April Finalized

Health Talk An interview with a lecturer By S. Devandiran We are all aware about the recent issues concerning incompetent housemen in Malaysia, who apparently were mostly Russian/ Ukrainian graduates. As a student of KSMU I have decided to talk to some dedicated lecturers to hear their views on this matter. ( Unfortunately, the lecturer declined to be named). Q : For your information, having seen a few pioneer batches of graduates, some specialists and senior doctors in Malaysia claim that Russian medical schools are of poor quality and produce under qualified doctors. As a specialist in your field and a lecturer of our university, what is your take on this ? A: I’m not aware of the education system in Malaysia but in Russia students would be spoon fed only till the age of 18. After that age, learning or studying is more of an individual effort. Lecturers are there to only guide, and the success of the student in his field depend almost entirely on his own efforts. Russian medical schools are very well recognized across Europe, we do keep up-to-date with new advances in medicine. Russian medical schools may not be one of the best medical schools, but certainly not the worst. Besides, there are no ways to force a student to study and perform, there are all kinds of attitudes, you see. Some students are really dedicated and want to learn. I can guarantee you that if a student doesn’t have sufficient knowledge be it in my department or others it is very unlikely for him to get ‘zachut’ and therefore unable to sit for the exam. Q: How dedicated is the university in teaching international students? Is the standard of education the same as the Russian students? A: I would say the standard is exactly the same. All teachers are dedicated to teach. It depends on the student’s dedication to learn. Of course teaching Russian students is a little easier as there is no language barrier. However, basically it isn’t a big problem after all, as being students of 4th year, international students could already understand and communicate satisfactorily with patients. By the way, we have a syllabus to follow. Anything extra would depend on the teacher and the enthusiasm of the students. For example, in some groups, students don’t show any interest while in some others they are poor in their understanding and put less effort in their studies. For them of course it would be good enough if we could cover the basics. However when I get groups who seem interested and enthusiastic about the subject, it is my pleasure to teach them something extra and share my experience on interesting cases. But as you can see, our hospital is very busy, that is why some lecturers do not have much time to teach the students, but we always try our best. If say my patient developed an acute condition that requires immediate attention, unfortunately I would have to attend to him first. In that case, students would come second. So that is why each student should be self motivated. Another thing that I would like to stress is that if the students have any questions, lecturers would be more than willing to answer. Q: What is your opinion on Malaysian students so far?

I would like to add that the quality of students have been improving year by year. I’m judging this based on the attendance because last year I had several groups who had problems with attendance, this year such cases are fewer. Q: What would you like to say to all Malaysian students regarding this issue and the fact remains when we go back to Malaysia to practice medicine we might be looked down upon? A: Firstly, all of you have to RESPECT YOURSELF. Do not pay attention to any of the views that some superiors already have. As students and as doctors always put as much effort as you can to get as much knowledge as possible. Even though you might think it isn’t needed to pass exams and you would be studying extra, but you would always have an opportunity to prove it in future. You must be a professional, because this is a very big insult if someone was to say you don’t have sufficient knowledge. As a professional, you have to prevent yourself from being insulted, and don’t give up too fast and always be ready to learn and accept new things. Allow me to share my own experience. When I was a student, I didn’t like urology, because I knew what specialist I was going to be and I was pretty sure I didn’t have to learn urology. Unfortunately, one of the first patients that I had in my department had an urological problem and I had to treat him. I was very embarrassed at that time, regretting not paying too much attention to that subject. So study well and good luck!

CNY Concert: Down Memory Lane

From Editor’s Desk Am I Ready for Residency by Sherlyn Marcella -page 6-

Summer Practice’s Saga:

Albums from the scene INSIDE!!-page 4-

Read the chronology of all related events -page 2PLUS: Interview with a lecturer on Page 8

VOLGAMES 2009:

KURSK CAME IN 2ND!

The KMSA 2008/2009 Editorial Board Editorial Board Director Mr. Helmy Sajali E mail: [email protected] YM: [email protected]

Editor –In – Chief

Miss. Sherlyn Marcella E mail: [email protected] MSN: [email protected]

Columnist

Mr. Alan Na E mail: [email protected] MSN: [email protected]

Columnist

Mr. Anesh Nair E mail: [email protected] MSN: [email protected]

Events Journalist

A: Well based on my experience I think on the average Malaysian students are generally satisfactory, however

Vol. № 02, March- April 2009

Miss. Abigail Rembui Anak Jerip E mail: [email protected] YM: [email protected]

