Studying medicine in Russia
MANY students wish to pursue their lifelong dream of becoming a doctor but do not have the funds to enrol for medical courses in popular places such as the UK, the US or Australia.
Besides that, many top students in SPM and STPM could not get into the medical faculty in local universities.
So, why not consider Russia as your next destination?
As a fellow doctor and Russian medical school graduate, I would like to share my experience of studying in Moscow, Russia.
I took up Cambridge A-Levels in college, hoping that I would be able to get into any top medical schools if I score well in my examination.
Before my first semester ended, I changed my mind.
I decided to take up a more direct path and thus, enrolled myself into one of the medical universities in Moscow.
In Russia, the education syllabus is very different from Malaysia.
They have many mini tests to keep the students sharp and focused without forgetting what they have learnt.
They have a strict policy on examinations over there.
Students are required to undergo both written and oral examinations, not forgetting practical and clinical examinations too.
We are also required to learn the basic Russian language for communication purposes but I think that it is always a privilege to be able to master an extra language.
Russia is also a great place to toughen up students both mentally and physically.
Students studying in Moscow are used to lots of travelling between hospital classes, university campus and hostels.
That is why physical endurance is no issue to Russian graduates.
Students studying in Russia face a lot of hardships throughout the entire period of their course.
That is why many Russian graduate doctors serving as house officers in our Malaysian hospitals are mentally prepared and tough.
They have the ability to endure all sorts of hardships during their housemanship. It is a period of time where fresh graduates learn the trade with experienced doctors, specialists and staff nurses.
One will have to go through seven postings ranging from surgical, medical, gynaecology and obstetrics, paediatrics, orthopaedics and emergency/ anaesthesia/psychiatry.
Life as a doctor is difficult but the satisfaction that you obtain when your patient recognises your hard work and sacrifice is priceless.
How does every senior doctor go through such an exhausting and difficult journey?
It all boils down to mental strength and perseverance.
A house officer’s job scope is pretty wide and it is not easy to handle, especially being a newbie in the department.
The dreaded night calls that many young doctors are afraid of are good learning experiences.
They have to be extra vigilant and attentive towards critical patients while busy handling new admissions.
We do not break down easily and constantly learn from our mistakes. As a house officer, these are the traits that one should possess.
It is important to be mentally prepared even before you start your housemanship as it is a strenuous journey.
My advice is never to give up and challenge yourselves to be the crème de la crème.
Live your dream to be a lifesaver and there is nowhere better to begin the journey than Russia.
* This article is written by Dr Tan, a Russian medical school graduate.
■ For further enquiries on entry requirements or application procedure, visit Medic Ed Consultant Sdn Bhd, 19-1 and 19-2, Plaza Danau 2, Jalan5/109F, Taman Danau Desa, Off Jalan Klang Lama, 58100 KL or call 03-7981 1821.