On her way to a career in oncology
THEEGSHITHEE Anantharajah (pic) dreams of becoming an oncologist as cancer care and cure are areas wide open to exploration. As such, it is the perfect career path for young doctors-to-be like her.
Having filled her teenage years watching adrenalinepumping, mind-blowing crises capably resolved in medical dramas on television, she admires the life-transforming effect of a doctor’s work.
“Every patient treated saves mankind. It’s not a job but a service,” she said.
Currently in her third year of the Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at Management and Science University (MSU) International Medical School (IMS) Shah Alam campus, the Sri Lankan lass initially struggled to adapt to her new environment in Malaysia.
“I did a lot of research to find the most suitable university for me. I discovered MSU at the college in Sri Lanka – Management and Science Institute (MSI). I really liked the ambiance of the place. Now that I’m here, I find it easy to focus and work hard on my studies in such a great environment.”
Theegshithee believes learning to balance your life and being consistent in your efforts are the keys to success. Like other MBBS students, she has taken part in many mentoring activities such as GPS Ramadan and the record-setting River Revival project by IMS.
She was once a member of the MSU Volunteer Aid Detachment Club and has also volunteered with the MSU Medic-Aid Support Squad.
“As MSUrians, we are required to participate in many activities, among them mentoring and competency enrichment. This not only makes university life more interesting but also develops our communication and organisational skills,” she said.
“My learning experiences at MSU not only trained me to be a capable doctor equipped with theoretical knowledge and clinical skills but also a holistic and well-rounded person.”
During her second year, she received the IMS Dean’s List Award, MSU President’s List Award and Best Student Award. She thanks her IMS lecturers and mentors “for their ever-welcoming open doors” and credits her mother for providing support.
To be a good doctor, Theegshithee also believes in seeing, doing and teaching good. She notes that practice makes perfect and while motivation will help you along, the willpower to achieve is equally important.
“I do miss my family a lot and sometimes, I get terribly homesick, but I have been so blessed with an amazing group of friends who have become my Malaysian family. It makes me feel at home and comfortable in my journey at MSU,” she added.
MSU’s involvement in medical sciences is an initiative towards complementing the nation’s need for qualified medical personnel in Malaysia and the region. MSU offers the undergraduate bachelor’s degree in Medicine (MBBS) and Medical Sciences, as well as opportunities for foundation studies through its IMS.
Besides its main Shah Alam campus, the IMS also has a branch in Bangalore, India, which was Malaysia’s first medical school to receive a five-year accreditation from the Malaysian Medical Council.
A key feature of MSU’s MBBS programme is its emphasis on clinical communication skills. Clinical contact is established early on through community engagement visits to medical practices, community care facilities and hospitals.
Want to be a doctor and qualify to sit for the Medical Entry Test at MSU? For details on scholarships and fee waiver, call 03-5521-6868, email enquiry@msu.edu.my or visit www.msu.edu.my