Life as a medical student

[ngu]

Can anyone please share the life of a medical student? Em...what are we going to do daily in medical school etc. I am keen to know more.

Moderator Note: Title capitalized. Please don't be lazy to use your shift key. The reason it takes the width of two and a half of normal keys is for you to use it more efficiently. :twisted:

[youngyew]

Harlo ngu... I am short of time here, so I can only refer you to my related posts at the moment.

Link 1 (http://recom.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=53531#53531)
Link 2 (http://recom.org/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&p=54489#54489)

[Zeroth]

Argh! Exam!! stress!! Nah... just finished a game of DoTA. :P

First and second medical students could be among the most notorious slakers in the uni, hehe!

Anyway, feel free to check out my blog, i've written some stuff on my daily life as a med student there.

They are waysiong.diary-x.com and waysiong.blogspot.com

[PeiWen]

Though I'm not a medical student. But I do have an outstanding friend, who's studying medicine in Australia now. Mmm, normally laymen will think that medical students barely have enough sleep, there's always study, study and more study. According to my friend, besides study, he needs to do practical in local hospital, do research, if possible get his thesis published in journal, he aso wil be posted to rural areas to help the aborigines. Perhaps he'd be posted to third world countries to have practical!
In short, it's a long, tedious journey to be a doctor! It takes strong commitment!

[day_dreamer]

Can anyone provide enlightments on life as a medicine student in local public universities ??

[syahrul]

eh, just want to ask, how about anaesthesiology? what their studies all about?? can someone explaine to me?? :wink:

[SHuLy]

oh noooo....i am slacking too much. this is disastrous! especially when my exam is coming soon! urgh...6 months of medical school and i don't know what i've learnt! been busy with other matters.. :D

[syahrul]

oh noooo....i am slacking too much. this is disastrous! especially when my exam is coming soon! urgh...6 months of medical school and i don't know what i've learnt! been busy with other matters.. :D

rilex o.. don't be tensen... :wink:

[masdie]

eh, just want to ask, how about anaesthesiology? what their studies all about?? can someone explaine to me?? :wink:

Hi. I myself have no idea what anaesthesiology is all about so I can't really tell. But maybe you'll find the 2 pages below informative?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anesthesiologist

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anesthesia

From what I heard (people nowadays gossip a lot hehe), anaesthetists must have a very strong understanding of our human physiology (fluid-electrolyte balances, uh I don't know but I feel everything is important: the heart, lungs, kidneys, everything). Other medical professionals also need physiology but I feel anaesthetists should know them best as they're dealing/meddling with the body. Anaesthetists usually work in 2 environment: the operation table and the critical care ward/ICU (sometimes people combine anaesthesiology with critical care).

You're interested in anaesthesiology? The training is long and difficult. Some people are attracted because it's not a primary care specialty and because it pays well. If I'm not mistaken, in the US, anaesthetists are paid the most, up to 300k usd or more per annum. But I don't know how much they're paid in M'sia. However, they work very long hours, usually works only in hospitals and when you work in ICUs, you see a lot of people dying.

Maybe you can ask more specific questions and I can try to find the answer? Or you can try looking around the links in those wikipedia articles.

PS: Just in case you didn't know, you'll have to graduate from medical school before you can specialise in anaesthesiology.

[syahrul]

*clap*to masdie.. hahah... my brother plan to take the anaesthesiology course, and he ask me whether the course is intersting or not... :wink: how long the course will take? 5 to 7 years..?

[masdie]

my brother plan to take the anaesthesiology course, and he ask me whether the course is intersting or not... :wink: how long the course will take? 5 to 7 years..?

Interest depends on each individual. I believe every medical student will have an anesthesiology rotation in medical school. He can decide which specialty suits him best after finishing med school.

Training? That depends on where you plan to train. First of all, you'll have to finish med school so that'll take you around 5 yrs. And then, you'll have to finish your housemanship so that's a year or two. And then you apply for MMed(Anaes) which takes 4 yrs to complete. If you want to train in the UK, then it'll take 6-7 yrs before you can sit for the exit exam. In the US, you can apply straight for an anaesthetics residency which takes 3-4 yrs. So all in all, you'll need at least 10 yrs of training (including basic MD/MBBS) before you can call yourself a certified anaesthetist.

