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Week 2: Sharing session, Morning UKS Rounds, Our Accommodation, Library and (my favorite) The Indonesian Foods

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WEEK 2: Experiencing a life as “Santri” at Pesantren Al Masoem Islamic Boarding School

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WEEK 2: Experiencing a life as “Santri” at Pesantren Al Masoem Islamic Boarding School

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1. Name, Matric Number, Date

Name: Hana Daniya Salsabila

Matric Number: A185411

Date: 04 – 28 August 2025

2. How is your progress?
By the second week of my elective posting, I felt that my progress had improved significantly compared to the first week. The initial feelings of uncertainty and adjustment had begun to fade, replaced by a growing sense of belonging and familiarity with the environment. The daily schedule, which at first seemed overwhelming, started to feel more natural and manageable. I noticed myself becoming more efficient in clinical activities, more comfortable in my interactions with teachers and students, and more proactive in participating in both academic and non-academic sessions. This progress was not only in terms of knowledge and skills but also in my adaptability, patience, and ability to form meaningful bonds with the community around me.

I felt much more adjusted to the daily routine in the pesantren. The schedule no longer felt as overwhelming, and I became more familiar with the flow of activities. Every night we continued our sharing sessions, where the students eagerly asked questions not only about medicine but also about life as a university student. It was heartwarming to see how much they looked forward to our presence. In the mornings, I joined clinical rotations as usual with the bidan and other medical students. Because we were more settled, the teamwork also felt smoother, and we managed the sick students more efficiently. Outside of clinical activities, the interactions with the teachers became more natural. They treated us like part of their community, which made the environment even warmer.

3. Points to remember from Week 2!
There are several important takeaways from the second week. Firstly, the routine became smoother, I was able to wake up early, join the prayers, and balance between clinical activities, teaching, and community life without feeling as drained as before. Secondly, the connections I built with the students and teachers grew stronger; they began treating me not as an outsider but as part of their family. Our nightly sharing sessions became more engaging as students freely asked questions, not only about medicine but also about life as a university student.

From the clinical side, I had the chance to encounter health issues that reminded me of my surgery posting, such as hernias and carbuncles, which allowed me to apply what I had learned in the hospital setting. I also experienced cases with non-specific symptoms like fever, cough, and diarrhea which is more similar to family medicine, my favorite posting. This was a valuable reminder that medicine is not always about clear-cut textbook cases but also about careful observation, communication, and follow-up.

Another highlight was the community aspect. Sharing meals of ayam kecap, sayur lodeh, seblak, and crispy mushrooms with the pesantren community created a warm sense of togetherness. Beyond food, I also enjoyed immersing myself in the pesantren lifestyle, including participating in Qur’an recitation, jamaah prayers, and even trying horse riding and archery. These activities deepened my appreciation of the holistic experience I was part of.

4. Your feelings & thoughts
My feelings this week were very different from the first week. Instead of being focused on adjustment and endurance, I began to feel a sense of comfort and belonging. The students’ warm smiles, their eagerness to learn, and their habit of running up to us with questions made me realize how quickly bonds can be formed when people come together with sincerity.

It also touched me to see how our presence motivated them, whether in their studies, spiritual growth, or future dreams. Many students asked about preparing for university entrance exams or studying abroad, and I felt honoured to share my own journey with them. The trust they placed in me gave me a sense of responsibility, not just to teach them facts, but to guide and inspire them.

On a personal level, I also found joy in small things such as eating familiar Indonesian dishes far from home, laughing with students during casual moments, or simply sitting quietly in the mosque after prayers. All of this made the experience nostalgic, meaningful, and spiritually grounding.

5. ONE good thing from what you did that you can practice now!
One practice I truly carry forward is the discipline of waking up early for Fajr and Qur’an recitation. During my stay, this became a natural part of my day, and I could feel the peace and clarity it brought. It not only helped me spiritually but also gave me more energy and structure for the rest of the day. I believe if I maintain this habit consistently, it will shape not only my personal life but also my future professional discipline as a medical student and, later, a doctor.

6. Any difficulties/concerns? How did you cope?
Unlike the first week, which was filled with the challenge of adapting to the schedule, the second week was much easier in terms of routine. However, the emotional aspect became more challenging. Each day, as the students grew closer to us, I felt the difficulty of knowing that our time together was limited. They often expressed sadness whenever we mentioned the end of our posting, and this made me reflect on the impact we had on one another.

To cope with this, I focused on cherishing every interaction, reminding myself that even short encounters can leave lasting impressions. I also turned my emotions into motivation to make each session meaningful, to give my best in teaching, and to leave behind lessons that they could carry even after we departed. The strong bond itself became a source of strength, helping me manage tiredness and emotional weight with gratitude rather than sadness.

7. Your plan for next week (Week 3)
As I look ahead to the coming weeks, my plan is to continue building on the momentum we have created. Academically, I hope to keep learning from the bidan and lecturers by observing and practicing clinical skills wherever possible. I also want to improve the teaching sessions we deliver, making them more varied and engaging, and perhaps expanding the audience to include middle and high school students outside the pesantren.

