Best practice
Monash University this year celebrates another milestone in its continued evolution with the graduation of the first class of Malaysian-trained doctors.
Mohd Yusaini Bin Mohd Yusri,
Shakirah Sharif, Ng Wei Ming Damin
There will never be another class like them. At the end of 2009, 47 young students will be the first to graduate from Monash University's prestigious Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program in Malaysia.
Their five-year path through the MBBS program has constantly covered new ground.
They are the first international medical graduates anywhere in the world to be fully accredited by the Australian Medical Council.
They were the first class to split their time between Malaysian and Australian campuses and hospitals, gaining experience in both medical settings.
They were among the first Monash medical students to study specialised Malaysian subjects including tropical medicine and to work at clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Segamat, Pontian and Kulai in Johor.
The students were also among the first to train at the purpose-built RM1.8 million Clinical School and Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Bahru.
Professor Dato' Dr. Anuar Zaini Md Zain, Head of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences, has been there to see the first class of young doctors learn and mature to become skilled clinicians.
"I think because of the accreditation by the Australian Medical Council the standard of the course has gone to a dramatically high standard," he said.
"They should be able to stand on their own as an independent learner and immediately be able to adapt themselves to their environment."
Both the Australian and Malaysian MBBS program share an emphasis on rural and regional health care. Practical training in rural areas gives students experience of 'hardcore medicine' in areas of growing demand.
"There are unique challenges in those areas where you are far away from the facilities with advanced technologies," Professor Zaini said. "Graduates have to be able to adapt to a problem very fast."
Professor Anuar Zaini is confident the new graduating class represents not only a new influx of young doctors into South East Asia, but also a new standard in medical training for Malaysia.
These expectations are not lost on the students themselves.
Shakirah Sharif completed her final clinical rotation at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital. While she is yet to decide on an area of medical specialisation, she is certain her career in Malaysia will be watched closely.
"I feel that people are always going to look to us to determine the quality of the MBBS graduates from Malaysia,' she said.
"When we start working we also carry Monash University's name with us. But I feel we have been able to adopt the best from two countries, and two different healthcare systems and we offer something unique."
For more information on studying Medicine at the Sunway campus in Malaysia visit the School of Medicine and Health Sciences website.
Shakirah Sharif
Shakirah Sharif always wanted to be the first doctor in her family.
Growing up among brothers who were interested in economics or business she knew she wanted to do something different with her life.
"I have this thing about wanting to be different from others, so being part of the first graduating class is natural for me I guess," she said.
"I feel there is an opportunity here for me to help improve the system in Malaysia."
A Kuala Lumpur native, Shakirah attended Bukit Bintang Girls School (since renamed Seri Bintang Utara) before being awarded a government scholarship to attend the Monash MBBS.
The scholarship agreement means she will spend the next ten years working in Malaysian hospitals.
Ng Wei Ming Damin
Ng Wei Ming Damin puts himself in the place of his patients every time he enters a hospital ward.
The son of a Malaysian navy officer, Damin believes medicine is his way of serving the people of his country.
"I think of what I'd like my treating doctors to do and not to do to me if I am the patient, and I try to be careful to act as if I am handling people lives," he said.
"It's an ultimate joy not comparable to monetary rewards just to be able to see patients in good health walk out of the hospital after they have been in my care."
Mohd Yusaini Bin Mohd Yusri
Less than two months after he graduates among the first class of MBBS students from Malaysia, Mohd Yusaini Bin Mohd Yusri will board a train to Shepparton in rural Victoria, Australia and begin the next phase of his training.
The Singapore national said the rural experience he gained during his Monash education has led him to appreciate the opportunities of working as an intern in a regional hospital.
"It's important to get an overview of your role in the healthcare system and experience of contributing in a community," he said.
"I have yet to choose an area of medicine but I will get to see a number of roles and see how they fit into the team."