dose until the termination of pregnancy before proceed with the subsequent dose.
And  Cervarix is safe to be given during breastfeeding.
i would like to congratulate GSK for arranging such a mind engaging symposium, which unfortunately, before the end of the session, half of the attendees were already missing. Strange.
Symposiums as such only happens once a while, and how often do you get to attend talks by a group of intellectuals who are experts in their respective field, and collectively constitute a whole and integrated lot. You need not surf the net, buy text books, or read journals. All you need is to have interest, the passion, and believe me, if you have that, understanding comes naturally as every details quenches the inquisitive mind.
It is not a task if you do it wholeheartedly. It's almost effortless to learn new things if you have genuine passion. Passion stemmed from the humanity expect, the desire not only to preservation of life, but improvement as well. Desire comes when we put a little bit of emotion to what we do, when we listen to pleas from patients, be genuine and exhibit a little emotion in responding to patient. It doesn't make you an emotional doctor, but instead, it makes you a healer, as 50% of patient's pain get alleviated simply by giving them a good listening ear.
As my previous unforgettable experience with Dr Christopher Lee that taught me it's ok to show a little emotion to what we do. Take a few step back when our response become mechanical, to enable us to see from a far, a clearer view of the entire forest, rather than standing inches away from the bark of the tree.
Being a doctor doesn't mean you're living in a higher society nor being any more important then anyone else. As a matter of fact, we are given more responsibility... as a servant to society.

"We've got to learn to kneel in order to reach out for the sky"
                                                             --Dr. Wan C Hung--

Between dreams and reality....

One of the happiest moment in my everyday life is during our family video sessions. I bought Ip Man 2, CSI Las Vegas, Season 10, Sum of All Fear, and the entire DVD set of now showing HBO most expensive movie ever made, The Pacific. In case if you don't know, I am interested in history of warfare, weaponry, and warfare technologies.
Perhaps it's due to my childhood period where once I was so sure to join the army. I remembered very well once my aunt asked me what was my ambition. I refused to tell her as I knew she would laughed. She insisted and promised that she wouldn't laugh if I tell her. After much coaxing, I decided to trust her since she was persistent. The moment I told her I want to be a soldier, she looked at me with disbelief, and burst  out into laughter.. I regretted telling her. I bought several books on wars, conflicts, weaponry, the origin of special forces in different part of the world, and what lead them to develop the concept of "Special Forces".
I love watching movies made based upon real events, like Black Hawk Down( I've watched that movie 42 times, and I have 3 different original DVD copies.), We Were Soldiers, and a DVD collection of Future Weapons. Why on earth would I have three original copies of Black Hawk Down? Well, that's because the first copy which I bought from Speedy Video was censored and the quality was awful! Even the pirated DVD versions is so much clearer. Then I went over to CWF and bought an imported version, uncut. A few months later, as I routine stop by the shop weekly, I saw a special edition with added unseen footage of the movie. Which was absolutely awesome!
As I watched the movie, i begin to buy books on the actual event that took place, and the book that I bought, "Black Hawk Down, history of modern warfare" by Mark Bowden was a page turner. I read the entire book in a single night as I simply couldn't put down the book which documented the actual incident that happened in Somalia in 1993, where the US 75th Ranger Regiment and 1st Special Forces Operational Detachment (Delta Force) took part in "Operation Gothic Serpent" on October 3rd, 1993. The characters are events that is portrayed in the movie is based on this book.

This real life drama is the most intense close combat US troops  encountered since the Vietnam war. In this conflict, two member from Army's special unit known as  Delta Force was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honour.

The Congressional Medal of Honour is the highest military decoration awarded by the United States' Government. It is bestowed upon any member of the armed US forces who distinguish themselves "conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.
The two posthumous award recipients are Sergeant first Class Randall Randy Shughart and  Master Sergeant Gary Gordon.

1st Class Sergeant Randy Shughart  was portrayed by Johnny Strong.

Left-right:Nikolaj Coster Waldau, Johny Strong.
Master Sergeant Gary Gordon was portrayed by Nikolaj Coster Waldau.

