Many budding pathologists, be it veterinary or medical, are finding it very difficult to grasp and master the art and science (at least to me) of describing microscopic findings.
There is no short cut about it. You just have to learn the technique from your seniors.
It is very strange that description being the bread and butter of the pathologist's work, there is not much written on this subject!
When I first did my MSc in Vet. Pathology and got myself involved in much diagnostic pathology works over in UGA, I was amazed at how good the professors were at describing microscopic lesions.
They told me that all the descriptive lingo were in their heads. They did not have to squeeze their brains to come up with appropriate words. The words just flowed out freely.
It is important that we use good English in our description. By doing so, not only the reader will appreciate it, we the writer will not find writing a boring task.
Examples:
1. You find plenty of bacteria on the surface of the intestinal villi
You may write:
There are plenty of bacteria on the surface of the villi - what do you think of this sentence? Boring and dull.
What about this?
The surface of the villi is lined by clouds of bacteria
2. You are describing lung tissue where the alveoli are filled with necrotic debris and bacterial colonies
You may write:
There are necrotic debris and bacterial colonies in the alveoli.
Compare with this:
The alveoli are markedly distended with necrotic cellular debris admixed with numerous bacterial colonies
The same is true in coming up with morphologic diagnoses.
Don't just say pneumonia, but say Multifocal necrotizing purulent bronchointerstitial pneumonia with intralesional fungal hyphae
Please read Wednesday Slide Conference of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) for their excellent and detailed description and morphologic diagnoses.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
RMK10 - A JOB WELL DONE
The meeting for RMK10 (Tenth Malaysia Plan)presentation was the briefest meeting that I have ever been to in my entire career.
Delegates from the other departments came very light - no binded notes and no power point presentation!
We came with a 109-page ring-binded plan, CD, power point presentation hardcopy and a handy-drive, all eager and ready to present and defend our projects.
The meeting room was not yet opened when we arrived. When opened, there was not even a laptop or an LCD around. They were not ready for any serious presentation!
The chairman, in his opening remarks said that the meeting would be a short one. It was just a preliminary meeting to list down projects. "We are a bit forward in this..."
The preparatory works took us many hours of brain-storming or rather more of brain-squeezing exercises.
Imagine nine teams working extra hard and under much pressure from me to see that the plan was ready on time for the presentation today. Just ask Abdul Rahman Chek how I had chased him to get the thing ready.
We were over prepared! Thank you all for the good work. It is ok, at least we have plenty of time to refine and fine-tune the write-up.
Delegates from the other departments came very light - no binded notes and no power point presentation!
We came with a 109-page ring-binded plan, CD, power point presentation hardcopy and a handy-drive, all eager and ready to present and defend our projects.
The meeting room was not yet opened when we arrived. When opened, there was not even a laptop or an LCD around. They were not ready for any serious presentation!
The chairman, in his opening remarks said that the meeting would be a short one. It was just a preliminary meeting to list down projects. "We are a bit forward in this..."
The preparatory works took us many hours of brain-storming or rather more of brain-squeezing exercises.
Imagine nine teams working extra hard and under much pressure from me to see that the plan was ready on time for the presentation today. Just ask Abdul Rahman Chek how I had chased him to get the thing ready.
We were over prepared! Thank you all for the good work. It is ok, at least we have plenty of time to refine and fine-tune the write-up.
SPIRIT OF SDAR
When two ex-Sdarians (we prefer the word Sdara as our motto is once a Sdarian always a Sdarian) meet, irrespective of class or batch, they will usually end up talking, not about business but about the past, about their years in SDAR.
Sdara's wives often find out that they are usually left out in the long, continuous reminiscing. Once beaten twice shy, many of them prefer not to attend Sdara gathering.
SDAR is one of the earliest boarding schools in Malaysia. Together with STAR, her cousin in Ipoh, in her early days she received selected students from Malay medium primary schools. We had to undergo a year of Remove class back then.
STF is her other cousin, but of course, her girl cousin.
