With the introduction of new programmes, SEGi is all set to become a major player in the fields of medicine, dentistry and optometry.
SPENDING a few nights in a roomful of cadavers was part and parcel of the training that Dr Atiya Ab Sallam had when he was a medical student.
The experience did not kill the SEGi University College (SEGi) Medical Faculty dean’s interest in Medicine.
Dr Atiya selects students with the right attributes and who are prepared to face the challenges ahead.
On the contrary, it further strengthened his conviction that a doctor needs to be very comfortable in working with the human body.
Dr Atiya believes that such a trait, coupled with a genuine interest in people and a commitment towards long working hours, are the qualities that make a good doctor.
“Many students are not aware of the working conditions of a doctor when they enter medical schools.
“Furthermore, students who are pressured into studying medicine by their parents will eventually realise that the profession is not their cup of tea,” he says.
At SEGi, both students and their parents are interviewed in the vetting process for its medical school.
“I handpick the students. Each of them must possess the right attributes in facing the challenges ahead as a medical practitioner,” says Dr Atiya.
Donning the white coat
Gruelling working conditions aside, perhaps a question that often plays on students’ mind is whether they are required to do a lot of memorisation when studying for examinations in medical courses.
“Memorising is not a very effective method to train students to be ‘thinking doctors’,” says Dr Atiya.
Besides providing solutions to eye problems, optometrists are primary eyecare providers.
According to him, the module of the programme has evolved from being subject-based into an integrated curriculumn over the last few years.
In the latter, students are presented with a case study from day one, and it is for them to identify and discuss the problem with guidance from the lecturer.
SEGi adopts the integrated curriculum and a few other initiatives such as the setting up the of the communication lab, in its approach to making a difference to its medical programme.
“Beside having good bedside manners, it is very important that students learn the ways of taking down a patient’s history.
“Classes at the communication lab are designed to help students master the skills of communicating with patients,” says Dr Atiya.
With the introduction of new programmes in medicine, dentistry and optometry, SEGi vice-chancellor Prof Muhamad Awang says the Kota Damansara campus is set to become a niche player in healthcare courses.
Prof Azrin says the job of an optometrist involves more than just dispensing lenses and fitting spectacles.
He further shares that the institution has invested heavily in the new clinical facilities for these courses.
“SEGi is all prepared to welcome its first intake of dentistry students this year.
Datuk Dr Sharifah Fauziah Alhabshi, formerly of the Health Ministry, has been appointed to be at the helm of the dentistry programme,” says Prof Muhamad.
Its pharmacy programme has been running since 2008.
Pharmacy is emerging as a popular career choice among students, says SEGi Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences faculty dean Dr Wong Wah Hun.
“Gone are the days when students opted to take pharmacy because they failed to gain admission into medical school,” says Dr Wong.
“There is no pharmacist without a job as the career options in pharmacy are wide, ranging from clinical, retail and the field of research and development,” he adds.
Dr Wong says it is necessary for students to be armed with good results in order to meet the entry requirements in the medical science courses.
However, he counters that academic achievement alone is not the prerequisite for students to do well in this field.
Prof Muhamad says the Kota Damansara campus is set to become a niche player in healthcare courses.
Echoing Dr Atiya’s views, Dr Wong stresses that it is extremely important for students to have the right aptitude by taking a keen interest in the healthcare of the public.
“After all, there is a good reason that those of us who are in this profession are called carers,” he says.
With an eye to the future, SEGi Optometry and Vision Sciences Faculty dean Prof Azrin E. Ariffin says optometry is a healthcare course with a difference.
“Students with an entrepreneurial streak can consider taking up optometry as it lays out a path for them to start their own business someday,” he says.
To prepare students for the rigours of running a business, Prof Azrin says the optometry course module at SEGi combines the study of physical sciences, life sciences and business management.
Nevertheless, he stresses that the trade of an optometrist involves more than just dispensing lenses and fitting spectacles.
“Optometrists can detect sight problems that their patients are having by merely looking into their eyes.
“Besides providing solutions to eye problems, optometrists play an important role as primary eyecare providers,” he adds.
SEGi University College is a contributor to the Star Education Fund.
Source: http://www.thestar.com.my/Story/?sec=education522&file=%2F2011%2F1%2F30%2Feducation%2F7862307
