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This case study follows YR, a student who joined IMU after failing to meet the entry requirements for medicine. Pressured by family expectations and driven by the chance to study abroad, he entered a course without true interest. At first he enjoyed campus life, but stress from assessments led him to unhealthy coping habits such as frequenting pubs, oversleeping, skipping classes, and plagiarising reports. His poor attendance barred him from exams, yet he continued the same lifestyle, breaking rules on dress code, professionalism, and academic integrity. Ultimately, his misconduct escalated to plagiarism during exams, leading to disciplinary action.

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Poor planning, last-minute cramming

Missing classes due to oversleeping

Practical strategies: scheduling, prioritisation, ICA/exam preparation

1. The connection between time management and self discipline

Time management is a system that allows you to plan out in advance the exact amount of time you'd want to allocate to performing a specific task or tasks per day

Effective use of your time

Successfully completing all of your work and life-related activities, tasks, or responsibilities

Prioritize your work tasks based on their importance and urgency and estimate the time needed to complete them in advance.

Thus, time management and self-discipline are interconnected skills where self-discipline enables effective time management by fostering focus, preventing procrastination, and helping one stick to goals and schedules.

2. Self discipline and study skills

Self discipline: skill to learn and develop over the course of your life, and will help you tremendously throughout your academic career.

As a student:

1. Keeping yourself focused on assignments or in classes

2. Not getting yourself distracted during lectures or time of study

3. Making sure on track with deadlines.

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Ways on improving time management and study skills

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Ways on improving time management and study skills

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1. Make a to do list- Include your work tasks as well as any personal activities or responsibilities you wish to complete, rank your tasks based on their importance. Maintaining a proper balance between work and life obligations.

2. Remove any distractions- Remove those distractions and/or try to minimize their negative impact on your productivity.

3. Lead a healthier lifestyle- Managing and increasing your energy levels to increase your productivity and concentration.

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Lack of emotional and mental support

Rebelling against family expectations

Limited awareness of available resources

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1. Coping with a lack of support

Join student support groups

Stay connected with family and friends

Build new connections with trusted peers or mentors if family ties are tense

2. Dealing with family expectations

Seek guidance from academic advisors or career counsellors

Attend workshops to explore personal interests and career options

Practise respectful communication to express personal goals

3. Using university resources

Counselling services, faculty mentors, and the International Student Office or wellness programs

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1. Impact on Studies

Frequent pub-going, late nights, and hangovers reduce focus and energy.

Leads to lateness and absenteeism in important classes and practicals.

Poor preparation for assessments → weak academic performance.

Shows how lifestyle habits directly affect success.

2. Coping Mechanisms

Unhealthy coping: alcohol, excessive partying, procrastination, neglecting responsibilities → short-term relief, long-term harm.

Healthy coping: exercise or sports, joining student clubs/peer groups, mindfulness or meditation, good time management, counselling when needed.

Healthy choices build resilience and reduce stress effectively.

3. Self-Discipline

Essential in healthcare programmes where professionalism and consistency are expected.

Create a structured daily routine: dedicated time for study, enough rest, and recreation.

Small consistent habits—like attending all classes and finishing work early—prevent last-minute stress.

Discipline in university prepares students for future healthcare careers.

4. Balance Between Social & Studies

Social interaction is valuable for stress relief and personal growth.

But academics must remain the priority—set boundaries on late nights or outings before important classes.

Prioritize deadlines and key assessments, while still making time for friends.

Learning this balance early helps students manage future work-life balance as professionals.

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1. Lifestyle Changes

Adjusting daily habits:

YR should reduce late outings and use healthier ways to relax, such as exercise, hobbies, or joining student clubs.

Choosing better friends:
Surround himself with peers who are focused on studies and have good discipline can encourage him to do the same.

2. Seeking Support & Guidance

Academic mentors: IMU provides mentors who can give advice on time management, study methods, and track progress.

Counselling services: Stress, homesickness, and pressure from family can lead to bad habits. Talking to a counsellor can help him find better coping skills.

Family involvement: Parents may not know the real situation. Honest communication between YR and his family could reduce conflict and pressure.

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3. Self-Reflection & Responsibility

Reflection: Writing in a simple diary or reflecting after each week can help YR see where he went wrong and how to improve.

Taking responsibility: Accepting the university’s punishment instead of lying or blaming others is an important step to grow and gain maturity.

4. Realigning Academic & Career Choices

YR entered the programme without real interest, which made him unmotivated.

If YR is not interested in his current course, he could switch to another programme or explore training and work that suits his strengths.

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5. Communication & Professional Behaviour

Talking to lecturers: Explaining struggles early can prevent bigger problems later. Staying silent often makes things worse.

Following professional rules: Dressing properly, coming on time, and showing respect are habits that prepare students for the working world.

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The case of YR shows the link between student behaviour, ethics, and professionalism. Choices such as skipping classes, plagiarism, dishonesty, and ignoring rules are not only harmful to academic progress but also shape long-term professional identity. Ethical conduct, responsibility, and discipline are essential qualities for any future healthcare worker. Also, support systems like mentorship, counselling, and open communication with family can guide struggling students towards better paths. YR’s experience reminds us that professionalism starts in university; reflection and lifestyle changes can turn mistakes into lessons and prepare us for growth in our studies and future careers.

