Thursday 24th January 2013 was holiday for Maulidur Rasul and Monday 28th January 2013 was holiday for Thaipusam. The best thing about Malaysia is all the holidays! This Friday 1st of February 2013 is Hari Wilayah but unfortunately no holidays for me cause I don't work in Wilayah and then 11th February 2013 is Chinese New Year. Hooray! more holidays.
Anyway, last Monday I went to see "The Impossible" with my daughter. We shared this large popcorn between us and I have not eaten so much popcorn in my life!
The movie was fantastic. It was of course based on the true horrifying experience of a British family on holiday in Thailand during the Christmas period of 2004 when the deadly Asian tsunami struck. The actual footage of the tsunami was too much to fathom. It was terrifying.
However, it was not simply a disaster movie. It was about an experience of a boy and his mom, the strong bond between them, her lessons for him, to be brave, selfless, giving... Some people will call me a delusional optimist but I believe that everyone has the ability to become a better person. Sometimes a disaster may bring out the worst in people, it may bring out the worst form of individualism, selfishness, anger, panic, irritability but on the other hand, it may bring out the best in people....strength, courage, patience, selflessness, compassion, responsibility and leadership.
This movie truly lifted my spirits. It was one of those movies that made me feel really happy because despite everything that could potentially go wrong in this life...a person can come out the other side better, stronger, wiser and most importantly more compassionate.
To me, this was by far one of the best movies I've watched within the last 12 months.
Wednesday 30 January 2013
Wednesday 23 January 2013
Becoming a Family Medicine Specialist in Malaysia
Lately a few friends have approached me with regards to becoming a Family Medicine Specialist in Malaysia. I hope the information here will be beneficial to all.
Although General Practitioners (GP) have been around for the longest time in Malaysia however, the recognition and training of Family Medicine Specialist (FMS) in Malaysia is a relatively new and began in 2003 or so.
The rules with regards to opening a private GP clinic in Malaysia has not yet changed although there has been some talks and attempts to ensure that future GPs will have some form of accredited training prior to working in General Practice. On the ground level, more and more new GPs are taking their own initiative to receive training in the field of General Practice.
I guess this is due to various reasons. With abundance of MBBS graduates being churned out per year...doctors are becoming aware of their need to specialise and to attain a postgraduate qualification. Modern medicine is rapidly changing. Research in the field of medicine is growing ever so fast and there are more available grants. Even I am involved in research...so that says something!
Patients are also becoming more health concious and aware of the new advances in medicine. The concept of patients 'blindly' following doctor's instructions are slowly shifting to a more 'patient centred approach'. Hence, there is an increase challenge for doctors to keep up with new medications, new treatments and new approaches in communicating to patients.
It is no longer acceptable for doctors to practice convenient medicine and continue in their management of patients based on their 30 years experience. Experience is no doubt exceptionally valuable and nothing can replace a highly experienced doctor. However, the educational component, structured learning and mentoring process of the postgraduate training is vital in ensuring a high clinical standard of all doctors and create a passion for life long learning. The exposure to different specialties is extremely valuable for GPs in order to equip them with the ability to diagnose and manage multiple complaints of various systems and origins.
To become an FMS or primary care specialist in Malaysia you need to have a postgraduate degree in either MMed Family Medicine, FRACGP or MRCGP.
MRCGP training is in the UK and it is a structured 3-year training programme. Although there is MRCGP [International] which candidates can sit for in various countries including Brunei, Sri Lanka and others. However, there is no structured training available, it maybe expensive and the passing rate is relatively low.
Candidates may enter the Diploma in Family Medicine (DFM) training conducted by Academy of Family Physician Malaysia (AFPM). The DFM is a 2-year part time structured course with examinations. After completing the 2-year DFM candidates may opt to continue with the Vocational Training Scheme (VTS) and sit for the MAFP/FRACGP which is a Malaysian/ Australian General Practice professional examinations to become a member of the Australian Royal College of General Pracitioners. At present, candidates who sit for this exams may also work in Australia.
