University 
Emilio Aguinaldo College

Current Year 
Third

Medical Specialty Interested in 
Obstetrics & Pediatrics

One Word that Describes You 
Realistic

Most Intriguing subject in Medical School 
Obstetrics

What was your path to Medical School like?

I completed my secondary Education in Ahmadhiyya, and there after completed my High School Education from the same school. 

After A ‘levels, I started working at Medianet as a call center agent which is of course, completely unrelated to my field. I worked there for about 6 months. Even then, I was looking into colleges trying to get a placement. It’s kind of funny how I found Blek Foundation. It was a typical evening ride, I found a banner and I just noted the number. As soon as I got home, I texted the number and they helped me to get a placement in Emilio Aguinaldo college. 

As I was the first Maldivian student to get enrolled in EAC my dad was really skeptical about it. He came with me until I got settled in. Mr. Rifau (from Blek foundation) was already in the Philippines with Ma’am Remy (who is in charge of Maldivian students at EAC). They were helping me with the administration and enrollment process.

Just like any other path towards a dream, the path into medical school was also a challenge. It’s what made me want to earn it more than anything. There was indeed pain, and struggling. When I first came here I had to stay in hostel with a Chinese girl who had a Dog. But, I knew I had to be a little patient. After a month or so 2 of my friends came to study dentistry in EAC. We got an apartment together and everything worked out pretty well after that. 

I would also like to mention that my biggest inspiration are my parents. Without them I couldn't have made it this far.

What was the biggest difference between your expectations of entering Med School when you were doing A'level, and the actual experience of being there?

I knew Medical School was not going to be easy. My friends who are in Medical School shared their experiences and how tough it was for them. Yet, I never expected it to be this hard. In my mind it was always like "all I have got to do is just focus, study hard, memorize better and that’s it". 

As I began my journey as a Medical student, I started to understand what they were talking about. It’s the "advanced study world". Trying to stay focused on studying when you’ve got group projects, research proposals in pending. Sacrificing sleep almost every night to read and read. But in the end, I know all my struggles and hardships will be worth it.

How is your daily routine like?

A typical weekday for me starts around 6.50 or 7 am. I get ready and head to college for the 8 am lecture. It’s a 5-10 minute walk from my apartment to college. After having lunch (12-1 pm) with my friends, it’s continuous lectures, group discussions or case presentations. Normally, classes ends by 6 pm except for Wednesdays (7 pm). 

By the time I come home, I am exhausted. After a while I take my dinner and watch something to relax. Afterwards,  I call my husband and family as they always lighten my mood and motivate me. If I am too exhausted I sleep for 2-3 hours. If not, I start with my assignments. I try to finish everything before midnight so that I could read and prepare for the next day. I get into bed by 2.30 or 3 am. If it is exam week, then its 30 minutes nap whenever I am too sleepy to continue reading. 

Weekends are my favorite. I make sure I get enough sleep and be completely charged for the next week.

How was your first year like?

It was overwhelming. 

First week, I was bursting with excitement as it was a dream that came true. After few weeks I complained more than I studied, and I focused on the negative aspects of the student life. I did not understand why should I learn so much. Or why should I stay awake and study Anatomy since I'm going to forget most of it tomorrow anyway. 

To be honest, I did not know how to learn. I think “confusion” would be the most appropriate word to describe my first semester. As second semester started I learned from my mistakes I knew how to manage my time. It was not easy but also not impossible.

What is the hardest part about the job you're preparing for?

The hardest part actually is to be strong. When you’re in the Medical field, you’re trying to study, trying to learn and trying to grasp every information that’s there in the textbook. In the Medical world, it’s sometimes hard to absorb everything in such a short period of time. However, you learn how to be strong at your weakest point. 

As one of my professor said "courage isn’t having the strength to go on, but going on when you don’t have the strength."

Name your favorite medical text book.  

Williams Obstetrics - 25th edition & Robbins and Cotran: Pathologic Basis of Disease - 9th edition.

What books, films or other media come to mind as having been particularly important to your field?

Medical Television Series: House, Grey's Anatomy & The Resident.

When you are in Medical School you’ll get to know these medical series are somewhat inaccurate in terms of medicine. Some of the misrepresentations on these "medical series" are understandable. After all, the show’s purpose is to entertain. Nevertheless, these series helped me to look forward and motivated me on continuing Medical School. The rush they feel in the Operating Room saving lives; I know I want to feel that same rush in my life. 

Book: Gifted Hands by and about Dr. Ben Carson.

The story of Ben Carson is just very inspiring. An inner-city kid with poor grades and little motivation became a neurosurgeon. Poor grades do not define what kind of doctor you are going to be. If you have the determination you will become a successful doctor.

What is the most effective way to study in Medical School?

There is no perfect way or algorithm that could define the most effective way to study in Medical School. It all runs down on how a person manages his/her time in accomplishing a work. 

At least for me, I cannot sit for more than 2 hours and study. I take 10-15 minutes break in between because my concentration level decreases. I need a break in order for me to continue to have an effective learning session.

Do you need High grades to become a decent doctor?

I don’t believe that you have to have a high grade to become a Decent doctor. What makes a decent doctor is a good Discipline, Empathy & Compassion. 

Which of course we don’t learn from acing an Anatomy or Pathology exam now do we?

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

Medical school is not easy. It takes a lot of sacrifice and breakdowns to make through it. But if you are determined and hardworking you can definitely make your dream a reality. 

In Sha Allah, you’ll reach your goal and you will see yourself in the white coat. Do not give up, because obstacles in front of us are meant to be overcome and should not stop us from reaching our goal.

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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