Latest news with #FacultyofMedicineandHealthSciences
Malaysian Reserve
10-07-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
Fresh approach needed to reignite interest in medicine
Long hours, unstable jobs and changing priorities push students away from medicine THERE was a time when becoming a doctor was seen as one of the most prestigious career paths, sparking public debate when local universities could no longer cope with the surge in applications for medical studies. Many parents were once willing to spend significant sums to send their children abroad for medical studies after failing to secure places in local universities. However, times have changed and the field is now increasingly being overlooked. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently urged straight-A Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students to consider pursuing medicine at the university level. He also expressed concern over the declining interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields among students, warning that it could have long-term implications for the country's medical sector. Losing Appeal The declining interest in pursuing medicine among younger generations is acknowledged by Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM) Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences physiology lecturer associate professor Dr Norsham Juliana Nordin. She noted that today's youth are more informed and career-conscious, having grown up in a vastly different environment from previous generations. 'They are more critical when evaluating career choices, often prioritising work-life balance. While medicine was once regarded as the pinnacle of academic achievement, it is now seen as a long, demanding and rigid path — especially when compared to emerging fields like technology, entrepreneurship, data science, or artificial intelligence (AI),' she said. In addition, social media narratives highlighting the hardships, long working hours and perceived lack of fair compensation have further discouraged many high-achieving students from pursuing a career in medicine. 'This trend also reflects society's growing tendency to prioritise income over impact. Today, students who aspire to become doctors are often discouraged by the perceived academic burden and the significant personal sacrifices involved,' she said. Dr Norsham Juliana believes the way forward is to ʼheal the young healersʼ by restoring their mental health, motivation and work environment (Source: USIM's website) She noted that ongoing issues within the national healthcare system — such as unstable contract positions, excessive workloads and toxic work cultures including bullying or high-pressure environments with minimal support — have become red flags for young people weighing a future in medicine. At the same time, social media glamorises other careers as being more flexible, expressive and less stressful, she added. Dr Norsham Juliana also pointed out the declining appeal of medicine is partly due to how the profession is treated as 'guilty until proven innocent' when it comes to patient care. Quoting the famous Spider-Man phrase, 'With great power comes great responsibility,' she said every medical decision carries inherent risk. 'Every action taken to save a patient, no matter how small, invites scrutiny and accountability. But I believe existing doctors remain resilient,' she said, noting this as another reason why youth shy away from the field. Restoring True Purpose To reignite interest in the profession, Dr Norsham Juliana suggested regularly reminding both practitioners and medical students of the profession's true value: The nobility of saving lives. She believes that to bring back the golden age of medicine, a more holistic approach is needed — starting with restoring joy to the learning process. 'I believe the younger generation is not afraid of sacrifice — they just want that sacrifice to be valued and supported by a fair system. Now is the time for all stakeholders, especially experts and influential medical figures, to step forward and lead the change. 'Let's restore the core strength of this profession — the healing spirit. Today, we must first 'heal the young healers' by restoring their mental health, motivation and work environment. Change isn't impossible… it begins with awareness, courage and collaboration,' she said. She said the medical curricula today can be both fun and innovative without compromising the integrity of the field. 'Creative learning methods like simulations, virtual reality, gamification and story or visual-based teaching not only strengthen comprehension but also foster positive emotions — vital for sustaining student interest,' she said. She added that studies show positive emotional experiences improve memory, problem-solving and empathy — all essential qualities of a great doctor. Even top SPM scorers are turning away from medicine as values and priorities shift (pic: MEDIA MULIA) Reshaping the Approach Citing an initiative developed through collaboration among several public university medical faculties, Dr Norsham Juliana highlighted the upcoming Physiology Drama & Art Challenge 2025, which is scheduled to take place in October. This programme gives medical and health science students the opportunity to showcase their creativity through comic design, digital posters, videos, or theatre performances. 