University: Kharkiv National Medical University

Current Year: Second

Medical Specialty Interested in: Orthopaedics

Most Inspiring Person: Casey Neistat

Single Quality that defines a great Doctor: Compassion

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

I completed my O'levels in Dharumavantha School and then right after joined CHSE for my A'levels. I decided to work as a Clinical Assistant at ADK Hospital, since I get to experience some part my future career this way. I worked there for 12 months before I left to Ukraine to pursue medicine. 

I found out about the university through a friend that was already studying here. I applied through an agent and got my invitation letter. After doing a one year Pre-medicine course, I am currently studying in the second year of Medicine.

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

I don't remember wanting to be anything else. Even when I was very young, when people would ask me what I wanted to do, it has always been medicine. I think it is because my parents wanted me to become a doctor, as they also used to work in the medical field. 

I would like to mention that working in ADK Hospital further solidified my decision to pursue medicine, since I got to see how a hospital works and how doctors positively affect people’s lives everyday. 

Take us through a typical study day.

Firstly, I wake up at around 7:30 am and go to the university by 9 am, since classes always start at that time for me. Most of the days classes end at around 1 pm, but on some days by 3 pm or 5 pm. It depends on the day and subjects I have. 

After I reach home, I normally take a nap if I was up studying the previous night. It usually lasts for 2 hours. Then I cook, have dinner and start studying at around 6 pm. I study until I am satisfied, but it usually ends by 12 am or 1 am. Sometimes I stay awake late if I have an exam coming up. Most importantly, I make sure I take breaks during my study period.

How do you recharge or take a break from studying?

I normally read the news or play a game. My favorites are FIFA and Counter-Strike. Also, I go on Reddit often and read random articles there.

What is the best part about studying medicine?

Realizing that you will be able to help people someday. That you will be able to make someone's life better. This is what make this whole thing worth it, in my opinion. 

I also love learning about how the human body works and all the processes that occur.

Name your favorite medical text book.

Clinical Anatomy by Richard S. Snell.

Do you study alone or in a group with others? Any reasons?

I prefer to study alone at first. Group study is important as well.

However, I think it is important to understand the topics fully, before you discuss with others. This way, you would not have any misconceptions. 

Also, this is because if you start studying in a group at first, a lot of distractions could occur and you might not grasp the topic completely. 

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

When you first start medical school, it is a big change from your normal life. You are studying away from home and your parents. You don't really get anytime to adjust to this. 

Plus, you start your first semester with difficult subjects. When I first started, I focused more on memorizing instead of understanding it. Later, I realized that understanding the lesson is more important than memorizing a textbook.  I wish I knew this when I started classes.

Moreover, I wish I knew the importance of learning the local language as soon as possible. I wish I paid more attention in Russian classes. Knowing the language is necessary when dealing with the locals. In addition, some teachers or doctors in the hospitals do not speak the best English, so it's better to communicate with them using the local language. Plus, when you are communicating with the university administration, you meet people who do not speak good English. It's best to know Russian when you are in Kharkiv. Most locals here, especially the elderly people can’t speak English at all, so knowing Russian helps a lot when you start dealing with patients.

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

I think we need to change how we see Maldivian doctors. Some people have this thinking that foreign doctors are superior. We need to realize that Maldivian doctors are as good or even greater. They can better understand what the local patient is going through. This is the main thing that should change.

In my opinion, we can change this by raising awareness and by teaching each other to respect our doctors. The way some of us treat doctors is very much different from how citizens in other countries treat their doctors. Their doctors are held to a much higher regard. In the Maldives, I don't see it. Doctors are also humans. They can get late too. In most cases they are late because they were helping another patient in the hospital.

And of course, we still need better health facilities here in the Maldives. We need to send better facilities to the atolls. We see good doctors who can't reach their full potential in the islands because they don't have adequate facilities. I believe at least one island in each atoll should have a good hospital with specialists and sufficient facilities.

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

Firstly, when you are starting medicine, you should know that you are getting yourself into a difficult career.

Secondly, don't start medical school with high expectations, in the sense that, it is not going to be like home. You need to compromise some of the things when you are studying abroad. For instance, when I first arrived in Ukraine it was a huge culture shock. I had to learn how to respect their cultures and traditions. You cant expect them to respect you if you don't do yourselves. 

Learn to adjust. Some students expect everything to go smoothly. It is not going to be like that. Especially, in Med School you would have days where things go unsuitably. It can get hard and difficult. Despite of everything, do not give up. 

It’s important to stick to your roots. It can be easy to forget when you’re so busy studying, but you should find time for your family. Never forget that it’s their sacrifices that got you where you are. Also, you shouldn’t neglect prayers.

Finally, it is essential to help your friends and classmates in Medical School. At the end of the day everyone needs help. You don't ignore someone when they come to you. You should help others to receive help.

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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