University
Nobel Medical College

Current Year
Third

Medical Specialty Interested in
Surgery/Oncology

Most Inspiring Person
Eldest Sister

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 completed my O’levels from Muhibbuddin School (now known as Sharafuddin School) and A’levels from Addu High School in the years 2011 and 2014 respectively. After graduating I worked as a Sales Assistant in a shop briefly before I got a job offer as Clinical Assistant in AIMS clinic based in Addu atoll. 

During this time I was also actively searching for career options in the medical field. I remember my mom encouraging me to be a microbiologist since 6th grade so that was the first option undoubtedly. I had even searched for colleges in both Sri lanka and India for the same but things didn't pave into how I hoped they would. 

So I set out looking for other options and my eldest sister suggested to study Medicine as I had talked about my interest in the field a couple of times with her. At first I was hesitant but deep inside I knew it was something I dreamt for as long as I could remember. I just needed a little push and encouragement. 

After giving a lot of thought I finally decided to pursue a career in Medicine. Through one of my friends I came to know about Glonet Maldives, an agency that provides career guidance and placements to different countries. 

They introduced me to my current university here in Nepal and helped me settle a few months before the classes started. Before joining the college I was asked to sit for an entrance exam which was based on Nepal's Higher secondary education syllabus. 

I spent a lot of time doing sample papers, trying to adjust to the new syllabus. After a lot of hard work and sleepless nights I finally gave the exam and got into the college. 

When did you first realize you wanted to study medicine?

I had an interest in Science since grade 6. It used to be my favorite subject back then. 

It was only during the time I was preparing for my O’levels, I started to seriously think about doing medicine after A’levels. Even then it was just a thought. 

It wasn't like a hard and fast rule, like I have to go to med school or the world would end for me. It was never like that. I had my options open until I got my A’level results. 

What helped me solidify my decision about medicine was working in the clinic around the doctors, who were very generous with their knowledge and gave me invaluable tips and advice that came in handy during the past 3 years.

Take us through a typical study day.

If it’s a weekend I usually wake up at around 4:30 in the morning for Fajr prayer. Some days, I go for a run with my roommate for about an hour. Then I come home and have a light breakfast. I do laundry and clean the room since Saturday’s are the only free days we get here in Nepal. 

By then it would mostly be 9 in the morning so I try to study for a while. Go through the topics that were taught during the week and learn at least one topic in detail. I try my best to take breaks in between the study sessions. So I wouldn't feel tired and overwhelmed. 

In the afternoon I cook for the day and watch a series, try to relax till evening. I usually call home in the evening. 

Afterwards I go through past papers, try to practice questions from the topics I studied in the morning as much as I can. I always make sure I have pre-planned schedule for the next day before I call it a night. It usually would be at around 2300. 

If it’s a week day I usually get up the same time. Try to go through the schedule for the day and quickly skim through the topic that’s going to be taught during the postings. At around 8 AM I take a shower, have a light breakfast and head to classes by 9 AM. 

Classes usually continue till 5 PM with a lunch break in between. After I am done with classes, I cook dinner and call home. I try to rest up as much as I can till Isha’a prayer. And then study for 2-3 hours. Usually I call it a night at around 2300. 

How do you handle your unproductive days?

Unfortunately I have had my fair share of unproductive days too. It usually happens when I am overwhelmed with the number of pending tasks I have on my to-do list. 

I try my best not to pressurize and just rest on such a day. I try reminding myself that there are good days and bad days and that I shouldn’t feel bad about not studying well that day. 

So, I try to do something else I like, completely unrelated to studying, like watching a film or hanging out with friends. Then later that day/night, I try to read at least one chapter. Even though it takes 10 minutes to read a page because I know that success comes with consistency.

What does success look like for you?

To me, success means being able to do what I love the most. It’s having a goal in life. It's being able to plan my life and implement it so I could achieve the goals I set for myself. 

To me success means being independent enough to live the way I want to. It’s the satisfaction of doing something that you are extremely happy about. 

Name your favorite medical text book.

Bailey & Love's Short Practice of Surgery Book by Henry Hamilton Bailey.

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

I love to read out loud while studying. It’s something that I have always been doing. Be it memorizing a phrase or just reading a text book, I tend to read it out loud by default. So to diminish my voice during studying I used to play music in full volume. 

However, when I came here I realized I cannot do that anymore as I live with roommates and it would be inconvenient for them. So changing a habit of 20 years was a very hard thing to do. 

Initially I used to plug in headphones but that didn't workout well, but now after three years I am habituated to read quietly.

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

I wish we were taught about the basic anatomy of humans during secondary and higher secondary education as they are taught here in Nepal. As during the first year most of the lecturers here expected us to know the names of the bones. So it was very challenging in the beginning.

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

The biggest drawback in health industry of Maldives is the lack of appropriate instruments which hampers the services. Especially in the islands. 

For instance what I have noticed is most of the health centers or even the regional hospitals don’t have a good enough X-ray machine which is kind of a basic necessity when it comes to diagnosing certain diseases. So most of the patients have to fly back to the capital for even the simplest treatments. 

Therefore I believe if the health industry could provide the basic instruments in health centers it would have a great impact on most of the islanders day to day lives.

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

Mentally prepare yourself for the possibility that you might only be "average" in medical school, and do not let this affect how hard you work or how you view yourself. 

Always remember, grades doesn’t define your potential. Move at your own pace. Compete with who you were yesterday and try to always be the better version of yourself. 

Most importantly, do not forget to enjoy the journey for these are the best years of your life. 

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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