Doctor - a zigzag journey

Part 32 - Australia, so close yet so far

Background: 2003 (Age 36 years)

After completing my elective term, I was back to Malaysia to complete the first part of the medical course. Meanwhile, I had applied to complete my clinical course at the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia. Among the foreign partner medical schools with the International Medical University (IMU), UQ offered graduate entry program. Also, Australia is closer to Malaysia. Ah Ma was 74 years old. She was frail. Should she required assistance or became unwell, I would be able to reach home by taking an 8-hour flight. Australia – my destination.

During the university vacation, I took up a casual job as an engineering consultant (my former profession). I tried my best to earn as much money as I can to complete my medical degree.

"We will pay you $XXX for each of your consultation and teaching session," Mr. Ee, a director in a consultancy company, offered me a casual job. I knew Mr. Ee when I was a consultant in Singapore. My former boss, Mr. Chua, might have said some good words about me to Mr. Ee. I was thankful to them.

"Thank you," I replied gratefully.

I revised the engineering and statistics topics that I was going to teach. Switching between studying medicine and revising engineering and statistics subject was a challenge at times. Some interesting terminology such as Bonferroni and Tukey tests came back alive in my head. I was passionate in teaching and would spend time discussing Bonferroni and Tukey tests with whoever interested in the topics. Bonferroni? Oh no! Armani branded goods might attract more audiences. Well, I persevered with my goal. I took up the casual job and traveled to Singapore, and some cities in Malaysia (e.g. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru) to teach. The teaching sessions usually lasted for a day or two.

One day, I taught in a city in Malaysia.

"OK, I have explained the principles and application of statistical process control. Who can take up the role as a leader to implement this technique in your department?" I asked with a hope that someone would put up his or her hand or at least nodded.

I scanned the class of twenty participants and waited for a minute. Silence. The participants did not even show any facial expression. They were absolutely expressionless!

"Hey, I have just asked a question," I repeated.

The expressionless faces remained the same.

"I know that a good acting skill is required to remain expressionless. If I were in America, I think I am in Hollywood. Now, I am in Mollywood. M for Malaysia!" I attempted to crack a joke to break the silence.

Unchanged. Finally, the department supervisor named a leader to take up the role. Phew! The job was done.

I was back to Kuala Lumpur. Revising my medical subjects while awaiting my next casual job.

"We succeeded in our tender for a consultancy project in this company that makes gloves for the healthcare industry. Are you keen to take up this project?" Melissa, a project manager, asked.

"Yes, I am keen. But I am planning to go to Australia to complete my medical degree," I replied.

"Don't worry. We have another consultant if you go overseas before completing the project," Melissa reassured me.

"OK, thank you," I confirmed.

On the first day, I met the manager in the company - Tony.

"Our gloves are sold nationally and internationally," Tony explained. He was in his mid-thirty too.

Deep in my heart, I knew that I would be a user of the product when I work in the medical field. I did not tell Tony that I would be likely going overseas to complete a medical degree. I introduced myself as a 'part-time consultant'. I was just putting on my engineering hat at that time. If I told him the truth that I was a mature medical student planning to go overseas, he might request for another consultant to take on the consultancy project instead. I needed the job. I told the white lie that didn't disadvantage the company because I managed to complete the project at the end. Thank God.

That was my last engineering job before I completely switched into the medical profession.

The University of Queensland sent me an offer letter to complete my clinical years and the medical degree. I was ecstatic! But, this euphoric mood was dampened when I calculated the total costs (university fee and living expenses) and checked against my savings. I was short of money! Even though if I were to work 100% of my vacation time, I couldn't make ends meet. Deferment was not an option. I had the offer letter in my hand, but lack the financial capability to accomplish my goal. Sigh! Australia, so close yet so far.