Career in medicine not for everyone, says MMA chief

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz says many do well in medical school but quit when hit by the realities of the working world.

PETALING JAYA: A career in medicine can be fulfilling but may not be for everyone, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Azizan Abdul Aziz says, noting that “quite a number” drop out upon serving as housemen.

Azizan also said it takes more than scoring good grades in medical school.

She said many performed well in medical school but quit when hit by the realities of the working world when serving as housemen.

“Quite a number drop out in every cohort,” she told FMT.

In 2015, it was reported that one in five housemen quit annually and that the number of dropouts was increasing.

“We don’t have the current data, but from the feedback we’ve received, it still happens for various reasons such as unsuitability for the profession. We hope the health ministry will be able to share the latest data,” Azizan said.

She also described the number of dropouts as alarming, even as the healthcare system continues to struggle with issues, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said it was important for both parents and their children to understand what can be expected in the medical profession, including the various challenges, before they sign up.

“Many among the current generation in our workforce have expectations that are not aligned with the realities of working life,” she said, adding that such issues were not confined to the healthcare sector alone.

Azizan said setting such expectations for those interested in the medical line was one reason MMA was organising the Career Guidance Conference (CGC).

The second edition of the CGC, which runs from May 11 to 12, will be held at the G Hotel in George Town, Penang. MMA is encouraging Malaysian students aged 15 to 17 and their parents to attend the conference. Admission to the conference is free, although prior registration is required to secure a seat.

Participants include the education ministry, TalentCorp, the National Union of Teaching Profession and the Malaysian Pharmacists Society.

“We hope that through this conference, we will be able to reduce the occurrence of such issues,” Azizan said, referring to dropouts.

“Not only in the medical sector, but other sectors as well.”