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Going to a medical university was one of my unforgettable experiences. One of the part which I can never forget was the tuition fees. It is well known that medical education is one of the most expensive courses compared to others in both public and private institutions. When I started my medical education in Egypt in 2010, the fee was relatively low for the first year but shockingly became more expensive as I progressed over the years. Somehow, despite the expensive fees, many still compete to be placed in a medical school, and one day become a doctor.
Was it worth it? Yes. Being a medical doctor has been one of my lifelong dreams, probably because it was the only career that I was sure did not involve any mathematical equations and calculations, but as I grew older I realised the reason that people wanted to be medical professionals was to be a helping hand, a part of God’s healing. Even today in my fourth year of medical university, it is this particular thought that brings me forward and this feeling which made me strong in facing any challenges.
When I decided to take up medicine, the most common advice I recieved was, ‘Remember to study hard and work hard. Do not expect an easy life as the money comes later.’ I heard this over and over again and it did not seem to affect me at all. My enthusiasm in being able to help others, relieve their suffering and just to be able to save someone kept me going. Sure, studying medicine does not enable you to enjoy as much, because in order to be a successful medical graduate, there are plenty of knowledge and skills to be learnt within 5 or 6 years. Nevertheless, it is the passion that keeps you going day in day out on those long lecture days and sleepless study nights.
I always tell my juniors, in order to make it and be successful in medical university you need the four Ps; Prayer, Passion, Perseverence, and Prozac.
What you hold in your hands is the life of another human being. Your actions will determine life and death, a 50% outcome probability. This is why ‘Prayer’ must come first. You need a substantial amount of prayer in your career. Human seek divine help in times of trouble regardless of religion; we were always taught to pray in time of happiness and in moments of despair. Personally, prayer has helped me pass through so many hurdles in medicine. It had made me believe in myself and made me believe that I am here for a particular reason and miracles can happen. In prayer, there is faith. It is faith that keeps you motivated to be a better doctor each day while at the same time, keeping your intentions sincere and pure. So have faith, because sometimes a little prayer can make the worst days bearable.
The next P is passion. A good combination of passion and interest in lifelong learning will make you enjoy doing medicine. Passion in my opinion is gained by exposing yourself to the many possibilities of medicine. Try choosing a speciality you might be interested in. This could change one day as you go through different postings in the hospital but it will surely motivate you. What does passion give you when you start working? Everyday will be like a breeze because you are doing something that you like and you would still be energised to go through the long hours of being on call, ward rounds, seeing patients in the clinic. For those who have ventured in medicine but have yet to found their passion, do not fret as it may come later along your career.
Going through medical school, you will have periods of ups and downs. Perseverance is the key to keep you going. Personal experiences have taught me that people who are lacked in perseverance and interest tend to fall out of track. The best way to overcome this is by reminding yourself why you started doing medicine in the first place. This will be a constant reminder to preservere and will help you go far. I have had my own moments of weakness but by talking to people who can motivate and support you like your parents and peers, it helps me to keep going. Be goal directed and take it one step at a time and you will reach it eventually.
The fourth and final P is for Prozac. Do not get me wrong, this is not an unofficial prescription! Prozac here means that you need to control your stress and learn how to use it productively. Stress needs an escape route. If it is not relieved, you will have a mental breakdown and start hating medicine and everything about it. Make sure you channel that stress positively into things that you enjoy doing. Let it be music, arts or even just reading a good book. Undeniably, medicine is a stressful career choice. Just don’t let it get the better of you.
As a conclusion to all you school leavers, make wise choices and plan your career well. If you are up for the challenge to study medicine, I welcome you onboard and even if you do not, I wish you all the best in your future undertakings. Regardless of what we choose to be, let’s become the best and help others along the way.
This article is written by Izzuddin Azaharuddin, a 4th year student at Cyberjaya University College of Medical Sciences. Learn more about the Young Columnists the main menu.
Nice one abg izz..stay calm and keep up!!