'Using the theme of bodily functions, students can express their creativity while integrating science — showing how the two can coexist. We aim to nurture doctors who excel not only in theory but are also artistic, open-minded and empathetic,' she said. The programme, involving USIM, Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia (UPNM), will take place on October 11 at USIM's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. 'Being a good doctor is not measured by exam scores alone, but by the sincere execution of responsibilities, nurtured through creativity,' she added. She also stressed the importance of nurturing interest in medicine from secondary school, giving students early exposure to the profession. 'If they see that being a doctor isn't just a burden, but a meaningful life path, they'll choose it willingly. 'However, this effort requires collective readiness to shape a more appealing and competitive career path in medicine so we can present a more convincing narrative to students,' she said. Other Fields Seen as Easier Meanwhile, Malaysian Society of Neurosciences president Dr Ahmad Shahir Mawardi believes that the declining interest in medicine among youth is largely due to the rise of alternative career paths that appear easier and more 'glamorous' than becoming a doctor. He noted that fields such as technology, engineering, the gig economy and even social media influencing offer attractive earnings without the intense challenges faced by medical students — on top of the financial burden of repaying loans from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN). 'Medical students must complete five to seven years of challenging studies with high costs. On top of that, the gruelling housemanship or medical graduate training require high physical and mental endurance. 'In addition, trainee doctors who have completed their training must compete for permanent medical officer positions,' said Dr Ahmad Shahir, who has served the medical field for the past 21 years. He emphasised that unless contract positions, workloads and other related issues are thoroughly resolved, the medical profession will continue to lose appeal among younger generations. He also warned that if unresolved issues persist, the national healthcare system may lose more specialists and experienced medical personnel. 'Many doctors are leaving the public sector due to better incentives and job security elsewhere. For instance, working in Singapore offers more attractive incentives, better work hours and lighter workloads,' he said, while noting that workplace bullying in hospitals is likely an isolated issue. Dr Ahmad Shahir stresses that as Malaysia's population ages, the demand for medical expertise will only grow, making early intervention vital (Source: To cultivate interest in medicine from a young age, Dr Ahmad Shahir said it must be nurtured with the right intentions and a genuine passion for the field. He proposed introducing early education initiatives that expose students to the medical profession through hospital visits and short-term attachments, which could inspire them to consider a career in medicine. Dr Ahmad Shahir also emphasised the importance of passing the torch to future generations, particularly in light of Malaysia's ageing population and rising life expectancy — currently 73.4 years for men and 78 years for women. 'As more Malaysians become senior citizens, the incidence of disease and demand for healthcare, including medical expertise, will rise. If this isn't addressed early, we may face a serious shortage in healthcare services. 'My hope is that the authorities recognise healthcare as the backbone of a nation. Medical issues like staffing and excessive workloads, which have been widely reported in the media, must be brought to the Parliament and addressed through both short-and long-term strategies — for the future of our beloved Malaysia,' he said. — Bernama This article first appeared in The Malaysian Reserve weekly print edition
Saba Yemen
07-07-2025
- Health
- Saba Yemen
Tomorrow Tuesday Ninth Scientific Conference of September 21 University begins in Sana'a
Sana'a - SABA: The Ninth Scientific Conference of September 21 University for Medical and Applied Sciences will begin tomorrow Tuesday in the capital Sana'a focusing on graduation research projects of the third cohort from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. University President and Conference Chair Dr Mujahid Massar stated to SABA that the conference aims to strengthen the culture of scientific research among students encourage excellence in preparing their research projects and open communication channels between students faculty and supervisors to enhance the quality of medical education and training. He affirmed the university's commitment to supporting scientific research encouraging innovation and student initiatives and linking academic outputs with professional and societal realities by addressing purposeful scientific and practical issues. Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Dr Salwa Al Ghamiri explained that the conference will over the course of three days discuss thirty seven research papers by graduating students from the third cohort which present solutions to a range of diseases and health challenges facing the community. She stressed the importance of the conference in exchanging experiences between faculty members students and supervisors to improve the quality of graduation projects promote scientific publishing and open avenues of cooperation with health institutions and hospitals Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
Sinar Daily
06-07-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Chewing ice a sign of anaemia?
