University
Vitebsk State Medical University

Current Year
Second

Medical Specialty Interested in
Cardiology

Most Inspiring Person
My Parents

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 completed my primary and secondary education at Gateway college, Sri Lanka. I’ve been interested in studying Medicine ever since my school days. My family and friends have been very supportive for me to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. After I completed my secondary education, I started to give tuition and help secondary science students for sometime while I was doing my AS. Later on, I heard about the Pre medicine program through a friend and I decided to go ahead with it as I was already having a difficult time with my A’levels. 

I completed Pre-medicine foundation course offered by Vitebsk State Medical University in 2016-2017. During September 2017, I started my first year of Medical school in Vitebsk, Belarus. 

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

To be honest, I don’t know the exact moment I realized I wanted to study Medicine. The direction I am taking did not start when I was very young, although I’ve always wanted to help people but didn’t know in what way. Medicine perfectly aligned with my interests back during my secondary education. I did both business and science for my secondary education and the science field has always been my calling. Hence, I decided to go forth where my interest lies. As I’ve always wanted to help people and becoming a doctor seemed to be the smarter and the most interesting choice. 

Take us through a typical study day.

During weekdays, I wake up around 6:30 am so that I have enough time to have breakfast and get ready for classes. I usually have early morning classes around 8 or 9 am. I walk to university everyday since I live close by. 

By the time I go to University the sun still hasn’t risen because we have the academic year from autumn to spring, so the days are extremely short. My classes and lectures goes on until 4 or 5 pm every day and depending on the timetable for the day, I get short breaks in between classes where I could go have something at the cafeteria before my next class starts. Once a week we have our hospital classes where we have to travel to the hospital or clinic and learn practical skills which finishes around 6 pm. 

When I usually get home I’m exhausted so I eat which I’ve already cooked during the weekend to save time. I then take a rest or a power nap before I start to study and prepare myself for classes I have the next day. By the time I fall asleep it’s 1 or 2 am.

How do you deal with unexpected low marks?

I always try to look on the positive side of everything. So when I do get low marks instead of bringing myself down, I try harder and give my best until I’m able to get enough marks which I’m satisfied with. I always believe that failures are a part of life. It is an opportunity for you to learn from your mistakes, only this time more wisely. 

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

Till the end of third year of Medical school, we are required to learn the Russian language which is a very challenging subject for me and my least favorite thing to learn or do. I had my difficulties with the subject since first year, however my friends have been very supportive and helping which is how I’ve been dealing with it for the past year or more.

Name your favorite medical text book.

Atlas of human anatomy by Frank H.Netters, MD 

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

Truth be told, I hate the toilets at my university. 

Also, we learn unimportant subjects such as History of Belarus, Politology and Information technology that takes a lot of our time which could be used to focus on more important subjects such as Anatomy, Histology and Physiology. 

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

I wish I knew that I’d have to invest all my time and energy on my studies to a point where I have to sacrifice my sleep multiple nights in a row. And when I am able to finally get some sleep (if I have an important exam coming up) I end up stress thinking which just keeps me up all night long sometimes. 

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

In my opinion, I think we should open at least one regional hospital in every atoll. This would provide the necessary healthcare needed for the people of the atoll instead of spending a lot of money to come to Male’ to get the medical help they need. It would be great if every island could have at least a small clinic with a good doctor and a pharmacy with the necessary medicines. 

I also feel instead of building more hospitals and clinics in Male’ and Hulhumale’, the health industry should be focused on improving the quality of health care and service to the rest of the country. 

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

The whole reality of being a doctor is not a white coat and a shiny stethoscope. It is not only about the level of your Intelligence but about Persistence. 

The Medical career is a harsh field. It’s not very glamorous as seen on various movies and series. It requires a lot of your time and dedication. You need to put in constant effort every day. If you want to be a good doctor, you need to start at the basics. You need to be a good person. 

To be a doctor you need to have patience. You will face a lot of difficulties in your journey and how you overcome them reflects the type of person you are and how good of a doctor you will be. 

Most importantly being dedicated to your studies doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun or a social life. If you are able to balance it out and know what your priorities are, you will be able to fulfill your goals. 

As long as you believe in yourself you can always achieve what you set your mind 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.

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