Gaining international experience is something that students at Taylor's University are encouraged to do. One student from the School of Medicine recently completed his clinical elective in the UK, spending time in two hospitals and attending three conferences.
Chor Yun Hung with Mr. Snitch (Consultant Orthopedic Spine Surgeon)
Chor Yun Hung had always wondered what it would be like to be a medical professional in a Western country. He had also always wondered if the treatment plans and communication between patients and doctors in such countries would differ from what is done in Malaysia. As part of his fourth-year studies in the School of Medicine at Taylor's University, he was given the opportunity to find out. Yun Hung was able to do his clinical elective in the UK and at two hospitals – the University Hospital of Coventry & Warwickshire and also at Rugby's Saint Cross Hospital. He was assigned to a consultant, Dr. Asgar Ali, who works as an orthopedic surgeon sub-specialising in hip, knee and ankle surgery.
Reflecting on his time in the UK, he said that, "I was able to assist in surgeries such as total hip replacement, total knee replacement, hallux valgus correction, in growing toe nail surgery and others. It was a very fulfilling experience to be able to assist in surgery". He observed that, "In the UK, doctors are more patient and friendly……Patients will get to decide on their treatment and doctors are there to give their opinions and suggestions. Detailed explanation of the treatment are given before surgery so that patient can go back and read up on them. The patients also get to join a class before surgery so that they can mentally and physically prepared to undergo surgery".
He also had the opportunity to attend three UK medical conferences during the 6-week clinical experience period. They included the Society of Acute Medicine conference in Manchester, the British Orthopedic Association Annual Congress in Liverpool and the Hematology Conference of the Royal College of Physician in Edinburgh. In conclusion he added, "I would like to implement all the professionalism and skills I learn in the UK into my practice in the future. It was indeed a very fruitful lifelong learning experience that I will treasure and never forget. I do encourage more medical students to be adventurous and do their medical electives out of the Malaysia".
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