Medical School
I recall the first day I joined the medical school in the then University of Singapore. Six of us were to share the dissection of one cadaver. My table mates who devoted their attention to dissection, as the rest of us should have done, went on to become surgeons. The less enamoured of dissection went on to become internists, general practitioners, administrators, and one actually owns several hospitals and many clinics in several parts of the world today.
Clinical Years
The clinical years were a busy time, attending lectures, going to the wards to study cases, being responsible for drawing blood from patients for tests (there was no job category called phlebotomist then), studying in the medical library, etc. We were in clinical groups of 5 persons, so we grew close to our friends in our clinical groups, and did not fraternize much with the rest of the 120 classmates who were posted to other wards and other hospitals.
Housemanship
After graduation was housemanship, when we were often put on night calls every other day. When we were on nightcalls, we worked from from 8am to 1pm the next day, snatching some shuteye whenever the opportunity afforded. We went home to sleep, and the cycle was repeated. Sleep was a most precious commodity then.
Working Life
After that, we worked in different hospitals and clinics all over Singapore, some Malaysians returned home to serve their country, and some migrated to Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA and Hong Kong. Most managed to marry and have children, but there was little time to catch up with each other.
Meeting at Wakes and Funerals
Then, several of our classmates passed away prematurely, mainly from cancers and heart attacks, one from accidental drowning while heroically trying to save a drowning stranger. We met in somber mood at wakes and funerals. One person declared, we cannot just be meeting at wakes!
Linking Up
So started the scramble to collect email addresses. We were able to link up with practically all the classmates in Singapore, as well as some living overseas.
Of course you need an initiator and coordinator for all these efforts. Some classmates willingly took on these roles. Many others helped where they could.
Lunches and dinners
We started meeting over lunches and dinners, especially when an overseas former classmate was in town. There is one group that has been meeting weekly for lunch for the past 42 years. They learn Chinese idioms, latest government health policies, lessons from movies, hear about near death experiences and unidentified flying objects, etc, etc. from each other. There is a treasure trove of knowledge and experiences residing in the ‘Lau-Loh-Kuns’
Class ReunionsWe also organised annual class reunions (1 formal dinner with speeches, and 1 informal dinner) held in Singapore and overseas, in Perth, Sydney, KL.
And we performed for our classmates at these reunions! Singing, choreographed dancing, ballroom dancing. Our attempts were not to be sniffed at!
Overseas Trips
There were also overseas trips for smaller groups to China (Yangtze River and the 3 gorges, Yunnan, Juizhaigou), Penang, Ipoh, Adelaide and Margaret River. We enjoyed a Mediterranean cruise that had a large group of classmates participating.
Magazines
We even produced 2 issues of class magazines, to allow old classmates to be brought up to date on our lives.
Dinner with Wine Pairing
Pre Covid, we also met frequently for dinner paired with wine from the cellar of our wine connoisseur. But Covid cramped our style. We missed each other terribly, the yearning to meet up was palpable in the WhatsApp chat group messages.
Our class is the envy of many of the medical cohorts. We continue to be close emotionally and supportive of each other.
Thanks for the memories, C73.
Feature image is of C73 in Penang
Photos courtesy of Dr Wong Sin Hee
lingsinglin
Dr Ling Sing Lin is a medical doctor by training. She worked in MOH HQ for many years, in policy making and administrative positions, until her retirement.