Candidates may choose to join the Masters in Family Medicine training which is currently offered in University Malaya (UM), University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), University Sains Malaysian (USM) and University Teknologi MARA (UiTM). This is a 4-year full time structured training with research component in year 4. This is an excellent programme and suitable for those planning to go into academic, teaching and research within a University setting or to work in the MOH Health Clinics.
We are seeing more GPs even those who have been practising for many years joining the DFM programme and venturing into FRACGP. We are also seeing more applications for the Masters in Family Medicine training. I believe even without the pressure or law by the MOH the trend is for future GPs to have postgraduate training and qualification in General Practice.
Although General Practitioners (GP) have been around for the longest time in Malaysia however, the recognition and training of Family Medicine Specialist (FMS) in Malaysia is a relatively new and began in 2003 or so.
The rules with regards to opening a private GP clinic in Malaysia has not yet changed although there has been some talks and attempts to ensure that future GPs will have some form of accredited training prior to working in General Practice. On the ground level, more and more new GPs are taking their own initiative to receive training in the field of General Practice.
I guess this is due to various reasons. With abundance of MBBS graduates being churned out per year...doctors are becoming aware of their need to specialise and to attain a postgraduate qualification. Modern medicine is rapidly changing. Research in the field of medicine is growing ever so fast and there are more available grants. Even I am involved in research...so that says something!
Patients are also becoming more health concious and aware of the new advances in medicine. The concept of patients 'blindly' following doctor's instructions are slowly shifting to a more 'patient centred approach'. Hence, there is an increase challenge for doctors to keep up with new medications, new treatments and new approaches in communicating to patients.
It is no longer acceptable for doctors to practice convenient medicine and continue in their management of patients based on their 30 years experience. Experience is no doubt exceptionally valuable and nothing can replace a highly experienced doctor. However, the educational component, structured learning and mentoring process of the postgraduate training is vital in ensuring a high clinical standard of all doctors and create a passion for life long learning. The exposure to different specialties is extremely valuable for GPs in order to equip them with the ability to diagnose and manage multiple complaints of various systems and origins.
To become an FMS or primary care specialist in Malaysia you need to have a postgraduate degree in either MMed Family Medicine, FRACGP or MRCGP.
MRCGP training is in the UK and it is a structured 3-year training programme. Although there is MRCGP [International] which candidates can sit for in various countries including Brunei, Sri Lanka and others. However, there is no structured training available, it maybe expensive and the passing rate is relatively low.
Candidates may enter the Diploma in Family Medicine (DFM) training conducted by Academy of Family Physician Malaysia (AFPM). The DFM is a 2-year part time structured course with examinations. After completing the 2-year DFM candidates may opt to continue with the Vocational Training Scheme (VTS) and sit for the MAFP/FRACGP which is a Malaysian/ Australian General Practice professional examinations to become a member of the Australian Royal College of General Pracitioners. At present, candidates who sit for this exams may also work in Australia.
Candidates may choose to join the Masters in Family Medicine training which is currently offered in University Malaya (UM), University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), University Sains Malaysian (USM) and University Teknologi MARA (UiTM). This is a 4-year full time structured training with research component in year 4. This is an excellent programme and suitable for those planning to go into academic, teaching and research within a University setting or to work in the MOH Health Clinics.
We are seeing more GPs even those who have been practising for many years joining the DFM programme and venturing into FRACGP. We are also seeing more applications for the Masters in Family Medicine training. I believe even without the pressure or law by the MOH the trend is for future GPs to have postgraduate training and qualification in General Practice.
Tuesday 8 January 2013
Reflecting on a driving incident
Something happened this morning. I was coming out of the junction from my home and I had to drive across this very busy main road to get to the right hand side in order to turn right. There was a long queue already and like it or not I had to cut someone up. Anyway, this guy in a Mercedes was like going 'mental'. He wind down the passenger seat where his wife (or daughter??) sat quietly and he began to shout at me. So, I wind down my window and tried to explain to him that I had to cut people up half way cause I was coming from a junction. It is not like I'm trying to be aggressive. Anyway, there was no point trying to explain anything to a moron so, I said "Never mind. It's okay. Just move along"...I said "takpe! jalan je. tak de masalah. Jalan je". Well, I think he didn't quite expect that from me and as though he was hypnotized, he wind up the window and moved on.