Another plan is to collaborate with fellow medical students from other universities who are also doing their clinical teaching at Al Masoem. By working together, we could organize health screenings and share medical knowledge in a more structured way, which would benefit the students and community.

On a personal level, I want to carry the lessons of discipline, spirituality, and togetherness into my life beyond this posting. I plan to maintain the habit of waking up at 4 am, continuing my Qur’an memorization, and holding onto the sense of community I experienced here. Ultimately, I hope that these weeks will not only benefit the pesantren students but also leave a permanent mark on my own journey as a student, future doctor, and individual striving to balance knowledge, spirituality, and humanity.

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my personal favourite week full of productive activities starting from morning health check, evening classes, witnessing archery and horseriding!

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Week 2 elective posting a.k.a last week of volunteering and being a santri in Al Masoem

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Week 2 elective posting a.k.a last week of volunteering and being a santri in Al Masoem

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Andi Nadine Saphira Aliyya Natasha Putri

Matric number: A185419

Date: 18th - 22nd August 2025

2. Your progress so far

During the second week of the elective program, I noticed that my friends and I became more relaxed and accustomed to our routine. We were able to perform the health check-ups in the mornings with more confidence. A funny thing that happened during this week was encountering health issues that were discussed in our surgery posting, such as hernias and carbuncles. I'm glad we completed the surgery posting, as it gave us the opportunity to conduct physical exams and look for any positive findings in the students. In addition to that, we also came across health issues with undifferentiated symptoms, similar to what we see in family medicine, like fever, cough, and diarrhea.

In the evenings, as usual, we conducted our teaching sessions. During our final week, we focused more on giving motivational talks to different classes. We mainly discussed how to prepare for the university entrance exam, the necessary steps for studying abroad (like obtaining a language proficiency certificate), and, most importantly, how to cope with the stress and pressure of waiting for university entrance results during the final year. Our talks and sessions became more natural and engaging as we became more familiar with the best ways to approach the students.

Additionally, we had already adapted to the routine of pesantren life, such as waking up early, reciting the Quran, having breakfast, and participating in scheduled jamaah prayers. In our last week, we also had the chance to experience some of the facilities offered at the pesantren, like horse riding and archery. Two of my friends actually tried horse riding, which looked really cool. As for me, I didn’t try it because I had a bad experience with horse riding in the past, so I’m still afraid to give it another go.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

This final week of elective posting has left me feeling content and satisfied as we near the end of our elective and wrap up everything we set out to do. I do feel a bit sad about leaving the students and teachers, as they’ve all been so kind, and I doubt we’ll have another chance to cross paths in the future. The slower pace of life at the pesantren has also had a positive effect on me. I’m really glad I chose a non-medical elective because it was exactly what I needed after a whole year of clinical postings in Year 3. It allowed me to enjoy life more and engage in activities outside of medicine that have positively influenced my well-being and state of mind. Reflecting on it now, I truly feel it was a very wise decision.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

This elective program has made me realize that decision-making is something we do every day without even noticing, even in simple tasks like choosing and planning what to do during the day. Specifically, in this elective journey, decision-making was key when we had to select topics for our health talks. Initially, we came up with a long list of health topics, but we had to narrow it down to the top three that were most relevant for the students, especially within the pesantren setting. During this process, several people were involved, including the school representative, the head of the curriculum, the midwife, and we even consulted with friends who had experience in pesantren about common health issues faced by the students. This experience taught me that effective decision-making leads to more targeted interventions and can have a greater impact on many people.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Time management was never an issue for us during this period since our only focus was the elective program, which meant we could dedicate all our attention and time to it. The school and pesantren schedules were also very clear about when we could hold classes and when we needed to wrap up, which made it much easier for us to plan and align our activities with the students’ schedules. The ustadz and ustadzah were also incredibly supportive, always available to help whenever we faced any challenges along the way.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

As this is my final week at Al Masoem for my elective posting, next week I’ll shift my focus to preparing for the clinical postings ahead as a 4th-year medical student. While I’ll undoubtedly reminisce about the good times and experiences here, the most important thing will be reflecting on what I’ve done and whether it aligns with my personal goals and satisfaction. As much as this is required my studies, I also see this elective program as a platform to gain broader experience from the outside world, whether clinical or non-clinical, and carry the precious experiences that will obviously contribute to my growth and development as I move forward.

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Expanding Surgical Exposure and Creative Exchange

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Expanding Surgical Exposure and Creative Exchange

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1. Name: Sashvini Sivarathanam
Matric Number: A194995
Date: 18 August – 24 August 2025

2. Progress So Far
This week, I had the opportunity to attend the operating theatre (OT) almost every day, which greatly expanded my surgical exposure. The surgeries I observed included:

Removal of a calcified epigastric mass

Excision of a myxoma

Removal of hepatic echinococcosis

These procedures provided a deeper understanding of surgical techniques, pathology, and perioperative management.

As part of the social programme, I also participated in a Martenitsa workshop, where we learned about this unique Bulgarian cultural tradition. Additionally, I joined a sip-and-paint session, which was a relaxing and creative way to connect with fellow delegates outside the clinical setting.

