University 
Grodno State Medical University

Current Year 
Third

Medical Specialty Interested in 
Nephrology / Dermatology

One Word that Describes You 
Rule-follower

Most Intriguing subject in Medical School 
Biochemistry and Pharmacology

What was your path to Medical School like?

I finished my Primary education in Madhrasathul Ifthithaah and wanted to continue my Secondary education in Malé. I applied to a government school at first; the response from the school to my application was that they only accept students who finished their Primary education in Malé. Then I applied to Madhrasathul Ahmadhiyya and got accepted there. During my 3 years in Ahmadhiyya, other than studying, I was involved in almost all the extracurricular activities held there. In grade 9, I was the vice-president of Environment Club and in Grade 10, I was the president. I am an indecisive person, hence, it was a hard decision for me to choose science stream or commerce stream. So, I made a checklist and it led me to take science stream. My interest in science grew when I was studying in Ahmadhiyya. The way the teachers explained the subjects, getting to know how your body works and how different phenomenon in the universe take place fascinated me. 

After graduating from Ahmadhiyya and upon receiving my O level results, I couldn't decide on which school to continue my Higher Secondary education. I asked some people and did a comparison between CHSE and VIHS. One of the most important thing which made me choose VIHS was the option of studying all the subjects. At that time I was not sure of the career I was going to pursue and did not know what subjects I wanted to drop. In the 2 years I studied there, I made new friends, participated in different extra-curricular activities held in the school. I participated in the National poetry writing competition and National story writing competition. I was the Delta House Captain, and me and my team got 1st place in the "Adhabee Eid" that year which is an important highlight of my High school days. Since I am a very anti-social person, the best thing that ever happened to me in VIHS was finding good friends who understood me. We later became best friends, did group studies together and had lots of fun. 

During my last year in VIHS, me and my friends talked with a Sri Lankan agent who came to Male' for an education fair and learned about Belarus. But as I hadn’t completed my A levels then and since the deadline for the university application was close, I didn't apply that year. So I took a gap year and applied to GrSMU the following year with my best friends. During the gap year, I worked at Lhaviyani Atoll Hospital (LHAH), Naifaru as an interpreter and got many advice and tips from different doctors I worked with. Especially Dr. Arundhati Kanjilal (Paediatrician), who explained so many things about different patients and how life was going to be as a Med student. Also, the staff of LHAH were very helpful during the time I worked there and that experience made me even more interested in studying Medicine.

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?

While I was doing A'level and after I decided to go to Med School, many people said that Med School is going to be hard. That you will not have any time to yourself and have to study all day. 

Yes, I agree. Med school is not easy, but you have to find a balance between studies and free time. Hence, before sleeping I usually plan out my day and allocate different timings for different things. I will be prepared for the classes and at the same time have some free time each day.

How is your daily routine like?

My classes start at 0830 or 0900, so I wake up an hour before that to get ready and have breakfast. This year I have normally 2 classes and 1 lecture per day, so I finish around 1700 every day. 

I have lunch from the university cafe' or canteen. After classes, I go to the university library and make notes for the next day. I come home when the library closes at 8 pm and finish making notes at home if I haven't finished them already. After that, I have my dinner, and while having dinner I always watch some series on Netflix just to clear my mind. Inspired by my best friend, I have started making meal preps during the weekends for the whole week. By doing this, it saves a lot of time for me, especially in the weeks in which I have mini-exams. I usually go to bed around 2300 or 0000. 

During the weekends, I usually go out with my friends and have some fun or watch some series on Netflix. I also study a little on Sunday for Mondays classes. I only have to revise the stuff on Sunday as I usually make the notes for Monday's topic on Friday. This way, I can enjoy the weekend. But if there is an exam the following week, I usually increase my study time during the weekend too.

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

Most important thing is my time. Doctors do not have a fixed schedule. You never know when a patient will come to hospital or when a patient’s condition might deteriorate. Hence, I have to be ready to treat patients at any time of the day. If you are working in a large hospital with lot of doctors that might not be a problem. But during my time working as an interpreter, I have seen doctors work long hours and despite that, it didn't affect the quality of care.

Why do you think some doctors are happy practicing medicine?

Because from the start they were aware of the type of career they were pursuing. And being active in the field, they understand that they have to treat different types of patients each and every day. They accept the challenges they will face everyday and also accept the mistakes they make and try to improve them. Most importantly they feel happy knowing that they are helping lots of people.

Name your favorite medical text book.  

Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology

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

First ask the patient why they don't want to be helped, and what doubts they have on their mind. Then explain the causes and consequences to the patient in a simple way, even the same thing several times if you have to. Give some time for them to think. Even after the explanation, if patient doesn't want to be helped then there is nothing more you can do.

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

Different people find different ways to study effectively. For me, the first thing I keep in my mind is not to skip any classes, because I understand more when I hear explanations of the topic by the teachers or students. As I mentioned before, I make notes for classes every day. While you make notes you will be reading and writing the concept. By doing this, it's easier to remember things. Also, I search for some pictures or some videos related to the topic. I picture it in my brain while I make the notes.

Do you need High grades to become a decent doctor?

I don't think High grades are important to become a decent doctor. The most important things are knowing the concepts and getting more and more practice. As a result, you will know how to apply those concepts. Moreover, you must have good communication skills with the patients. When I was working in the hospital, I realized patients prefer and are more open about their symptoms to doctors who are polite and courteous.

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

Make sure to study on time and never to leave anything to do later. Because that later will never come. Be sure to have fun while studying. The memories of them will bring a smile to your face later in your life. 

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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