IMU introduces its medical degree that upholds its holistic approach and has garnered a lot of attention from students globally. As a medical student from one of the top medical schools in Malaysia, I am very proud to be accepted in this university that provides a curriculum which trains students to apply critical knowledge, thus preparing us to be holistic and competent doctors in the future. They divide IMU Medical degree into two stages, which are the Medical Sciences and Clinical Sciences. IMU curriculum in medical sciences specifically are very thorough that allow students to be on par with students of top universities in the world, especially those in the United States of America as it amalgamates curriculum from the USMLE. My experience as a preclinical (Medical Sciences) student who has undergone these changes is very much challenging at first. However, the adequate resources provided by the School of Medicine has helped me to boost my grades, especially in critical times like this. From my experience throughout my Medical Sciences years, IMU has definitely prepared us not only theoretically but also practically to face our Clinical Sciences years with multitudinous efforts such as excellent clinical skills sessions, hospital attachments and also clinical case discussions under the tutelage of committed lecturers, it has shed some light on our curiosity of the upcoming clinical years. Although facing a challenging year with the recent pandemic, IMU has always prioritised their students and is trying to offer the best solutions that favour students’ current situation. I should award the lecturers with the highest praises, as they are always accessible throughout the day, even on weekends. Some of them will go beyond their working hours to entertain the needs of the students in this challenging time.   The School of Medicine has always been supportive of student development, especially in leadership skills by allowing students to take part in various conferences, competitions and leadership programmes and be part of the event as a main committee alongside with reputable professors from all over the world. These experiences somehow help students to grow beyond the medical field, shaping us to be an all-rounder. If I were to turn back time and choose again, I would definitely choose IMU again and again. I hope to see more IMU Alumni engraving their names on the international plaque.

The curriculum emphasises on clinical exposure even during the early pre-Clinical phase of training, which eases the integration of pre-clinical students into their clinical phase of training via hospital visits, exposure rotations in various departments and simulated clinical learning. Online resources like Up-To-Date and AMBOSS also complements our learning within the hospital environment, off-campus and on campus sessions as well. Finally, IMU provides various avenues for students to strive to be better versions of themselves via clubs, societies, conferences, competitions and networking opportunities which further enriched my student experience. All in all, I am glad be part of the School of Medicine in IMU and I am excited to see new frontiers IMU will go into for the coming years.

I am with IMU since 1994 and at that time it was just a fledgling university amongst the other bigger universities in the country. It started as a little seed in the minds of its founders- Tan Sri Dr Kamal Salih, Dr Mei Ling Young, Dr Saidi Hashim and Prof Ong Kok Hai. Together they roped in two leading medical educationists -Professor Ian Hart and Professor Ron Harden and a STAR was born. Together with our partner schools, we built a one of its kind medical university in Malaysia. We literally started off with very few amenities, a small building, and an even smaller number of staff. However, managers, academics and non- academics alike worked towards a common goal, beating the odds, and forging ahead to create a unique learning environment which would allow our students and faculty to thrive and grow. Hence, we have arrived at a good place today and are determined to move forward together with our partner schools and our students. IMU is growing day by day and soon we will be having our very own hospital. This fills me with a sense of awe as to how we began and to what we have now achieved. I have a deep respect for how our faculty and support services have bent over backwards to serve our students. In all my numerous years, I have seen many students walk through these corridors and emerging as dedicated professionals. It fills us all with pride to see them as responsible, caring, and dedicated professionals. I hope that the School of Medicine continues to surge ahead with new innovations in teaching and learning and a commitment to create a better tomorrow for our students.