University 
Emilio Aguinaldo College

Current Year 
Second

Medical Specialty Interested in 
Surgery

Most Inspiring Person 
There is no ONE specific person, but many. People out there, that has shown to be successful in different pathways in life inspires me in their unique creativeness

Single Quality that defines a great Doctor 
To be honest, no single quality can define a great doctor. In fact it takes many, special, and important features to become a great doctor. To mention a few; to show empathy and rapport to the patient, to be a well communicator and a great listener. And most of all, to make the patients feel like they are being cared for

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

I wasn't able to get to the top ten achiever's list, neither for O'levels nor A'levels. But I don't believe that I am any less of an achiever than the rest of the world. And I think that was my motivation to get here. 

During my middle and secondary school days, I was moved from school to school. It takes me sometime to adjust to every school, and make new friends. By the time I adapt, I would have to move again. That was until I changed to Maafushi school for my 9th grade.  It was with the aid of very helpful and caring teachers in grade 9, that I was able to catch up with all the lessons of grade 8 that I have missed. This was because of different "school plans", and because I studied Arts as an optional; born with the talent and hoping that if not Medicine, I will be an artist. 

However, Maafushi school provided me with only one option; to choose Accounts which I had no idea of and no interest in at all, and had already lost one whole year of lessons and lectures. So, I self studied, studied, yet failed several times until the mock exams of O'level, where in I got a 'F'. That was when I decided to use all my time and energy to get a pass in accounts. It gave me sadness, to not being able to reach to an all A's achiever, but I was glad I got more than a pass in accounts, in the end. 

A'levels were tougher again, but I was able to pass in all the subjects too. I was told that I could get in to any MBBS course but I wasn't financially stable. I couldn't get a scholarship nor a student's loan. Like many, I was the 21st student and only 20 students could get the loan during my time. 

After A'levels, I decided to be a volunteer clinical assistant, and worked for 3 months. Just like everyone, it gave me a kind experience in the field that a sentence wouldn't do it's justice. I also become a tutor which kept me updated about the things I learnt in school. 

It took a lot of Prayers, Duas and patience to get a lucky break. One day, out of nowhere a very good friend of my dad, decided to help him with sending me abroad to study medicine. So, I chose Philippines, Emilio Aguinaldo College for many reasons, which would take another long paragraph. Dua is indeed the most powerful of all. 

In MD pathway, every student must have completed a bachelors degree before starting Doctor of Medicine. I studied a Bachelor in Biology (Bs. Biology) for one and a half year. However, with the experience I have now, I think a Bachelors in Nursing or Medical Technology would have had given me much more benefits than a Bs. Biology. For me, Pre medicine was a lot "less difficult" than A'levels. It didn't really feel like I was a Medical student at all. I learnt economics, ecology, algebra and others that are so different and not even remotely related to the field of medicine. 

I got around two to three months of holiday in between the two courses (Pre medicine and MD). It was enough time to get excited, travel as much as my heart willed, and set my mind and heart all ready for the real journey to pursue my dreams. But instead, I chose to work. 

I took a 2 month job of an "Aamil of Zakat" during the month of Ramadan in the Ministry of Islamic Affairs. This work needed a lot of honesty, and disciple. I wanted to see, and experience how it would feel like to work for a different field, out of my career and learn new things and it in fact gave me so much knowledge. This place taught me how to be a good communicator, be patient, be strong, and everything that is needed to be a better person. This job experience also taught me, how to handle stress, and manage my time (still learning).

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

I can't remember a single day, or a time in my life when I didn't want to study medicine. That's how I am where I am today.

Take us through a typical study day.

In August 2017, first year of MD started, and the college lecture hours gave me a surprise. I had to attend to the classes early in the morning, at 8 am and the classes finish at around 5 pm. The only break I could get was from 12 pm to 1 pm, which is for the lunch. 

