The crocodile in the courtyard of the Centre for Innovation in Medical Education has been getting a lot of attention. Our intrepid correspondent from the north scooped his story.
Hi, tell us about yourself. How old are you, where are you from, and how come you’re here?
“I’m 35 years old, smart, handsome and humble, an ordinary guy, typical Karachi-ite. I was presented to AKU by the Office of the Conservator Wildlife, Sindh, thanks for asking.”
So why were you given to AKU?
“I was shot for scientific research. I see you’re shocked, yeah tell me about it! There was talk in the swamp that academics with nets were looking for subjects. I thought: be positive, maybe a free scan or blood sample would be useful – could pick up something early and get it treated. But no, shot! Twice! Afterwards I was given to AKU. It’s turned out ok – its a great institution. It’s been my dream to be here. Its got such a great reputation and great ponds, full of fat birds ripe and juicy. My family are so proud thinking I’ve finally made it: but I literally don’t have the heart to tell them the truth.”
How have you found your time at the CIME so far?
“Cool! I am having amazing times with CIME people. Before I came here I was in a dissection hall with cadavers and specimens. Dead boring and smelly. I’m now centre of attention in CIME. No-one does selfies in the swamps but everyone does them here and I get to be in all of them.”
What do you think of CIME?
“Wow. At first I could have told you exactly what I thought, in the shell of a nut. But I’ve been here a while now and I aint got words to describe it. It’s definitely a chilled place to hang out. I hear phrases like ‘interprofessional’, ‘state of the art’, ‘simulation’, ‘world class’, ‘beautiful’ and I’m right at home. But I got a big scare when this older lady with a crazy look talked about ‘cutting edge’ - I didn’t like the sound of that. I already did my time in the dissection hall, lady! I lie low whenever I see her coming.”
“Ahhh the pools, the plants and the flowers and the waterfall… and the appetising sound of children laughing and having fun; and the waterfall; it's like old times with my brothers and sisters down on the river. I long for those days…”
Have you made any friends since you arrived here?
“Yeah the gardeners are great, giving me a shower daily. But there’s this bird that hangs around here. She hides but if you're quiet you’ll see her. She’s funny up to a point but can be a real pain – gossiping and giggling, preening herself and staring at her own reflection. Similar to Karachi birds, but she says she’s from Essex, England if that means anything to you. I don’t know what she’s doing here – get her to go leave me in peace please.”