University
Vitebsk State Medical University

Current Year
Fourth

Medical Specialty Interested in
Pediatric Surgery

Most Inspiring Person
My Dad

Single Quality that defines a great Doctor
Should have a great amount of Passion for what they do

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

Ever since I can remember, I've always wanted to be a doctor. As a child, I try to get the highest marks so that I can be one in the future. Plus, I do a lot of research on the side to know more about this career, and how to go further in it. In Secondary school I went to a lot of Science and Medical exhibitions, Medical conferences and lectures, and I tried to get the best grades in order to apply to a top university. 

I studied in Sri Lanka ever since Secondary school, hence, I was not entitled to any financial help from the government. As a result, I had to choose a university that is affordable. My dad was paying for my fees and I have two younger siblings as well. My current university came up as a good choice so I applied through an agency based in Sri Lanka.

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

As a child, I used to spend a lot of time in the hospital because my grandmother got ill often. I was fascinated with everything going on in the hospital. I saw the doctors and nurses helping my grandmother. Being young I remember telling myself that one day I will help people just like them. 

Take us through a typical study day.

So far, fourth year has been quite easy, and we have cycles.

There are many rotational subjects, each having 7-10 day cycles. I might have Obstetrics/Gynecology this week and Internal Medicine next week. This will be going on until the 6th year, in the hospital. 

Everyday we start at 8 in the morning and cycles go on until 1:10 pm. We also have lectures 3 days a week after the cycle ends. As soon as I get home, I take a shower, cook and take the time to go to the gym. Afterwards, I start my studies at around 8 pm. I would finish my presentations, projects and assignments, to go to sleep by 2 am. I try to cover the maximum amount I can everyday, and take one step at a time. If I have some work left, I would stay up longer. 

I have a bad sleep schedule and I'll be lucky if I can get 4 hours of sleep, but I do make it up on the weekends. 

What is your least favorite thing to do, and how do you deal with it?

My least favorite thing to do was to study Russian. It is one of the most complicated languages and I still am not fluent in it. In Belarus, most of the people communicate in Russian, so it's important to have a basic understanding of the language when you talk to patients in the hospital. 

To be honest, I did not put much effort in classes because we study the language along with other more important subjects. Hence, students tend to pay less attention to Russian. After we got to third year, we put in a lot more effort and at least study the clinical terms so that we would be ready in time for the hospital cycles. I think it would be easier to practice if you have a few native Russian speaking friends.

For students that do Pre-Medicine here, it's a lot easier. Their syllabus is in Russian and they spend a lot of time learning the language.

Name your favorite medical text book.

Atlas of Human Anatomy by Frank H. Netter.

Fill in the blank. I love my university, however, __________________________ .

I do not like the food available in the canteen. 

Also, the timetable could be hectic at times. Long hours inside the classrooms and short breaks afterwards. Some classes go on for 3 hours and we would get a break of 10-15 minutes.

Moreover, 100% attendance is required in all lectures of all subjects. You cannot do your exams without a perfect attendance. If a student does get absent because he/she got sick, then they are required to provide a Medical certificate. If unable to, a student must pay for the teacher's time and rework a lecture, meaning taking the class again. There only 3 free passes each semester if you provide a Medical Certificate. As a result, we are even required to attend 100% of classes in subjects such as History of Medicine and History of Belarus, otherwise we cannot participate in the final exam.

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

Never leave anything for the last moment. It's a lot of stress. You'll be sleep deprived and you won't have any energy when you go for the exam the next day. Try to finish everything when it first gets handed to you. Leaving it for the last moment does not work in Medical school. 

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

As a Medical professional I do not know how to improve the system, but as a patient, I think we do not have enough medical facilities or healthcare centers available in the Maldives. If I go to the hospital I would have to wait in the queue for a long time, and even then I would not be able to consult a good doctor.

There are a lot of changes we need. We do not have enough resources to begin with. In such a crowded place, diseases spread and we do not have enough centers and doctors to provide the services. 

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

Throughout this journey you would come across a lot of failures. Whether it is bad marks or meeting teachers and friends who try to discourage you with their words and actions. 

Do not lose hope. Do not give up. Take one step at a time. Do not try to do everything at once because success is not gained in one day. Try to do everything you can today and not leave anything for tomorrow. Little by little you will get there.

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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