Grad follows in family’s medical field footsteps

GEORGE TOWN: Inspired by his family of doctors and dentists, 24-year-old Melvinder Singh naturally decided on becoming a medical practitioner after completing secondary school.

Melvinder, who was among 92 medical students who graduated at the RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus’ (RUMC, formerly known as Penang Medical College) virtual conferring ceremony on Saturday, said his father and eldest brother are medical doctors while his mother and third brother are dentists.

“Growing up in a family of doctors, I was somewhat influenced by my parents and siblings in pursuit of my future career.

“Looking at my parents’ pursuit in the medical field truly inspired me.

“It made me realise that being a doctor is a noble profession and you are entrusted with the lives of people, and things like communicating with people and dealing with people are all essential skills in becoming a good doctor.

“The more I embark on this journey, the more I want to better myself, not just to be a fine doctor but also to be a responsible member of the community,” he said when met during the ceremony at his house in Sungai Ara.

Melvinder, who was a recipient of Penang Medical Practitioner’s Society’s Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Book Prize, also won the Best AllRound Student prize for his holistic achievements in all domains as a medical student.

RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus president and chief executive officer Prof David L. Whitford said due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the ceremony was held on a virtual platform.

“The pandemic has changed the way we live and has necessitated large adjustments in our lives.

“This delay in graduation and the online conferring ceremony are just two examples of the alterations that have affected our lives,” he said in a speech during the ceremony.

Whitford welcomed the graduating class to maintain a close and continuing association with RUMC as alumni in the future.

“Medical school provides you with the basics. You now have the opportunity to further develop yourself, listen to your patients and learn what will really make a difference in their lives.

“I wish you all the best and look forward to hearing from you and about your achievements as you progress.

“Remember, never stop learning and never forget that medicine is not just science but is also an art practised by doctors,” he said.