3. Feelings and Thoughts
I felt inspired and motivated by the level of surgical exposure I received this week. I was particularly fascinated by the hepatic echinococcosis case, as this is something we rarely, if ever, encounter in Malaysia since the parasite is endemic to the Balkan regions. Observing the management of such a case broadened my perspective on global health and the diversity of clinical presentations worldwide. The balance between academic and social activities also made the experience fulfilling and enjoyable.

4. How I Learned and Applied Decision-Making Skills in My EP Journey
Decision-making played a role in choosing which cases to attend in the OT, as several procedures often took place simultaneously. I learned to prioritise surgeries that offered the most educational value or that I had not yet encountered. This skill of selecting and adapting to opportunities ensured that I maximised my clinical learning experience.

5. How I Managed My Time Throughout This EP Journey
Time management was crucial in balancing hospital responsibilities with cultural and social activities. I managed this by setting priorities for each day ensuring I was present for surgeries and clinical activities during working hours, while dedicating evenings and weekends to cultural exploration and relaxation. This structure helped me stay focused while making the most of the elective.

6. Plan for Next Week (Week 4)
In Week 4, I plan to consolidate my clinical observations by reflecting on the surgical cases I have witnessed and linking them to theoretical knowledge. I also intend to continue practicing basic patient care skills under supervision. Beyond the hospital, I look forward to further engaging in cultural activities to round off the elective experience.

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Name : Fatih Raizan Zachli

Matric : A185416

28/08/2025 - 05/09/2025

What have we done

We continues similar activities that we did as last week, we took turns conducting ECG, medical recording, and history taking, we also still attached to Dr Agus Thosin everytime there were uniques cases that we can look at or directly perform a small amount of PE. Everytime procedures such as echocardiogram or treadmill test were performed dr Agus always told us to come so we have direct experiences from start to finish by observing and also help prepared the patient to do the procedure such as planting the ECG lead for treadmill test, performed auscultation, and interpreting treadmill result. Like always at the end of day we always have a discussion with dr Agus thosin regarding what things that we learned that day and he always helped us to give better understanding of patients that day. On the last day we had oppurtunity to attach with dr Veronica Dwiharsi, she was very welcoming and is the type of doctor that excited if there are student that want study in her clinic. We attached to her clinic from start until the end so by this time we observed how she took history taking of her patient and performed physical examination including echocardiogram. By the end of each patient she always asked us what things that we want to ask or that we still didnt understand. One of the things that separates dr Agus and dr Veronica is that dr Veronica was very expressive, very detailed, and taught us carefully from start until the end about the disease of the patient.

To conclude it was an enriching as we shifted from observation to actively participating being entrusted with fully responsible of performing ECG and medical recording and the most important thing is by experienced it it enchanced our confident in real situation

Point to remember

Every management given to the patient must go through careful adjustment not just clinically but also social

Some procedures is just not for everyone, there are a lot of to consider as it may caused a biased result

enhancing my understanding about four pillar of heart faillure

Feeling and thoughts

Im glad that on this week I felt more confident that on my previous week, it got sense of rewarding that the things that we learn as medical student not necessarily turn into nothing

Difficulties

There were significant challenges but I still confused on how to interpret ECG accurately and fast

2 words

Engaging and fulfilling

Plan for next week

We did EP for 2 weeks as it was duration that permitted by clinical so we will start preparing our assignments for this EP

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Insights into Geriatric Care, Respiratory Medicine, and Rheumatology

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Insights into Geriatric Care, Respiratory Medicine, and Rheumatology

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1. Name, matric number, date

Name: Keisha Hanifa Alma Mayra

Matric number: A185507

Date: 11/8/25 - 17/8/25

2. Your progress so far

I began the week in the geriatrics division, where I spent a day gaining exposure to a field that is relatively new to me since geriatrics is not commonly emphasized in UKM. There, most conditions are managed by the respective subspecialties even if a geriatric unit exists. In contrast, in Indonesia the elderly population is significantly larger so patients with internal medicine-related conditions are managed comprehensively by geriatric specialists without referral to other subspecialties. During the clinic session, I observed that most patients came for follow-ups of age-related metabolic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. I also learned that geriatric care focuses not only on disease treatment but also on improving patients’ functional independence. I was taught how to perform various geriatric assessments, including ADL, IADL, a-ADL, geriatric syndrome screening, CGA, Mini-Cog, GDS, and Mini MNA. I was able to practice these screenings on several patients, which was an enjoyable and insightful experience as it helped me understand the multifactorial reasons behind functional decline, for instance, how dementia can contribute to malnutrition risk.

The following day, I joined the pulmonology unit, where I participated in the outpatient clinic and clerked patients before their consultations. One memorable case involved a patient with a past history of tuberculosis (TB) who presented with blurry vision and watery eyes. She was diagnosed with ocular TB after a positive Mantoux test, despite the absence of tissue culture confirmation, which is a diagnostic challenge due to the site of infection. This was a new experience for me, as I had not previously encountered extrapulmonary TB in Malaysia. I also learned about mediastinal seminoma, a rare malignant germ cell tumor, which in this case was complicated by pleural effusion. Due to the high TB prevalence in Indonesia, patients presenting with TB-like features routinely undergo Mantoux screening. On my final day in the pulmonology posting, I joined a discussion with the professor and medical students about asthma, exploring its pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management, which enhanced my understanding of how to recognize and treat respiratory conditions effectively.

