Tembeling 2.0

Tag: medical doctors

  • A Medical Lecturer in Kulliyyah of Medicine

    The biggest difference between being a medical lecturer and any other role is the student. Without students, there is no IIUM, no Kulliyyah of Medicine, and no SASMEC. Our purpose as medical lecturers is not just to teach medicine but to shape the next generation of doctors, not just in competence but in character, not just in skill but in soul.

    A clinician focuses on patient care, mastering diagnosis, treatment, and management. A lecturer teaches and researches, expanding knowledge but often detached from the clinical realities of patient care. A medical lecturer stands at the intersection of these roles, balancing the responsibility of treating patients with the duty of educating future doctors. But here at IIUM, we aspire for something even greater. We are not just medical lecturers; we are murabbi—mentors, guides, and role models. We do not just pass on knowledge; we nurture, inspire, and shape the minds and hearts of our students, bringing them closer to Allah through the practice of medicine.

    To truly fulfil this role, we must embody both competence and compassion. Competence means being recognised as an expert, not just in title but in substance. It means being a clinician who commands respect for their skills and knowledge, a specialist who leads in their field. But it also means being a true educator, not just one who lectures but one who teaches with purpose. Teaching is a discipline in itself—it requires structure, thought, and refinement. Education is not about dumping information; it is about guiding students towards understanding, application, and transformation.

    Using the ADDIE framework ensures we do this effectively. We analyse our students and their needs. We design and develop lessons that are impactful. We implement them in a way that engages, and most importantly, we evaluate to continuously improve. This cycle of teaching is not just a method; it is a mindset of constant growth, just as we expect our students to grow.

    But beyond competence, compassion is what makes a true murabbi. A great doctor is not just a skilled one, but one who recognises suffering—not only in patients but in students too. Some of our students struggle in ways we do not see. Some are overwhelmed, others demotivated, and many question their own worth. We must be educators who do not just teach but also listen. We must have empathy, not just once, but over and over again, renewing it as part of our daily practice.

    Medical lecturers are also researchers, but too often, we remain consumers of knowledge instead of creators. There is a poverty of ideas when we are content with merely reading and citing others without contributing our own. The medical field does not move forward by observation alone—it progresses when we question, explore, and challenge existing knowledge. Our duty is not just to train doctors but to build the future of medicine itself.

    Balancing between being a clinician and a medical educator is not easy, but it starts with knowing why you are here. Be conscious of your purpose. Be alert to the impact you can make. Recognise that beyond lectures and rounds, you are shaping lives. More than just fitting into the system, you can help create a positive environment. YOU have the power to influence the culture of KOM. YOU are empowered to change how teaching and learning happen here.

    And always remember—without students, there is no university, no faculty, no hospital. We need SASMEC for training, but SASMEC also needs us to sustain its role as a teaching hospital. Everything we do in education, research, and clinical work is interconnected.

    Being a medical lecturer is not just a profession—it is a calling. It is an opportunity to leave a lasting impact, to build not just doctors but compassionate, ethical, and competent leaders in healthcare. It is a chance to make a difference, not just in medicine, but in the lives of those we teach. This is your role now. This is your mission. Welcome to the journey of being a murabbi in medicine.

  • Medical profession in Malaysia – Do something before it is too late.

    The medical profession has long been regarded as a noble calling, one that embodies sacrifice, dedication, and a steadfast commitment to saving lives. Doctors have traditionally been seen as compassionate individuals who are willing to dedicate themselves fully to the well-being of their patients. The journey to becoming a doctor is rigorous and demanding, requiring years of academic excellence, clinical training, and personal sacrifice. In return, the profession historically offered societal recognition, financial stability, and deep respect. However, the landscape has shifted in recent years, and the challenges faced by the profession have grown significantly, impacting its reputation and the morale of those within it.

    Medical doctors in Malaysia once enjoyed widespread admiration. The profession was seen as an exclusive and prestigious path, accessible only to the most dedicated and capable individuals. However, the rapid expansion of medical schools and an increasing number of graduates entering the workforce created an oversupply of medical professionals. This oversupply strained the system, forcing the government to introduce a contract system for junior doctors. Unlike their predecessors, these contract doctors were denied job security and career advancement opportunities. Many were left in limbo, uncertain about their futures. By the end of 2022, only 17% of contract medical officers had been absorbed into permanent positions, with the rest facing a precarious career path. While the government announced in 2023 its intention to convert 12,800 contract positions into permanent roles over the next three years, the slow pace of implementation has done little to alleviate the frustration and insecurity among these young professionals.