Sdaras are close irrespective of the year they were from.
We are nostalgic and sentimental lots as far as our school is concerned. So much so that we are rather skeptical about the present principal. Is he really capable of leading SDAR to glory? There are talks about recruiting a Sdara as the principal.
Yesterday as I was driving home from work, I received a call from Madollah, my senior. He was almost in Chukai then and was looking for a good keropok lekor outlet. I told him try those in Kuala Kemaman.
He kept on contacting me for directions. Most stalls were already out of keropok for the day. I told him to stop somewhere so that we could meet.
He stopped at Geliga express bus station. I drove fast and made it just before he arrived at the rendesvous.
We met, talked and I asked him to drop by my house. He declined saying that I was tired.
He was travelling with his wife and two daughters.
We were glad that we met. I told him that next time when he was in Chukai, please give me a call and drop by my house.
After about 15 minutes of chat we said goodbye and he drove off to Kuantan. In Kuantan he planned to meet Mokhtar Hussain, another Sdara.
Why are we so close? We grew up together, mostly on our own. We shared our problems, and of course, the parcels of goodies that our parents posted.
For most of us, our parents never visited us for the entire 5 - 8 years of our stay in SDAR! For a few, they did not even receive any letter from home.
I did not blame our parents. They were not so blessed with financial and worldly materials as us now. For that, we were so independent, right from our early years.
Just received an email saying that a Sdara by the name of Mohd Hanip was hospitalized in Kemaman hospital. I plan to visit him today, or the latest tomorrow!
Sdara's wives often find out that they are usually left out in the long, continuous reminiscing. Once beaten twice shy, many of them prefer not to attend Sdara gathering.
SDAR is one of the earliest boarding schools in Malaysia. Together with STAR, her cousin in Ipoh, in her early days she received selected students from Malay medium primary schools. We had to undergo a year of Remove class back then.
STF is her other cousin, but of course, her girl cousin.
Sdaras are close irrespective of the year they were from.
We are nostalgic and sentimental lots as far as our school is concerned. So much so that we are rather skeptical about the present principal. Is he really capable of leading SDAR to glory? There are talks about recruiting a Sdara as the principal.
Yesterday as I was driving home from work, I received a call from Madollah, my senior. He was almost in Chukai then and was looking for a good keropok lekor outlet. I told him try those in Kuala Kemaman.
He kept on contacting me for directions. Most stalls were already out of keropok for the day. I told him to stop somewhere so that we could meet.
He stopped at Geliga express bus station. I drove fast and made it just before he arrived at the rendesvous.
We met, talked and I asked him to drop by my house. He declined saying that I was tired.
He was travelling with his wife and two daughters.
We were glad that we met. I told him that next time when he was in Chukai, please give me a call and drop by my house.
After about 15 minutes of chat we said goodbye and he drove off to Kuantan. In Kuantan he planned to meet Mokhtar Hussain, another Sdara.
Why are we so close? We grew up together, mostly on our own. We shared our problems, and of course, the parcels of goodies that our parents posted.
For most of us, our parents never visited us for the entire 5 - 8 years of our stay in SDAR! For a few, they did not even receive any letter from home.
I did not blame our parents. They were not so blessed with financial and worldly materials as us now. For that, we were so independent, right from our early years.
Just received an email saying that a Sdara by the name of Mohd Hanip was hospitalized in Kemaman hospital. I plan to visit him today, or the latest tomorrow!
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
GNETUM CHIPS
Leaves and young seeds
Have you ever had Gnetum chips for tea? They are really crispy with a slightly bitter taste.
Gnetum is also called Nninja (Terengganu speak), Melinjao or Belinjo (Javanese).
Making gnetum chips is an important small industry in Terengganu. The mature seeds (normally orange to red) are dehusked and roasted over an open fire. When the kernel is cooked (you can tell be the aroma and the slightly burnt hard shell) it is mashed and made into small flat cake - chip. The chips are then sun dried and they are ready for sale.
