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Writer's picturePeter K F Cheung SBS

Challenges & Choices


  1. FADE IN


  2. Act 1


  3. INT. BEDROOM - 07:45


  4. PETER wakes up.


  5. PETER (V.O): Today is an important day in several months. I'm going to consult my doctor. I need his guidance for my well-being.


  6. Pausing.


  7. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'd report to him that I got Covid again in Jan this year. I didn't take any drugs and felt myself fully recovered in weeks.


  8. Pausing.


  9. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): I'd seek his referral for me to consult an ophthalmologist, as an optometrist told me a week ago that I had cataract in one eye.


  10. Pausing.


  11. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): As I'm turning 70, I need a medical exam cert to renew my driving licence. I don't know if my Doc would provide such a service.


  12. Act 2


  13. INT. WAITING ROOM, FAMILIES CLINIC - 14:30


  14. Chits in hand, Peter sits in a sofa.


  15. PETER (V.O): Actually, my original purpose of coming here is to get Lipitor - a cholesterol lowering drug.


  16. Recalling.


  17. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): When the drug was first suggested to me, I was hesitant as I worried about the possible side effects.


  18. Recalling.


  19. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): But I was persuaded that I should prevent cardiovascular disease.


  20. Pausing.


  21. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): One definite upside of taking the drug has been that I'd come to consult my doctor once in a while.


  22. Peter checks his chits.


  23. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): My blood pressures are reasonable at my age. My body mass index (BMI) are normal. I believe I'm reasonably healthy.

  24. INT. CONSULTATION ROOM - 14:45


  25. Entering, Peter begins to engage with his DOCTOR cheerfully.


  26. PETER: Doc, I got Covid for a second time...I didn't take any drugs...

  27. .

  28. DOC: You did well..


  29. PETER: I don't think I need any more doses of vaccination...


  30. DOC:...my Dad researched in vaccines...but he had never been vaccinated himself...

  31. PETER (eyes wide open): It's his personal choice.


  32. DOC: Let me also tell you about the late Prof David Todd, who educated the older generations of doctors in Hong Kong...


  33. Peter leans forward.


  34. DOC (Cont'd):...When he was hospitalized, doctors were curious what would appear in his drug list. There was nothing.


  35. PETER: Humans possess inherent self-healing capabilities. But it seems that the cataract in one of my eyes won't go away by itself...Surgery is the only solution.


  36. Using a specialized microscope, Doc shines a thin beam of light onto Peter's eyes and examines the cornea, iris, lens and other structures...


  37. DOC: Your cataract is immature. Does it bother you in any way?


  38. Peter tries to think of an answer.


  39. DOC (Cont'd): Since you're concerned, I'd write a referral for you to see an ophthalmologist.


  40. Having hit the keyboard of his computer, Doc looks up.


  41. DOC (Cont'd): I've retina detachment in one of my eyes that affects my vision.


  42. Peter's eyes wide open.


  43. PETER(V.O): I've never observed there's anything wrong with any of my Doc's eyes.


  44. DOC (Cont'd): Surgery is one choice. But I'm grateful that my other eye still functions well!


  45. PETER: I see...How about the prospect of certifying me fit to drive as I turn 70?


  46. DOC: We used to do that. But then, the senior management has second thoughts about this non-essential service.


  47. PETER: I know private practitioners provide the service. I just thought you knew my health conditions well as you're the only doctor I've been consulting for the past 10 years.


  48. DOC: Ha! That explains why I don't see any health records of yours from other doctors! Thank you for your trust!


  49. Doc passes Peter two chits.


  50. DOC (Cont'd): What I can give you today are packets of Lipitor, and a referral. But remember, you still have one eye functioning well!


  51. Peter exits with a thankful smile.


  52. Act 3


  53. INT. BEDROOM - 22:00


  54. Peter inserts an AI drawing entitled "Challenges & Choices...." to a text.


  55. PETER (V.O): Life is full of challenges. Apparently, the choices are to fight or flight, breakthrough or breakdown.


  56. Thinking.


  57. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): We all face challenges in healthcare and the choices can be hard to make, as they may not be just black and white.


  58. Pausing.


  59. PETER (V.O) (Cont'd): As life doesn't always give me second chances, I've learned from my Doc to appreciate the blessings I've in the midst of my health challenges.


  60. FADE OUT


  61. THE END



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