University
Chittagong Medical College

Current Year
Fourth

Medical Specialty Interested in
I don't really have a specialty in mind yet. The more I study the more I keep changing my mind. Hopefully I would have decided something by the end of my Internship.

Most Inspiring Person
My Mom

Single Quality that defines a great Doctor
Listening to their patient and being able to formulate an answer or explanation which is appropriate for patient satisfaction. Too many doctors forget the importance of communicating with their patient.

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 secondary school in Majeediyya. Back then I got a four month break before I had to start High School. I ended up volunteering as a Clinical Assistant at ADK Hospital. Having that first hand experience really cemented my motivation of becoming a doctor. 

I have always been interested in the sciences, especially Biology. I found it to be the easiest subject. 

After my stint in ADK Hospital, I started my A level career, now aiming for 1st place in my A level top tens too so I could hopefully acquire a government scholarship. I came really close with 2nd place but decided that I didn't want to give up my dream. 

This time I joined IGMH as a Clinical Assistant where I worked for over a year trying to absorb whatever I could from observation alone. 

I didn't know how to apply for colleges until I met my old biology teacher while I was working. I told him about my situation and he decided to help. I'm so grateful to him to this day because he managed to convince my parents and send me on this wild adventure to Bangladesh. 

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

My cousin got 1st place in her A levels when I was just starting out secondary school. Having looked up to her my whole life I really wanted to try and follow her footsteps and become a doctor too. And it seemed like a good fit since I already had a natural interest in Biology. 

I wanted to go to the same college she went, but life had other plans. 

Take us through a typical study day.

I try to wake up for Fajr every day. But living here, the sun may rise as early 5 in summer and as late as 7 in the winter. So I adjust my sleep accordingly. 

I've been trying to incorporate an exercise schedule before I go to college too. Admittedly it's much harder to do than I initially imagined. 

A typical college day starts at 8 am and ends around 3 pm. I get home immediately ready to study for the next exam. There's a short one every day this year and the syllabus doesn't seem to get any smaller. I try my hardest to absorb as much as I can. 

Sometimes we have evening wards at 6 pm. So, in-between I cram as much as I can everyday and while running from college to home. 

Having just Friday as an actual weekend to myself, it gets kind of stressful. I find that playing Pokemon Go between college and home is a nice way to unwind. Plus I have friends in college who'd play with me if there's time. 

How do you like to spend your free time?

A lot of YouTube. And Pokemon Go.

Are there any students in your class that inspire you? Why?

Honestly, I thank God everyday that I joined the same college as my friend Naaif. The most inspiring person I've ever met. Diligent and hardworking. The real no-nonsense type. As a Maldivian in a foreign country it can get really lonely. But I'm glad I have my friend with me.

Name your favorite medical text book.

Basic and Clinical Pharmacology by G. Katzung

How did you feel when you witnessed your first surgery?

Honestly not that bad. Blood and gore never really terrified me. I just find it interesting. Piques some sort of morbid curiosity in me.

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

It's going to be tough. Like yeah, I know everyone said that. But it's going to be really tough. So tough that you're going to question your mental state at the end of every major exam. 

I have always been able to get through my academic life with minimal effort. I'm not afraid to admit I am lazy. I understood what the examiners in Maldives were looking for in my answers to their questions and I managed to exploit that easily. 

But here the system is different. The culture is different and it takes a lot of intimate understanding to realize what is required of me. My first few failures really hit me hard. I didn't feel like I belonged and constantly questioned the validity of my intellect. 

It took a lot of self reflecting and hard work to push through to where I am today. I still have a long way to go. But I choose to still have faith in myself to go on. I wish I knew what I was up for. But then again I don't. 

I like the person I've become because I failed those first times.

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

As a person who worked in both ADK and IGMH, I think we need to put our efforts into decentralizing. Too many patients have to unnecessarily wait long queues and wait-lists for treatment. 

I've seen this website. I know how many people are studying medicine. If we can just spread that out enough we might be able to do something about that.

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

Expect failure. Welcome it. If it happens, learn from it. Use it to make yourself stronger. 

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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