[syahrul]

my brother plan to take the anaesthesiology course, and he ask me whether the course is intersting or not... :wink: how long the course will take? 5 to 7 years..?

Interest depends on each individual. I believe every medical student will have an anesthesiology rotation in medical school. He can decide which specialty suits him best after finishing med school.

Training? That depends on where you plan to train. First of all, you'll have to finish med school so that'll take you around 5 yrs. And then, you'll have to finish your housemanship so that's a year or two. And then you apply for MMed(Anaes) which takes 4 yrs to complete. If you want to train in the UK, then it'll take 6-7 yrs before you can sit for the exit exam. In the US, you can apply straight for an anaesthetics residency which takes 3-4 yrs. So all in all, you'll need at least 10 yrs of training (including basic MD/MBBS) before you can call yourself a certified anaesthetist.


10 years? whoa... most of the anaesthetics must be old... i must tell my bro to take another course in medicine... hahahah... :wink:

[masdie]

10 years? whoa... most of the anaesthetics must be old... i must tell my bro to take another course in medicine... hahahah... :wink:

To become a qualified medical specialist is not easy. To be frank, most specialties need almost around the same amount of time to complete. I think surgical specialties take longer. If you want a faster track, you can just become a low-lying GP in M'sia. You can call yourself a GP after you finish your housemanship and your compulsory service, no further training though you must have seen a lot of different cases to be able to work. Unlike in other countries whereby Family Medicine is considered a specialty itself whereby you need further training (around 3 yrs) before you can call yourself a GP.

[syahrul]

10 years? whoa... most of the anaesthetics must be old... i must tell my bro to take another course in medicine... hahahah... :wink:

To become a qualified medical specialist is not easy. To be frank, most specialties need almost around the same amount of time to complete. I think surgical specialties take longer. If you want a faster track, you can just become a low-lying GP in M'sia. You can call yourself a GP after you finish your housemanship and your compulsory service, no further training though you must have seen a lot of different cases to be able to work. Unlike in other countries whereby Family Medicine is considered a specialty itself whereby you need further training (around 3 yrs) before you can call yourself a GP.

now i see, all the doctor must take at least 10 years to become a true doctor, wow, it's very hard... no wonder some of us don't want to take medicine at uni. :wink: well, are you also studying medic? seems that you are experienced already... if yes, i wish you luck...

p/s: is there any malaysian study in finland - i try to find some student association there, but i failed...

[Patrick]

Anaesthetists don't earn a lot in Malaysia.

In government service, you earn about 3-6k a month.

In private practice, you'll earn about 10% of the surgical charges of an operation...

Source = According to an anaesthetist I talked to....hehe

[syahrul]

why malaysian doctor always didn't earn a lot than they deserve? i think to be a doctor is already difficult. They should be given some higher salary to motivate them... :wink:

[Luke85]

Life as a medical student involves:

Having to drag yourself to lectures at 9am when everyone else has a lie-in until 2pm.

Working your arse off on assignments that counts for 0.05% of the year's results simply because all your coursemates are doing that.

Falling asleep in important lectures and staying away in useless ones.

Not knowing what goes on in those lectures(whether you're asleep or not).

Smelling of formaldehyde.

Lots of disposable gloves.

Lots of panic. During exams, OSCEs, assignments, presentations, whatever.


But it also involves:

Knowing the following mnemonics: C3,4,5 keeps the diaphragm alive, L2,3,4 keeps the shit off the floor.

The chance to work with a variety of interesting, brilliant, multitalented, well-rounded people.

The chance to get to know LOADS of people, period.

Learning loads of quirky bits and pieces about the human body and how it works.

Which in return you get to impress your non-medic friends with.

As well as the knowledge that when(or if in my case :P ) you graduate, you'll be doing something worthwhile and meaningful, contributing to society, and are pretty much guaranteed jobs and friends for life. 8)



In Malaysia, being a doctor dosen't pay that well in the civil service, and there is significantly higher renumeration if you go private. Its unfortunate that doctors don't earn that much in Malaysia, but perhaps its something that will change in time.