These two recipients were the first to be awarded The Congressional Medal of Honour  post Vietnam War.
I was so obsessed with the movie and the history behind this military operation, that I even spotted a mistake on Wikipedia, where they show the photos of the two recipients and the Medal at the side were actually bestowed on the Marine Corp/Coast Guard, while Delta Force are Special Forces is under the United States Army, where the design differs for US Army, Navy, and Air Force.
The movie was shot in Morocco, as it absolute stupidity to shoot the movie in Somalia. The 2 downed Black Hawks were actually decommissioned Huey helicopters which were modified to appear like AH-60 choppers were given by the Pentagon.And the fast roping scene where the Rangers landed at the Olympic Hotel were the actual Rangers who were in Somalia.
I don't why but each time I watch the movie, though I've been watching it for over 40 times, it  never fails to bore me, nor become less excited. In fact, it unleashes the childhood dream within me. The inner part of me that seek the thrill,excitement, and actions in the army.

While I was medical officer in Hospital Kuala Lumpur, I remember vividly one of my elderly patient's son in law was one of commissioned officer working in MINDEF. I expressed my interest in joining the armed forces. He suggested if I were to join as a medical personnel in the armed forces, I will automatically be bestowed the rank of a captain.
I will be given a handgun, and required to spend certain hours per week in the shooting range.  That sounds awesome! But I need to be practical. I just got married back then, and my wife was pregnant.
At times the line between reality and dream isn't very distinct, in fact, it often overlaps. If I had joined the armed forces earlier on, I wouldn't have experience these.

I would never exchange anything for what i have now. A beautiful and understanding wife, and three charming little angels.

Hope this will work.

I've created a blog, sending out flyers, organizing awareness campaigns, and the cost of vaccination that my clinic offers possibly be one of the lowest in the country, has yet to see much response from the public. Though the campaign held last week was a good start for many more campaigns to come, i sincerely hope the message that I am trying to convey gets across to the mind of the general public.
Prior to the first campaign, after we had sealed off the envelope that is sent to the people of Bandar Sri Damansara, I totally forgot to write the URL for the blog on Cervarix, it's indication, how it benefits women, why should women get themselves vaccinated, at www.cervarix.blogspot.com .
No matter how hard I try to send out the message across, there is always room for improvement.
My sincere reason for being so proactive in promoting Cervarix stemmed from my experience with patients and my own family member who had died of cancer. There are certain parties who actually doubted whether the vaccine that I use is genuine or not.
Last year when BP lab organized a campaign where vaccination with Cervarix only cost RM500 for the total three doses. Due to the drastic drop below market price, there are a lot of doctors who actually complained as the move made by BP lab jeopardizes their market.
I am absolutely stunned upon knowing the reaction of the doctors. Is there a necessity for these doctors to react at such manner? Shouldn't they be happy that more people from all walks of life have better access to health care?
Even though the market price today may range between RM230-RM300 per dose, there are a significant number of population who belong to the lower income group who can't afford to get themselves protected against this deadly disease even if they want to.
The mere reaction of such doctors towards the price offered by BP lab is totally uncalled for and unjustified. This goes to show that these doctors prioritize monetary gains rather than providing proper health care which patients pay from their hard earned money.
But what shocked me the most was when the patients asked their doctor's how was it possible that BP lab charges so low compared to them. The doctor simply answered, "those are fake ones".. These doctors in my personal opinion do not possess the quality and character to be a medical practitioner. When you start to accused the competitor by telling the patients lies, they are nothing but scums.
Why can't these doctors who are already well established, would want to tell lies to the public?
These group of people should have their practice license revoked. When another doctor, or medical centre offers a lowered price, it is because they are community orientated. That's the essence of medicine. By simply telling the public that the vaccine they used were fake, all the effort in lowering the price with the noble intention to provide better access  to health care is ruined.
Just a few days ago, a friend of mine who came with his wife was curious as to why the price that I offered is SO MUCH LOWER, at RM165 or RM480 per three doses? They actually asked me to show them the vaccine that i use.
I am totally baffled with certain parties, who always have the impression that the quality of a product is always in direct proportion to the price.
???????
Then why on earth would I want to write a post on how to know whether the product is genuine or not?(click here)
Has society today is so negative minded that when someone comes up with a noble idea, it is never accepted without skeptics?Or the public view him as having a hidden agenda behind the so called " too good to be true" offer?
To be frank, is RM165 per dose is so unbelievably low? To the extent where some international medical journalist actually send me this mail.

 

Is there always a hidden agenda whenever a person wants to be a good samaritan?
Anyway, I went to a local bookstore located within my housing area to get a stamp made.

I collected the stamp just a few hours ago.

Yup, to use it to stamp the URL of the blog specially designed for those who are reluctant to check out this vaccine simply because the doctor in charge is a male.

 Now, you don't a reason not to be ignorant with all the various ways to create awareness.

What a wonderful World.....

