I'm HANAAN HUSSAIN and this is My Medical Student Life
University
Mahsa University
Current Year
Third
Medical Specialty Interested in
I haven't decided a speciality yet. I would like to experience all the fields before I decide on one.
Most Inspiring Person
I love the Obama's. Both Barack Obama and Michelle Obama have such inspiring stories. The passion and drive they have for the causes they believe in is admirable.
Single Quality that defines a great Doctor
Numerous qualities make a good doctor. But for me empathy and kindness is the most important quality of all.
First of all, walk us through the step-by-step processes that you went through to get to where you are today?
My secondary education was in Aminiya School. Aminiya was the place I discovered the leader in me and had the privilege of being the school Games Captain. After my O'levels, I joined VIHS for my A levels.
Then I worked at IGMH as a Clinical Assistant full time. The experience of IGMH was so special and very useful in driving me towards studying medicine. I got to experience the joy of treating patients first hand.
After working in IGMH for almost a year I left to Malaysia to study Medicine. The university I chose to study medicine is MAHSA University. I had come across the institution in my visits to Education Fair held annually at Dharubaaruge. I was unsure about which University to choose for a while. Then, I found a friend studying medicine in MAHSA. I gained some information from her and I really liked the programme they were offering. I filled out an online application form on their website. Within a few days I was contacted by a staff member from MAHSA and he guided me through the whole process of Visa Application and getting a placement. I was interviewed by a panel of Professors Via Skype before I got my placement in the MBBS programme . I got my offer letter after a few weeks of application. I was over the moon, for getting into med school.
When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?
I'm not sure when exactly. But as far as I can remember, I have always been intrigued by the human body. Maybe it was my curiosity that made me fall in love with medicine. And today, I cannot imagine doing anything else in life.
Take us through a typical study day.
A typical Uni day starts for me around 6.45 am. I take a shower, get dressed and have a cup of coffee before I head to my classes. From 8 am till 4 pm, my day is jam-packed with lectures, practicals and tutorials. By the time I reach home it's 4.30 pm. I try to do some chores in the house, cook dinner and call my family. Every night I study/revise at least for 2 to 3 hours. I try to wrap up everything before 1130. When I go to bed it's usually midnight.
How do you handle your unproductive days?
Unfortunately I too, have my fair share of less productive days. The productivity usually starts to decline, after a couple of hectic days. It's a matter of energy management for me. I try not to blame myself too much. In such days my goal is to relax and refresh my mind so that I can start over the next day fully recharged. I find that I am much more productive after an unproductive day.
What does success look like for you?
Success can be defined in many ways. For me, the day I graduate and become what I aspired to be is a success. The day I can ease a patient's suffering is a success. Hence, success has many faces.
Name your favorite medical text book.
Robbins Basic Pathology, Kumar et.al, 2013
Share a problem you faced in medical school and how you solved it.
In year 2, we had to study a block called MSK (musculoskeletal system). We had to study all the bones and muscles with their innervation and bloody supply in a few weeks. I was having a hard time remembering the anatomy of every structure. Even though we had cadaveric specimens and anatomical models to guide us I was still struggling. I have always been a visual learner. So I drew every bone, every nerve plexus, every fossa and triangle on A4 papers and pasted them all over my room. I watched countless YouTube videos on anatomy with 3D models. It was one of the hardest blocks I had to study. But in the end it played off well.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started medical school?
I wish I had known that its not a race to finish first anymore, but its about finishing with the best version of yourself. Everyone is different and everyone has their own pace.
What do you think needs to change in the health industry of the Maldives today?
From today's scenario, I feel what we lack is efficiency in distributing the limited resources we have. In such a small population with limited resources, it is a daunting task for the government to make health care accessible to everyone. Despite the developments in the health industry, with new infrastructures being being built we should work on our efficiency in providing the necessary care for our patients.
Finally, what is the one tip/advice you want to give to our readers?
Medical school is as hard as everyone tells you it is. But if you are determined and hard working, you can definitely make your dream a reality. And at the end of the day you only get what you had worked for.
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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