KUALA LUMPUR - For some individuals, ice is not just a beverage companion, but a daily 'snack' that must be chewed for its crunchy and cooling sensation. However, behind this seemingly trivial habit lies the question: is it merely a quirky preference or an early sign of an underlying health issue? Globally, a systematic review of 89 studies from 33 countries found that 22.5 per cent of pica cases involved the habit of chewing ice. - 123RF photo Deputy Dean of Academics (Health Sciences) at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Prof Dr Barakatun Nisak Mohd Yusof, said that the habit of frequently chewing ice is known as pagophagia, a type of pica, which is a compulsive craving to consume non-food substances such as ice cubes. "Globally, a systematic review of 89 studies from 33 countries found that 22.5 per cent of pica cases involved the habit of chewing ice. The same study also reported that 81 per cent of pica cases occurred alongside anaemia, indicating a strong correlation between the two conditions,' she told Bernama. Dr Barakatun Nisak, who is also a dietetics expert at UPM, said many individuals with iron deficiency or anaemia develop an unusual craving for chewing ice, a habit that typically disappears once iron levels are restored. "What may seem like a harmless habit could actually be a sign of a nutritional disorder. While ice itself does not affect the digestive system, its link to pica reflects a more serious underlying health concern,' she said. Related Articles: Australian nursery worker charged with raft of child sex crimes Dr Barakatun Nisak explained that pagophagia is one of the indirect symptoms of anaemia, which occurs when the body lacks sufficient haemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen. "Symptoms of anaemia include fatigue, paleness, shortness of breath, headaches, and in some cases, a strong craving to chew ice,' she added. Therefore, she recommends that individuals with a fondness for chewing ice undergo blood tests to check haemoglobin levels, serum ferritin, serum iron, and Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) to assess iron absorption levels. "Although there are no official statistics in Malaysia, chewing ice should not be dismissed as a simple habit. It may be an early sign of nutrient deficiency, especially iron, and should be screened or referred for further examination. "The most important step is to treat the root cause, not just to substitute the ice. Whether it stems from nutritional deficiency, emotional stress, or compulsive behaviour, the treatment must be holistic,' she emphasised. Associate Professor Dr Nor Azlida Mohd Nor, a Public Health Dentistry expert from the Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, said persistent pagophagia can pose risks to dental health. "If chewing ice is only done occasionally, it does not have serious effects on the teeth. But if it becomes habitual, it can cause tooth sensitivity, wear, and micro-cracks or fractures in the teeth or existing fillings,' she said. More worryingly, she said, prolonged chewing of hard objects can lead to major cracks or fractures in the teeth that affect the nerves and roots, potentially requiring more complex dental treatment. "In some cases, it may also affect the jaw joints and surrounding muscles, leading to pain, clicking sounds, or difficulty moving the jaw,' she added, noting that pagophagia is also linked to eating disorders and anaemia. For Nur Nadhirah Ali Imran, 26, plain ice used to be her must-have during meals - to the point she would order a glass of ice just to chew and satisfy her craving. "If I couldn't chew ice, I'd feel stressed and unsatisfied. But I'm grateful that I haven't experienced any serious health issues so far,' said Nadhirah, who eventually decided to quit the habit entirely after realising the potential health risks. - BERNAMA
Sinar Daily
22-06-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Fresh approach needed to reignite interest in medicine
KUALA LUMPUR - There was a time when becoming a doctor was seen as one of the most prestigious career paths, sparking public debate when local universities could no longer cope with the surge in applications for medical studies. Many parents were once willing to spend significant sums to send their children abroad for medical studies after failing to secure places in local universities. Addressing challenges like workload, work-life balance and fostering a supportive environment are crucial to attract and retain the next generation of dedicated medical professionals. - Bernama file photo However, times have changed, and the field is now increasingly being overlooked. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently urged straight-A Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students to consider pursuing medicine at the university level. He also expressed concern over the declining interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields among students, warning that it could have long-term implications for the country's medical sector. LOSING APPEAL The declining interest in pursuing medicine among younger generations is acknowledged by Associate Professor Dr Norsham Juliana Nordin, a physiology lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). She noted that today's youth are more informed and career-conscious, having grown up in a vastly different environment from that of previous generations. "They are more critical when evaluating career choices, often prioritising work-life balance. While medicine was once regarded as the pinnacle of academic achievement, it is now seen as a long, demanding, and rigid path-especially when compared to emerging fields like technology, entrepreneurship, data science, or artificial