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The main reason to join IMU PMS is the desire to study abroad

A possibility that YR didn’t want to be a doctor; pressure from dad, no interest etc

Familial pressure to get into higher education / university

Enter a program just because of the option to study abroad

Maybe didn’t find out more on what they’ll study in the program

Didn’t really explore programs that align with his interests

No future plans or an idea of what he/she wants to do

Therefore leads to poor engagement, too relax and feels like they’re just going to uni for fun

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It would have been better to enter to a course that they’re interested in

Could talk to mentors or lecturers

About why they have a hard time catching up, how to come up with a study plan etc

Having a plan motivates and improves skills needed in the future;an  advantage to job hunting

How to set goals?

Identify what you want to achieve

productivity, efficiency, education or personal development

Outline short term goals

Come up with achievable and those that one can perform regularly

Easier to commit and can help in long term goals

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Can grasp more essential, participate in class discussion and perform well on test.

Missing classes can hinder ability to understand - gap in understanding

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build discipline and demonstrate respect lecturers, peers and learning process

Develop habit being on time - prepare become reliable professional

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stronger academic performance

better professional preparation

enhanced career opportunities

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Wearing a T-shirt to clinical skills → professionalism & safety concerns

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Wearing a T-shirt to clinical skills → professionalism & safety concerns

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Professionalism Concerns

1. Professional Image

- Clinical skills sessions simulate real patient care. Wearing a T-shirt does not project the professional image expected of healthcare providers.

- Patients and peers may perceive it as casual, careless, or disrespectful to the clinical environment.

2. Role Modeling

- Students are expected to practice professionalism early.

- Wearing informal clothing sets a poor example and undermines the culture of professionalism.

3. Adherence to Dress Code

- Many institutions have clear dress code policies (scrubs, lab coat, or formal attire).

- Ignoring this is a breach of professional standards.

Safety Concerns

1. Infection Control

- T-shirts often leave arms and skin exposed, which can increase the risk of contamination and cross-infection.

- Proper clinical attire (scrubs/lab coat) is designed to be laundered frequently and withstand disinfection, unlike casual wear.

2. Personal Protection

- T-shirts provide limited protection against spills, splashes or sharps-related risks.

- A lab coat or scrub top adds an extra protective barrier.

3. Hygiene

- T-shirts may not be washed as rigorously as clinical attire, possibly carrying outside contaminants into the skills lab.

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1. Patient Perception

- Patients often expect healthcare providers to look “professional” in a way that inspires trust and confidence.

- Unconventional hair colors (bright/dyed) may be perceived as distracting or unprofessional by some patients, especially older or more conservative ones.

2. Role Identity

- Clinical skills labs are designed to simulate real clinical practice. Maintaining a neat and professional appearance, including natural or conservative hair color, reinforces the role of a healthcare provider.

- This helps students transition into a professional mindset.

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Importance of adhering to professional codes in healthcare

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Importance of adhering to professional codes in healthcare

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1. Safety of patient and personal

- Professional codes ensure that practitioners follow evidence-based practices, infection control standards, and safety protocols.

- reduces medical errors, protects patients from harm, and ensures high-quality care.

2. Building Trust and Credibility

- Patients place their lives in the hands of healthcare providers. By following professional codes (e.g., honesty, confidentiality, respect), providers gain patient trust.

- Trust strengthens the therapeutic relationship, making patients more likely to follow treatment plans.

3. Ethical and Legal Accountability

- Professional codes align with ethical principles

- They also protect healthcare professionals legally, as adhering to codes helps demonstrate that they acted responsibly and within professional standards.

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Plagiarism during an open-book exam

Submission of identical practical reports

Raise questions about collusion and lack of independence

Going against the standards of originality and critical thinking.

Honesty and integrity serve as the ethical foundation of medical professionalism

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🌟 Importance of Communication & Interpersonal Skills

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🌟 Importance of Communication & Interpersonal Skills

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1. Building Trust and Credibility

Open, honest communication with lecturers, administrators, and peers builds mutual respect and trust. Without it, YR faced disciplinary actions.

2. Conflict Resolution

If YR had approached lecturers earlier to explain his difficulties, he might have found solutions instead of being barred.

3. Stress Management & Peer Support

Healthy interpersonal skills with peers could have helped YR manage stress positively (study groups, sharing workload) instead of resorting to pubs and neglecting studies.

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1. Be Honest & Transparent

If sick or facing issues, communicate early with ASD or lecturers and provide proper documentation.

Admit mistakes instead of making excuses — honesty builds trust.

2. Seek Help & Support

Approach academic mentors, counselors, or peers when stressed instead of escaping to nightlife.

Join study groups to build positive peer relationships.

3. Show Professional Respect

Follow dress code and guidelines without needing repeated reminders.

Listen actively and respond politely when lecturers give feedback.

4. Practice Accountability

Complete his own practical reports instead of copying.

Manage time better to avoid being late or absent.

5. Develop Self-Awareness

Reflect on how his actions (lateness, plagiarism, absence) affect others and his future career.

Recognize that communication is two-way: listening is as important as speaking.

6. Strengthen Academic Integrity

In open-book exams, paraphrase ideas instead of copy-pasting.

Learn proper citation and referencing to communicate knowledge ethically.