I'm MARIYAM THAAA and this is My Medical Student Life
University
Dalian Medical University
Current Year
Third
Medical Specialty Interested in
Dermatology
Most Inspiring Person
BTS ~ totally unrelated to medicals but they inspire me
Single Quality that defines a great Doctor
Determination
First of all, walk us through the step-by-step processes that you went through to get to where you are today?
Secondary school was Aminiyya School and I did higher studies in CHSE. While studying at CHSE, I gave home-tuition to primary kids to help out my parents with my own tuition fees. I was searching online for some affordable medical universities I can attend with self-funding. One day, a family friend introduced me to a senior student who was currently enrolled in DMU. After talking to her and getting to know about the fee structure and university life in there, I decided to go and my parents supported my decision.
When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine
During 2015-2016 I completed my higher studies and was going to pursue Law but my father asked me to become a doctor instead. So I changed my career choice back then.
Take us through a typical study day.
My classes begin at 8:30 am and end at 4:30 pm with a lunch break between 11:50-1:20 pm. I usually wake up around 7 am and go to bed around 2-3 am. After classes, I usually watch something to relax/de-stress myself. I take a nap and wake up to do homework or make notes depending on how much energy I have for that day. I spend more time studying during the weekend compared to weekdays because the weekdays are more hectic and tiring especially on days with double lab classes. Weekends are more flexible and relaxing and that helps me concentrate better.
How do you keep a study routine during the weekend?
I like studying during midnight till morning so I usually wake up in the afternoon and stay up till the next morning. I don’t really have an exact set time for studying since it depends on my mood and activities for the day. Usually its always sometime in the evening and once more at night. The amount of time I spend studying is longer at night since I stay up till morning.
What is the best thing about living abroad?
Finding myself, experiencing true freedom & feeling safe. I can roam around the campus and streets anytime I want because it is safe. Living abroad gives me the chance to experience freedom of making my own choices & dealing with the consequence of every choice. Its an amazing experience because living abroad by yourself helps you define yourself; decide the‘ What, Where, When, Who and How’ of your life & build your character through your unique experiences.
Name your favorite medical text book.
Junqueira's Basic Histology Text & Atlas by Anthony L. Mescher.
Why is being updated on the latest medical findings important for the ordinary citizen?
So that they don’t blindly believe everything a doctor tells them and end up signing for things they don’t understand. Also, its important for them as patients and relatives to know about the development of new medicines or treatments made available for previously incurable and/or rare diseases.
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started medical school?
You never fully learn everything. Not all subjects are important on the same level.
What do you think needs to change in the health industry of the Maldives today?
I’m not really familiar with the health industry of Maldives so I may be completely wrong and off the mark. According to my thinking, the most important thing for the public would be getting access to qualified doctors all throughout the country. I have often heard of people having to travel from their respective islands to the capital city for an appointment with a specialist because they don’t have one in their islands. Therefore, I think that’s an issue that needs to be addressed and fixed. Another obvious issue is money; in the public opinion, going to the local hospital doctor or a private clinic specialist is always labelled as ‘expensive’ while from the medical staffs point of view, they are not being paid enough for all their hard-work. In my opinion, better planning and budget is required to make the country function better and bridge the gap between patients and doctors as well as public and medical staffs.
Finally, what is the one tip/advice you want to give to our readers?
Be open-minded and be the change you want to see.
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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