Pathway of Medical Doctors in the UK: A Graduate’s Experience

The journey to becoming a medical doctor is an enriching and challenging path. For graduates of Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) aspiring to practise in the UK, this pathway encompasses rigorous academic training, practical experience, and a dedication to lifelong learning. Let us explore the unique experiences of our alumna Lim Pei Shan, who graduated from NUMed in 2018, as she navigates her way from the halls of academia to a fulfilling career in the UK healthcare system.

NUMed, an international branch campus of Newcastle University in the UK, offers a world-class medical education that combines British standards with the cultural diversity of Malaysia. The undergraduate curriculum at NUMed is designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values essential for clinical practice. From anatomy and physiology to clinical skills and patient care, students undergo comprehensive training under the guidance of experienced faculty members.

“I completed five years of medical school at NUMed, and continued with two years of housemanship at University Malaya Medical Centre before commencing my anaesthetic training in the UK in 2021,” said Pei Shan.

One of the highlights of medical education at NUMed is the opportunity for clinical placements in partner hospitals and healthcare facilities. These placements provide students with hands-on experience in real-world medical settings, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.

“When I was in medical school, I had no intention of pursuing a career in anaesthetics. Instead I was trying to decide between surgery or obstetrics. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us were being deployed to work in intensive care units and it was then that I was exposed to critical care medicine. Working with brilliant anaesthetists and learning about their job scopes during that period of time got me interested in this field. Since then, I have never looked back. I am currently an anaesthetic registrar, training in Manchester, UK,” shared Pei Shan.

Anaesthesia is the only widely practised medical speciality that is a combination of applied physiology, pharmacology, and physics in real time. It is also the only one where art meets precision. “You will work in one of the most professional arenas of modern man, the operating room. I spend my working hours controlling and maintaining normal human physiological function. I control how one breathes, how the heart beats and the conscious level, and keep patients safe with no memory or pain from a surgery. Among others, I do procedures such as placing central lines, arterial lines, intubations, peripheral nerve blocks, spinals, and epidurals,” Pei Shan further elaborated.

One of the major challenges Pei Shan faced in the early days of her career was having to be calm and under control when things go wrong in the operating room and all other personnel are panicking. “My ability to remain calm and composed was gained over time and also through observing my senior colleagues in these stressful situations and learning from them.”

When asked about her advice to MBBS graduates as they embark on their professional journeys, Pei Shan explained that one needs to embrace lifelong learning. “Medicine is a field that constantly evolves with new research, technologies, and practices. Stay curious and committed to continuous learning throughout your career. Secondly, prioritise self-care. Medicine can be demanding, both physically and emotionally, so make sure you put yourself first to prevent burnout,” she continued.

Additionally, Pei Shan added that teamwork and collaboration are important as these skills contribute constructively to multidisciplinary care teams to optimise patient outcomes. One should also be fully committed to ongoing professional development, and stay abreast of advances in medical knowledge and technology.

The pathway of NUMed graduates to a career in the UK is a testament to their resilience, dedication, and passion for medicine. From the rigorous academic training at NUMed to the challenges and opportunities of practising medicine in the UK, each step of the journey shapes graduates into competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. As they continue to embark on this fulfilling career path, NUMed graduates serve as ambassadors of excellence, representing the values of integrity, professionalism, and patient-centred care in the global healthcare landscape.

For more details on how to kickstart your medical journey with NUMed, email admissions@newcastle.edu.my, call 07-555 3800, WhatsApp 011-1231 5411/012-7849456, or visit www.ncl.ac.uk/numed.