University 
Enam Medical College and Hospital

Current Year
Fifth

Medical Specialty Interested in
Surgery, Cardiology

Most Inspiring Person
I don't have a particular individual that inspires me, but I believe I was inspired by several individuals. 

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 finished my O’levels at Aminiya School, after which I got a 6 month break prior to joining CHSE for my A’levels. During this period I worked as a clinical assistant at ADK hospital. I was exposed to the clinical field and had my first experience dealing with patients. I believe my time there guided me to pursue Medicine as a career. 

After A’levels I took a gap year, during which I worked in Fenaka corporation as an HR Officer. Although this was a drastic change from the career I had chosen for myself, I wanted to get some experience from a different field of work. The decision really helped me in various ways as I got more exposure in an office environment and got the opportunity to work with amazing colleagues. 

While working there, I made my first university application to Manipal College of Medical Sciences in Nepal. However, my financial situation left me unable to leave for my studies at that time. 

My next option was Ukraine, and at this point I was getting desperate to leave for my studies because I did not want to waste any more time. Once I got the admission, and was a week away from leaving to Ukraine, I met a friend doctor who advised me not to go there. I had to reconsider my decision, and once again had to deal with the frustration of delaying my education. After evaluating the pros and cons, I realized that Bangladesh would a better option for me, and my doctor friend guided me through the process of getting admission there. 

I eventually chose to go to Enam Medical College and Hospital, and I am currently done with my final year now. Although the decision was not an easy one for me, I definitely feel like I made the right choice now.

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

As cliché as this may sound, I always knew that I wanted to become a doctor since I was a child. I never had a second thought on that, and nothing piqued my interest as much as Medicine did.

Take us through a typical study day.

Our college starts at 8 am in the morning, so my day would typically start half an hour before that. We have lectures till 10 am, after which we have a 2 hour ward placement, which keeps on changing. On Tuesdays, I attend a central seminar. We then have more lectures till 2:30 pm. 

After college I normally get back to the hostel by 3 pm. Then I take a nap and go for evening wards. An evening coffee/tea is a must and after that, I study for the next day's exam. Since our hectic schedule means we have exams everyday, and that really requires studying everyday. So I usually go to bed between 1-2 am. 

How do you keep a study routine during the exams?

We get one month to prepare for the final professional exams, during which we don't have to attend college. While most people would consider this a "holiday", Medical students know that this means 12 hours of studying a day. I wake up early in the morning to start studying, and take breaks in between, which maybe a short nap or an episode of Friends or just going around talking to a friend.

What is the best thing about living abroad?

The best thing about living abroad is getting to know more about different people and their cultures. Making friends with people who have an entirely different way of living and/or beliefs really helped me grow as a person. I have a home, away from home and I have people who are my family. People from different countries and different religions. But they are family and there’s nothing more beautiful than that. 

Name your favorite medical text book.  

Davidson Principle’s and Practice of Medicine by Stanley Davidson.

Why is being updated on the latest medical findings important for the ordinary citizen?

Medicine is always evolving and scientists are coming up with better medications and equipment everyday. It is therefore essential for doctors and ordinary citizens to be up to date if they are to benefit from these advancements. It should also be the duty of a doctor to convey information about the latest facilities to the patients. This way they can understand and get the best possible service and care.

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

When I joined Medical school I knew that it wasn’t going to be easy, but I had no idea how hard it would be. The amount of sacrifices you have to make and the level of stress really drains you. It really is a roller coaster ride, with never ending ups and downs.

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

There are a lot of things that need to be improved in our health sector. 

From a doctor's perspective, I believe we need to improve the way we communicate with and provide counselling for the patients; to convey as much information to them as possible relevant to their condition, however minor the disease. I feel this would really give them a sense of relief if they had a better understanding of what's going on. 

From the patients' side, it’s really important for them to trust their doctors instead of blindly believing what they see on the internet. This is essential since patients could misdiagnose themselves and do more harm to themselves. 

From the health sector as a whole, I believe it’s important to think about decentralization. Providing better facilities and equipment in the atolls and improving the condition of regional hospitals is vital. In general, a better referral system is required to provide patients with the care they need in a shorter period of time. 

The lack of adequate mental healthcare facilities and awareness is also another concern in our society. It is important that we remove the stigma associated with mental illnesses. Moreover, we should reduce the time patients spend on wait-lists, which in some cases can be a couple of months long.

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

Pursue Medicine only if you’re passionate about it. Don't do it for the fame or because someone else wants it for you. Also, always believe in yourself. You can do anything if you put your mind to it.

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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