University
Chittagong Medical College

Current Year 
Fourth

Medical Specialty Interested in 
Pulmonology/Nephrology

Most Inspiring Person 
My mom

Single Quality that defines a great Doctor 
Empathy

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

I first wanted to be a doctor during my O'Levels in Aminiya School. I was going back and forth between different career options, and Medicine seemed like an interesting choice. And then during my A'Levels in Villa International High School (VIHS), I started during more research on this field. I noticed that the more I learnt, the more I was interested. 

After graduating, I joined IGMH as a Clinical Assistant. By this time I was sure that I wanted to pursue Medicine. I then met a lot of doctors that came back after completing their internship year in Bangladesh. They recommended Chittagong Medical College since the Clinical exposure is excellent. 

To be honest, my top choice was a university in India. However, it was extremely difficult to get admissions, and on top of that, there were no scholarships available the year I graduated. I did not want to wait too long, hence, I applied to Chittagong Medical College.

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

I never liked anything related to Business or Commerce, so I was always set on choosing a career related to the Science stream. And then in VIHS, we had the option to study all subjects in the Science stream, and that was what I opted for, since I was still not decided on a career. I became 100% sure about Medicine when I started working in IGMH.

Take us through a typical study day.

We have classes at 8 am everyday so I would normally wake up at 7 am. Classes end at around 2 - 2:30 pm. I come back home and take a nap for a while. I then go through the books before going to sleep by 12 am. 

My study time depends on when I feel fresh and focused. We have class tests almost everyday, so I would spend the day preparing for next day's test. Some days if I have a small test to prepare for, I would read up on topics coming for the tests of other days.

How do you handle your unproductive days?

Usually I would sleep things out. A good nap covers all of my needs. I normally feel unproductive if I don't feel fresh or if I have a headache, so a nap helps. I then wake up and start studying.

What does success look like for you?

As a doctor, it would be the day patients compliment you and recognize you as a good doctor. It's when you know you've made it.

Name your favorite medical text book.  

Guyton & Hall: Textbook of Medical Physiology 

Robbins & Cotran: Pathologic Basis of Disease

Share a problem you faced in medical school and how you solved it.

In the Maldives we never had Vivas (oral exams). It was a new experience for me in Medical school. 

I don't have stage-fright, but going into Vivas I was freaking out. It was extremely difficult for me to do it, and I perform very well in written exams. Sometimes it's very difficult to keep up and especially when you go for finals, all the professors and Head of departments are present in the room, asking questions. It's intimidating as well. 

To get better at Vivas I practice the questions with another student. Saying the answers out loud instead of writing them down helps a lot. Over time it got less intimidating and I adapted.

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

During the first years of Medical school, we study the basics; Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry. I did enough and I passed well, but if I had gone through more textbooks and studied more deeply, I think it would help me more now. 

This year, I am studying Pathology, Pharmacology and Microbiology. In each of these subjects, the basic knowledge is important. It's very difficult to recall now because I did not study as much as I would have liked to, during my first years.

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

Decentralization. The only way to solve this problem would be for future Medical students to take the initiative and serve their own islands and atolls. It's true that we all have big dreams, but providing for the people should be our first priority. 

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

For students interested to join Medical school: There are lots of students that want to pursue Medicine after watching TV series such as Grey's Anatomy or House. Medical school however, is nothing like that. It is so much bigger and scarier. It is an everyday struggle to be honest. We are all studying away from home so be sure that you can do this and this is what you really want to do. 

For students currently in Medical school: We are all trying to achieve our own goals and the common goal for MBBS students is passing Medical school and getting the degree. No matter what kind of hardships you go through, In sha allah we are all going to make it. Pick yourself and do what you need to do.

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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