University
Kursk State Medical University

Current Year
Third

Medical Specialty Interested in
Emergency Medicine

One Word that Describes You
Compassionate

Most Intriguing subject in Medical School
Immunology

What was your path to Medical School like?

I think I've always known that I wanted to study Medicine. But it wasn't until I studied my O'levels in Ghaazee School, that I realized how much I love Biology and Chemistry. By then I was sure that I was going to study Medicine after my A'levels.

I did my A'levels in Whycherley International School, Srilanka. During my 12th year, there were a lot of exhibitions held in the school to guide us and help us choose universities.

Since I was just 17 years old by the time I graduated from school, I waited an year before joining a university. Two of my classmates at Whycherley directly joined university and this is how I came to know of Kursk State Medical University. 

I joined the university in September 2016 with the help of Dr. Ismail, an anesthesiologist, who was then specializing there. 

What was the biggest difference between your expectations of entering Med School when you were doing A'level, and the actual experience of being there?

The biggest difference was actually in the method of teaching/studying. 

In school everything is taught word by word which makes our self-studying time just about homework and preparing for any exam. 

But in university we are taught by lectures; which consists of the main idea and context of any topic, and during our self-studies there's a lot more research to be done, text books to be read to deeply understand the concepts. Additional information is always vital. 

How is your daily routine like?

I usually wake up one and half hour before classes start. Compared to the 1st year, I have way less classes now since the number of subjects are less. Nonetheless very important. 

Classes usually start at 9 am with one lecture followed by a class or two. There's always a break in between every class so it gives us time to refresh for the next class. 

During the week I currently have 2 hospital classes. There are days that I finish at 2.30 pm, and days that I finish at around 5 pm. 

On the days that I finish early, I cook something up in bulk so that I would have food for the days that I finish late. 

During evening around 7 pm is when I start studying for the next day. But I always try to make notes on Sundays so that I wouldn't spend that time on weekdays and focus more on learning them. 

I usually go to bed no later than 12 am.

Tell us about a time when you were disappointed in a classmate/friend. How did you approach the situation?

During the first few months after we started the 1st year, I noticed that there were some colleagues who would put down others during classes due to their petty differences. 

Regardless of the distinct characteristics of each person, I believe that it's always better if we all work together, playing to individual strength so that it would give out better results. 

At the end of the day, we are all away from our families. Our colleagues are whom we're going to be sharing every step of this path with.

Why is Medicine rewarding?

With every new subject I study, I get fascinated with all the small details that makes us perfect. This really drives me to know things more deeper to get a greater satisfaction. 

It is one thing to just know things by the text book, but it is another to really understand it. 

I feel content knowing that all of the things that I study now is going to help somebody personally in the near future in sha allah. 

Name your favorite medical text book.  

Atlas of Human Anatomy- Frank H.Netter, MD

What steps have you taken to acquaint yourself with what a doctor does?

I read blogs and watch YouTube videos about current Medical students. I also follow a great deal of Medical student Instagram accounts worldwide and keep up to date with their stories. This way I know how they handle the life as a Medical student.

What is the most effective way to study in Medical School?

I do not think there is one specific way. You just have to figure out what works the best for you and be consistent about it. 

For my own study routine, I first use the lecture material provided by the university to familiarize and to know all the basic concepts of the topic. Then, I refer to the text books for a deeper understanding. If a good video is available, I will watch it so that I can revise the material that I just studied. 

For me the most effective way to study is to make my own notes, study and revise the next day.

Do you need High grades to become a decent doctor?

Grades should not define a person. But they matter in Medical school because it shows how competent you are and if you are invested enough. 

Having good grades doesn't ensure that the person would make a decent doctor. So unless the person possesses the characteristic qualities that a decent doctor should have, grades are just a mere number.

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

If you believe in yourself and be consistent about it you can do anything. Remember that it is passion that will keep you going. But don't forget to take care of your self, physically and mentally while you chase your dreams. 

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.

Advertisement

Related Articles

Recent Articles