The chips are fried in oil and served hot. I am still trying to take a picture of it later.
The shoot and young inflorescence are boiled or braised and flavoured with coconut milk. They made delicious and nutritious recipe.
OUR BUSY CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS
We went to Seberang Takir, to my wife's sister's house in Taman Permint Jaya, during the Chinese New Year holidays.
Her daughters, Kak Long, Mek Na and Baby were very happy to know that we were coming. They were very close to my children, especially Diyana.
I was very tired. My hemorrhoids were still troubling me - the after effects of the recent bouts of shooting diarrhea that I had.
Diyana took over driving chore from me. She was busy driving around KT - taking pictures in Taman Syahbandar and enjoying delicious cake with ice cream topping in a Bistro in Batu Buruk.
MA, my senior in SDAR called me. Once again, he was in Chukai Utama Hotel and I was away in KT. Don't know when we could meet!
KT roads were jammed with tourists. All roads leading to Pasar Payang were packed with vehicles. I decided to just parked in front of Maziah Palace and let them walk to Pasar Payang.
A tourist bus from Perlis parked next to me. Luckily, there were no traffic police to chase us out.
Back at Taman Permint Jaya, ten Tabligh groupd resided in the Surau next door. I was never against their movement, it was just that cleanliness was still an issue they have to improve if they want people to respect them. The sight of bags placed right smack on the floor on the entrance and sarongs hung haphazardly were eye-sore to the other users.
The story of ghosts in the house next door never failed to interest us. The house, just renovated, was inhabited by 'ghost children'! Even in broad daylight, there were giggles and sound of children running around. The owner's handphone clicking on its own scared even the toughest.
Cik Su was still as usual, very unfriendly towards my sister in-law's family. Her facial features reminded me somewhat of Pak Kob's wife (read their story in my earlier posts - Moments of My Life)...keeper of Hantu Raya.
On our way home we stopped at a famous keropok lekor Fish rods) joint in Pantai Kelulut. It was packed with keropok lovers.
While waiting a herd of buffaloes, cows, bulls and calves (an indication of productive herd) casually and intelligently took their time crossing the busy road. Curious children from stopping cars took pictures of the animals. It was once-a-life-time thing for many of them.
Reaching Taman Samudera Timur, and on my way to a grocery store, I saw two buffalo calves dead on the road and next to them was a badly-wrecked car being hooked to a wreck-truck.
In Chukai wet market the next day, I was surprised to see a Chinese vegie seller already selling.
"Selling already on the second CNY?"
"24 hours is enough for me. 24 days if my financial situation is strong!" He answered in a way describing the present economic situation.
At the parking area in front of Terminal Makmur, Kuantan, a man tried to con me by claiming that he and his friend had been mugged by Indonesian illegal immigrants early that morning. Their lingo and body language did not reflect men who were just been robbed of RM300 as they claimed. They were more of desperate drug addicts looking for easy money.
Her daughters, Kak Long, Mek Na and Baby were very happy to know that we were coming. They were very close to my children, especially Diyana.
I was very tired. My hemorrhoids were still troubling me - the after effects of the recent bouts of shooting diarrhea that I had.
Diyana took over driving chore from me. She was busy driving around KT - taking pictures in Taman Syahbandar and enjoying delicious cake with ice cream topping in a Bistro in Batu Buruk.
MA, my senior in SDAR called me. Once again, he was in Chukai Utama Hotel and I was away in KT. Don't know when we could meet!
KT roads were jammed with tourists. All roads leading to Pasar Payang were packed with vehicles. I decided to just parked in front of Maziah Palace and let them walk to Pasar Payang.
A tourist bus from Perlis parked next to me. Luckily, there were no traffic police to chase us out.
Back at Taman Permint Jaya, ten Tabligh groupd resided in the Surau next door. I was never against their movement, it was just that cleanliness was still an issue they have to improve if they want people to respect them. The sight of bags placed right smack on the floor on the entrance and sarongs hung haphazardly were eye-sore to the other users.