Medals tally on page7

Prepare Yourself Mentally

SUMMER PRACTICE: Chronology of Events

10th February 2009 The Malaysian Student Association was informed that the university had received the official notice regarding summer practice in Russia. 18th February 2009 A meeting with the students was held. The objective of the meeting was to give the students a clearer picture of what is happening, what has been done and what is going to be done regarding this issue. Besides, it is also an avenue for students to have their voices heard and to have a say in the letters to MMC and the university. 20th February 2009 A meeting with the executive committee members was held. Upon considering all the opinions and suggestions from the previously held meeting, a strategy was formed. We decided on a two-pronged approach. The two pronged approach consist of: Be prepared for the worst. Writing to the university, proposing the ideas and suggestions of the students on the implementation of the practicals assuming that practicals need to be done here. Be hopeful. Writing to the MMC to postpone the ruling to next year. On this matter, we have contacted the presidents of the other 4 recognized universities in Russia to discuss how it is best to compose the letter and submit to MMC. We proposed that a letter be written, signed by all the presidents of all the 5 recognized medical universities in Russia as 'one voice' to the MMC. The presidents agreed with our suggestion at that point of time. 21st February 2009 The letter to the university was drafted and read out to the executive committee members of MSA. Their opinions were sought and suggestions taken into account. Necessary changes were made. 22nd February 2009 A meeting with the entire MSA committee was held. All members were informed about the letter to the university and the plan to meet the dean. 26th February 2009 The letter to the MMC was drafted.

28th February 2009 The letter to MMC was read to the executive committee members in a meeting. Their views and opinion sought. Necessary adjustments were made. 4th March 2009 Letter to MMC was sent to the presidents of student associations of all the other recognized medicals universities in Russia for their review. 5th March 2009 A meeting was held with the Dean of the Faculty of Foreign students involving all affected students. 8th March 2009 A new consensus was achieved to write separate letters from each university to the MMC. Believed that it is a better and stronger option. Once written, the letter would be posted to the embassy where all the letters would be gathered and sent together to the MMC by the embassy. 10th March 2009 Letter to MMC was e mailed to the Malaysian Embassy in Moscow and to the MMC. 14th March 2009 MMC acknowledged that the e mail was received in an e mail reply. Preparing to send the hardcopy of the letter together with the other universities to the embassy. This would substantiate the email sent earlier. 2nd April 2009 Persatuan Perubatan Islam Malaysia, Kursk Student Chapter (PPIM-KSC) helped us obtain a reply from the MMC. The letter stated that the MMC was open to appeals by students individually. And appeals would be considered in a case-per-case basis. Noting that, our President made a call to the MMC to ask if it possible for the student association to write on behalf of the students. Upon getting the confirmation, we proceeded with the collection of names of students who would like to return for elective postings. 5th April 2009 A letter entitled PERMISSION TO DO ELECTIVE POSTINGS IN MALAYSIA containing all the names of students wanting to do elective postings in Malaysia was sent to MMC. 6th April 2009 An e mail reply was received from the MMC from Tan Sri Ismail Merican himself, giving approval to our requests. NB! Due to space limitations in the newsletter, all CORRESPONDENCE with the MMC was published in our MSA official blog at http://ekmsa.wordpress.com.

We, from the KMSA 08/09 Committee would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents, student associations of RSMU, MMA, Nizhny and Volgograd, individual students and PPIM-KSC for all the hardwork and effort in the appeals to the MMC to make this possible. We sincerely apologize if any party is offended in the course of handling this issue. That’s all for now. May I hope that your 2009 elective posting in Malaysia will be as fruitful as ever!

The Kursk Malaysian Medical Student Association would like to convey our utmost gratitude and appreciation to: Dato' Dr Wong Sai Hou & Datin Goh Beng Lan for their kind assistance in the appeal to postpone the elective posting ruling to next year.

Anxiety naturally accompanies unfamiliar situations, particularly when your decisions will affect someone else's health. Avoid adding more stress whenever possible. A common stressor is getting yelled at by a superior because you made a mistake. It is important to recognize 2 components to the message.: The first is the yelling, which is mostly a reflection of your senior's (probably somewhat dysfunctional) personality; the more this is ignored, the better. The other component is the actual message, which often contains very useful advice to avoid making the same mistake in the future. This second component deserves your full attention.

Other ways to avoid needless stress are as follows:



Try to build a good rapport with the support staff, and never engage in petty arguments with them;



Know your limits with difficult patients and recruit the help of social workers when needed;

 

Build good relationships with other residents; Don't be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help from anyone (especially nurses, who are often your best friend on a busy call night); and



Do not constantly remind yourself how terrible an intern's life is. If you direct your thoughts to your patients and the amount of good you are doing for them, the intern year can be an incredibly rewarding experience

From the left: Tan Sri Ismail Merican, Datin Goh Beng Lan on 16th March. Thank you! P/S: Dato’ Dr Wong Sai Hou and Datin Goh Beng Lan are parents of Miss Wong Pik Yuet who is currently studying in 4th year, 2nd Semester.

