University 
Allama Iqbal Medical College

Current Year 
Third

Medical Specialty Interested in 
Orthopedics

One Word that Describes You 
Kind-hearted

Most Intriguing subject in Medical School 
Physiology

What was your path to Medical School like?

Even by the time I finished my A'Levels, I was not sure about Medicine. Hence, I got into a normal government job after High school. I got the chance to work in the Criminal court. As the days passed I got less interested in this field, hence, I started doing my research on career options.

I was drawn towards Medicine. However, to apply to Medical school for my MBBS, I had to redo my A'Level Physics. It was two years after graduating High school. I did not want to apply to a student loan since it would be difficult for me in the future, so I knew I had to get better grades for a chance of winning a Scholarship.

I then found an opening in the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP). It is a scholarship awarded by the Department of Higher Education. I applied and I got it.

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?

Firstly, adjusting to life away from home at the same time as focusing on studies was something I found hard to do. However, as time passed on, I found it a bit easier.

Secondly, we arrived in Pakistan in late December. Yet, classes had started in November. We already missed two months and were left far behind. Moreover, all classes were conducted in Urdu language. I think that me and my friend were the only foreigners at the time enrolled in the university. All these factors were not something I had expected to happen.

How is your daily routine like?

I would wake up at 6:30 am, which gives me enough time to pray and go to the campus. I have two lectures before I get a break for my breakfast with my friends. Classes are over by 2 pm.

Lunch is the first on agenda after I get home. Me and my room-mate cook and have lunch together. Next, I try not to waste too much time after I get home, so I start studying at around 3 pm. 

I would take a break at 6 pm for tea, before continuing my studies from 7 pm until 9 pm. Afterwards it's time to relax and fall asleep by 10 pm.

Do you think Cadaveric Dissection is important for Medical students?

Yes, when you see the structure of the human body in front of you, it helps you understand it better. 

We started Cadaveric Dissection in the first semester during Anatomy classes. At first, it was creepy seeing a dead body and having everyone around you dissecting it. In our university, every two batches get a body. Students currently studying the Upper limbs would dissect the top half of the body, and the students studying Lower limbs would dissect the lower half of the body. The students studying Abdomen would get the abdomen area, and the students studying Head & Neck would get that area. Overall, it was a nice experience.

What excites you about medicine in general?

The fact that I would be able to make a difference if I work for it. In the future as a doctor I get to treat patients and save lives. This would give me great satisfaction. 

Name your favorite medical text book.  

Guyton & Hall: Textbook of Medical Physiology by John E. Hall.

What would you say to a student planning to become a doctor, to gain fame and money only?

For a doctor, an important quality to have is Empathy. Connecting with the patients is vital. If you only want fame and money, you're going to lack it very much.

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

Studying regularly. The MBBS course is bigger than you might expect, and if you ignore it, the content would keep on adding up. 

For me, fixed hours for studying never work. This is because study hours differ for everyone. What I'm able to do in 3 hours, you might need 6 hours to do. Hence, understanding your capacity and studying according to that is the best way.

Do you need High grades to become a decent doctor?

More than the marks you receive on an examination, what matters is how much you try and how much you improve. Commitment is key to become a good doctor.

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

Students interested to join Medical school: Never be held back and always keep on trying. 

Students enrolled in Medical school: Never give up and always remember why you started.

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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