[SHuLy]

why malaysian doctor always didn't earn a lot than they deserve? i think to be a doctor is already difficult. They should be given some higher salary to motivate them... :wink:

AYE* to that! haha..indeed the malaysian govt doctors should be paid deservingly. However, i'm afraid that day is long to be seen. besides, i think whatever funds there are will be channelled to other sectors first...of which, some are merely to help those-not-really-in need..(vaguely said)...hehe, unless we make open air protests..like the healthcare going on strike! (that happened involving the lecturers a couple of months ago in UK) ..but then again, it'll be a shame to come to that point. docs are too caring to do that! :D

hmm..luke85, i've heard of C 345 but not L 234~!

[masdie]

If medicine is all about passion and interest, why talk about remuneration?

[SHuLy]

If medicine is all about passion and interest, why talk about remuneration?

doctors have to earn a living too....

All jobs require it's pursuer passion and interest in order to succeed..or last. WHy aren't anyone working for free? hehe, maybe we should all go back to the barter system..

medicine is not JUST passion and interest. It's MAINLY that. not talking about renumeration does not make a person any more passionate nor talking about it maketh a person less passionate about it. something that is ignored does not mean it's non-existent.

[masdie]

doctors have to earn a living too....

I agree with the above-mentioned statement.

However, are the doctors looking for money enough to support themselves monthly or money enough to buy a mansion, an S-class Mercedes and some left to play golf?

In most threads, people talk about having the passion of treating the sick. And at the same time, they bash the government for the low pay. I know, most people doesn't hate money but does the Dr title come with lavish lifestyle?

Ask yourself, are you willing to work in the rural areas in Sarawak (after finishing your training) for the the rest of your life? Or do you really want to treat patients in a major hospital in the capital whereby you sit in an air-conditioned office and drive an 8-series BMW?

I love money.

ps: I understand that this happens in most professions. However, I hate it when people say that they do it because of passion and then go on to say that money is the least of their priority when it is not true, I believe to some, the money factor lingers at the same level as passion. I'm not refering to anyone, it's just the trend that I notice.

[youngyew]

doctors have to earn a living too....

I agree with the above-mentioned statement.

However, are the doctors looking for money enough to support themselves monthly or money enough to buy a mansion, an S-class Mercedes and some left to play golf?

In most threads, people talk about having the passion of treating the sick. And at the same time, they bash the government for the low pay. I know, most people doesn't hate money but does the Dr title come with lavish lifestyle?

Ask yourself, are you willing to work in the rural areas in Sarawak (after finishing your training) for the the rest of your life? Or do you really want to treat patients in a major hospital in the capital whereby you sit in an air-conditioned office and drive an 8-series BMW?

I love money.

ps: I understand that this happens in most professions. However, I hate it when people say that they do it because of passion and then go on to say that money is the least of their priority when it is not true, I believe to some, the money factor lingers at the same level as passion. I'm not refering to anyone, it's just the trend that I notice.
I think the discussion of passion vs money has been discussed in ReCom for at least 5 times... :wink:

My viewpoint regarding this whole issue is, as long as a doctor is true to his/her responsibility, provides the best treatment and saves people's life with the most professional attitude without charging excessively, he/she deserves a decent monetary reward even if it's a BMW S-class or a mansion in a golf club.

In my opinion, the reason aspiring doctors choose to "play down" the role of money factor is not because they are trying to dupe innocent minds, as some are inclined to presume. The actual reason, I would like to believe, is the stigma, disparaging attitude and the prejudice of the public towards doctors. See, if one proclaims publicly that "I want to be a doctor because I can earn a lot of money", one ought to be lambasted incessantly by others, as so clearly manifested in past ReCom threads.

To put it in the context, my main concern is, what's wrong with the intention to make some money from my effort to save lives? To simplify things a bit, say there are 6 types of doctors:

1. Good doctor, don't care about money
2. Good doctor, want to earn a decent amount of money without charging exorbitant fees
3. Good (in terms of treatment) doctor, earn money by charging patients excessively.
4. Bad doctor, don't care about money
5. Bad doctor, want to earn a decent amount of money without charging exorbitant fees
6. Bad doctor, earn money by duping patients


Are type 2 doctors sinful?? Why does the society expect/accept only type 1 doctor?

and.. why one starts mentioning money, people automatically categorize him as type 3, 5 of 6??

I believe most aspiring doctors are trying to be type 2 doctors. Yes, due to the human nature or the societal influence, some originally type-2-to-be ought to transform into type 3, 5, or 6, but please don't attack aspiring doctors on every mentioning of the word "money".