Later that week, I rotated to the rheumatology division, where I encountered patients with conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and multiple sclerosis. I clerked one patient and discussed with the professor how to differentiate knee joint pain due to inflammatory arthritis from other mechanical causes whereas it is a crucial skill for accurate diagnosis and management in clinical practice. Additionally, I had the opportunity to observe and assist in arthrocentesis and intra-articular steroid injections performed on patients with OA and RA. This hands-on experience helped me understand the indications, techniques, and safety considerations for these procedures, as well as their role in symptom relief, improved joint function, and better quality of life for patients with chronic joint diseases.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

Throughout this week, I felt both challenged and inspired by the diversity of clinical experiences I encountered. From geriatrics to pulmonology and rheumatology, each posting exposed me to different aspects of patient care and broadened my perspective on internal medicine. I particularly enjoyed the hands-on opportunities, such as performing geriatric assessments and assisting with joint procedures, which boosted my confidence and clinical skills. It was also eye-opening to see how patient care varies between healthcare systems, especially the more comprehensive approach to geriatrics and the higher prevalence of certain diseases like tuberculosis in Indonesia. Overall, I felt motivated to keep learning and improving so that I can become more competent and independent in my clinical practice.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey
Throughout my elective posting, I was often challenged by the doctor with questions, especially during discussions with other medical students. These moments pushed me to think critically and apply my clinical knowledge in real-time. By observing how the doctors approached different cases and reasoning through their decisions, I gradually learned how to structure my own clinical thinking. This experience improved my confidence in answering questions and making informed decisions based on patient presentations.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Time management played a crucial role in ensuring that I could fully engage in all the learning opportunities during this elective posting. I made it a habit to leave home as early as 6 a.m. to avoid traffic congestion and ensure I arrived at the hospital by 8 a.m. This allowed me to start the day without stress and be present for morning rounds, discussions, and procedures. By being punctual and consistent with my schedule, I was able to maximize my learning experience and stay organized throughout the posting.

6. Your plan for next week (week 4)

My plan for the upcoming week is to take time to reflect on all the experiences and skills I have gained throughout this elective posting. I aim to consolidate my learning by reviewing the cases I encountered, the procedures I observed, and the decision-making processes I practiced. Additionally, I will begin preparing and writing a comprehensive report that documents my elective journey, highlighting the key lessons, challenges, and insights I have acquired.

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Week 3 : Education Session in Front of 800 Hundred Students

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Week 3 : Education Session in Front of 800 Hundred Students

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1. Name, Matric Number, date

Name : Intan Ageng Heriani Fakhrunnisa

Matric Number : A185511

Date : Week 3 (25 - 28 August 2025)

2. Your Progress So Far

This week, we had the opportunity to enter more classes than before, although there were still many that we could not manage to visit due to time limitations. One major highlight was that it was decided we would conduct a large health education session for all students at Al Masoem, both male and female, with a total audience of almost 800 students. In preparation for this event, we had several discussions with the teachers, the school midwife, and also the student council (OSIS) to ensure that everything would run smoothly.

The topic of our health education focused mainly on hygiene and skin diseases, as these issues are very common in a boarding school environment. To make the session more engaging, we also prepared small snacks as prizes for students who were brave enough to ask questions. The students responded with great enthusiasm. Despite the large number of participants, they remained orderly and attentive throughout the entire program. Even when the event exceeded the scheduled time, the students continued to sit patiently and listen, which was very heartwarming for us as presenters.

During this third week, I also continued to practice horse riding, although not at Al Masoem but at another place nearby. I made use of my free time during the afternoons to ride, and I found that every time I finished a session, my mood was greatly improved. This positive energy carried over into the evening, so when I went back to teach or interact with the students, I always felt cheerful and motivated

3. Your Feelings and Thoughts

At first, I felt nervous because the audience we had to face was much larger than in the previous weeks. Speaking in front of almost 800 students was definitely intimidating, and I was worried about whether I would be able to capture their attention and deliver the material effectively. However, once the event was completed, I felt very relieved, happy, and grateful. The students’ enthusiasm gave me confidence and reminded me that sharing knowledge can be a meaningful and enjoyable experience. This made me realize that even though I may not see teaching as my future career, the ability to communicate and engage with a large audience is a valuable skill that I am thankful to have practiced during this elective posting

4. How Did You Learn and Apply the Skill of Decision-Making in Your EP Journey?

Throughout this journey, I learned that decision-making is not only about choosing quickly, but also about considering the impact of each choice on the people around me. For example, when we planned the large health education session, we had to decide on the most relevant topics, the teaching methods, and how to manage such a big audience. These decisions required discussions with the teachers, the midwife, and the student council to ensure that the program would benefit the students without disrupting their routine. I also learned to make smaller, personal decisions on how to use my free time productively—such as choosing to practice horse riding to refresh my mind before returning to my evening teaching duties. Applying decision-making skills in both academic and personal contexts helped me balance my responsibilities while still maintaining my own well-being.