intelligence,' she told Bernama in a recent interview. In addition, social media narratives highlighting the hardships, long working hours, and perceived lack of fair compensation have further discouraged many high-achieving students from pursuing a career in medicine. "This trend also reflects society's growing tendency to prioritise income over impact. Today, students who aspire to become doctors are often discouraged by the perceived academic burden and the significant personal sacrifices involved,' she said. She noted that ongoing issues within the national healthcare system-such as unstable contract positions, excessive workloads, and toxic work cultures including bullying or high-pressure environments with minimal support-have become red flags for young people weighing a future in medicine. At the same time, social media glamorises other careers as being more flexible, expressive, and less stressful, she added. Dr Norsham Juliana also pointed out the declining appeal of medicine is partly due to how the profession is treated as "guilty until proven innocent' when it comes to patient care. Quoting the famous Spider-Man phrase, "With great power comes great responsibility,' she said every medical decision carries inherent risk. "Every action taken to save a patient, no matter how small, invites scrutiny and accountability. But I believe existing doctors remain resilient,' she said, noting this as another reason why youth shy away from the field. RESTORING TRUE PURPOSE To reignite interest in the profession, Dr Norsham Juliana suggested regularly reminding both practitioners and medical students of the profession's true value: the nobility of saving lives. She believes that to bring back the golden age of medicine, a more holistic approach is needed-starting with restoring joy to the learning process. "I believe the younger generation is not afraid of sacrifice-they just want that sacrifice to be valued and supported by a fair system. Now is the time for all stakeholders, especially experts and influential medical figures, to step forward and lead the change. "Let's restore the core strength of this profession-the healing spirit. Today, we must first 'heal the young healers' by restoring their mental health, motivation, and work environment. Change isn't impossible... it begins with awareness, courage, and collaboration,' she said. She believes medical curricula today can be both fun and innovative without compromising the integrity of the field. "Creative learning methods like simulations, virtual reality, gamification, and story or visual-based teaching not only strengthen comprehension but also foster positive emotions-vital for sustaining student interest,' she said. She added that studies show positive emotional experiences improve memory, problem-solving, and empathy-all essential qualities of a great doctor. RESHAPING THE APPROACH Citing an initiative developed through collaboration among several public university medical faculties, Dr Norsham Juliana highlighted the upcoming Physiology Drama & Art Challenge 2025, which is scheduled to take place in October. This programme gives medical and health science students the opportunity to showcase their creativity through comic design, digital posters, videos, or theatre performances. "Using the theme of bodily functions, students can express their creativity while integrating science-showing how the two can coexist. We aim to nurture doctors who excel not only in theory but are also artistic, open-minded, and empathetic,' she said. The programme, involving USIM, Universiti Malaya, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, will take place on Oct 11 at USIM's Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. "Being a good doctor is not measured by exam scores alone, but by the sincere execution of responsibilities, nurtured through creativity,' she added. She also stressed the importance of nurturing interest in medicine from secondary school, giving students early exposure to the profession. "If they see that being a doctor isn't just a burden, but a meaningful life path, they'll choose it willingly. "However, this effort requires collective readiness to shape a more appealing and competitive career path in medicine so we can present a more convincing narrative to students,' she said. OTHER FIELDS SEEN AS EASIER Meanwhile, President of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences Dr Ahmad Shahir Mawardi believes that the declining interest in medicine among youth is largely due to the rise of alternative career paths that appear easier and more "glamorous' than becoming a doctor. He noted that fields such as technology, engineering, the gig economy, and even social media influencing offer attractive earnings without the intense challenges faced by medical students-on top of the financial burden of repaying loans from the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN). "Medical students must complete five to seven years of challenging studies with high costs. "On top of that, the gruelling housemanship or medical graduate training require high physical and mental endurance. In addition, trainee doctors who have completed their training must compete for permanent medical officer positions,' said Dr Ahmad Shahir, who has served the medical field for the past 21 years. He emphasised that unless contract positions, workloads, and other related issues are thoroughly resolved, the medical profession will continue to lose appeal among younger generations. He also warned that if unresolved issues persist, the national healthcare system may lose more specialists and experienced medical personnel. "Many doctors are leaving the public sector due to better incentives and job security elsewhere. For