Pursuing medicine is a transformative experience, and proper preparation can make all the difference. Recognizing this, Malaysia’s very first annual national pre-medical and medical conference, Medicine Beyond BorderS (MBBS) 2023, emerged as a beacon of guidance for aspiring medical professionals.
Organised by Malaysian Medics International Young Medics, in collaboration with esteemed student-led and non-student-led organisations, namely the Asian Medical Students’ Association of the International Medical University (AMSA IMU), Malaysian Students’ Surgical Society (MSSS), Society of Malaysian Medical Association Medical Students (SMMAMS) and Doctors on Ground (DnG), MBBS 2023 unfolded on the 19th of August 2023, at the International Medical University (IMU), setting a milestone as the largest post-pandemic physical event organised by MMI Young Medics.
Keynote Speech
The event commenced with a keynote address by Prof. Ong Kok Hai, a distinguished medical educator and leader in the community. Prof. Ong's insightful speech, titled "How do pre-medical students serve the community once they get into medical school?" delved into the challenges faced by the medical community and inspired pre-medical students to not only study medicine but also actively engage in gaining valuable medical-related experiences. His message emphasised a commitment to society through community service.
Prof. Ong Kok Hai providing his empowering speech
AMSA IMU Workshop - Chest Auscultation
In the interactive AMSA IMU workshop, participants were introduced to proper physical examination skills and exposed to various clinical equipment. The session focused on chest auscultation, offering participants valuable insight into conducting physical examinations, understanding different equipment used in clinical settings, and enhancing their medical knowledge such as the indications of different sounds heard from auscultating patients.
MSSS Workshop - Introduction to Basic Suturing and Knot-tying
Designed to ignite the ambition of future surgeons, the MSSS workshop provided hands-on experience in basic surgical skills. Pre-medical students engaged in smaller group sessions guided by MSSS facilitators. The workshop fostered communication and interaction between aspiring medical students and those already immersed in surgical education. Participants walked away with valuable surgical knowledge and a burning passion towards the art of surgery.
SMMAMS Workshop - Multi-stakeholders Discussion
Exploring the intersection of ChatGPT in medicine, the SMMAMS workshop centred around the theme "ChatGPT in Medicine: Threat or Opportunity?". Participants engaged in group discussions representing various stakeholders, including Medical AI Researchers and the World Health Organization (WHO). The session culminated in a multi-stakeholder meeting with insightful feedback from SMMAMS volunteers.
DnG Workshop: Humanitarian Medicine X Wilderness Medicine
The DnG workshop immersed pre-medical students in humanitarian and wilderness medicine. Through hands-on learning, participants gained insight into providing care in non-clinical environments. Activities included setting up a sterile field, first aid simulations in disaster-stricken areas, performing minor procedures in rural communities and addressing health issues in displaced populations.
MMIYM Workshop - CV Clinic
The MMIYM workshop focused on the practical aspects of building a compelling and competitive CV. Insightful tips and CV templates were provided for hands-on sessions, followed by sharing sessions of both work and research experience by the MMIYM facilitators. Emphasising the importance of networking and organisational involvement, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the tools to create an impactful CV.
Conclusion
Medicine Beyond BorderS 2023 proved to be a monumental success, garnering positive feedback from participants. Gratitude was extended to collaborators, guest speakers, workshop facilitators, committee members, and participants for their unwavering contributions. The conference, we hope, expanded the horizons of pre-medical and medical students, providing a comprehensive view of opportunities, and nurturing well-rounded medical professionals. With MBBS 2023, we believe we have instilled in pre-medical students to desire to go beyond the borders of what it means to be a medical student.