    The COVID-19 pandemic briefly shifted public perception of the profession. During the crisis, doctors were celebrated as heroes, working tirelessly under immense pressure to combat the virus and save lives. Their sacrifices were recognised, with special allowances introduced, and public gratitude peaked. Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah gained international recognition for his leadership, bringing pride to the medical community. Yet this recognition was fleeting. As the pandemic waned, so too did the appreciation for the doctors’ contributions, leaving them to return to the same systemic challenges they faced before the crisis.

    Beyond systemic issues, internal conflicts within the medical fraternity further eroded the profession’s standing. Debates over the recognition of specialist training pathways, particularly between the parallel pathway and the local Master’s programme, became a source of division. These disputes played out publicly, often on social media, and created the impression of a fragmented profession. Politicians intervened, leading to amendments to the Medical Act 1971 to address these disparities. While these changes were necessary to create parity, they highlighted the need for greater unity within the profession.

    The rising cost of healthcare in Malaysia has also placed doctors under scrutiny. Public dissatisfaction with high medical fees has often been unfairly directed at private practitioners. In reality, the escalating costs are driven by factors such as medical inflation, profit-driven hospital policies, and increasing operational expenses. For instance, in 2023, medical inflation in Malaysia reached 12.6%, more than double the global average. Despite these systemic issues, private doctors have become the face of rising healthcare costs, further straining public trust.

    Adding to the challenges faced by doctors is the recent introduction of the Waktu Bekerja Berlainan (WBB) shift system. This policy, aimed at improving work-life balance by limiting doctors’ consecutive working hours to 18, was met with widespread criticism. Many doctors argued that the policy was impractical, given the persistent shortage of medical personnel in the public healthcare system. The removal of on-call claims under this system further demoralised the workforce, which perceived the policy as yet another example of the government’s failure to support its medical professionals.

    The erosion of trust between doctors and the government has been compounded by long-standing tensions between medical professionals and administrative officers, particularly the Pegawai Tadbir Diplomatik (PTD). Doctors often feel that administrative decisions are made without a proper understanding of the realities of medical practice. This disconnect has led to policies that are perceived as impractical and unfair, further deepening the divide between the two groups.

    The issue of brain drain has also emerged as a significant challenge. Many young doctors, frustrated by the lack of job security, poor working conditions, and limited career progression opportunities in Malaysia, have opted to work abroad. Singapore, in particular, has been a popular destination for Malaysian doctors, offering better pay, career stability, and a supportive work environment. This exodus of talent has further strained Malaysia’s healthcare system, particularly in underserved areas.

    Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive and strategic approach. Proper human resource planning is essential to ensure that the supply of medical graduates aligns with the nation’s healthcare needs. This includes conducting regular workforce assessments, improving the quality of local medical training, and creating opportunities for specialist training both locally and abroad. Incentives should be provided to doctors who pursue advanced qualifications overseas to encourage them to return and serve in Malaysia.

    Efforts must also be made to retain talent within the country. Competitive salaries, secure career paths, and supportive working environments are critical to preventing brain drain. The government must prioritise policies that address the welfare of medical professionals, including fair compensation, reasonable working hours, and opportunities for professional development.

    Encouraging interest in science and medicine from an early age is another crucial component of workforce planning. By fostering a culture that values and supports the pursuit of medical careers, Malaysia can build a strong pipeline of future healthcare professionals.

    Beyond workforce issues, the government must demonstrate a serious commitment to public health by addressing pressing challenges such as tobacco and vaping regulation, the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases, and health inequities. Comprehensive and effective policies, developed in collaboration with medical professionals, are essential to achieving these goals.

    The trust deficit between doctors and policymakers must also be addressed. Open and transparent communication is necessary to align objectives and create policies that are both practical and effective. Policymakers must adopt a compassionate approach, recognising the sacrifices and contributions of doctors, while medical professionals must remain committed to their mission of serving the nation’s health.

    Restoring respect for the medical profession in Malaysia requires collective effort and a shared vision for the future. By addressing systemic challenges, fostering collaboration, and prioritising the welfare of doctors, Malaysia can rebuild a healthcare system that is both robust and sustainable. Medical doctors are not only essential to the health of the nation but also to its progress and development. Through strategic planning, investment in training, and a renewed commitment to public health, Malaysia can ensure that its doctors remain a source of pride and strength for the country.