By: Sarah Boucaud, Global Health Office Outreach Assistant

 

Kevin Teeluckdharry (IMG – Class of 2014)

Good teachers, a great environment conducive to learning. . . These are often things we hear from our alumni. Dalhousie University and the International Medical University of Malaysia have had a partnership for over 20 years. Each year, six IMU students are eligible to complete third- and fourth-year clerkships at Dalhousie leading to a Canadian Medical Doctorate degree. The program is managed through the Glboal Health Office. See what some of our recent alumni are doing now!

Where did you train and practice medicine?

I trained in Ukraine and Mauritius.  I practiced in Mauritius as a general practitioner

Why did you choose Nova Scotia?

As an islander, the Maritimes remind me of home!

What was the value of participating in the IMG Clerkship program at Dalhousie?

It enabled me to reintegrate into the medical field in Canada.

What is your intent for practicing in the province?

My intent is to practice as a family physician in a community for Nova Scotia

 

By: Sarah Boucaud, Global Health Office Outreach Assistant

 

Dr. Suha Masalmeh MD (IMG – Class of 2013)

Good teachers, a great environment conducive to learning. . . These are often things we hear from our alumni. Dalhousie University and the International Medical University of Malaysia have had a partnership for over 20 years. Each year, six IMU students are eligible to complete third- and fourth-year clerkships at Dalhousie leading to a Canadian Medical Doctorate degree. The program is managed through the Glboal Health Office. See what some of our recent alumni are doing now!

Where did you train and practice medicine?

My first medical school was in Aleppo University in Syria. I worked as an intern in several fields of medicine in Syria to fulfill a rotational internship.

Why did you choose Nova Scotia?

My family migrated to Nova Scotia and I accompanied them.

What was the value of participating in the IMG Clerkship program at Dalhousie?

Participating in the IMG Clerkship Program helped me overcome the barriers that international medical graduates face to practice medicine in Canada. Obtaining the Canadian MD helped me overcome obstacles that IMGs are facing through their journey. Also it helped me identify opportunities for a better integration of IMGs in the Canadian health system.

What is your intent for practicing in the province?

I plan to work in Nova Scotia as a Family Physician.

Any additional comments? 

IMG road to licensing is tough and unclear, despite the efforts of many dedicated individuals and organizations. Throughout our journey, there are many unfair and unnecessary steps, which add cost to our system and society. I also believe that hard work, perseverance and patience are the best qualities an IMG would require for success. Canada is the land of opportunities.

By: Sarah Boucaud, Global Health Office Outreach Assistant

 

Dr. Alison Lopez, MD (IMU – Class of 2013)

Good teachers, a great environment conducive to learning. . . These are often things we hear from our alumni. Dalhousie University and the International Medical University of Malaysia have had a partnership for over 20 years. Each year, six IMU students are eligible to complete third- and fourth-year clerkships at Dalhousie leading to a Canadian Medical Doctorate degree. The program is managed through the Glboal Health Office. See what some of our recent alumni are doing now!

Where are you originally from?

Malaysia.

Why did you choose Nova Scotia/Dalhousie?

In all honesty, transferring to Dal wasn’t part of my plan initially. I didn’t know much about Nova Scotia prior to moving here. In our med school, we rank all our partner universities and then you go through a matching system and I ended up being matched to Dal. I debated if I should go through with it since I barely knew anything about life in Canada other than it gets cold in the winter. Finally, I decided there was a reason I got matched to Dal and moved over.

What was the value of participating in the IMU Clerkship program at Dalhousie?

For me a major benefit of joining a North American school was the residency system. Where I come from, you have to do at least 2 years of intern training before applying to specialize and that can also take many years. In North America, you go into residency straight out of med school. I also was told by previous IMU students that the Dal programme gave their med students a lot of hands on experience.

Where are you currently located and what are your involved in?

I’m currently a 2nd year paediatrics resident at MUN.

What is your intent for practicing medicine?

I wish to pursue a fellowship in Paediatric Infectious Diseases.

Any additional comments?

Despite not initially planning on transferring to Dal initially, things have worked out great. It was hard work adjusting to a new med school/health care system but with time not to mention trying sort out applying for residency. It paid off in the end.

By: Sarah Boucaud, Global Health Office Outreach Assistant

 

Good teachers, a great environment conducive to learning. . . These are often things we hear from our alumni. Dalhousie University and the International Medical University of Malaysia have had a partnership for over 20 years. Each year, six IMU students are eligible to complete third- and fourth-year clerkships at Dalhousie leading to a Canadian Medical Doctorate degree. The program is managed through the Glboal Health Office. See what some of our recent alumni are doing now!

Dr. Randy Aung, MD (IMU – Class of 2014)

Where are you originally from?

I was born and raised in Myanmar (Burma). When I was fifteen, I moved to Singapore, where I completed high school. In 2009, I started my medical studies in International Medical University (IMU) in Malaysia before transferring to Dalhousie Medical School in 2012.

Why did you choose Nova Scotia/Dalhousie?

When I was doing my research on different partner medical schools, I was fascinated with the hands-on North American medical curriculum. I chose Dalhousie mainly because I wanted to pursue residency and fellowship training in North America.

What was the value of participating in the IMU Clerkship program at Dalhousie?

As a medical student, you are given full responsibility for the care of your patients (under the supervision of the staff physicians and residents, of course). You are treated as a member of the team and are able to directly contribute during rounds. Despite the long and demanding working hours, the hands-on experience that you get from the clinical rotations are highly rewarding and will help bridge the gap between medical school and residency.

Where are you currently located and what are your involved in?

I am currently working on a Master degree in Community Health and Epidemiology at Dalhousie University. I am also involved in a few research projects and working towards publications. I intend to apply for pediatrics residency in the United States this year.

What is your intent for practicing medicine?

Medicine is not only a respectful, but also a rewarding career. Especially in pediatrics, it is indeed rewarding to see smiles on the faces of the children and parents that you have helped and you know that you have actually made a difference in their lives.

Any additional comments?

I am glad that I chose to come to Dalhousie Medical School. The learning environment in the hospital is conducive where staff physicians, residents and nurses are all supportive of your education. I feel that I am well prepared and feel confident to go into residency.