Why Medicine?

I still remember when I was in Standard 1 when my teacher, Cik Lee asked us to fill in a form about our ambition. We have to write down three choices. Being naive and not knowing what exactly each of the occupations is about, I simply wrote down 1) Doctor, 2) Lawyer and 3)Engineer.

That was way back then. It wasn’t until my secondary days that I realised I have special interest in Medicine and event management; surprising? I know. I had Actuarial Science in mind too. Those routes were “unconventional” so my parents weren’t supportive. So, it was inofficially decided that I will be doing Medicine.

My first ever attempt to pursue this route was trying to obtain the PSD scholarship. As expected, I was not successful in obtaining the scholarship. 10 A1s and 1 A2 in SPM wasn’t a good enough result to get a scholarship. It did not bothered me though. I went into form 6 and have made up my mind.

So, what exactly shaped my interest? I really don’t know the exact reason.

Many of the specialists I have talked to have brought up the question on why I would like to be a doctor. With all honesty, money is not a factor which drives me to pursue a career in medicine. Personally, I enjoy speaking to people from all walks of life and also exchanging views with them on different issues to broaden my perspective in life. I am looking forward to interacting with patients and to establish a close rapport with them while managing their condition. In addition to assisting them in their health, I would be more than happy to give support and advice in different aspects to ensure that they live a wholesome life.

During my childhood days, I would be curious in knowing how things work and have learnt to ask questions or seek the answers for myself. It has never changed since then. I have always enjoyed learning new knowledge and never failed to be awed by amazing facts. Medicine is a growing field with many new discoveries yet to be found. I have always believed that there is no limit to what a person can learn and by studying medicine, I would be on a never ending quest in search of new knowledge and discoveries.

My interest in studying medicine is greatly influenced by my health conscious family members. As dramatic as it may sound, I have lost three close paternal relatives to cancer; my grandfather and uncle were victims of colon cancer while my grandmother lost her life to cervical cancer. Being in a situation where I could not do anything when they were fighting for their lives against cancer was almost unbearable. The moment of helplessness has made me want to be directly involved in every way possible. Nevertheless, I clearly understand that even by being a doctor, I will not be able to assist or save every single patient.

A friend of mine once told me this and I quote, “You are already a good doctor. You only need a degree and a white coat to be recognized as one”. I took those words humbly and quietly agreed. I do not need to be the best doctor, but a good doctor who serves the purpose of this noble profession.

This is the route that I have chosen and I know I will continue to move on.