University 
Melaka-Manipal Medical College

Current Year 
Second

Medical Specialty Interested in 
Sports Medicine, Orthopedics and Endocrinology

One Word that Describes You 
Adventurous

Most Intriguing subject in Medical School 
Forensic Medicine & Physiology

What was your path to Medical School like?

For my Secondary education, I studied in Hiriya School but later on transferred to and graduated from Ahmadhiyya International School. I wanted to do a Pre-Medicine course afterwards, however, I got Amnesia when I was 16, hence, my parents did not want me to study abroad. As a result, for my A'Levels I joined CHSE.

I waited an year and a half after High school, so that I could enroll in an Indian Medical College. During this time I worked as a Clinical Assistant at ADK Hospital. I applied to two Indian Colleges; Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Manipal University. I got the equivalency certificate from New Delhi and joined Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Mumbai.

However, government laws changed and all new International students were required to do the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET). I did not want to wait another year to participate in this exam and as a result I joined Melaka-Manipal Medical College.

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?

In Maldives we were spoon-fed during our time in school. Here it is very different from that system.

Moreover, I got a shock when it was announced that we were going to be the experimental batch for e-pads. It is an alternative to paper for writing exams and tests. Everyone was new to this. I too found it difficult at first but am now used to it.

How is your daily routine like?

I find it boring to have a daily routine, so everything depends on the day.

Now in second year, it's not too busy. We have clinical skill classes which are preparatory lessons for when we go to the hospitals. We practice on dummies until the third year where it's all hospitals. 

Classes are between 9 am to 5 pm. After classes I go to the gym or play a sport with my friends. I don't study long hours each day when I get home, but if there are any assignments to be completed I finish that. Also, every night before I sleep, I would spend 15-30 minutes going through everything we studied that day. I spend a lot of time studying when there is a week left for exams. 

Moreover, I make sure I sleep at least 6-8 hours each night. This way I can concentrate on my studies the next day.

How do you balance school with your personal life?

To become a doctor you are spending around 10 years studying and learning. Medical school is tough and you don't get much time to do anything else. 

I usually travel to places during the weekends. I love adventures so I go to different places and take photos. However, I make sure I complete all my learning before I go on such a trip. Furthermore, I spend free time painting or watching Netflix.

Why did you decide to choose Medicine and not some other field where you can help others?

Fields like Psychology is only restricted to one aspect of health. Hence, I wanted to focus on a broader field, such as Medicine.

I was always interested in the Health Industry ever since I was young. Maybe it was because my sister used to get sick often. I would travel to many places with my parents to consult with various doctors. One thing I enjoy doing during these trips is exploring new hospitals. This I think was the beginning of my interest for Medicine.

Name your favorite medical text book.  

Atlas of Human Anatomy by Frank H. Netter.

Simpson's Forensic Medicine by Jason Payne-James, Richard Jones, Steven B Karch & John Manlove.

What is the greatest challenge facing the Maldives Medical System today?

People still don't accept Maldivian doctors. Maybe this is because a lot of foreign doctors used to work in Maldives and patients are more used to them. Or maybe this is because a lot of new facilities and services are now only introduced. Most people do not accept these. There are some that would go to nearby countries for small cases such as benign cysts. 

For an example, if a doctor has been a TV host, a singer or is some other familiar face previously, it’s hard for some people to accept them as doctors. If a doctor is seen enjoying a meal with friends at a restaurant or traveling, they are considered as careless doctors who aren’t really interested in their job. Also, from my personal experience, I’ve seen some people creating a scene when the doctor goes for lunch break or goes to see an ICU patient. It’s sad to say this but that’s how it is. People need to accept the fact that people in the Medical field also has a personal life. 

Moreover, people are still not aware about a lot of health issues. More awareness programs need to be conducted. 

I would also like to mention the queue system practiced in our hospitals. We get a lot of customers complaining about it. They need to find a solution for a more efficient way. In addition, Maldives need to adopt the methods used in countries like India to store patient history. Patients would come with x-rays and laboratory tests from years back. It is a hassle and needs to be stored in a database for easy viewing using the computer.

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

Every person is different. What works for your friends may not work for you. Learning abilities and study techniques differ for all of us. 

I think the best thing to do is, to figure out the best technique for you during the first few months of Medical school. What worked for you in High school may not work for you now since Medical school is different.

Personally for me, textbooks do not work. Yet, I cannot abandon the textbook as a whole, so I would read pieces of the topic and learn this way. For example, I would draw mechanism of action such as Calcium channels and learn everything like a story. During Anatomy, I would mold organs with clay since I am more of a visual learner. I also ask a lot of questions in lectures and make sure I don't memorize much, but rather understand the concept. Doing past-papers help a lot for the exams as well.

Do you need High grades to become a decent doctor?

No, your patients are not going to ask you for your mark sheet. Good grades can be achieved after memorizing the topics. It does not matter whether you are an average student or a distinction student.

What matters in the end is how you treat your patients. You need to know how to care for them and understand their feelings. And to know how to apply your theoretical knowledge.

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

You should learn to balance your life. Don't let your studies or work take over your life. Learn to prioritize and spend time with family & friends. 

I’ve always had interest in photography and flying and I believe that if you are determined, you can achieve all your dreams. If you’re doing medicine it doesn’t mean you only have to stick to it. It doesn’t make you a bad doctor even though you try to fulfill your other dreams. Whether it’s a doctor or a scientist, that person is still a human being. Everyone has their own needs and I think that the Maldivian society needs to change their mindset.

Know yourself. Whatever anyone says about you, know your abilities and weaknesses and stay true to them.

Finally, choose a profession that you want. Not what your mom and relatives tell you to do. Or what your friend is studying. Otherwise you would regret it later in life. Do not compare yourself with anyone since you are your own person. You are unique and beautiful in your own way. Hence, try your best to live the life you've dreamt of.

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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