*The complete article can be read in the official blog of Kursk Malaysian Medical Student Association at http://ekmsa.wordpress.com

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Total

VSMU

12

6

1

19

KSMU

5

6

7

18

RSMU

3

3

1

7

MMA

2

9

6

17

MAI

2

0

3

5

NNMSA

1

1

7

9

Atheletics Netball Basketball Futsal Tug-of-War Handball Badminton Volleyball Ping Pong Sepak Takraw

Detailed results can be found on http://ekmsa.wordpress.com

Am I Ready for Residency? by Sherlyn Marcella

An excellent advice for our fellow students who will soon face the ‘real world’ of medical service. ~ Extracted from Medscape Med students ~. Question “I am starting my residency soon, and I am worried about being prepared. What resources should I bring to the hospital? How will I know what to do when I'm alone during night call?” Response from Sohil H. Patel, MD (Resident, St. Vincent's Hospital, New York,) Beginning your intern year is daunting. I know of few other times when one's level of responsibility changes as dramatically as when a medical student becomes an intern. In some respects, the transition requires an understanding that the first time through many new experiences, you may be slow and you may make mistakes. There are certainly ways to minimize such mistakes and, most importantly, to learn from them so that they are not repeated. Arm Your White Coat As a subintern, I lumbered around in my short white coat with pockets brimming full of "survival guides," including my personal digital assistant, a pharmacopoeia, my stethoscope, a reflex hammer, various scraps of paper and notecards with illegible notes and phone numbers, and maybe a flattened granola bar or two. Early in my subinternship, I was called to see a patient with abdominal pain and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. My thoughts immediately became as scattered as the contents of my white coat. In fact, my first 3 thoughts were: Is this an emergency? Should I be worried about colon cancer or angiodysplasia? What are those other causes of lower GI bleeding that I memorized for the boards? As I pondered these deep questions, my resident thankfully arrived and ordered me to check vital signs and do an examination. Only afterward did I look through the various resources in my white coat and find at least 3 resources with the same algorithm for dealing with GI bleeds. So, my first piece of advice is: know what's in your white coat! If you buy a survival guide , read through it before you put it in your white coat. Use only 1 survival guide, and become very familiar with it. Likewise, use either a personal digital assistant or a pharmacopoeia or an online pharmacology Website (if your hospital has enough computers), and learn how to use whichever resource you choose. I also found it helpful to carry a few blank note cards. Every day, I jotted down important phone numbers, or room codes, or simple instructions on how to get things done in the hospital. My notes were a mess, so each night I would rewrite them neatly on a new note card.

Other white coat essentials include a stethoscope, a (functioning) pen light, a prescription pad, your sign-out, and at least 2 black ink pens. For internal medicine, the Mass General Pocket Medicine book is an excellent resource. If you can fit a snack somewhere in your pockets, that always comes in handy. Recognize Emergencies This is probably the most important skill learned during intern year. When a nurse calls you about a patient, particularly early in your intern year, you should try your best to always see the patient. See for yourself what types of calls and complaints are emergent and which are non-emergent. When you see a patient, the best way to determine whether the problem is an emergency is to talk to the patient and get a set of vital signs. Then, compare these findings with the patient's baseline findings. These 2 simple steps will provide critical information about a patient's neurological and cardiopulmonary status. Certain nursing calls and patient complaints will mandate that you see the patient. Chest pain, shortness of breath, acute abdominal pain, hypotension, mental status change, new neurological deficit, GI bleed, and new fever all qualify. Learn which causes and consequences of such complaints are emergent, and direct your history, physical examination, and management accordingly. Thus, if a patient complains of chest pain, your first objective is to rule out a myocardial infarction, pulmonary embolism, or aortic dissection. Only after doing so should you explore whether the chest pain is actually musculoskeletal in nature. Finally, especially early on, accept a low threshold for calling your senior resident about all suspected emergencies.

Arm Your Brain The more medicine you know, the more you will enjoy and learn from your experiences as an intern. Unfortunately, the fourth year of medical school is a well-known cause of brain atrophy. Thus, I found it helpful to brush up before starting intern year. Review the most high-yield, commonly encountered diseases in your specialty, and know them well (including presentation, diagnosis, and treatment). You may also benefit from reviewing school textbooks and study aids. At a minimum, every new intern should know how to read an electrocardiograph, interpret an x-ray, and understand a blood gas result.