5. How Did You Manage Your Time Throughout This EP Journey?

I did not face any major difficulties in managing my time during this elective posting at Al Masoem. This was largely because the boarding school already had a very structured routine for the students, and the guidance provided to us by the school staff was clear and well-organized. With such a system in place, it became easier for us to align our activities with theirs. We were able to carry out our responsibilities while also setting aside time for ourselves to rest, relax, or enjoy activities such as going to the canteen or horse riding. Overall, the balance between personal time and professional obligations was well maintained, which made this experience smooth and manageable.

6. Your Plan for Next Week (Week 4)

Week 3 marked the conclusion of my elective posting at Al Masoem. Therefore, for Week 4, my main focus will be on returning to Malaysia and completing all the required reports and tasks related to this elective program. While I will no longer be in the field, my responsibility is to finalize the documentation and reflect on all the experiences I have gained throughout this journey.

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White Modern Best Friend Photo Collage-2

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Hayqa Afra Zahira

Matric Number: A185415

Date: 11–15 August 2025

2. Your progress so far

This past week has been such a fulfilling and eye-opening experience. From the very first meeting with my supervisor to attending clinics and observing surgeries, I found myself fully immersed in the world of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Everything felt incredibly new, exciting, and—at times—a little overwhelming, but in the best way possible.

OBGYN is such a dynamic field, offering many hands-on opportunities. I had the chance to try out several clinical procedures, including performing IVA tests and assisting with vaginal ultrasounds. Admittedly, I felt quite unsure at first—I wasn’t exactly confident in what I was doing—but with the guidance of the team and the repetition of practice, I gradually became more comfortable.

One of the most memorable moments this week was observing a cesarean section for a patient whose baby was in a malposition. Although I wasn’t scrubbed in and couldn’t stand close to the operating table, it was still such an incredible and surreal experience. Seeing the entire process unfold—from the first incision to the delivery—was something I’ll never forget.

What truly stood out to me, however, was the time I spent in the fetomaternal high-risk clinic. The consultant and subspecialists were not only extremely knowledgeable, but also very approachable and kind. What touched me most was their ability to communicate so effectively—not just with us as students, but also with the expectant parents. They explained every detail with care, providing reassurance and support during what could easily be an emotionally overwhelming time for families. It reminded me that OBGYN is not just about performing procedures—it’s also deeply rooted in compassion, empathy, and trust.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

Reflecting on my experiences in both Paediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynaecology, I honestly feel incredibly grateful. These two weeks have given me hands-on exposure that I likely would not have had the chance to experience during my clinical years in Malaysia. It was immersive, intense, and yet so meaningful.

What made this journey even more special was the connections I made along the way. I built new friendships with fellow medical students here in Indonesia and strengthened professional ties with local mentors and supervisors. Being surrounded by such a supportive and enthusiastic community really helped boost my confidence and made the learning process much more enjoyable.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

Decision-making is something I continuously practiced throughout my elective posting. Whether it was choosing which sessions or procedures to attend, managing my study materials, or figuring out how to approach clinical tasks, I had to be proactive and deliberate. In clinical settings, I observed how doctors made decisions in real-time—balancing patient history, clinical findings, and diagnostic results. These observations taught me the importance of critical thinking, quick judgment, and collaborative discussions in making sound medical decisions.

At times, I had to make small yet important decisions myself, such as whether to stay longer in the hospital to catch a particular surgery or to spend that time reviewing material I didn’t fully understand. Learning to weigh pros and cons in those moments helped me develop a more practical and efficient mindset.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Time management was definitely one of the biggest challenges, especially since each posting only lasted for a week. I knew I had to make every day count. Each morning, I woke up extra early to ensure I wouldn’t be late for the hospital—even though the commute took me nearly two hours one way. Once I arrived, I joined the local medical students’ classes, which usually ran from 8 AM to 3 PM.

Outside of the scheduled classes, I frequently contacted my supervisors to ask if I could join any additional procedures or operations. I didn’t want to miss any opportunity to learn or observe. At home, even though I was tired, I made it a point to revise everything I had encountered during the day. This routine helped me stay on track and keep up with my peers, even in such a fast-paced and condensed environment.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

As I move into the final week of my elective posting, my main goal is to take a step back and reflect on everything I’ve experienced. I want to document all the valuable lessons I’ve learned—both clinical and personal—and begin drafting my final reports. I also plan to organize my notes, consolidate my knowledge, and prepare materials that may be helpful for my future postings. Most importantly, I want to take this time to appreciate how much I’ve grown during this journey, both as a student and as a future doctor.

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Week 2: Sharing Session, Morning UKS Round, Accomodation, Library and (my favorite) The Food

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WEEK 2: Experiencing a life as “Santri” at Pesantren Al Masoem Islamic Boarding School

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WEEK 2: Experiencing a life as “Santri” at Pesantren Al Masoem Islamic Boarding School

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1. Name, Matric Number, Date

Name: Hana Daniya Salsabila

Matric Number: A185411

Date: 04 – 28 August 2025

2. What have you done?

By the second week, I felt much more adjusted to the daily routine in the pesantren. The schedule no longer felt as overwhelming, and I became more familiar with the flow of activities. Every night we continued our sharing sessions, where the students eagerly asked questions not only about medicine but also about life as a university student. It was heartwarming to see how much they looked forward to our presence.

