Fast-track to medical college ANC-Pathe offering Sri Lankan students a multitude of options to pursue a world-class degree in medicine

Many children claim to have dreams of becoming a medical doctor - yet it is a very few who actually work hard towards achieving their life dream with perseverance. SasithaDeshanSamarathungais one such kid who worked with undeterred determination to enter a medical school with the vision to one day specialize in cardiac science, wanting to give hope and comfortto thousands and thousands of patients in distress. Sasitha completed his EDEXELO/Level and A/Levels examinations at Leeds International College in Matara, wanting to enter the medical school as fast as possible. However, since Sri Lankan state universities only consider students who have completed local A/ Levels in the university entrance process, Sasistha had to look for a medical college abroad. That’s when he came across ANCPATHE that offered him several direct placement options to world recognized medical colleges abroad. After careful consideration and thorough research, Sasithachose the direct placement option to study his medical degree at Melaka Manipal Medical College (MMMC), the leading medical education provider and the single most contributor of doctors to the 7th largest country in the world. Sasitha who is now in his first year studying medicine at MMMC in India, is thrilled to have launched his life adventure at a prestigious medical college close to his home country with a unique cultural experience and exposure.

Below are the excerpts from the inter- view with SasithaSamaratuna:

From small age, I developed a deep passion to become a medical doctor. I likethe hospital environment - and treat and comfort those who are in great distress.

Sri Lankan state university medical faculties only consider the admission of students who have studied local A/Level science streamsubjects – but I did EDEXEL exams. Therefore, the only option for me was to go abroad to study my medical degree. The reason why my parents wanted me to do EDEXEL exams was to fasttrack my education. Those who follow the local syllabus usually complete A/Levels when they are 19 or 20 years old – then it takes another couple of years for them to enter the university whereas Icompleted my EDEXELA/Levels by 17 and entered the medical faculty at a very young age like 18. The local university entrance exam is also highly competitive and only a few students who pass A/Levels in the science stream get the chance to enter the medical faculty. Therefore, going abroad to study my medical degree seemed like the best option. The first and foremost reason to select MMMC was that it is the best medical uni- versity we could find closest to Sri Lanka. I am the only child and my parents were a little reluctant to let me go abroad for studies. Since MMMC is in India, they felt a little bit comfortable as it is not that far away from Sri Lanka. MMMC is also a world recognized university, with many years of experience in the medical education field. The Medical Degree awarded at MMMC is approved by Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), General Medical Council (GMC) – UK and Australian Medical Council (AMC). MMMC is also included in the WHO directory of recognized medical colleges and listed in the International Medical Education Directory (IMED) of the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) - USA/ Canada. Students who graduate from MMMC have a track record of passing the Examination for Registration to Practice Medicine (ERPM) in Sri Lanka. On the top of all that, the medical degree at MMMC is quite affordable compared to many other medical colleges abroad. With all these reasons, my parents and I thought MMMC to be the best option. Apart from that, some of my father’s friends had their children studying at MMMC and they highly recommended us this option.

I initially heard about MMMC through PATHE. PATHE gave us several medical university options. Based on my requirements they encouraged me to apply to MMMC. They told us all what we needed to know about the university and guided me and my parents step by step to make an informed decision. PATHE also extended their help throughout the application process and prepared me well for the Visa interviews.

I am now in my first year at MMMC studying for my degree in medicine. I love the university. There is absolutely nothing to complain about. It has been quite an adventure in a new education setting that facilitates a great learning environment and education experience. All the lectures are comprehensive and lecturers respond to any queries, constantly encouraging students.

I want to complete my degree successfully and come back to my country as a good qualified doctor. Once I come back, I will do the ERMP Exam to practice as a doctor in Sri Lanka and work in the county to get more experience as a practicing doctor. I want to continue my medical career in Sri Lanka, specializing in Cardiac Science.

Students and parents are invited to visit our office at 111 ½, Maya Avenue, Colombo 6 or www.pathestudy.org to obtain more information about the university and program. For more information please call 077 083 903 4.