the calling

SINGAPORE'S public hospitals are facing a shortage of health workers who take over caring of patients where doctors leave off. Not enough Singaporeans are training to become diagnostic radiographers, radiation therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech therapists, a group referred to as health sciences professionals.
There are vacancies for every position, and the Health Ministry's projection for 2002 to 2010 is that some 162 need to be trained each year - assuming no foreigners are hired - to meet rising demand.Those in the professions say something needs to be done because staff are stretched and unable to give as much individual attention to patients as they would like.

While new entrants are not coming fast enough, existing workers are also quitting for reasons ranging from burnout and a lack of prospects, to better pay in the private sector.

'It's a vicious circle - the lack of people increases the workload, people feel overloaded, burnt out, and leave,'

Training:
Nanyang Polytechnic offers three-year diploma courses. Graduates can obtain degrees awarded by the University of Sydney by doing one more year at the Singapore Institute of Management. There are scholarships available. The polytechnic also offers a two-year diploma course for those switching mid-career to diagnostic radiography.

For a while now I have been trying to go back to do what I do best;making a difference in people's lives. When I was in the zoo I thought I was doing something noble and making a difference in the world, but sadly commercial concerns were more a priority there and I ended up feeling disillusioned for a while. Now in AVA, I am still shooting blanks as far as making the world a better place. Cruelty and smuggling still go on whilst I sit behind my computer tying people up in red tape. I do not believe in what I am doing right now and how it fits into the scheme of things.

After reading the article above it got me thinking about going into healthcare. It kills 2 birds with one stone as I get to further myself academically as well as do something that will benefit my fellow human beings. I think I have all the tools and the temperament to do well as a health sciences professional.

Something to ponder...