University 
Privolzhsky Research Medical University (formerly Nizhny Novgorod State Medical Academy)

Current Year 
Fifth

Medical Specialty Interested in 
Internal Medicine, Endocrinology

Most Inspiring Person 
My aunt, Aminath Nima

Single Quality that defines a great Doctor 
Compassion

First of all, walk us through the step-by-step processes that you went through to get to where you are today?

I did my O'levels in Aminiya school after which I moved to Sri Lanka and did my A'levels in Colombo South International school. Right after getting my A'level results, I joined South Asian Institute of Technology and Medicine (SAITM), which was a medical institute in Sri Lanka. 

I later learnt that foreign students are expected to transfer to Nizhny Novgorod, Russia after the completion of their second year. However, after my second year, I was unable to move to Russia due to some issues. Hence, I decided to move back to Male' for the time being. Basically, I did not want to just stay home and be jobless. So, I joined ADK hospital as a clinical assistant. 

This was my first job ever and I was very nervous. I worked mainly in the Obs & Gyn department and got to meet the best doctors and colleagues. I got to learn so much about medicine and working as a team for which I will eternally be grateful. Almost after one year of wanting to move to Russia, I got my invitation letter. So, here I am now.

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

For as long as I remember, I have always wanted to become a doctor. I don't remember how I decided this or when all this started but when I was young, if somebody asked me 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' I would always say a doctor. So, there has never been a plan B, just this. 

Take us through a typical study day.

I usually wake up around 6 a.m., get ready and go to the bus stand. I do not have time for breakfast because I am not a morning person. So to wake up and make breakfast, that is something I cannot do. But I do have a glass of juice on most days and I have my breakfast when we get our first break in the class. 

We have classes in the morning and lectures in the evening. I don't always attend lectures but I try my best everyday. On days that I do not have a lecture, I will be back in the hostel by 2 p.m.. 

So, the first hour I am back home, I will spend it with my cat and think about what to eat. And take a nap, if possible. By 6 or 7 p.m. I will be finding and making notes for the next day's class. Trying to understand the important points. Whatever I do, I try to finish studying by 10 p.m. and sleep by 12 a.m.. The latest by 2 a.m.. So, that would typically be my day.

How do you recharge or take a break from studying?

Well, no matter how hard I try to concentrate, I have to take at least a 30 minute break after every hour. So, when I want a break I make sure I am not doing anything that is even remotely related to my studies. Have it be enjoying a cup of coffee in the balcony with my cat by my side, talking to someone on the phone or in person, or just watching an episode of a series I have already watched.

What is the best part about studying medicine?

Best part is that it is so fascinating. Medicine is a field where there are new things to learn everyday. Even after becoming a doctor, you don't just stop there. And it is not just the knowledge you learn, you also learn team work, patience, and so much more. 

Name your favorite medical text book.

Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine.  

Do you study alone or in a group with others? Any reasons?

Alone. It is not because I have a problem with people. I am just very talkative, so if I spend the time I actually spend studying with other people, it would end up being a laugh therapy session with my friends rather than a study session.

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started medical school?

Actually, I did not know much about the Medical universities back then. Once I started studying, I got to know all the other places I could have actually joined.

What do you think needs to change in the health industry of the Maldives today?

There are good doctors in Maldives but what are the good doctors going to do without good medicine being available? I am speaking from my own experience, the medicines most doctors prescribe are not available in the Maldives. Either you bring it from Sri Lanka or India, sometimes even Malaysia or Singapore. Not everyone have friends and relatives abroad. So I think the health industry need to do something about this. 

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

There are going to be days, where you feel like giving up. Days you feel like Medicine isn't for you, when that happens, don't be scared to talk to your loved ones. You are going to need all the support you can because studying Medicine is not an easy task. And it is okay to not always get the best results, because no matter how good results you get in your theory, it means nothing if you cannot apply it practically. 

Also, make sure that you are 100% into this, that you are not doing this because your parents want to. If you want to study Medicine, do it because you want to.

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.

Advertisement

Related Articles

Recent Articles