Anyway, the test was really for me cause I felt so angry. I have to admit (with remorse) that I was swearing and cursing and I had to apologize to my kids but that was after giving them a long lecture on how we should never be like that. We must help others and give way to them. Anyway, I dropped them off and then I thought to myself I don't EVER EVER EVER want to be like that person. I do not want to see any behavior that I hate in others manifesting in myself. I will consciously work to be the opposite of what they are. So for the rest of the day I deliberately gave way to people especially to those who are courteous enough to give signal. When a car wants to cut me up, I give way and when a car wants to cut the person behind me up, I drive a little faster to give them the space. You know what...I felt good and happy. I get the pleasure in helping others, in trying to be a better person than those who choose to allow their desires and ego to control their driving.
It reminded me of this book I'm reading which is a psychology book on 'happiness? by Ian K. Smith' It highlights in the book about happiness that is derived from material things such as a fancy car or big house is short lived. It is exciting for a little while but before we knew it the level of happiness wanes down to exactly what we felt before the car emerged. However, true happiness that is everlasting are fond memories that lingers in our minds. They are those events where it doesn't involve materialistic things e.g spending time with our family, family outings, having a nice conversation with a friend or enjoying a hobby.
The book talks about the things that really make us happy are social companionship, helping others, making a difference in someone's life, pursuing a passion, taking pride in one's work, forgiving someone and moving on.
Driving in Malaysia is stressful enough without having to add our pride and ego into the equation.
Unfortunately, there are so many of these people driving expensive cars and yet, their behaviors do not reflect any form of civilization. Their thinking and mentality do not reflect the sophistication of their exclusive vehicle. In UK I guess they call these people 'chavs'. It is like those who have the wealth but do not know how to act the part. I don't know maybe it is a bit poncy of me but I guess the bottom line is as Muslims, we should carry ourselves with the best manners and character. I do miss driving in the UK and having people give way.
Anyway, the test was really for me cause I felt so angry. I have to admit (with remorse) that I was swearing and cursing and I had to apologize to my kids but that was after giving them a long lecture on how we should never be like that. We must help others and give way to them. Anyway, I dropped them off and then I thought to myself I don't EVER EVER EVER want to be like that person. I do not want to see any behavior that I hate in others manifesting in myself. I will consciously work to be the opposite of what they are. So for the rest of the day I deliberately gave way to people especially to those who are courteous enough to give signal. When a car wants to cut me up, I give way and when a car wants to cut the person behind me up, I drive a little faster to give them the space. You know what...I felt good and happy. I get the pleasure in helping others, in trying to be a better person than those who choose to allow their desires and ego to control their driving.
It reminded me of this book I'm reading which is a psychology book on 'happiness? by Ian K. Smith' It highlights in the book about happiness that is derived from material things such as a fancy car or big house is short lived. It is exciting for a little while but before we knew it the level of happiness wanes down to exactly what we felt before the car emerged. However, true happiness that is everlasting are fond memories that lingers in our minds. They are those events where it doesn't involve materialistic things e.g spending time with our family, family outings, having a nice conversation with a friend or enjoying a hobby.
The book talks about the things that really make us happy are social companionship, helping others, making a difference in someone's life, pursuing a passion, taking pride in one's work, forgiving someone and moving on.
Driving in Malaysia is stressful enough without having to add our pride and ego into the equation.
Unfortunately, there are so many of these people driving expensive cars and yet, their behaviors do not reflect any form of civilization. Their thinking and mentality do not reflect the sophistication of their exclusive vehicle. In UK I guess they call these people 'chavs'. It is like those who have the wealth but do not know how to act the part. I don't know maybe it is a bit poncy of me but I guess the bottom line is as Muslims, we should carry ourselves with the best manners and character. I do miss driving in the UK and having people give way.
Sunday 6 January 2013
Resolution 2013
Six days away from the beginning of the year. 2012 had been a hectic year with all sorts of responsibilities plus unnecesary annoyances that requires time and effort but 2013 will be an even more hectic year ahead. Today I finally had the chance to sit down and to fully concentrate on work cause the kids had gone out with their dad. I felt totally liberated and managed to be extremely productive Alhamdulillah.
