Hong Kong Meeting

Away for the weekend and unfortunately it wasn't for pleasure. But I planned to make the best of it anyhow.

It was an update event organised by one of the pharmaceutical company, concerning the latest treatment for myeloma and B-cell lymphoma. The drugs would prove to be too expensive for my patients at the moment but at least I got to gauge the direction of the future treatment. The speakers were all from the Asia-Pacific region, and with this, they tended to either speak too fast or cover topics which were rather too scientific. On a few of the lectures, I actually lost interest half way.

The meetings would end by 5 this afternoon, and tomorrow would be half day. But no time to have a look around town except for this evening since my transport would take me straight to the airport straight after lunch tomorrow. Maybe I could squeeze some time for my customary morning walk tomorrow morning.

Back to the lectures .....

More on the trip here.

24 Hours in Bangkok

It was a quick stay in Bangkok. I was already back home last night - landing just before midnight. And back to work already today, and would be on call tomorrow.

But the trip was a great one, able to meet up with old contacts although I was late to arrive on Saturday evening, hence not able to join the group for a sumptuous feast prepared by the generous Thai host! I had to make do with bland hotel food instead which was a shame!

On arrival at Bangkok AirportFinal touches on the slidesI woke up early on Sunday, and was able to have my morning walk around the area my hotel while people were still getting into their early Sunday morning routine. Stopped for a coffee before turning back, ready for my part of the symposium.

Talks before and after lunch, followed by some discussion. Then it was already time to pack up and leave. The rest of the group had been there for the past three days and almost had enough. Too much information as it was my part to introduce the concept of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia in a group who advocates for patients with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia. It could be a tough sell!

It's my turnLet's get out of here!Sunday evening traffic in Bangkok had been kind and I was able to reach the airport early for my flight home. Wished that I could stay longer. I could only pick some gifts for Anita at the airport my schedule was such.

MSH Meeting 2015

Traditionally, the Malaysian Society of Haematology held their scientific meeting yearly, alternating between Kuala Lumpur and outside. It was held at Shangri-La last year and Penang the year before that. So, this time it was again time to venture outside of Kelang Valley. So, it was Kota Kinabalu.

It was the first time the meeting was held there, and the initial plan was to both do a small meet up with a very selected topic covered. Initially, we wanted to talk about bleeding in pregnancy. It soon turned into a two-day event, the first day being about bleeding and the second about clotting, both with emphasis in women. It turned out to be a great program, with the help of the International Society of Thrombosis and Homeostasis. We got speakers from abroad to chip in, plus have a nursing workshop the day after. It was great.

Le President, Dr Alan Teh with his welcoming speechOn top of that, we had 500 delegates and secretariats turning up. It was much better than expected. I must say that I learned plenty. On top of the of course, there were great food!

I chaired one of the session and live blogged the whole event - except during Friday Prayers of course.

The participation from the Pharmaceuticals were also strong, with the booths oversubscribed. All the symposium slot were also taken. The whole weekend was a resounding success. There are also write-ups from yesteryear's meeting here.

A Long Day

It certainly had been a fruitful day. Started early with breakfast, followed by the opening ceremonies and plenary session which was excellent. I then spent the next few session doing live blogging and taking notes.

I took a bit of a break at noon to go to the mosque nearby, taking a cab both ways with a few of my colleagues. We ended up hailing a cab in the rain for the ride home.

These are time bombs. They are juicy in the middle! Beware!I reached the hotel in time for lunch. Another Chinese seafood affair. Then came the afternoon session.

The day haven't stopped yet. Right after that, we had the MSH Annual General Meeting followed by another talk organised separately by a Pharma company. This was followed by dinner at a nearby restaurant. Again more seafood.

We finally reached the hotel at 10.30. Time for a shower and then settle down for the evening. Tomorrow should not be that bad as the session should finish by 4, although there would be another symposia in the evening. I might just give that one a miss and go and see the town instead.

The Packing was Done

I was at the hospital until about 3 am last night. And was at my Sister's place before that since the boys wanted to play with their cousin. And with the atrocious traffic from Bangsar to Kajang, it was almost midnight when we reached home. And then in it the phone call. Off i went after dropping Anita and the boys off.

I woke up late this morning - no clinics, just some errands to do. Got my ward work sorted out and it was close to noon when i finally reached hone to pack. Luckily, Anita had already bundled everything in. All that was left was my personal stuffs and gadgets of course.

I decided to bring both my OM-D and GR along to Kota Kinabalu. Hopefully I don't have to be on photography duty because I would only be able to the basics. While there, I hoped I could do a bit of sightseeing and sample the local food. I shall plan that after checking into my room tonight.

So, I have just left KL Sentral, now on the train to the airport after having a spot of lunch with Anita. I might have something to eat at ths airport while waiting for my flight. Travelling is just not my thing...

I wished that I have taken an easier flight so that I could have more time to rest after checking into the hotel later. Bad planning on my part actually. At least I decided to leave on Sunday rather than Saturday evening...