def fast_median(a):
    """Fast median operation for masked array using 50th-percentile
    """
    a = checkma(a)
    #return scoreatpercentile(a.compressed(), 50)
    if a.count() > 0:
        out = np.percentile(a.compressed(), 50)
    else:
        out = np.ma.masked
    return out
Fast median operation for masked array using 50th-percentile