The retired Consultant - An old story

            I am sure all of us in our batch have reached retiring age. Quite a few would be continuing their lifetime's addiction to work at a lower pace. Others would turn a new page and enjoy retirement and strike out into new territory. I followed the latter. I completed a MA in Buddhist Studies at Kelaniya University following a two year course and getting through exams. At the moment I am actively involved learning French and am appreciating La Belle France's vast culture. This is in addition to, video and still camera filming and dabbling in the web. Surgery, my life's work, is now done as a hobby on a low key. I have time to attend to all my social obligations in my domicile in Avissawella, a mega-village. The following is the true story of a consultant who worked at the then General Hospital Colombo.

            This Consultant was a stickler for punctuality. He would be there in his white satin drill suit, every morning at 7.30 am in the consultants lounge and punctually at 8am start his ward round. He had done this for nearly 36 years of service in the Health Department. He was an agreeable person but an introvert, with no private practice nor any hobbies. The day of retirement came and he went home after the usual party and was not seen for two weeks.

            The wife of this consultant, a sweet compassionate lady, appeared in the Consultants lounge two weeks later. She came to see the Psychiatrist who was known to her. She related how her husband would get up every day, like in the last 30 years of marriage. He would dress up in his satin drill coat and trousers, again like in pre-retirement days.. Subsequently he would get out of the house and walk two times around the outer perimeter of his big house. Then he would come back into the house and go to his library to read a book. When his wife peeped in, he would say "I have finished my rounds. Please bring me a cup of tea" He would sip the tea and would get up only to have his regular meals. This had started the day after retirement and continued for two weeks.

            The Psychiatrist gave her some advice on things to do and reassured her that her husband would get back to normal, which he did in another few weeks. But he had a lost look for a few months, subsequently.

            I hope none of you have had similar experiences.

           

Dear Philip

 I got the impression that the episode you narrated about the post retirement behaviour of the retired consultant is a prelude to a premonition of what you would be doing when you retire! Wonderful to hear your admirable pre-retirement planning and preparations you have made. Unlike in Sri Lanka and in UK, my understanding of those medical colleges in Australia are, that they do not have any age limit for retirement so that they can go on working till they fall dead. Best wishes for a wonderful and exciting retirement.

 Best wishes

 Nana