I am Bavithaa Sufina A/P Verasamy, a graduate with a First-Class Honours from the IMU Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Chinese Medicine programme. I am also a recipient of the Tun Zahir Merit Award which is given to a graduating student who has shown outstanding academic excellence in his/her graduating class.
Back in 2017, after completing my secondary school, I was unsure of what course and career pathway to take-up. Figuring out my passion has always been challenging for me. Then came my mother who suggested I take up Chinese Medicine (CM). I was sceptical as it is not a popular course and there aren’t any friends I can turn to for advice. With my mother’s mounting pressure on me, I chose to give it a try and enrolled in this course. I felt like I threw myself out of a plane without a parachute. My eyes firmly shut as I plummeted into the abyss not knowing what to expect.
However, upon joining the programme at IMU, I was surprised at how CM was well structured and oriented in IMU. With little knowledge about CM, IMU truly opened up my eyes on its wonders and practices. In this programme, IMU emphasises evidence-based practice and provides a great foundation in both western medical sciences and Chinese medicine. With small classes, lecturers are able to pay more attention to the students’ learning needs and ensure students grasp the fundamentals of the subject with ease. Problem-based learning approach and interactive lectures honed my skills and improved my confidence.
My clinical skills were greatly developed during the clinical attachment provided by IMU in the final year of the course. Clinical internship at IMU’s CM clinic played a significant role as I was able to consult real patients and prescribe them with the correct treatment.
The vast expansion of Chinese Medicine in Malaysia provides great job opportunities for graduates. Studying CM opens up various possibilities where graduates can work in government and private hospitals or clinics, involve in sales and marketing of CM products, or become a lecturer or researcher in the respective field. IMU has helped me develop diagnosis, treatment and herbal dispensing skills. They are extremely valuable in my current job as a Chinese medicine practitioner.
By learning CM in English and Mandarin, I’m able to communicate better with patients of all races and backgrounds. Perhaps I have found my passion after all, I thought to myself as I observe my patients getting better after my treatments. With a new-found confidence and a spirit filled with enthusiasm, I was able to secure myself a job with the help of my lecturer.
At my new job, I am able to fulfil my goals of treating people with the utmost care and diligence and have the opportunity to apply the relevant skills and knowledge attained during my time at IMU. Ultimately, it was a good decision as IMU has helped me discover my passion by being a competent Chinese medicine practitioner where I can heal the world, one patient at a time.