I woke up at 7.15am this morning. I walked towards the bed where Isabelle was sleeping. I gently tapped on her shoulder, waking her up with a whisper without disturbing little Natalie sleeping next to her.

She opened her eyes briefly, and went back to sleep. Looking at my children sleeping so peacefully made me wonder the last time I sleep so well. It's been so long, so long that I almost forgot how it felt like to go to bed without having to worry about life in general. I gently held her by the shoulder and shook her gently but continually. "Happy Birthday,Isabelle..."

She opened her eyes and gave me a heart captivating sweet innocent smile. Time to get ready for school. The day before, my wife had painstakingly packed up 20 goody bags for Isabelle's classmates to celebrate her birthday with her classmates since this year would be her final with Krista. I can't help but to wonder how fast time passes by.
It felt like it was just yesterday when my wife's water bag bag broke, and the excitement I felt while driving her to the hospital at 1.30am 26th May 2004.
She woke up with a weary eyes, mumbled something that I barely understood. She got up and went to the bathroom to wash herself up.

After she was done, I went back to bed, at 8am, Leonidas woke up.
He flashed the most charming smile when I called his name. It felt good to be a father. This are the small little things in life that counts, these short precious moments. My children never fails to remind me to live life like a child,where cheat,lie, betrayal, jealousy, and hatred doesn't exist within their realm.
I asked my wife to continue to sleep while I cradled little Leonidas back to sleep. I placed him next to me with his head rested on my arm. Watching him sleep is so therapeutic.
We tend to lose our childhood innocence as we grow up. I understood now when a famous Indian Guru mentioned, "live life like a child"
About an hour later, I woke up, bathed and was ready to leave the room, when I went over to my wife who was asleep, and gently tapped on her hips which woke her up. I gestured to her that I was leaving for work. As I walked toward the table where I placed my wrist watch and hand phone, I saw this note that touched me.

This is so typical of Isabelle, always expressive, always leaving drawings and short notes as such from time to time, reminding us how much she love us, without waking us up.
I felt proud. I smiled. Looking at the drawing gave me a mellowed feeling. It felt good, and I knew then that I have started my day well. That its going to be a wonderful day.
As I walked towards my car, I noticed the trees seemingly greener, the sky more bluish, and for the very first time after staying in Kuala Lumpur since 2001, I was able to appreciate the smell of morning dew from the playground right in front of our house.
Since then up till now, the song "What a wonderful world"  by Louise Armstrong kept on playing in my head....

I am sure my three children are gift from my Almighty Father.
I am very passionate in my world. There's nothing more gratifying and satisfying when you know that you've saved someone,eased their burden, treated their sickness. I thank God for the healing heart that I was blessed with, and though through my hard work and effort in non profitable campaigns to promote public awareness on health, I knew that was the task God has given me. The blessings that I get in return may not be financial, but in a much more valuable way, perhaps invaluable, by blessing me with three wonderful children.
Thank you , God

Wonderful life....

I may not be a millionaire, I don't own lots of properties, nor have I own my dream car, but I have a wonderful family to go back to.

The best moment in my everyday life would be those few minutes when I drive into the car porch, get down from the car, and both my adorable daughters will be greeting me with excitement.
It is those few minutes in my everyday life when problem magically disappears the moment I listen to laughter of my little Isabelle playing with Natalie, while little Leonidas coos happily.
It is these times when always thank God for blessing me with these two beautiful angels.

Little Natalie is the cheekiest among my children.

Always curious....

This little munchkins always "pretends" to cry just to get off the strap of her stroller.

When left unchecked and unsupervised, she always has something up her sleeve.Like when I caught her red handed while trying to go after Isabelle's birthday cake before the cake cutting.

Little Leonidas new found finger sucking habit, which never fails to give him comfort.

What could be a better sight than this?

Grandpa's birthday dinner.

Last week we celebrated Pei Ling's grandfather's birthday in one of the Chinese restaurants in Pudu. Sorry, I can't recall the name of the restaurant. All that I know is the food there was awesome!!

Shark fin soup is a must have in any Chinese restaurant.

Some fancy looking chicken dish served with a carved carrot resembling a doll.

And yucks! Suckling pig! I nearly puked while chewing the skin. It a weird feeling while chewing this while the face is looking right you, as if it's saying,"hey... that's we you're chewing!"
Urrghhh!!!

Natalie seemed to enjoy dinner that night.

Trying to get a shot, but Natalie's attention seemed to be diverted.

A family portrait. But wait! Where's daddy? Oh, he was holding the camera...