Hospital 
Colombo South Teaching Hospital

Current Year 
Pre-Internship

Medical Specialty Interested in 
Obstetrics and Gynaecology

One Word that Describes You 
Punctual

Most Intriguing subject in Medical School 
Physiology

Note: The Pre-Internship year is a requirement for students that study in China, to complete their course. The student will graduate after the Pre-Internship year, and proceed with completing the Internship year required by the Maldives Medical and Dental Council (MMDC).

What was your path to Medical School like?

I completed both my O levels and A levels at Gn Atoll Education Centre. While doing my A'levels I developed an interest in the medical field. 

Therefore, I applied for the Access Grant Scheme and for the time being joined ADK as a Clinical assistant. I wanted to start as soon as I received the grant. Among the universities I looked at, the earliest intake was in Dalian Medical University, which I knew about through friends studying there.

I completed my Pre-internship in Colombo South Teaching Hospital, which I knew about through some of my seniors. The whole application and registration is online through their website.

What was the biggest difference between your expectations of entering Med School when you were doing A'level, and the actual experience of being there?

It was quite different from what I expected. I thought the whole learning experience would be very tough and almost unattainable for me. Most of these misgivings were probably brought upon by the TV shows I followed, but when I started Medical school life I came to the realization that it was not as hard as I believed it to be. That is if you were willing to endure with determination.

How is your daily routine like?

Our fifth year is designated as a Clerkship period which I opted to do in Sri Lanka. During this time, we had a 8 am to 4 pm work day except the weekends. It derailed during my surgical and Obstetrics/Gynaecology rotations where the elective surgeries would take place at odd times. 

During the Medical rotation, I wake up at 6:45 am and leave the house by 7:30 am for the hospital, which usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the traffic. If I did not prepare anything before hand for breakfast (which is most days), I pick up a quick and more often than not, an unhealthy breakfast to go. 

Medical ward rounds start at 8 am and can last 3-4 hours depending on the patients admitted for that particular day. After rounds on every other day we have an hour long lecture on a specific topic and then its history taking and examining patients under the supervision of registrars. 

Furthermore, we are given a few interesting cases to research that we come across in the day’s rounds and present it the following day. 

Surgical and Obstetrics/Gynaecology rotation extended to around 9-10 pm depending on the tabled surgeries and labor room duties.

Tell us about a time when you were disappointed in a classmate/friend. How did you approach the situation?

I tend to feel uneasy when faced with situations I do not agree with. 

Treading the fine line between confrontation and silent retreat is something I have not figured out.

Why is Medicine rewarding?

Most important of all is at the end of the day you would go to sleep knowing that you have tried your utmost to ensure that your patient received the best care possible, and through that made a meaningful change in their life for the better. 

I cannot think of anything more rewarding.

Name your favorite medical text book.  

Davidson's Principles & Practice of Medicine. 

Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine.

What steps have you taken to acquaint yourself with what a doctor does?

Building up my communication skills. This way I can assure my patients; make them feel at ease and help them through tough decisions or situations.

What is the most effective way to study in Medical School?

I do not know the most effective way but this is how I do it. It is a 3 step process: 

ATTEND LECTURES.   
Review the lecture notes with the associated text books.    
Make your own notes so that you can memorize and revise later on. 
During clinical's try to apply everything you learnt in basic sciences to the case at hand, so that you may retain that information for longer. Try to capture the subtleties of patient interaction and therapeutics from your consultants. 

“He who studies medicine without books sails an uncharted sea, but he who studies Medicine without patients does not go to sea at all” -William Osler.

Do you need High grades to become a decent doctor?

Good grades means you know your stuff, and that you have studied hard enough. A solid foundation on theory is needed to apply in Clinical's.

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

Starting a career in this field is a intimidating decision to make. 

Be sure of what YOU want before you begin and once you do, never look back.

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.

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