Psy

Thanks to Dr Mac, I now have the opportunity to work with Dr Baral who is a psychiatrist. Dr B is also an IMG from S.Africa. He is an european descend and a first generation S. African. He had anesthesia training in SA but worked as a GP after immigrated to Canada. Later he entered the psychiatry residency training and has been working here for 15 years.

I saw Mr P yesterday. He was admitted through emerg because of found collapsed at home. He was unconscious and the lab works showed markedly derranged electrolytes, impaired RFT & LFT, anemia ... After days in the ICU, Mr P gradually recovered physically.

Mr P is retired and was the vice president of a big IT company in BC. He has been a heavy chronic drinker all along. His drinking history traced back to his teenage when he enjoyed his first drink at 14. He fulfuls all the criteria of an alcoholic.

Before discharging Mr P, the hospitalist asked the psychiatrist to access his competency -- whether he can take care of himself.

During the 45 minutes' interview, Mr P presents the his story clearly and politely but his short term memory and some of the cognitive functions are impaired. In short, he is not safe to live on his own after discharge.

It is Christmas Eve today. I will drink a bit.