In the mornings, I joined clinical rotations as usual with the bidan and other medical students. Because we were more settled, the teamwork also felt smoother, and we managed the sick students more efficiently. Outside of clinical activities, the interactions with the teachers became more natural. They treated us like part of their community, which made the environment even warmer.

3. Points to remember from Week 2

- Becoming more comfortable with the schedule

- Building stronger connections with teachers and students

- Continuing the nightly sharing sessions

- Participating in clinical rotations

- Enjoying the free Indonesian meals together

- Experiencing the pesantren environment more deeply.

4. Your feelings and thoughts

This week I felt more attached to the people around me. The students and teachers were very welcoming, and over time they started treating us like family. It made me realize how quickly bonds can form when we spend time learning, praying, and sharing together.

Another aspect that stood out to me was the food. Every morning and night we were served meals such as ayam kecap, sayur lodeh, and other comforting Indonesian dishes. I also enjoyed the local snacks like seblak, crispy mushroom, and rujak. Sharing these meals together was not just about eating but also about experiencing the warmth of Indonesian culture within the pesantren.

5. Any difficulties or concerns? How did you cope?

Unlike the first week, the second week was less about difficulties and more about adaptation. I already adjusted to the early mornings, long schedules, and late-night sessions, so the routine felt more manageable. The main challenge was perhaps saying goodbye each day, because the students had become so attached to us and we to them. It was touching to see their excitement whenever we spent time together, and this bond helped me cope with any tiredness.

6. Two words to describe elective posting progress so far

Nostalgic and meaningful.

7. Your Plan for Next Week (Week 3 & 4)?

For next week, since the elective posting was ending, I hope we can continue the legacy from the 1-2 week of short mini lectures, especially encouraging them to take care of their health and to dream big for their future. Clinically, I plan to keep learning from the bidan and lecturers while practicing the skills I have observed. Most of all, I want to carry the lessons of discipline, spirituality, and togetherness into my own life, even after this elective ends. I want to continue waking up at 4 am to pray and memorize Quran. The things I would like to improve is the lectures that we gave to them could be more varied and the audience could be bigger, we could attend the high schooler and middle schooler outside Pesantren while they were at school. I would love to also collaborate with my friends from the other universities that is currently doing their clinical teaching in Al Masoem to do screening and teaching them medicine related knowledges that would hopefully benefited them.

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Week 2: Exploring Craniofacial Reconstructive Surgery at Asan Medical Center

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Week 2: Exploring Craniofacial Reconstructive Surgery at Asan Medical Center

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1. Name, Matric Number, Date

Name: Nurul Aisyah Binti Jalalemping

No. Matric: A195804

Date: 18/8/25 - 24/8/25

2. Your progress so far

I feel much more confident navigating inside the hospital now. I had the chance to meet my supervisor, join the clinic, and observe some minor treatments. I've also encountered several rare cases and witnessed the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams in surgery, such as neurosurgery and craniofacial surgery, which were handled exceptionally well.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

-I feel happy and excited, especially after meeting my professor. He is very kind and took the time to bring us to the clinic, explaining each case thoroughly after consultations with the patients

My thoughts :

-.Not every patient has the privilege to seek medical treatment. At the same time, there are people who can afford it and invest significantly in their health.

-Even though some diseases are rare and difficult to detect, patients still live with them. It is our responsibility as future doctors to continue discovering treatments and providing the best possible solutions.

• Patient care is never a one-person effort. A multidisciplinary team is essential-success in treatment comes from teamwork, not from a single doctor.

4.How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

I learned and applied the skill of decision-making throughout my EP journey in different ways. For example, when choosing where to stay for the two weeks, I had two options: one was more comfortable but required a long commute of about an hour with both subway and bus rides, while the other was simpler but only took 28 minutes by bus to reach Asan Medical Center. Since the price was similar, I decided to prioritize convenience and chose the second option.

At the hospital, I practiced decision-making by prioritizing which surgeries to observe. I often chose the more complex procedures, as I believed they would give me the best opportunity to expand my knowledge and learn directly from challenging cases.

I also saw decision-making modeled by my surgeons during clinics and micro-meetings, where they carefully considered the best medical approach for each patient. This taught me how thoughtful and deliberate decision-making plays a crucial role in patient care.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

Managing my time throughout this EP journey was honestly one of the biggest adjustments I had to make. Korea is one hour ahead of Malaysia, and though it may sound like a small difference, it really made me reorganise the routine that I was so used to back home. For example, if it was 8 a.m. in Korea, it would only be 7 a.m. in Malaysia. That one-hour shift meant waking up earlier than I was familiar with, and it took me some time to get used to.

On top of that, the surgeries at the hospital usually started very early in the morning, so I had to be there before the day even began. After surgeries ended, which was sometimes as early as 2 p.m., I couldn’t just head back like I would if I were in KTDI. There were always micro-meetings in the evenings around 5:30 p.m., so I needed to stay at the hospital until then. Luckily, the hospital had an international lounge for visiting students and scholars. That became my little “waiting spot” in between—whether to rest, review some notes, or just recharge before the next session. It definitely helped make the long hours more manageable, but it was still tiring compared to the convenience of going back to my dorm in Malaysia.

