Becoming tomorrow’s doctor
eDWARD Hong grew up making difficult visits to his grandmother in hospital. However, despite the distressing experience of his frequent hospital visits Hong was so inspired by the patient care delivered by some of the doctors that he decided to pursue a career in medicine.
Since the age of 12 he has been working hard to reach his goal. However, while his top grades would get him into medical school they would not actually fund it.
So Hong applied to the Public Service Department (JPA) and was offered a full scholarship to study medicine and a place at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) – one of the country’s leading medical schools.
In his second year now, Hong is one of 80 students enrolled in NUMed under the JPA scholarship scheme.
He shares his journey towards becoming one of tomorrow’s doctors with
Tell us about life at medical school.
I am a second-year student enrolled in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) at Newcastle University. The intensive degree programme keeps me on my toes but I have benefited a lot from the course during the last 18 months.
What do you like about studying at NUMed?
NUMed’s faculty members have the wellbeing of students at heart. For example, just before I started, NUMed chief executive officer Prof Reg Jordan called me personally to talk about some concerns I had. We still talk on a regular basis about my academic progress.
I also like NUMed’s holistic approach to medicine. We are exposed to clinical setting very early and are taught the practical, social and psychological elements of patient care. This gives us a strong foundation as we progress to our clinical years and eventually our careers.
Finally, I like it because we are exposed to top-notch teaching curriculum and facilities. NUMed is a branch campus of Newcastle University UK, one of the top medical schools in UK so we enjoy identical training standards and curriculum, which have been contextualised to Malaysian circumstances and cultural differences.
Classes are delivered in state-of-the-art laboratories, lecture theatres and real-life clinical settings in hospitals. Friends who have done study periods at the UK campus said that the facilities in Malaysia are even better.
What do you do when you aren’t studying?
There are lots of student organisations to join. Club activities usually take place once a week and are structured to strike a balance with our school hours. I devote my time to a range of interest in performance arts, yoga and Chinese society.
As a student of NUMed, we are based at the multi-varsity EduCity campus and have really good shared facilities.
What will you do once you graduate?
As a JPA scholar, I will begin to serve my 10-year bond in public hospitals. I hope to begin my housemanship in Sabah or Sarawak.
Why do you want to work there?
Sabah and Sarawak currently face a shortage of medical doctors. I hope to be able to do my part in society and contribute positively in a place where I can really make a difference.
About NUMed
Newcastle University UK has established an international branch campus in Johor to provide its undergraduate degrees in Medicine (MB BS) and the Biomedical Sciences (BSc) and opportunities for postgraduate study.
The programmes of study are equivalent to those in Britain. By choosing to study at NUMed Malaysia, students will obtain a reputable British qualification from an internationally recognised university at a significantly lower cost.
The undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine/ Bachelor of Surgery (MB BS) degrees were launched in 2009 and BSc degrees in the Biomedical Sciences were launched in September last year.
Both programmes offer opportunities for periods of study in Britain.
For details, look out for the advertisement in this