Why should you study medicine—or MBBS, as it’s known in Malaysia?
Well, the past two years have shown us why doctors are irreplaceable. They’ve been the heroes that saved lives during one of the worst pandemics in history. But it hasn’t just been doctors—biomedical researchers have been working to develop vaccines that have prevented millions from contracting COVID-19.
When you graduate from an MBBS or a Biomedical course, you could be a hero as well.
Here are 7 fantastic reasons why you should study medicine.
Make a Real Difference
Since the beginning of humanity, doctors have always been in demand. They’ll continue to be in demand because people will always need healthcare; it’s a sad fact, but a fact nonetheless.
If you’ve always wanted to help people, this is one of the best jobs for you. Throughout your career, you’ll be saving lives and improving the life quality of countless others.
But don’t take our word for it—here’s what our own MBBS alumnus Dr Rakesh Rampal told us:
“Someone will come in complaining of something small like a stomach-ache, but you’ll notice something unusual and order a test. From that test, you discover some hidden, serious problem. Then you realise that the test you ordered saved someone’s life and made a difference.”
“Personally though, the best thrill I had was during my Obstetrics and Gynaecology stint, where I delivered my first ever baby. Imagine, bringing a life into the world and making them cry for the first time. It’s the most amazing feeling.”
Diverse Career Options
You may think that studying medicine only allows you to become a doctor in a hospital or a private General Practitioner (GP). Well, not exactly.
Medical graduates have over 60 specialities to choose from. It’s an incredibly vast range, going from paediatrics (treating infants, children and teens) to psychiatry (treating mental and emotional disorders) and public health (treating communities and creating policies instead of individuals).
And who says you can’t branch out beyond medicine? You could go into research, teaching, management, communication, and even politics. Essentially, you’ll have a really bright future ahead.
It’s One of the Most Respected Professions Around
Ever notice that every time there’s an emergency in a movie, someone will shout “Is there a doctor in the house?!” No one ever asks “Is there a blogger/content writer around”, because as a content writer, I’ll tell you that we’d be pretty useless.
Because of their skills, doctors are still who we look to in times of crisis.
People associate doctors with being knowledgeable, professional, calm under pressure, and respectable. When they speak, we listen. In fact, Dr Rakesh has even been recognised by grateful patients when he’s out and about.
Also, just imagine how proud your parents will be when they tell people “My kid’s a doctor.”
Bring the Best out of Yourself
A career in medicine will see you helping people regularly, and working through challenges that will make you a better person.
When you study medicine, you’ll embark on a journey of personal growth that will give you new perspectives, values, maturity, and resilience. Dealing with obstacles and overcoming them in the name of healing others will truly carve the best out of yourself.
A Secure Future
No matter where you are in the world, people will always need healthcare. Healthcare workers are always in high demand, because they help people get better. As long as people get sick, there will always be a need for the skills of an MBBS or Biomedical Sciences graduate. This means two things: job security, and stability.
And of course, it’s well-documented that experienced doctors do get a decent salary. It may be slightly challenging when you first start out (all jobs are like that), but as you progress in the healthcare field, your pay grade will improve. You can also choose to practice overseas, which may improve your finances even more. Here’s a bit more about that…
Travel the World
Having an MBBS degree opens the door for you to practice medicine around the world. We need doctors all over the world, so your window for opportunity is global. You could also join an international charity or NGO that gives you the chance to help underprivileged communities.
However, remember that you may have to apply for licenses to practice medicine in certain countries.
QIU’s MBBS degree gives you the chance to do your residency in the United States (thanks to our US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) pathway. Our programme is also fully recognised by medical councils across several countries in South Asia, which means you can choose to practice there after graduation.
Never a Dull Moment
Every job has its challenges. But medicine is truly one of those jobs that brings you a different challenge every day.
Meeting new patients and solving different problems will become a daily occurrence. You’ll also be learning new techniques and adapting to the latest technology. Forget the daily grind of sitting in front of a computer—you’ll come back every day having conquered a new level of awesomeness!
At the end of the day though, you probably know why you want to be a doctor. Some people are put on earth to help and inspire others. And while your journey to study medicine may be challenging, don’t give up.
