University: Chittagong Medical College

Current Year: Third

Medical Specialty Interested in: Nephrology/ Pulmonology

Most Inspiring Person: My Parents

Single Quality that defines a great Doctor: Compassion

First of all, walk us through the step-by-step processes that you went through to get to where you are today?

I did my O'levels in Iskandhar school back in 2013 and then I worked in Eve Clinic to make the best use of the time, before I joined CHSE. After graduating from CHSE in 2016, I started working as a Clinical Assistant in ADK while I was on search for an opportunity to go for higher studies. 

I applied to Kharkiv National Medical University and got admission. But due to some issues in getting the visa, it was impossible for me to make it before the classes started. While I was on this, I applied for the Bangladesh Government Scholarship for MBBS through the Department of Higher Education (DHE) and got selected. So, I decided to go for it and that is how I got here. 

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

I don't ever remember not wanting to study medicine at any point of my life. I knew that this is what I wanted, from the day when I was first asked about what I wanted to become when I grew up. 

My parents have always encouraged and believed in me and also made me believe that I can achieve anything that I strive for. Maybe that was my biggest motivation to finally go for it and pursue my dreams.

Take us through a typical study day.

A typical day for me starts around 7 am. I do my morning routines and head to college for the 8 am lecture. I live in the Girl's hostel, so it barely takes me 5 minutes to walk to college.

Next, I have hospital wards at 9 am, but time changes depending on the ward. I finish my tutorials and reach back to the hostel at around 2 pm. 

After taking lunch, I usually rest or nap in the evening. I don't stick to a schedule when it comes to studying. It all depends on my mood and the time. I sit with my books later in the evening and prepare for the next day's exam. 

I try to wrap up before 9 pm and then take my dinner and get in to bed by 12 am.

How do you keep track of what you need to do in a day?

We usually have exams almost everyday, so I keep it all planned ahead of time. In the hostel, we have a person to cook and do laundry for us. So there is pretty much nothing else to do than study. 

What do you listen to while studying? Any reasons?

I prefer a quite environment when studying. It helps me to be more efficient, attentive and quick.

Name your favorite medical text book.

Frank H.Netter, Atlas Of Human Anatomy

Best advice for handling criticism?

You should always listen to your critics even if it's your batch mate or your professor. Take it as an advice to improve yourself and not repeat the mistakes. 

Try not to take everything personally. 

I don't believe that there is a competition after you get in to Med School. There are challenges you face everyday and you have to compete with yourself to overcome them. Everyone is busy with their own self and trying to give their best performances. There is absolutely no time to stick your nose into other people's businesses and even if a criticism comes your way, it must be for your own good. So listen, accept and be the better person.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started medical school?

I wish I knew how to balance between the new environment and my studies. To not focus on one thing and take my time to adjust to everything slowly. To comfort and pull myself together after breakdowns and not rely on another person to clean up my mess. 

To be more independent and be able to fulfill my necessities with out depending on another. To speak up and confront before you get left behind. I might have depended too much on my parents before I got here but now you just have to learn how to hold yourself up keep moving.

What do you think needs to change in the health industry of the Maldives today?

I think its high time for people to change their perception towards the Maldivian doctors. It often happens as doctors get judged based on their degree or from where they got their degrees. The respect they deserve or our perception on their capability should not be affected by the MD or MBBS status written on their name plates outside the consultation rooms.

The Health Industry should provide more job opportunities for the local doctors and actually acknowledge the increasing number of Maldivian doctors. They should also create awareness about the fact that negligence can occur from both the doctors and the patients and it's not always the doctor who is at fault and should be blamed. They should be appreciated more for their work. 

Maldives being a geographically scattered country, it's important that the Health Industry provides at least all the simplest facilities and make it accessible in all the islands. It does not have to be a necessity for the people to come to the capital city or to the Atoll regional hospitals for every little investigation or assessments after paying additional expenses other than for the actual treatment.

Finally, what is the one tip/advice you want to give to our readers?

Firstly, medicine is something you should do with full commitment and passion. It's not the right profession you would want to choose, just for the sake of money or respect. It should be something you do for yourself, so that you fall in love with it all over again when you practice. 

Secondly, it takes a lot of failures and breakdowns to make through it, even after giving your best. Learn how to handle yourself even at your weakest and don't stop believing in yourself. 

In Sha Allah you'll reach your goal and be the person you strived to become. That is all what matters in the end. 

The My Medical Student Life series was created for the sole purpose of helping medical students and aspiring doctors on their journey to become a successful Maldivian Healthcare Professional. Have a suggestion, idea or question? Email us.

Advertisement

Related Articles

Recent Articles