I'm ANSANA ADAM and this is My Medical Student Life

By Nabeel Ibrahim Published on 16/12/2018

I'm ANSANA ADAM and this is My Medical Student Life

Ansana Adam, 23, is in her Third year of Medical School. She studied her first 2.5 years in IMU, Malaysia and is now studying in the University of Leeds, UK. Ansana won 4th place in the O'Level National Top 10 and 1st place in the A'Level National Top 10. She says she loves to run, go to gym, watch series/movies, play & watch football during her free time. It was a pleasure for me to interview Ansana for My Medical Student Life.

Nabeel Ibrahim

Published on: 16/12/2018

Third Year Malaysia International Medical University United Kingdom University of Leeds Ansana Adam

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University
University of Leeds

Current Year
Third

Medical Specialty Interested in
Radiology and Sports medicine

Most Inspiring Person
My Parents

Single Quality that defines a great Doctor
Being open minded and non-judgmental

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 Jalaluddin school (Kulhudhuffushi), and my A'levels in Villa International High School. I tutored a few O'level students during the first 1.5 years of my A'levels. This helped me feel more independent and refresh my O'level knowledge.

After my A'levels, I worked in the Presidents office as a senior administrative assistant for 11 months, as I was waiting for my Scholarship to be issued officially. I applied to the Partner Medical school Program in International Medical University (IMU).

I did my first 2.5 years of Medical school in IMU, Malaysia and have now transferred to University of Leeds, UK.

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

I was certain that I wanted to be in the science field, hence I chose science subjects in secondary school. During my A'levels, I narrowed down my options to Medicine and Piloting. I was debating between the two until I got my results, as I wasn't sure if I would have the opportunity to study Medicine or not. As soon as I got my results and knew that I was entitled to the Presidents Scholarship, I was very happy to pursue my dream of studying Medicine.

Take us through a typical study day.

I usually wake up around 4-5 am, eat my breakfast, and shower. I would do some studying and leave for my posting at around 8 am. During the weekend, I try to meal prep so I usually bring my lunch along and eat in the hospital.

I come back home at 4 pm and during this time of the year it gets dark by then, so the day feels really short. I spend some time to relax; watching series and have some tea. After that, I do some studying or practice for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), eat dinner and sleep around 11 pm.

What is your favorite subject in medical school? Why?

Embryology. It is fascinating to learn how a human body originates and changes as it grows.

How do you manage a study schedule during the holidays?

If I am being honest, I would have to say that it is really very hard for me to stick to my study schedule during holidays. I usually make study plans with my friends so that I have a driving force.

Name your favorite medical text book.

Langman's Medical Embryology by T.W. Sadler.

Why do you think more and more students keep dropping out of medical school nowadays?

Firstly, I believe that there are more students joining Medical school as there are lots of opportunities to study Medicine throughout the world. Hence, there are more Medical students to begin with, for more to drop out. It could also be because of the stress we are put under and the wide range of other career options available.

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

How long the journey really is.

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

I think the health industry of Maldives needs to establish a good primary care system throughout the country.

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

For all the students who want to study Medicine, I would like to say, go for it. If I can do it, you can too. You just have to be ready to put in a lot of effort and to get through it. And where ever you go, whatever you decide to study, mix with students from all over the world and learn from them and their culture. Having students from home with you, away from home feels nice and is lucky, but mixing with people gave me knowledge and awareness no book could ever give me.

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.