Future doctors kick-off university life with Residential Transition Program

 1 April 2008

A total of 95 medical students started their freshmen year at the Tan Sri Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine in Monash University Sunway campus with a Transition Residential Program in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan recently. This new group of students is the largest batch that has ever enrolled for the Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS).

Aimed to assist the students develop personal and professional strategies to facilitate a smooth transition from pre-university studies to becoming medical students, the program had a host of activities to ensure that the students are well prepared, not only for the next five years at Monash University but also after they graduate as doctors.

Firstly, the students were welcomed by Head of the School, Professor Anuar Zaini Md. “During your five years here in Monash, we hope that we will shape all of you to become outstanding doctors. We encourage the students here to not be competitive when it comes to studying but instead, we want all of you to share your knowledge. So do not be selfish and help each other to excel,” advised Professor Anuar.

“All of you here are lucky to have excellent facilities at the university as well as the clinical school in Johor Bahru. We hope that you will have a great time studying here and also have fun at the Transition Residential Program while getting to know your peers who will be with you for the next five years as well as the lecturers,” he added.

Before they departed for Port Dickson, the students went on a tour of the School of Medicine and Health Sciences to see for themselves the state-of-the art facilities and hi-tech equipment they would be utilising during their tenure at the university.

Upon arrival at PNB Ilham Resort, the students had a team building session which was followed by a tea break and a telematch. The activities allowed the students get to know each other better in order for them to work and learn to cooperate with each other.

The next morning started with a jogging session where the students were also taught various techniques of relaxation. The relaxation methods are to help students unwind and lighten up when they are stressed out especially during examination periods.

After breakfast, the students attended several briefings inducting them into the course and the various study skills they can adopt to aid them. They also learned about obstacles they will face as medical students.

Apart from the various briefings, the students also went jungle trekking at the nearby forest reserve. Freshman Azlina Abdul Halim said, “So far I have been enjoying the program. Getting to know new people while having fun at the same time is great!”

The 19 year-old Subang lass chose Monash University because of its good reputation as well as the fact that she lives just 15 minutes away. “The program exposes us to what studying medicine is all about and helps us prepare for what is in store for us in the next five years.” By Anita Hadi