University
Manipal College of Medical Sciences

Current Year
Third

Medical Specialty Interested in
Ophthalmology, General Surgery

Most Inspiring Person
I get inspiration from all the hardworking, strong and independent people out there

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?

After completing my O’level in Alifushi School, I moved to Male’ to start High school. Since I had showed interest in the Medical field, one of my sisters asked me to join ADK hospital to get clinical exposure and to know the specifics of the field. But unfortunately I didn’t get any response after I applied. Since we had six months to kill, I joined Agora and worked there till I started my high school at Villa International High School. 

It was a tough time for me in High school, away from home and my family for the first time. Studies were hard as I was spoon fed all my life and everything just changed in A’levels. To distract myself, I took part in a lot of extracurricular activities, and got a little carried away too. I failed a few papers but I managed to pull myself together in the final few days of High school. I got decent enough grades, which would not have been possible without a bunch of my friends, so a shout out to them. 

After High school, I was sure that I would go into the Medical field and so, I started searching for opportunities. I applied to ADK, (a few times) but got no response, again. Six months without a response, I applied to a lot of places and finally got a job in an insurance company. I worked there for two weeks, and had to quit because they didn’t give me permission to apply to the loan scheme. At the time a lot of my friends were working in IGMH so I had filled the form to apply. However, I got called to an interview at the President’s Office, got the job as a Layout Artist and worked there until I started studies here in Nepal. My mind strayed too, to a few other carrier paths, but in the end I made up my mind that I’ll study Medicine and nothing else. 

My first choice was Fudan University in China, so I applied to Loan Scheme but didn’t get it at first. Tried once more, failed again. On the third time, they had removed China and only three countries were in the list. I heard through a friend that MCOMS, Nepal was a good college so I applied there, and I got the loan and admission from there as well. It was a good day.

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

I’m not exactly sure when I wanted to study Medicine, but I think since 9th grade, I always had it in the back of my mind. And it suited my personality, that is wanting to help and care for people. To me, Medicine was the one field, through which I could do this. Plus I did not have any interest in any other field, that I knew at the time. 

Take us through a typical study day.

We have classes from 8:30 am till 4:15 in the evening, with a lunch break in between. I usually wake up around 7:30 am, take a shower and take the morning cup of coffee before going for lectures. Our clinical postings starts at 10:45 am, and depends on the teacher when it’s going to end. Sometimes very early, and sometimes we barely have time to have lunch and relax before the 2:15 pm lectures. 

After the lectures, I take some time for myself; watch something on YouTube or Netflix, call my family, take dinner around 7 pm and start studying around 8 pm. I go through the things that are taught that day first, and if I have any topics to prepare for the postings, I do them. We have weekly tests so we are always on the edge and always preparing for an exam. My day usually ends around 1 am. But the amount of studying done usually depends on when I have an exam. 

How did you feel when you first moved abroad away from family?

I can adjust to new places very easily. And plus it wasn’t the first time I had to live away from family, so it didn’t take much time to adjust. However, it took me some time, and a lot of effort to getting used to the food here. 

What is the hardest part of medical school?

For me, it’s quite difficult to stay motivated to study every day and follow the same routine over and over. It gets really boring, but then it’s something you have to do. So I normally sleep it off, or do some painting, though I’m not very good at it, which usually help. However, there’s no escape from that feeling and you just have to keep going on. I tell myself that it would be worth it in the end, and it keeps me going.

Name your favorite medical text book.

Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery.

A lot of people would have asked you why you're studying medicine. What is your response to them?

Medicine is not just memorizing books or getting good marks. It’s a rewarding career with so many challenges, and a whole lot of science. That is why I chose Medicine; to be able to help people in need directly, the feeling of making a difference in the world, though how small it maybe.

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

I wish I had known how hard this journey is. I mean I always knew it would be, but the stress that comes with it, is just something I never really thought about. But, I have a lot of great people around me, lifting and cheering me up, and I’m grateful for that. You know who you are.

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

DECENTRALIZATION. Instead of putting all the resources and manpower in the Male’ region it would be better for the Maldives in the long run if we can develop regional hospitals. I mean, we owe it to the people of the Maldives. Instead of crossing an ocean for every minor or major Medical emergency, they should get access to it without any hassle. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mean multi-specialty hospitals in each and every island, no. I mean, dividing the country into regions and developing multi-specialty hospitals, one by one. Doesn’t have to be all together. I mean that’s not possible either. 

I think, this could solve the problem of overcrowding in the Male’ region, reduce a lot of financial burdens from a lot of families and also reduce pollution and the health risks associated with it. All in all, I believe it will bring an ease to the lives of people living all over the Maldives. 

Government alone cannot achieve this, neither can a single person no matter how much effort you put in. Everyone in this field need to work together, with a common goal for this to become a reality. It is something we really need, and we need it fast. 

One more thing. Road traffic accidents are very frequent these days, and gang violence. In every one of these case we just see people in a circle, around the victim just taking photos and videos. So we need a better emergency care (paramedics) and make people aware about basic first aid and what needs to be done in these cases. It could save a life. And more importantly, we need to be decent human beings first.

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

If you want to do Medicine, don’t do it because your parents asked you to, or because it’s cool or to just earn money. You should do it for yourself and more importantly, to put a smile on someone else’s face, someone in need of your expertise. If you are already doing, don’t give up, be patient, for better days are ahead. You got this.

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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