[masdie]

I think the discussion of passion vs money has been discussed in ReCom for at least 5 times... :wink:

:oops: Sorry, I just can't help myself. I can't resist the temptation to pounce on every chance.

........deserves a decent monetary reward even if it's a BMW S-class or a mansion in a golf club.

:wink: Err youngyew......please make up your mind. It's either a BMW 3/5/7/8-series or a Mercedes C/E/S-class. :idea:

In my opinion, the reason aspiring doctors choose to "play down" the role of money factor is not because they are trying to dupe innocent minds, as some are inclined to presume. The actual reason, I would like to believe, is the stigma, disparaging attitude and the prejudice of the public towards doctors. See, if one proclaims publicly that "I want to be a doctor because I can earn a lot of money", one ought to be lambasted incessantly by others, as so clearly manifested in past ReCom threads.

Is that so? Shall we call them cowards? I'm never afraid to declare my dreams: to be a world-renowned gigolo, because I want money, lots of them.

but please don't attack aspiring doctors on every mentioning of the word "money".

:twisted: Hehe.

[desparate]

Don't ever choose to study medicine when you don't hae the heart to help people.....every day study like hell!!!!!limited entertainment....if have,u have to control urself to the temptation.


If there is a big gap betwen F5 and F6, then there is a sea between F6 and first year medical course!

Think many many times b4 u choose medicine! Don't end up like me regretting not to go to singapore!!!

From USM 1st year medic

[cinnamon]

From USM 1st year medic

hi desparate (ur nickname sounds quite pessimistic... :p just kidding)

i've a friend whose brother is a first yr med student in usm as well, from matriculation though...

i've another good friend who should be in usm's third yr med now...

and also, my brother graduated from medical course in usm last yr...

anyway, all the best for ur studies! hope u enjoy ur stay in kubang kerian! =)

[cinnamon]

hi all

js wondering, why nobody talks about medicine in new zealand... :p

JPA/MARA/Petronas sponsor students to study medicine in new zealand too.

[yee_88888]

May i know do you know any of them who are or will be there next year? Thanks in advance. ^_^
________
Toyota Tf107 History (http://www.toyota-wiki.com/wiki/Toyota_TF107)

[sunshine88]

wait a sec...Cinnamon....Petronas do sponsor students for medic. course :?: ....Is STPM result applicable for application??can u/anybody post the link regarding this petronas thing :?:

[cinnamon]

hi sunshine

sorry, i'm not sure whether STPM result is applicable...
however, i hv friends (bumi) currently studying medicine in NZ, sponsored by petronas... they got the scholarship based on their SPM results...

visiting petronas website to learn more about its scholarship may help, i think?

hope u'll find the answer soon...

[SHuLy]

hi all

js wondering, why nobody talks about medicine in new zealand... :p

JPA/MARA/Petronas sponsor students to study medicine in new zealand too.

heheh. a bit late of a response..(okay, very late) .but, perhaps those doing medicine in NZ are just not here..

just a thought.

[shaun89]

Hello everyone. I wonder that is that a good choice to choose medicine?

[jingguo]

hi all

js wondering, why nobody talks about medicine in new zealand... :p

JPA/MARA/Petronas sponsor students to study medicine in new zealand too.

heheh. a bit late of a response..(okay, very late) .but, perhaps those doing medicine in NZ are just not here..

just a thought.

well, about medicine in NZ.. people aren't just interested to study in NZ.. since there's only 2 unis offerring medic i.e. Uni of Auckland and Uni Otago. entry to do medicine in NZ is quite tough and their intake for overseas students are very small. that's why few people talks about it.

basically, medicine course in NZ is like this:

you try to gain entry to the uni's health sciences faculty (entry to this course is easy), then in your first year of studies in health sciences, you need to take UMAT, attend interview and do very very good in the exams. you have to be like among the 5% in the course. then you enter 2nd year medicine if you do get in. if not you would be offered to continue on your studies with other courses like pharm, nursing etc etc. then you continue on with year 3. in year 4 and five you get to do somesort like postings. lastly in year 6 (yes, you have to go through 6 years of studies for medicine), you would be doing somesort like an apperenticeship in your final year.

JPA did offer scholarship to students to do medicine in NZ for SPM 2004 students. but apparently they no longer do that for SPM 2005 students. don't know why...