Even though the hospital schedule was demanding, I tried my best to balance it out by enjoying my time in Korea outside of the medical setting. After finishing my hospital commitments, I would sometimes go sightseeing or visit tourist spots. It was my way of making the most out of the journey—not just focusing on the clinical experience but also embracing the cultural side of Korea. Those little moments of exploring new places gave me the energy to keep going and made the whole experience much more meaningful.

6.Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Now that my elective at Asan Medical Center has come to an end, my focus for Week 4 is to bring together and organise everything I have learned in the Plastic Surgery department. I plan to go over the reconstructive and aesthetic procedures I had the chance to observe, taking note of their indications, the techniques involved, and the possible complications that may arise. This way, I can build a clearer understanding and carry this knowledge into my upcoming clinical postings.

One of the most valuable lessons I gained from my time at Asan was the emphasis on critical thinking. The surgeons often challenged us with “why” questions—why a certain method was used, why one procedure was chosen over another, or why a patient’s condition required a particular approach. It reminded me that medicine is not just about memorising facts but about reasoning through each decision. I hope to continue strengthening this skill so that I can apply it confidently in my future practice.

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Week 3: Surgical Posting at PRS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

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Week 3: Surgical Posting at PRS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Dharmithaa Sree A/P M. Ravi Kumar
Matric number: A195517
Date: 18 August 2025 - 23 August 2025

2. Your progress so far

This marks my third week of elective posting at PRS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, in the Department of Surgery. After three weeks, I can confidently say I’ve grown both personally and professionally. I feel more comfortable speaking up during classes and discussions, and I’ve learned to be more spontaneous in presenting my thoughts.

My daily routine usually starts with joining my supervisor, Mr John, on ward rounds, followed by topic discussions. This week, we covered subjects like the anatomy of the colon, thyroid gland, and their malignancies. These sessions gave me deeper insights into the topics, far beyond what I had learned from textbooks. In the outpatient clinic, I examined a patient with filariasis for the very first time. It was eye-opening to see such severe lower limb edema in real life. I also observed a corn removal procedure from the plantar aspect of the third phalanx, another first for me.

Although there were no surgeries this week due to the Onam festival season, I still gained valuable exposure. For instance, I met a patient who had undergone a mastectomy and came for drain removal. This was the same patient whose surgery I had observed during my first week, so it was meaningful to now see her post-operative progress. It also gave me a clearer understanding of how post-op clerking and follow-up care are managed. I also attended a presentation by Dr Yadu, a first-year surgical resident, on the triangles of the neck and their surgical relevance.

Outside the wards, this week was completely different and very memorable. I’ve always considered myself an introvert, but Onam celebrations at PRS pulled me out of my comfort zone. The hospital management organized cultural programs, competitions, and even gifted us mundu, Kerala’s traditional attire. On top of that, I was asked to perform Indian classical dance! I haven’t danced in seven years, so this felt surreal but I went for it. Honestly, I never imagined my comeback performance would be in a hospital in India, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my stay.

Through these celebrations, I made many new friends among hospital staff and fellow participants. Everyone was warm, welcoming, and curious when they learned I wasn’t Malayali. On another note, I also had a good lunch session with Dr Yadu where we talked about healthcare systems in Malaysia and India, the challenges of medical school, and our career goals. These conversations made me reflect more seriously about my own journey and reinforced my interest in surgery as a future specialty.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I’m happy with how well I’ve adapted to this new environment, culture, and language. I’m grateful for the experiences here, especially since I got to witness cases and procedures I had missed back in my surgery posting at HUKM. I’m also proud of myself for becoming more open, having natural conversations, and building connections with people around me. At the same time, I already feel bittersweet about going back to Malaysia. This elective has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Meeting passionate postgraduate students has inspired me a lot, and seeing their dedication makes me even more motivated to pursue surgery despite its challenges.

Above all, I’m beyond excited to celebrate Onam for the first time in my life, and performing dance again after so many years in India feels like a dream come true.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

In the clinic, Dr John often challenges me with questions on differential diagnoses, investigations, and management. These moments really pushed me to think fast and justify my reasoning. For example, we saw a patient with right hypochondriac pain five years post-laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Multiple tests (X-ray abdomen, CT TAP) had been done, but MRCP wasn’t considered, which limited further evaluation. This case taught me how crucial good decision-making is not only in terms of patient care but also balancing hospital resources and avoiding unnecessary procedures. Watching how my supervisor approached such cases gave me practical lessons in clinical reasoning.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

This week was hectic but fun. Mornings and afternoons were filled with ward rounds and clinics, while evenings (4–8 pm) were reserved for dance rehearsals back at the hospital. In between, I still found time to catch up with doctors over meals and even explore the city since I only have one more week left here. To stay on track, I usually woke up early to revise topics before hospital hours, completed my Padlet reflections after clinics, and explored Thiruvananthapuram whenever I could. Sundays were my “reset” days, perfect for sightseeing and indulging in local food.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

Next week will be my last in PRS Hospital and in India, so I plan to:
• Revise and consolidate all the topics I’ve learned during this posting.
• Tick off my Kerala bucket list which is to try Onam Sadya, shop for souvenirs and traditional attire, and visit the Padmanabhaswamy temple.
• Attend a farewell dinner with Dr John and Dr Yadu, where we’ll also give them gifts as a token of gratitude.
• Finally, start packing my bags and preparing to return to Malaysia with memories I’ll never forget.