The story of ghosts in the house next door never failed to interest us. The house, just renovated, was inhabited by 'ghost children'! Even in broad daylight, there were giggles and sound of children running around. The owner's handphone clicking on its own scared even the toughest.
Cik Su was still as usual, very unfriendly towards my sister in-law's family. Her facial features reminded me somewhat of Pak Kob's wife (read their story in my earlier posts - Moments of My Life)...keeper of Hantu Raya.
On our way home we stopped at a famous keropok lekor Fish rods) joint in Pantai Kelulut. It was packed with keropok lovers.
While waiting a herd of buffaloes, cows, bulls and calves (an indication of productive herd) casually and intelligently took their time crossing the busy road. Curious children from stopping cars took pictures of the animals. It was once-a-life-time thing for many of them.
Reaching Taman Samudera Timur, and on my way to a grocery store, I saw two buffalo calves dead on the road and next to them was a badly-wrecked car being hooked to a wreck-truck.
In Chukai wet market the next day, I was surprised to see a Chinese vegie seller already selling.
"Selling already on the second CNY?"
"24 hours is enough for me. 24 days if my financial situation is strong!" He answered in a way describing the present economic situation.
At the parking area in front of Terminal Makmur, Kuantan, a man tried to con me by claiming that he and his friend had been mugged by Indonesian illegal immigrants early that morning. Their lingo and body language did not reflect men who were just been robbed of RM300 as they claimed. They were more of desperate drug addicts looking for easy money.
Friday, January 23, 2009
GRANDMA, I MISS YOU
She was the best grandma any grandchild would ever want. To me, she really was. No words could really describe how she cared and gave all her love and attention to my family and to me personally.
We called her Tok Wan. According to my father, she was very neutral in all that she did. She never for once compared him and her other son-in-laws. She also never took side whenever my father and mother quarrelled.
She was Mek Cik bt Ibrahim. Her mother was Sharifah Fatimah Zaharah from Beserah and her father was Musa, from Besut. I only knew this fact only recently. She did not get the title Syarifah because of her non-Syed father (that was what many people told her).
According to them, she did not want to meet her roots in Beserah then as she was well aware that she was poor and no place to be there, among the Syeds, Syarifahs and Tuans.
She was like that, very humble and down-to-earth. She married my Grandpa, Wan Ibrahim Wan Long, a famous silat instructor during his time, and had 4 daughters, namely Minah, Maimunah, Kalsom, Putih (My mom). Then they were divorced. Later they were remarried and blessed with a daughter and a son, namely Hitam and Abdul Rahman.
All her children, save for my mother, had all passed away.
Please read my older posts on Moments of My Life to know more about her.She passed away just after I was accepted as a Veterinary Officer.
It is sad that I could not repay her for all her kindness and love showered upon me. She just loved to travel - for that I regretted very much.
She loved children, an asset not so commonly found in grandmas nowadays. She was never upset for our childish behaviour then. She even scolded my mother for being too tough with us!
Whenever I passed that house in Kg Besut, I always see her sitting on the top of the staircase combing her hair. She was always like that, either combing her hair or asking me to pull out the grey hair.
We called her Tok Wan. According to my father, she was very neutral in all that she did. She never for once compared him and her other son-in-laws. She also never took side whenever my father and mother quarrelled.
She was Mek Cik bt Ibrahim. Her mother was Sharifah Fatimah Zaharah from Beserah and her father was Musa, from Besut. I only knew this fact only recently. She did not get the title Syarifah because of her non-Syed father (that was what many people told her).
According to them, she did not want to meet her roots in Beserah then as she was well aware that she was poor and no place to be there, among the Syeds, Syarifahs and Tuans.
She was like that, very humble and down-to-earth. She married my Grandpa, Wan Ibrahim Wan Long, a famous silat instructor during his time, and had 4 daughters, namely Minah, Maimunah, Kalsom, Putih (My mom). Then they were divorced. Later they were remarried and blessed with a daughter and a son, namely Hitam and Abdul Rahman.