Anesh says, them, and were about to eat it together. Then the man saw that his aged father was coming, A before and hastily took the chicken and hid it, for he would not permit him to have any of it. The old man man and his wife were once sitting by the door of their house, and they had a roasted chicken set

came, took a drink, and went away. Now the son wanted to put the roasted chicken on the table again, but when he took it up, it had become a great toad, which jumped into his face and sat there and never went away again, and if any one wanted to take it off, it looked venomously at him as if it would jump in his face, so that no one would venture to touch it. And the ungrateful son was forced to feed the toad every day, or else it fed itself on his face; and thus he went about the world without knowing rest.

The above story is one of many written by the famous German author-siblings, the Grimm brothers. About ungratefulness. Thanklessness. The above story illustrates lack of filial piety, about a son who is ungrateful to his own father. The story is symbolic of course, but I am sure the Grimm brothers wanted to point out a major setback of society in reality, that is the inability of people to appreciate what others have done for them, parents, relatives, friends, co-workers, colleagues, teachers, lecturers, vicedeans, etc. We have to admit, most of the time, we take things for granted, especially people, and especially the closest people in our lives. We might think that our fathers’ constant nagging of not going out alone in the night is ridiculous, but when we get beaten up by some unruly Russian teenagers on the streets, his voice will be ringing in your ears. Maybe some of us never really gave those close friends back at home the proper treatment they deserve, underappreciated them, and when we came to this icy land, we realized that spending even 5 minutes with them would be heaven on earth. It is but human nature for us to only appreciate things once they are gone. But you can change this if you try. Appreciate and cherish the little things in life, and the people around you. We always want more and more, but why not first take a good look at what you already have, think and only then, decide whether you would want more or not. Do I need to say further about being thankful for having a perfect set of limbs, for having the ability to see, hear and speak, when there are some people who can’t even do that? This notion has been drilled into our heads for a million times, but let this be the millionth and 1st time. Are we even thankful for having mental sanity, when there are some people out there, schizophrenics and maniacs, who can’t lead a normal life? And for those of us here, shouldn’t we be thankful for being given the opportunity to study medicine, to be doctors, to become future members of such a noble profession? So shouldn’t we not waste this chance, and strive to be good medical workers? Sometimes we just don’t realize the amount of things we already have that we have to be thankful for. If you are one of them, take action. Thank your parents for being there every step of the way, and promise them you will be there every step of the way forward too.

Thank your friends for lending you a shoulder to cry on in those times of need. And last, and most definitely not the least, thank God, for it is because of Him that we have what we have.

KURSK XI FA CAI! by Anesh

On 28th of March 2009, Kursk Malaysian Medical Student’s Association (KMSA) had successfully organized the Down Memory Lane Concert in conjunction with this year’s Chinese New Year celebration. Albeit CNY was observed 2 months earlier, the spirit of CNY was preserved and very much felt during the concert. Taking a different approach from the concerts we’ve witnessed so far, Down Memory Lane 2009 omitted the usual emcees, lucky draws and calling out folks onto the stage. Rather, the audience was entertained by a play, which ran throughout the whole concert with other performances seen in intervals. The concert first kicked off with Mexmollen and Jason attempting to decipher traditional Chinese scripts. This continued with speeches delivered by KMSA president Jeyendran Kanagarajah, Head of the concert committee and KMSA vice-president Marcus Voo, and Dean of Faculty of International Students Yuri Lyashev.

The heart of the whole event commenced with a play entitled Down Memory Lane. This play was performed by Beatrix Hii (Xiao Yu), Mervyn Ian (Xiang Lun), Sherlyn Wong (Mama), Woo Qi Jie (Papa), Arzhealzha Roping (Chun Li) and Jack Lim (Ah Beng). The scene kicks off at a mahjong game in which Xiao Yu reminisces of her miserable past. Growing up with parents who argue and fight about everything under the sun, she elopes from home with her boyfriend Xiang Lun. Everything seems fine and dandy for a few years until she meets with an accident and is hospitalized. Taking it as a sign from God, she thinks of her parents and through her friend Chun Li, finds out that both her parents had died. She feels repentant for leaving them and vows to value family from that moment on. The play then flashes back at the mahjong game, with Xiao Yu and Xiang Lun who married each other, elated when their son returns from abroad to celebrate CNY with them. Other performances that were held that night included a Latin dance, band performances by our famous home-grown Dragon 9, a serenade of “Hotel California” and an R & B –themed dance by our Nigerian friends. The delicious food for the night was catered by local celebrity chef Chong Foo Kwan consisting of Teriyaki rice, vegetarian rice, and of course his signature sushi. In conclusion, Down Memory Lane 2009 was a resounding success, and this is owed most definitely to the students of Kursk who never fail to show their support for activities carried out by OUR association for US. It was a night which showcased creativity, talent and culture. Indeed a memorable one it was.