During the first semester, from every Monday to Friday , I started waking up early morning before the sunrise, at 5 am. I would do my Fajr prayers, make some tea and sandwich for breakfast, get my uniforms ironed and take a shower. At 7:40 am I would head up to college, which I first started to go by walking. It took me fifteen minutes to reach my college. 

By the time I come home, it will be already 5 or 5:30 pm so, I would make some white rice to eat with 'rihaakuru' and 'thelulifaih' (dinner for 70 percent of the week days in the year although I do enjoy making delicious meals). I do my prayers, watch some series (one episode of 'FRIENDS') and make my "TO DO LIST" for the night. I start around 8 pm, spend minimum of six hours to prepare for my assigned SGD's (small group discussions about different cases for the related subject and topic) and studying no matter what my mood or energy is. This was the plan, and my schedule for the first semester. 

However, by the end of the semester, I was EXHAUSTED, both mentally and physically. Things went out of control and I could't keep up with my study schedules, nor could I tick off my to do lists. I needed new motivation and a new plan. Hence, I started to sleep as early at 7:30 pm after my dinner and woke up at 00:00 midnight. But then, I will be so sleepy in the afternoon lecture hours, that couldn't listen to the lessons anymore (because, I wouldn't sleep after I wake up to study).

This was when I realized that I needed a new plan AGAIN. This time, I didn't make a "study, study, study then sleep" schedule. Instead, I went with the flow. 24 hours at a time and used my motivations and nap energy as my power to go through the nights. I used my passion to become a doctor as the power, and realized that for me, there is no one single path or schedule to get things done. I planned my to do lists, and study hours according to my college hours for the next day, and also according to my mood. Some days, I wouldn't study at all, and some days, I would. But there were no single days that I didn't sleep to my hearts fullest (when you go to Medical schools, 8 hours of heavenly sleep equals to four to five hours of blessings). 

Until now, where I'm in second year, about to begin the second semester, I'm still using my 24 hours at a time to plan my day. And no matter the exam next day, or the busy schedule, I wouldn't miss my sleep nor would I stay hungry. I would buy the whole "supermarket snacks" for a week if I weren't able to make my dinner or breakfast and eat while I study. I use varieties of study methods, mostly concept maps, drawing skills and YouTube videos to learn and memorize for a long time. 

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

I use "TO DO LIST" planners, which is made for; a day, a week, and for a month . 

What do you listen to while studying? Any reasons?

I use YouTube videos as my source of learning. I don't listen to any kind of music or songs while I study. 

Name your favorite medical text book.  

My love at first sight was the USMLE FIRST AID 2017 book and all of it's series. 

Netter's Atlas of Anatomy is an all time favorite as well. 

Best advice for handling criticism?

Take criticism positively, use it to build up your career and your future. 

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

I wish someone told me, how "stressful and difficult" it is to get through even one day in Medical school. I wish someone told me that it is also one of the most beautiful feelings to have survived even one day in Medical school. 

Furthermore, I wish I was told, that the most difficult of all is to manage time; between college hours, sleep hours and self study hours and of course, loving family. 

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

If there is anything to CHANGE in the health industry, that is; to make new and interesting plans for public health awareness of the most common public health issues. Especially for the younger generations. 

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

This isn't for the first one that finishes the race, or the top ten achievers that had gotten the government scholarship to pursue their dream, but for everyone else. The ones who are trying so hard, in their level best for the possibility of making it through till the end. Keep trying, keep rising, keep practicing, keep loving, and never give up on this. 

Life isn't meant to be easy. This isn't meant to be easy. The title is not something you achieve in one day. It takes several hours of learning, and sacrificing things you never thought you will, but you do anyway. This just isn't that easy. You will fail, yes you will fail, but you will always rise, higher and better. But only if you give yourself sometime, one day at a time, and keep on focusing on the good things, doing good deeds. Life will surely open easier doors for you. 

May Allah make this journey easier for you, and grant you knowledge you never thought you will! You can and You will. Faith is all is takes. 

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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