Why is the boss so demanding?

Because...

1. he worked VERY VERY hard when he was in your shoes.
obviously if one had done his share of hard work and placed in 101% effort in the job, he sees no reason why someone else can't do it too! he's probably thinking, "if i was able to handle 50 patients on my team list in the good ol' days, i dun see why you can't even remember the 15 patients on your list now."

2. he is damn smart.
smart ppl have this problem grappling with the idea that not everyone in this world have the same IQ level as them. he just doesn't understand that what he thinks is an easy solution is really beyond the general population. Hence, he often mindlessly waves his hands and says "settle this quick!"

3. he really cares abt the patients
he sees the work as something important cos deep down he cares for the well-being of the patients. he wants the best for them and unfortunately, you are right in the middle of the equation so you affect what's best for the patients. he screws you up-side down and tekan you like mad when things are not done properly cos it compromises on patient's care. (of course, at this age of defensive medicine, he wants to make sure his ass is well-covered too.)

4. he really cares about your learning process
he grills you during ward rounds with academic questions, embarrasses you in front of your fellow colleagues or worse still, in front of the patients (and the patient silently makes a mental note that this is the lousy doctor who was scolded). well, i guess he must still believe in "spare the rod, spoil the child." so look on the bright side... at least he cares to teach you, although his method may be not quite right.

5. "Mr control freak" is his nickname
his personality is just like that... likes to control everything, wants everyone to listen to him, feels a sense of satisfaction when he creates fear and +/- respect from his subordinates. he enjoys the power and status. everything must be done in HIS WAY and before we do anything, we must get his approval.