Nurturing “Little Medics” to Shape the Future of Healthcare
In honor of World Anatomy Day, the Anatomy Working Group (AWG) organised a Little Medics program at Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, on 18 October 2023.
25 October 2023
As an extension of its World Anatomy Day celebration, the Anatomy Working Group (AWG) of Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) organised a Little Medics programme at Tenby Schools Setia Eco Gardens, Johor Bahru, on 18 October 2023. The programme was aimed at exposing young children to the medical field and inspiring them to explore future careers in the field, equipping them with essential health-related knowledge and skills via interactive activities, and achieving NUMed’s aspiration to educate society at large about the medical field through community projects.
Participated by around 122 school children from Primary 1 to Primary 6, the programme kicked off with an introduction of the NUMed team members followed by an engaging talk session on “How can I become a Medical Doctor?” by Associate Professor Dr. Madihah Rushaidi. The students were then invited to participate in brief interview sessions while donning a doctor’s white coat and stethoscope. An interactive doctor-patient roleplay activity, led by Dr. Prakash Kumar and Dr. Samaila Musa Chiroma, became the highlight of this session.
The students were subsequently divided in upper primary and lower primary groups, with the former delving into the anatomy of the heart. They learned about CPR techniques and completed a worksheet utilising different coloured clay to illustrate various blood flows within the heart.
The lower primary group of students, on the other hand, took part in another interactive doctor-patient role-playing session facilitated by Dr. Nurul Uyun Abdul Aziz, Dr. Alia Mohamed, and Nurul Nadiah Selamat, which was focused on teaching basic first aid techniques with bandages. The students were then paired up and given the opportunity to practise their communication and bandaging skills with their partners. Following the bandaging session, the lower primary students continued their learning journey with a worksheet that explored the fundamental bones of the human body. They showcased their creativity by tracing the bony structures using various shapes of pasta.
All completed worksheets from both groups were then collected by professional services staff, Maisarah Rosli, Hani Shuhaimi, and Shira Ismail, who also served as judges for the event. Prizes were awarded to the best worksheets in each category, bringing joy and satisfaction to the participating students.
The event received extremely positive feedback from both the school’s students and teachers, with the school expressing its gratitude and hope for further collaborations with NUMed in the future.
“This programme marks the start of a wonderful collaboration. I am happy to note that our research group has been invited for future collaborations and events, which is a testament to the success and value of this event. We look forward to continuing our partnership as this initiative holds immense potential in shaping the future of our younger generations,” said Dr. Nurul Uyun, who was the event’s Chairperson.
Dr. Madihah, who co-chaired the event, concurred. “The event represents a significant milestone for our anatomy members and NUMed colleagues as we commemorate World Anatomy Day this year. It was truly fulfilling to be part of this vibrant community and share our expertise while contributing to an essential aspect of the school's activities. We look forward to sustaining this collaborative effort and increasing awareness of the medical field to inspire future generations of students,” she said.