All her children, save for my mother, had all passed away.
Please read my older posts on Moments of My Life to know more about her.She passed away just after I was accepted as a Veterinary Officer.
It is sad that I could not repay her for all her kindness and love showered upon me. She just loved to travel - for that I regretted very much.
She loved children, an asset not so commonly found in grandmas nowadays. She was never upset for our childish behaviour then. She even scolded my mother for being too tough with us!
Whenever I passed that house in Kg Besut, I always see her sitting on the top of the staircase combing her hair. She was always like that, either combing her hair or asking me to pull out the grey hair.
28 years have passed since her passing, but her memories are as fresh as ever. We miss you very much Tok Wan. May you always be blessed and placed among His beloveds.
STRAY CATTLE
The issue of the so-called stray livestock (cattle, buffaloes, goats, sheep) has been and still is a hot topic. It has been there since I first joined service (may be longer).
Everyday as I commute between Chukai and Kuantan, I see herds of cattle grazing alongside the main road, and sometimes crossing the road to get at the greener pastures across.
I always wonder when can Malaysia be totally free of straying animals or at least the roads?
The recent death of a very prominent UMNO member and his friend when his car rammed across a crossing cattle luckily did not trigger any hues and cries from the public for DVS to put to stop once and for all the issue of animals crossing the road.
Deep inside me, I felt guilty...We have the enactment to control stray animals...but don't tell me that we have to go around the entire state catching all strays and compounding owners!
Livestock owners themselves have to be more responsible towards their animals.
Look at this scenario: The owner wants to sell his stray cattle. "How much?" the propsective buyer asked.
"1,200."
"Too expensive!"
"That's fair"
What's fair then? What has been his investment in producing the animal? Almost nothing! He shouldn't have talked about fair price. May be he had bought the initial breeder (but most probably he inherited the animal). The others, including the animal feed, breeding services are all free - either from grazing on state land or people's land and free bull service from neighbours!
Economically speaking, their system is the most economical and profitable. Why? No investment or input but with outputs. The risk is high though - disease, theft, and loss due to road accidents!
Solution - many, but still depend on owners' and political will. Translocating the animals to oil palm estates is an option. But there are still many plantation owners not keen on cattle integration. Why? The interest of weedicides and fertilizer companies and also the managers are at stake - hidden reason.
It looks like the issue will linger on for some times. BTW this traditional system still provides the most beef in Malaysia...
Everyday as I commute between Chukai and Kuantan, I see herds of cattle grazing alongside the main road, and sometimes crossing the road to get at the greener pastures across.
I always wonder when can Malaysia be totally free of straying animals or at least the roads?
The recent death of a very prominent UMNO member and his friend when his car rammed across a crossing cattle luckily did not trigger any hues and cries from the public for DVS to put to stop once and for all the issue of animals crossing the road.
Deep inside me, I felt guilty...We have the enactment to control stray animals...but don't tell me that we have to go around the entire state catching all strays and compounding owners!
Livestock owners themselves have to be more responsible towards their animals.
Look at this scenario: The owner wants to sell his stray cattle. "How much?" the propsective buyer asked.
"1,200."
"Too expensive!"
"That's fair"
What's fair then? What has been his investment in producing the animal? Almost nothing! He shouldn't have talked about fair price. May be he had bought the initial breeder (but most probably he inherited the animal). The others, including the animal feed, breeding services are all free - either from grazing on state land or people's land and free bull service from neighbours!
Economically speaking, their system is the most economical and profitable. Why? No investment or input but with outputs. The risk is high though - disease, theft, and loss due to road accidents!
Solution - many, but still depend on owners' and political will. Translocating the animals to oil palm estates is an option. But there are still many plantation owners not keen on cattle integration. Why? The interest of weedicides and fertilizer companies and also the managers are at stake - hidden reason.
It looks like the issue will linger on for some times. BTW this traditional system still provides the most beef in Malaysia...
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