University 
Manipal College of Medical Sciences

Current Year 
Second

Medical Specialty Interested in 
General Surgery

One Word that Describes You 
Determined

Most Intriguing subject in Medical School 
Pharmacology, Anatomy

What was your path to Medical School like?

I was always interested in this field, so naturally I chose the Science stream plus Economics, which is a great combination. After graduating, I was among the top ten in the O levels. During my 6 months break, I tutored a couple of kids and also worked in the Health Ministry. I participated in a survey about non communicable diseases as an interviewer. 

During my A levels I continued tutoring students and I became self dependent. I started earning and paying for my tuition etc. A levels was hard and such a blur. Moreover, my sister went to study medicine, funded by our parents so we were financially in a rough spot. My grades weren't that great either but I got 'B's so I managed to get into Med school. 

After A levels I joined IGMH as a clinical assistant and 3 months later I was a surgery permanent. The doctors I got to work with were great and they are a huge inspiration to me. I am so lucky to have worked with them. I wanted to go to KDU, a Sri Lankan military university just because my sister was there. Unfortunately, I didn't get in to that university and I wasted that whole year. Yet, I was still working, so it was not a complete waste. Believe me when I say that MBBS is already long, do not prolong it. Meanwhile, I also volunteered at Health Ministry in projects like Anti tobacco awareness program and more. 

I heard about my current university through a couple of friends who urged me to go with them but I wanted to apply elsewhere. Now I'm in the same university one batch younger. Applying to the university wasn't hard. I sent an online application, then mailed them the attested certificates and application fee. However in Nepal, all foreign students have to do an entrance exam and we were the 2nd batch to do it. The syllabus is like the Indian syllabus with Zoology and Botony which is different from what we study here. 

I had no idea how it would turn out but I put my everything to it and tried hard. I gambled all my savings, bought a plane ticket alone to Nepal and it was the first time I ever traveled alone. It was scary but I met some other people who applied too. It was a huge leap of faith, or you might even call it desperation, but we did well. We got in.

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?

Well in high school I thought Medical School would be like Greys Anatomy the TV series. But luckily I had clinical experience before joining. 

Our campus is kind of like a jungle and we recently had a tiger in the campus. The only huge struggles I face are the snakes I run into and being so far away from home. But one thing I don't like is the Indian/Nepali mentality some teachers have. It's good if you stay low, maintain your grades and don't show an attitude (even if you have one)

How is your daily routine like?

I wake up at 7 am and have breakfast. 
Classes are from 8.45 am - 12.45 am 
Lunch break 12.45 pm - 2.15 pm, I have lunch, study for practical, or power-nap if I don't have any pending work. I sometimes watch series while eating too. 
2.15 pm - 4.15 pm are practical classes/Dissection Hall
4.15 - 5 pm, I shower have tea socialize etc 
5 pm - 6.30 pm, I do files 
6.30 pm - 8 pm, I pray, have dinner, watch something 
8 pm - 11 pm, study 
11 pm - 12 am, phone/socialize etc. 
12 am - 7 am, sleep

What are some of the things you will have to give up as a doctor?

Time that I will otherwise spend on myself, family and friends.

Why do you think some doctors are happy practicing medicine?

Because they keep reminding themselves why they wanted to do it in the first place. Be good at what you do, humble, open to other ideas and also accept when you are wrong.

Name your favorite medical text book.  

Macleod's Clinical Examination.

How do you help people that don’t want to be helped?

By learning their behavior and giving time to the patient. 

In diseases like mental, and also chronic diseases like diabetes hypertension etc mostly it's because of behavioral patterns. Even if you take medicine you can't control or cure it if you don't change your habits way of thinking.

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

Don't get distracted. Don't get bored. Take a break when you need it. And don't ever give up.

Do you need High grades to become a decent doctor?

Of course you need passes, and exams are there for a reason. Yet, your grades don't define you.

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

Apart from the syllabus, work individually on areas you think you need more work. Like communication, foreign language, areas you are interested in etc. Medicine is vast and you will never ever be done. So always keep learning.

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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