[jingguo]

Hello everyone. I wonder that is that a good choice to choose medicine?

well, as a medical student.. this question would definitely be a yes and a no answer. of course it is a good choice for some but not so for others. i would say that's not so the right question to ask if you wish to do medicine.. no offence on that..

but rather, the right question you should be asking is :
do i really want to do medicine?
or is medicine the right path for me?

for me medicine is not a way to be rich and famous... its about the way in which i can reach out to the people. so my question to you would be this: do you really want to take up medicine? sacrificing your time, money and energy so that you can serve the people in the future? its it all worth doing? ask yourself on that... and mayb you can find these answers right from the bottom of your heart..

cheers..
and life as a med student is never a bed of roses but a long and winding path filled with much obstacles

[pangping1510]

med student life? not bad la. not much mugging. can have an interesting life too.

i think its a bed of roses. once in a while poked by thorns. sounds cool. XD

[jingguo]

med student life? not bad la. not much mugging. can have an interesting life too.

i think its a bed of roses. once in a while poked by thorns. sounds cool. XD

yeah.. its quite fun actually.. except when the exam arew around the corner... that's when life felt the worst..

[jane_gun]

med student life? not bad la. not much mugging. can have an interesting life too.

i think its a bed of roses. once in a while poked by thorns. sounds cool. XD

yeah.. its quite fun actually.. except when the exam arew around the corner... that's when life felt the worst..

Haha, yeah, exam periods can be really stressful - last block was our neuro term n all of us just freaked out at the HUGE amount of info... Now we're doing paeds so it's a little more relaxing (but can be bad since we tend to slack as we keep thinking how much easier it is compared to neuro)...

[white2020]

I am not a medical student but I would like to share these things with u all as i found these when surfing net.

If u want to become a doctor, u should possess

1. Eagle's Eyes (老鷹的眼)
2. Lion's Heart (獅子的心)
3. Camel's Legs (駱駝的腳)
4. Lady's Fingers (淑女的手指)
5. (I dunno)

[nurulanne]

hi all

js wondering, why nobody talks about medicine in new zealand... :p

JPA/MARA/Petronas sponsor students to study medicine in new zealand too.

heheh. a bit late of a response..(okay, very late) .but, perhaps those doing medicine in NZ are just not here..

just a thought.

well, about medicine in NZ.. people aren't just interested to study in NZ.. since there's only 2 unis offerring medic i.e. Uni of Auckland and Uni Otago. entry to do medicine in NZ is quite tough and their intake for overseas students are very small. that's why few people talks about it.

basically, medicine course in NZ is like this:

you try to gain entry to the uni's health sciences faculty (entry to this course is easy), then in your first year of studies in health sciences, you need to take UMAT, attend interview and do very very good in the exams. you have to be like among the 5% in the course. then you enter 2nd year medicine if you do get in. if not you would be offered to continue on your studies with other courses like pharm, nursing etc etc. then you continue on with year 3. in year 4 and five you get to do somesort like postings. lastly in year 6 (yes, you have to go through 6 years of studies for medicine), you would be doing somesort like an apperenticeship in your final year.

JPA did offer scholarship to students to do medicine in NZ for SPM 2004 students. but apparently they no longer do that for SPM 2005 students. don't know why...


hi..jpa still send their student to NZ for SPM 2005....there are 12 of us...and we currently doing a level at taylors in our finAL sem...hihi..feel free to talk about medicine in NZ..i will be very happy to read bout it

[jingguo]

hi all

js wondering, why nobody talks about medicine in new zealand... :p

JPA/MARA/Petronas sponsor students to study medicine in new zealand too.

heheh. a bit late of a response..(okay, very late) .but, perhaps those doing medicine in NZ are just not here..

just a thought.

well, about medicine in NZ.. people aren't just interested to study in NZ.. since there's only 2 unis offerring medic i.e. Uni of Auckland and Uni Otago. entry to do medicine in NZ is quite tough and their intake for overseas students are very small. that's why few people talks about it.

basically, medicine course in NZ is like this:

you try to gain entry to the uni's health sciences faculty (entry to this course is easy), then in your first year of studies in health sciences, you need to take UMAT, attend interview and do very very good in the exams. you have to be like among the 5% in the course. then you enter 2nd year medicine if you do get in. if not you would be offered to continue on your studies with other courses like pharm, nursing etc etc. then you continue on with year 3. in year 4 and five you get to do somesort like postings. lastly in year 6 (yes, you have to go through 6 years of studies for medicine), you would be doing somesort like an apperenticeship in your final year.

