Diary of Serdang FORENSIC Graduates - The Narration

A week in Forensic Department, Hospital SERDANG was like a week in Orthopaedics, in a sense that we had to attend seminars, lectures, case presentations/department CME, hospital CME, and at the same time assist autopsies, prepare for our own CME presentation, and finish a report by Friday which was like a case write-up.

But the best thing was, all the staffs, from the PPK to the ‘small’ big boss, were all very very friendly, down to earth, funny, cooperative, and everyone was willing to teach and share their knowledge.. They spoke and borak2 to us as if we were their staffs and kids yg dah kenal sejak sekian lama, and they all regarded us as their fellow colleagues who are therefore permitted to use some but not all of the basic facilities, and... obliged to treat them makan-makan at the end of the week!

1 week felt like a month!

We were given a new logbook, not for RM3 but for free, and the rule was simple. Each student had to observe 10 cases, and perform/assist at least 2.

So, we divided ourselves into pairs, so that each group will have the chance to assist. On the very 1^st day, the ‘breathtaking’ experience started. Wah, breathtaking indeed. Sampai tak bernafas dalam autopsy room tu. Yelah, 1st timers kan. In the morning of our 1^st day, we had the 'joy' of observing 2 cases after our brief orientation by MA Hairi.. And in the afternoon, dah takde observe2 dah. Wear your gowns and assist!

Each case had its own storyline and history. Histories which I’m not sure if I should reveal. Looking at death notes left before suicidal attempts, the cries of their grief-stricken family members, the ways or methods they had chosen to end their own life, the faces of shocked relatives during pengecaman mayat… All seemed to be like a drama in front of us. But we were quickly reminded, it was real. We dealt with police and investigative officers for the 1^st time.

Alhamdulillah, by Allah’s will, we had the chance to encounter a variety of manners and causes of death. From natural causes, to suicide, murder, and accidents. We also had a lecture on Gunshot injury by Prof Karim with special police guests to demonstrate on weapons.