IPOH: STUDYING to become a doctor means a lot of things to different people but for many first-year medical students, it means studying hard in class, preparing for exams, lecture and lab sessions, requiring follow-up or intensive reading to be done by the next session.

However, for a group of first-year medical students from Quest International University Perak (QIUP), it means something entirely different -- the chance to help the underprivileged community.

Recently, 48 students gave health check-ups to about 200 people from the Orang Asli village in Sungai Siput -- many of whom had never received a full health screening in their lives.

Assisting the medical students were lecturers and support staff from QIUP.

The medical camp was administered as part of the Professional Development component stipulated in the curriculum.

The screening included height and weight measurement, waist and hip circumference measurement, body mass index and blood pressure.

Dr Kay Khine Nyo, a senior lecturer of Community Medicine Department of the Faculty of Medicine, who is also the programme coordinator, said the programme was a win-win situation for everyone involved.

"It is not only a great experience for students wanting to practise physical check-up but it also allows them to do community service at the same time.

"Of course, it is a great programme for the community -- they benefit from the health screening and are advised on healthy living," said Dr Kay.

Prof Dr Alam Sher Malik, dean of the Faculty of Medicine, added that most medical curricula was lacking in teaching students the soft skills and how to be compassionate.

"To be a good doctor, one must understand first and foremost, how to interact with people. It is with that in mind that we developed programmes such as community visits to inculcate values like compassion and charity into the students from the first year itself.

"Interestingly, charity has been designated as a significant part of teaching programmes at QIUP.

"Through this component, students will participate in community service or volunteer their time for a cause. These are very much part of the curriculum and aim to inculcate gratefulness, care and kindness in its students," added Dr Malik.

In thanking QIUP, head of the Orang Asli village, Tok Batin Saidin Wahab said he was very grateful for this meaningful visit.

"It is heartening to know that our community is not forgotten. We are indeed grateful that QIUP not only cares for our wellbeing but also spent the whole day with us," he said.

Chan Chit Chyn said he was grateful for the opportunity he had to help the community.

"The experience definitely ranks as one of my most rewarding voluntary activities," he said.

Nur Shafinaz Mohamed Naheed said the experience made her proud to be in the medical field.

"I was given the opportunity to help those who generally can't get all the help they need, even if that means just having someone to talk to," she said.

Echoing his classmates' sentiments was Rakesh Rampal.

"The opportunity to mingle with the community and talking to them has made me realised what becoming a doctor entails.

"So to me, it was much more than a physical check-up -- it was getting to know the community and hopefully making a difference," he added.

Besides the health screening, the day-long programme included students distributing lunch boxes to the community, a walk through the village, playing some games with the children, joining the villagers for the traditional Orang Asli Seweng dance and holding a lucky draw for the villagers.

source:NST