Heart set to be medical professionals

IT’S that time of the year when parents with teenage charges, freshly out of school after SPM, are contemplating the what, where, when and how of their children’s next step in education.

A very anxious and stressful time indeed, certainly not helped by the recent spate of negative fear- arousing advertisements.

There is a bewildering amount of courses of study now available, which adds to the stress.

However, for a few people, choosing a course is simple – they have always had a passion for geography, mountains and glaciers; others have always wanted to be a surgeon or a paediatrician ever since they were in diapers.

For these latter aspirants it is never almost about the money but the awe of the human body, pride of being trusted to give advice and gratification of helping someone through an illness – the noble healer.

For these aspirants nothing but the best medical school in the country will do and where else but Melaka- Manipal Medical College ( Manipal University).

Melaka- Manipal is an icon of high- quality medical education in Malaysia, having been awarded many honours from all quarters.

It was also recognised as a Superbrand in Medical Education by the BrandLaureateInstitute of Superbrands, South East Asia in 2011.

Melaka- Manipal offers three programmes of high standing in Malaysia – the MBBS, the Bachelor of Dental Surgery ( BDS) and Foundation in Science ( FiS).

The Foundation is a one- year preuniversity programme ideal for those who wish to pursue the MBBS and BDS of Melaka- Manipal. It is conducted in Malacca at the branch campus of the renowned Manipal University of India and offers exceptional education with a young and dynamic team of dedicated lecturers.

This intensive course facilitates students’ progress in their degree studies as the Foundation includes medicine and dentistry subjects in its curriculum.

Students have access to outstanding facilities and are encouraged to undertake both academic and extra- curricular activities.

For those who wish for their children to have a headstart as medical professionals, they would do very well by signing up for the FiS.

The MBBS is well established, having enrolled its first batch of students in 1997 and since then up to October 2015, 27 batches comprising 3,000 medical professionals have been delivered to the health systems in Malaysia and right across the globe stretching from the US through the UK, Malaysia, Singapore and to Australia and New Zealand.

The BDS is also another excellent programme of study, which is surely making a sterling reputation of its own.

Indeed, this programme is so much in demand that the student intake is closed nearly 18 months ahead.

While Melaka- Manipal welcomes students with all Medical Council and Malaysian Qualifications Agency approved preuniversity qualifications for its degree courses, it seems the only way into the BDS is via its Foundation.

The Malaysian Dental Council- approved 75 seats, which are mostly taken up by the Melaka- Manipal Foundation students who are given first preference.

So dentist- aspirants are well advised to go through the Foundation at Melaka- Manipal.

Both the degree programmes are twinning courses, which require students to complete the first phase of pre- clinical studies in the Melaka- Manipal, Manipal, India Campus before and then returning to Malaysia to complete clinical training in the second phase – the best of both worlds.

It is certainly worth the time and effort to visit the serene campus of Melaka- Manipal Medical College in Bukit Baru, Malacca, and see the facilities yourself.

If shortage of time is a concern, call 1800 226 662 / 06- 289 6662 or visit its website at www. manipal. edu/ melaka.