JPA did offer scholarship to students to do medicine in NZ for SPM 2004 students. but apparently they no longer do that for SPM 2005 students. don't know why...


hi..jpa still send their student to NZ for SPM 2005....there are 12 of us...and we currently doing a level at taylors in our finAL sem...hihi..feel free to talk about medicine in NZ..i will be very happy to read bout it

yeah.. i heard about that too. have you all got the offer already.. had any interviews with the deans of otago and auckland?? i still remember the auckland interviewers were cynthia and parry?? is it still the same?? currently, there are about 10 to 13 seniors there.. 7 in otago and four in auckland if i'm not wrong..

[byzhanii_bogn]

i have something to share...

my life as a medical student.

LOTS of supper & late night snacks
LOTS of Grey's Anatomy, ER, Scrubs, 3lbs...
LOTS of movies at Mid Valley
LOTS of pasar malams
LOTS of fun...fun and fun

and i passed my first yr...

wat, man i have to have all the fun i can get before i enter clinicals right?

[windhoe2]

i have something to share...

my life as a medical student.

LOTS of supper & late night snacks
LOTS of Grey's Anatomy, ER, Scrubs, 3lbs...
LOTS of movies at Mid Valley
LOTS of pasar malams
LOTS of fun...fun and fun

and i passed my first yr...

wat, man i have to have all the fun i can get before i enter clinicals right?

u will not be so fun in 2nd year onwards

[slumber]

is it very hard and distressful?
im freaking out man.
and is it for each medical school have the same syllabus?
do we have to study first before we go to to the first year?

[Zeroth]

its hard or easy depending on your clinical school and yourself.

I personally prefer more work from uni so that I don't have to figure out what to read next..

Self educating can be fun but sometimes you may feel lost.. :P

[jingguo]

its hard or easy depending on your clinical school and yourself.

I personally prefer more work from uni so that I don't have to figure out what to read next..

Self educating can be fun but sometimes you may feel lost.. :P

i couldnt help but just fully agreeing with you.

[SaMURaI-Y]

As not a medical student, will it be beneficial if I read some medical course books?

[jingguo]

As not a medical student, will it be beneficial if I read some medical course books?

well, of course you can... there's no one to stop you.. and its good for yourself as well.. at least it makes u a little bit of a doctor. but from time to time you might hit a wall or something like that... mayb that's the time u can start asking for clarification from experts..

[NV1989]

is it very hard and distressful?
im freaking out man.
and is it for each medical school have the same syllabus?
do we have to study first before we go to to the first year?

Syllabus&education system are different in every different country. So it also depends on Where r u goin to study.

What do you meant by "do we have to study first before we go to to the first year?"? If you meant self study. Well, i think it's not that much of a necessity. I think you should sleep and get good rest more. Cos when you start studying, you'll get lesser and lesser of it each day. Sooner or later u'll turn into a panda whether u like it or not.

Maybe I could suggest you to prepare some eye gels...etc. If you really have nothing better to do than to enjoy your days, you can start a little here and there as a preparation for your days to come. Maybe you could highlight those part that you don't understand and ask your lecturer or prof in the future. That you'll not miss anything that you want to know or you want to ask.

Have fun joining the panda world!

Regards.

[TheArtOfMedicine]

Wouldn't it be fun to work in rural areas, helping out those poor people, and seeing one or two of them fetching you some home-made food which are considered a valuable gift in the community as a token of appreciation..i think that'd be really nice. The only problem is..i can't speak MALAY!!!!!

[jingguo]

well, its never too late to learn!!!

[youngyew]

Wouldn't it be fun to work in rural areas, helping out those poor people, and seeing one or two of them fetching you some home-made food which are considered a valuable gift in the community as a token of appreciation..i think that'd be really nice. The only problem is..i can't speak MALAY!!!!!
It takes real dedication to work in rural area for your whole life. Most people would find it rewarding and enjoyable working in rural area where you get to establish real relationship with the patients. However, many will find the lack of resource and entertainment rather prohibitive of a long stay, especially if you are used to the urban lifestyle. While this sounds like a small issue, it isn't.

