WC

On the next day after buying the columbarium niche, I went to the farewell dinner of WC - a senior consultant of my department and a treasured colleague of mine.

I first met WC over 18 years ago, shortly after he joined the department - as soon as I graduated and became his house officer. At that time, he was the youngest one in the division.

"Now, I am the oldest one - and it is time to leave." He murmured during the dinner.

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Many of us know that WC is probably the most out-spoken person in our department. Although he does quite some administration in recent years, we did hear from him some comments of wisdom that evening:

• Do not propose any change or new policy.
  
• If your boss (or any one high up) proposes something, said that you would look into it.
• Follow the regular rule to pursue the new thing - do not lead.
• Never take any new policy too seriously - it may only last as long as the contract of whoever proposes it.

PS. As a house officer, I loved WC very much - he made most of his decisions by clinical judgement; investigations were minimal.

A lost art.