The struggles of a doctor to save human lives have always amazed me. I remember one event in the Emergency & Trauma department (E&T) during my hospital attachment, where I saw the perseverance of a doctor doing Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in order to make the patient’s heart go back beating. Without any hesitation, he continuously tried every effort that he had. At that time, I was touched by his noble effort to continue doing CPR to his patient even though it seemed to be fruitless. A miracle happened right in front of me when the patient came back to life. I was astounded for a moment and that incidence had truly inspired me to zealously initiate a step in a medical career.
In my studies in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme I fully developed true sincerity, resilience, perseverance, and most importantly patience deep into myself by all the positions I hold and all the activities that I participate in this college. For instance, I had been proven myself to be resilient and patient enough to entertain all those autism kids during my voluntary work at Telok Datok Autism Centre. Even the worst experience of being spat at by one of the Down syndrome kid had really tested my patience. Despite all that have happened, I joined the Prostar Club where the main objective is to create awareness to the society, especially the youth in schools about the basic knowledge in regards to Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) encompassing the infection and ways of prevention. As the president of the club, I need to work and cooperate with people who are my superiors which had molded in me feelings of respect to one another in discussions held to plan the club’s activities. I can honestly say that I am really determined to be in this club to allow myself to contribute as much as I can to the society. As part of voluntary work, I am also involved in the Olak Lempit Health Carnival that focused on giving healthcare education to the society in Olak Lempit Village especially to the younger generation. By being the project manager, I was responsible for the heart exhibition where I needed to explain the importance of choosing a good diet for a healthy heart to the people of Olak Lempit. During this exhibition, I really improved my social skills in communicating with others and I believe it to be useful during my communication with future patients when I become a doctor. In sports, I am an active player of Petanque in my college. I had been given the opportunity to represent my college in the inter college sports carnival. The experience of working together and taking risks in the competition really helped me to develop my teamwork skills.
But possessing leadership skills is not enough; I believe that a doctor must also have the heart to give the best treatment for his patients. During one of my hospital attachment in Sultanah Fatimah Specialist Hospital, it’s not what I literally saw that shaped my mind, but what I learned and reflected by myself. While in the surgery ward, I saw a patient who was waiting to be amputated as he is suffering from Diabetes Mellitus. The patient really hoped that the operation could be avoided as he does not want his feet to be amputated. From there I understand that even a doctor cannot satisfy every patient’s need, but what’s important is that they will try their very best to save them. That is a doctor!
To become a good doctor I have to study in a medical institution that I fully trust and possess a suitable learning system. Following that I have also had some discussion with seniors who are RCSI students and I find that RCSI is the most advanced in terms of technology and communication between lecturers and students. All the notes are provided online and as a proactive student, I find this system to be very helpful because it provides me with the opportunity to read the notes before attending the lectures. The seniors also told me that RCSI provide mass collection of videos especially regarding anatomy and clinical skills which they find really helpful to master the skills needed to become a good doctor. Furthermore, RCSI provides an advance platform of communication which is called Moodle for fast and effective communication through the internet. Student welfare is also well taken care of where all the students are given mentoring for long term support during and after school hours thus enabling the students to discuss problem or seek help in any aspect at any time. I have seen some pictures of students’ facilities all I can say is that it is absolutely spectacular and after giving a deep thought, I am really determined to study in RCSI. I am truly amazed by the hard work that the RCSI administration has put on to provide the best environment and support for all the students from countries all over the world. RCSI is the best!