Tomorrow will be a new day and it will be a new day everyday for the rest of the year inshaAllah. I felt that I have been through 'hell' and back since I relocated to Malaysia but every single episode, every single event, every laughter, every joy, every pain, every fear, every experience we encounter shapes our character and makes us whom we are today. We are stronger, we are more resilient, more resourceful and most importantly, MORE GRATEFUL to the ONE who puts us through all of these tests. ALHAMDULILLAH.
If I was to make a new year's resolution it would be:
1. To read a good book each month, a self motivating book or an inspiring autobiography.
2. To be more productive in my work, produce at least two papers, motivate students even if only one student out of 30 can remember only one thing I say, that would be an achievement. Even if the thing they remember from my class out of all my jibberish is I make good 'ikan bakar' then, it is still an achievement.
3. To be grateful everyday for every little thing that Allah SWT gives and to stop worrying, just put one's trust in Allah. He has helped me all this way and all this time...He has shown me every time that He always comes to the rescue. How can I ever not trust Him?
4. To never lose oneself. No matter what happens, no matter how good or how bad...whatever the tragedy or trauma. Do not lose oneself. Do not let the evil actions of others turn us into bitterness or vengeance or anger or hate. Always take the morally higher ground of being the one to forgive, to repent, to learn from the mistakes of others, to be a better person. In every adversity, there is opportunity...for example, the one who loses a job may find opportunities in starting his own business. There is opportunity to do things we have never done before, opportunities to make new friends and relationships, opportunities to spend our precious time with family and friends, opportunity to learn new things, opportunity to become a better person and most importantly, opportunity to get closer to God. So, if one feels that the worse thing has happened...take your focus away from the problem and look for opportunities.
And that is my 5th resolution, to refocus my mind towards opportunities. InshaAllah 2013 is all about opportunities and to do everything I've always wanted to do but never had the time. This year I will make the time inshaAllah.
Alhamdulillah life is good...if we live for the sake of Allah SWT alone.
Tomorrow will be a new day and it will be a new day everyday for the rest of the year inshaAllah. I felt that I have been through 'hell' and back since I relocated to Malaysia but every single episode, every single event, every laughter, every joy, every pain, every fear, every experience we encounter shapes our character and makes us whom we are today. We are stronger, we are more resilient, more resourceful and most importantly, MORE GRATEFUL to the ONE who puts us through all of these tests. ALHAMDULILLAH.
If I was to make a new year's resolution it would be:
1. To read a good book each month, a self motivating book or an inspiring autobiography.
2. To be more productive in my work, produce at least two papers, motivate students even if only one student out of 30 can remember only one thing I say, that would be an achievement. Even if the thing they remember from my class out of all my jibberish is I make good 'ikan bakar' then, it is still an achievement.
3. To be grateful everyday for every little thing that Allah SWT gives and to stop worrying, just put one's trust in Allah. He has helped me all this way and all this time...He has shown me every time that He always comes to the rescue. How can I ever not trust Him?
4. To never lose oneself. No matter what happens, no matter how good or how bad...whatever the tragedy or trauma. Do not lose oneself. Do not let the evil actions of others turn us into bitterness or vengeance or anger or hate. Always take the morally higher ground of being the one to forgive, to repent, to learn from the mistakes of others, to be a better person. In every adversity, there is opportunity...for example, the one who loses a job may find opportunities in starting his own business. There is opportunity to do things we have never done before, opportunities to make new friends and relationships, opportunities to spend our precious time with family and friends, opportunity to learn new things, opportunity to become a better person and most importantly, opportunity to get closer to God. So, if one feels that the worse thing has happened...take your focus away from the problem and look for opportunities.
And that is my 5th resolution, to refocus my mind towards opportunities. InshaAllah 2013 is all about opportunities and to do everything I've always wanted to do but never had the time. This year I will make the time inshaAllah.
Alhamdulillah life is good...if we live for the sake of Allah SWT alone.
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