If you are dedicated but just can't speak Malay, I would say don't let this small issue hamper your ambition... Just spend a few years with malay speaking colleagues, I believe you will pick up the language naturally over time.

[NV1989]

The only problem is..i can't speak MALAY!!!!!

Are you a Malaysian??? Haha... Sorry, but not to be mean.

I'm studying in Moscow, when i 1st came, i don't know their language too which is Russian Language. Well, at least now after 3months here, i can speak and write in Russian. No worries about language. You might face difficulty for the 1st year or so, trust me, u'll enjoy after that.

Most importantly, Russian Language is 100times tougher than BM. If i can do well learning russian, I don't see the problem of you learning BM.

Have fun. God bless.

[TheArtOfMedicine]

I'm never good in languages, and, to be frank, Malay Language isn't that useful around the globe, it's only used in countries around malaysia. That's why i don't see a point of learning it last time(even now)..i got an A1 for Malay Language in SPM actually, but..to be able to write doesn't imply i'm good at speaking malay. I prefer using English as a medium of conversation..coz i'd be studying everything in English in the medical school!!! I really don't think malay language should be used during clinical years, how can you translate everything you learned into Malay all of a sudden?? Besides, there're lots of doctors in Malaysia who speak English with a mouthful of Malaysian accent nowadays, for which i dare not compromise.

By the way, i AM a Malaysian. I do speak Malay Language, but you'd definitely not like to hear it from me. I don't mind if you do.

[wgy589]

hmm, i tink a gud doctor shld try 2 make his patient feel comfortable by talkin 2 the patient in his mother tongue, n here in Malaysia most of the Chinese know quite a number of languages/dialects, so it's some kind of an advantage wen they r practising.

Realli, medicine is not just abt medskol/facts, but rather it's the art of communication btw the docs n the patients.

Malaysian accent? i dun c any probs there. y?

imagine u r talkin 2 a typical Chinese educated aunty wif Scottish accent, do u tink she can understand u?

[TheArtOfMedicine]

It wouldn't be a problem if it's the Queen's language(Therefore, i'd rule out the scottish/liverpool or whatever accents). Anyway, i'm pretty fluent in Chinese(mandarin), so i think it should be OK if that's a chinese patient who knows mandarin. But i find BM so hard!! I mean, it's hard to speak it the Malay's way. Regarding the Malaysian accent..there's no big deal about it to be honest, just that it isn't nice to be listened to. When i speak mandarin, i speak it the proper way without(trying my best) unique accent. So when i speak English, i try to do it the same way, so is Malay language.

P/S: I'd make another counter statement using your example: If there's an orang asli speaking to you in *Malay*?, do you think your Malay would actually get into her mind? Perhaps she wouldn't really understand you properly too. Just like how that scottish-educated aunty does.

This is a friendly argument, let's just take it like a discussion. You have a point, and i'm willing to learn if it's applicable. 8)

[phyl]

after reading all ur posts, i found out that being a medical student AND doctor is not an easy job at all!!
nevertheless, i'll nt give up and will try my best to find a scholarship so that i'm able to study medicine.it has been my dream since young and i'll definitely volunteer myself to work in rural areas IF i cn bcome a doctor.......

[tehjiao]

how about go and visit or try do some part time job at your near by clinic or be a volunteer at hospital? then you can think it again before you want to join medicine as this is a long long journey(Study 5years, Compulsory service 4 years, Specialist training 3-5 years, Total=13-15 years).
:twisted:

[jingguo]

how about go and visit or try do some part time job at your near by clinic or be a volunteer at hospital? then you can think it again before you want to join medicine as this is a long long journey(Study 5years, Compulsory service 4 years, Specialist training 3-5 years, Total=13-15 years).
:twisted:

4 years of compulsory service? i thought it was only 3 years?? do correct me if i am wrong though...

[youngyew]

It's actually 2 years houseman + 3 years "medical officer" = 5 years in gov hospital. Sometimes they use "compulsory service" to refer to just the medical officer part, leading to quite a bit of confusion.

[jingguo]

yep, that's what i thought in the first place. thanks youngyew. i'd suppose what tehjiao meant was 1 year houseman and 3 years medical officer as according to the previous scheme.