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Week 3: In General Surgery, PRS Hospital Kerala, India 

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Week 3: In General Surgery, PRS Hospital Kerala, India 

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1. Your name, matric number, date

Name: Trisheella A/P Sivanesan

Matric Number: A188176

Date: 17th August 2025 - 23rd August 2025

2. Your progress so far

Actually, this week I had to change department to General Medicine, however most of the medical doctors are busy with their Onam holidays I could not get a supervisor, so I had to continue in the Surgical department. This week the Surgery Outpatient and Surgery Wards were slow because of Onam celebration that is around the corner. There were very limited patients who only came for their follow up and wound dressing and there were no Surgeries this week. However, I still manage to watch a few wound dressings of Diabetic foot ulcer and Venous ulcers. There was one patient who came for follow up and he had Elephantiasis. This was my very first time seeing a Filariasis case because usually Elephantiasis is only common in rural area in Malaysia. We also discussed on how to manage the filariasis because there is only conservative treatment for those patients. We also discussed on how the pathology of filariasis occurs and how the parasite will obstruct the lymphatic system and lymph nodes leading to non-pitting oedema. I also learnt the difference between pitting and non-pitting oedema and now I can elicit both of the signs on patients, and I could list the causes too. Next, I manage to see Corn Removal Procedure on a young female patient. She had the corn on her 3rd digit of her foot, so Dr John did a small incision and remove the corn, and he did a simple interrupted suture at the incision area. There is also one patient in the ward where Dr John and his master's student Dr Yadu will drain pus from a swelling at patient's waist, there was one incision made which is around 2 cm and daily both the dr's will drain pus from the incision area and today the swelling has subsided, and patient is recovering well.

During the weekend, I and my friend visited the Napier Museum and Chitra Art Gallery. They had many wood sculptures, music instruments, bronze idols, stone idols, collections of India coins. The most renowned and celebrated exhibit of the Napier Museum is the sword of one of the first martyrs of the Indian freedom struggle, Veluthampi Dalawa. The Sword was kept in the National Museum, New Delhi until it was handed over to the Government of Kerala on 20th June 2010 and is presently displayed in the central hall of the Napier Museum.

As the Onam Festival is just around the corner, PRS Hospital are celebrating it on the 27th of August 2025. So, the hospital management took the initiative to gift all the international observers a traditional Kerala attire which is known as Kerala Mundu Saree Set. There are 2 girls from Italy and we the Malaysians went for shopping to get our Kerala Mundu Set. It was very nice

Not to forget, Dr Yadu also gave us a treat in a famous Mandi Shop. It was my first time having mandi rice and I really enjoyed the Arabic taste and would really love to try more Arabic food when I am back in Malaysia, and we ended our day with lots of chats and sharing session. It was very nice to hear his life experience as he is the first doctor from his village. It was very motivating to see how medical students in India really compete to sustain a place in this medical field.

3. Your feelings and thoughts

I am actually very excited for the Onam celebration because the entire Trivandrum city is busy doing their preparation for the Onam festival and even the hospital staff are doing lots of preparation for the Onam festival. I am also very grateful to witness a celebration that is new to me. I am also having mixed feelings towards ending my elective posting here.

4. How did you learn and apply the skill of decision making in your EP journey?

Decision making skill was a crucial skill that I learnt throughout this posting. I was often placed in situations where I had to quickly assess patient information, consider possible differential diagnoses, and decide on the next appropriate step, whether it was further history-taking, examination, or suggesting investigations under supervision. I also observed how Dr John balanced medical knowledge with patient safety, resource availability, and ethical considerations when making decisions, which taught me the importance of a systematic and patient-centered approach. I gradually improved my ability to make small but meaningful clinical decisions with greater confidence. This experience has reinforced the importance of critical thinking, teamwork, and responsibility in the decision-making process, skills I will continue to apply and refine throughout my medical career.

5. How did you manage your time throughout this EP journey?

I actually managed my time pretty well during the elective postings. I allocated a few hours to revise daily prior to the class to make sure I can follow the discussion during the clinic session. So, usually after the class discussion and ward rounds and also the clinic session, I will have some time to travel around the Trivandrum city. I had a good time travelling to the local areas such as the M.G Road, Padmanabhaswamy Street and Chalai Bazaar and exploring their local cuisine.

6. Your plan for next week (Week 4)

I have to buy goodies for my friends and family and also, I would like to shop for some traditional clothes for myself. Next, I am very excited to join the Onam celebration which will be held on the 27 August at the Ratnaswamy Auditorium in PRS Hospital. I can't wait to experience the Onam celebration which consisting of many sports and cultural activities. I would also like to see procedures done in the emergency department before admission. Before leaving I would love to pay my visit to all the temples in Trivandrum especially the Padmanabhaswamy temple.