instance, working in Singapore offers more attractive incentives, better work hours, and lighter workloads,' he said, while noting that workplace bullying in hospitals is likely an isolated issue. To cultivate interest in medicine from a young age, Dr Ahmad Shahir said it must be nurtured with the right intentions and a genuine passion for the field. He proposed introducing early education initiatives that expose students to the medical profession through hospital visits and short-term attachments, which could inspire them to consider a career in medicine. Dr Ahmad Shahir also emphasised the importance of passing the torch to future generations, particularly in light of Malaysia's ageing population and rising life expectancy-currently 73.4 years for men and 78.0 for women. "As more Malaysians become senior citizens, the incidence of disease and demand for healthcare, including medical expertise, will rise. If this isn't addressed early, we may face a serious shortage in healthcare services. "My hope is that the authorities recognise healthcare as the backbone of a nation. Medical issues like staffing and excessive workloads, which have been widely reported in the media, must be brought to Parliament and addressed through both short- and long-term strategies-for the future of our beloved Malaysia,' he said. - BERNAMA
The Star
29-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
‘Eat right to reduce microplastic toxicity'
PETALING JAYA: Purple sweet potato, black glutinous rice (pulut hitam), black seeds, roselle and red dragon fruit – put more of these on the table. Health experts say these types of food help fight the inflammatory and toxic effects of microplastics in the body, with reports highlighting that Malaysians are the world's top consumers of small plastic particles, ingesting an average of 502.3mg of it daily. Toxicologist Prof Dr Mustafa Ali Mohd said while completely avoiding microplastics would be unrealistic, eating more of specific foods offered a practical and science-backed approach to reducing their risks. 'Microplastics are everywhere and we're consuming them. They potentially affect our liver, nerves and cause mild inflammation,' said Dr Mustafa of the Global Institute for Leadership and Management, Singapore. 'To help reduce inflammation, we need to consistently consume antioxidants. 'The best source for antioxidants are black seed (habbatus sauda) and monk fruit (luo han guo). 'Black seed contains thymoquinone – a very important anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound,' the dean of the institute's Medicine and Wellness programme said in an interview. According to a study published last year in the Environmental Science and Technology journal, Malaysia was tops among 109 countries in the consumption of microplastics, which are plastic particles less than 5mm in size. Nutritionist Dr Nurul Husna Shafie said another natural antioxidant, anthocyanins, has been shown to reduce toxicity caused by microplastics, by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation in reproductive tissues. 'They may also help improve gut health by reducing microplastic-induced gut dysbiosis and inflammation,' said the official from the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universiti Putra Malaysia. Dr Nurul Husna said meta-analyses indicated that dietary anthocyanins could reduce oxidative stress biomarkers and enhance the body's antioxidant capacity. 'Specifically, anthocyanins reduce stress biomarkers such as malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidised LDL (Ox-LDL) and isoprostanes. 'They also boost antioxidant defences by increasing total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and the activity of key enzymes like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx),' she said. She said anthocyanins were pigments responsible for the red, purple and blue colours in fruits, vegetables and grains. 'In Malaysia, common anthocyanin-rich food includes purple sweet potato, black glutinous rice, roselle, red pitaya (dragon fruit), butterfly/blue pea flower (bunga telang), eggplant and red cabbage,' she said. She added that they could be easily incorporated into one's daily diet. 'Purple sweet potatoes can be steamed or boiled for breakfast, used in traditional kuih, made into chips for snacks or served as healthy desserts. 'Traditional Malaysian food such as ulam and fermented items like tempeh and tapai are often rich in antioxidants and phytochemicals, which support the body's detoxification processes,' she said, suggesting fresh food over processed ones and using water filters. Dr Mustafa said that while including antioxidant-rich food in one's daily diet was an effective way to reduce the effects of microplastics in the body, it was equally important for people to minimise their overall exposure to these toxins. 'Do not dispose of or burn plastics carelessly, as it can break down and release particles into the air which we then inhale. 'Avoid storing food in plastic containers, especially when it comes to hot, oily or highly acidic food, even if these containers are labelled as food-grade. 'There is a high likelihood that microplastics can leach into food, as certain conditions can cause the plastic to break down and mix with what we consume,' he said. Sahabat Alam Malaysia honorary secretary Mageswari Sangaralingam advised consumers to reduce the use of plastic containers. 'We need to break free from plastics. Replace plastic containers and products with safer, durable materials. 'Bring your own non-plastic, reusable containers when buying takeaway food. Replace plastic baby bottles with glass bottles. 'Babies and infants are particularly vulnerable to health risks associated with microplastic exposure,' she said.
