Article Summary
Lee Min Ci reflects on her journey through IMU University’s Bachelor in Medical Sciences (Hons) programme, highlighting how clinical training, research, leadership, competitions and community engagement prepared her for medical studies at the University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Key Highlights
- Completed the Bachelor in Medical Sciences (Hons) at IMU University
- Gained early clinical exposure through Klinik Kesihatan and hospital postings
- Continuing medical studies in the MBBS programme at the University of New South Wales (UNSW
- Winner of the IUPHAR World Smart Medication Day Poster Competition 2024
- Runner-up in the Cochrane Malaysia Intervarsity Competition 2024
- Champion of the IMU Intervarsity Medical Sciences Quiz Competition 2024
- Recipient of the PEArL Award 2025
- Recipient of Tun Zahir Merit Award
From UEC Graduate to Medical Sciences Student
As an UEC graduate from high school, I faced limited options when exploring pathways into higher education, particularly in the healthcare field. IMU University stood out as one of the few universities that recognised my qualifications and provided me with the opportunity to pursue my aspirations. Looking back, choosing IMU was one of the best decisions I have made. The university not only gave me an excellent place to study but also provided countless opportunities for growth, leadership, research and personal development.
Throughout my journey in the Bachelor in Medical Sciences (Hons) programme, I was constantly encouraged to step beyond the classroom. What began as a curiosity about medicine gradually evolved into a passion for research, leadership and service.
One of the aspects I value most about IMU’s curriculum is the balance between foundational scientific knowledge and early clinical exposure. Through lectures, tutorials, practical sessions and hospital postings, I learned not only the science behind medicine but also the human side of healthcare.
Building a Strong Foundation Through Clinical Exposure
My clinical experiences at Klinik Kesihatan and Hospitals were particularly memorable. These placements allowed me to interact with patients from diverse backgrounds, observe healthcare delivery in different settings and appreciate the importance of patient-centred care.
Beyond developing clinical reasoning and communication skills, I learned that medicine is not simply about diagnosing diseases. It is about understanding patients’ stories, concerns and circumstances. Whether it was taking patient histories, presenting cases to clinicians, participating in tutorials or discussing management plans with friends, each experience contributed to my growth and confidence as a future healthcare professional.
Learning Through Academic Competitions
IUPHAR World Smart Medication Day Poster Competition 2024
Outside of the classroom, winning the IUPHAR World Smart Medication Day Poster Competition 2024 remains one of my most memorable experiences. Under the guidance of Dr Htet Htet, I learned how scientific knowledge can be translated into meaningful health education.
The event served as a reminder for myself of the importance of embracing new opportunities and pushing boundaries, even in the face of adversity. Sharing my insights with an international audience was an incredible opportunity, one that I will always cherish.
Beyond the award itself, the experience taught me the importance of communicating complex medical concepts in a way that is accessible and impactful to the public.
Cochrane Intervarsity Competition 2024
Another significant milestone was representing IMU in the Cochrane Intervarsity Competition 2024 as part of the team “The Hutan Plotters” alongside Warren and Hamzah.
Guided by Dr Saint Nway Aye, we immersed ourselves in evidence-based medicine and systematic review methodology. The competition encouraged participants to produce innovative videos showcasing how Cochrane plain language summaries (PLS) can aid in making informed, evidence-based healthcare decisions. The experience strengthened my critical appraisal skills and showed me how research can directly influence patient care and clinical decision-making.
View the video by The Hutan Plotters: https://youtu.be/fcufSuhk6Kw?si=NbMfeEEzYymgwHV2
IMU Intervarsity Medical Sciences Quiz Competition 2024
Perhaps one of the most exciting moments was becoming Champion of the IMU Intervarsity Medical Sciences Quiz Competition 2024. Together with my teammates, Raveena, Daryn and Warren, and under the mentorship Prof Purushotham Krishnappa, we spent countless hours preparing and supporting one another.
Balancing preparation with our academic commitments was no easy feat. Despite the existing workload of each member, training drills were held frequently to ensure we were engaged and well prepared for the competition.
The victory was especially meaningful because it reflected not only our knowledge but also the trust, collaboration and friendships we had built throughout the journey.
These experiences taught me that achievements are rarely individual accomplishments. Behind every success is a community of mentors, teammates, friends and family members who provide guidance, encouragement and support. I am deeply grateful to all those who have contributed to my growth during my time at IMU.
Leadership Beyond the Classroom
Beyond academics, IMU provided countless opportunities for leadership and community engagement. Serving as the Batch Representative for MBBS Cohort ME123 (during pre-clinicals) alongside my fellow partner Ashta Vyshnavi Rej was one of the most meaningful leadership experiences. While the role initially involved acting as a liaison between students and faculty, I soon realised it carried a much greater responsibility. We became a voice for our cohort, representing students’ concerns, feedback and suggestions while helping to bridge communication between students and the School of Medicine. Much like medicine itself, being a Batch Representative taught me that effective leadership begins with listening. Before advocating for solutions, we first had to understand the concerns and experiences of others.
Receiving the PEArL Award 2025 was one of the most meaningful recognitions of my university journey.
Unlike awards that celebrate a single achievement, the PEArL Award reflected years of involvement in leadership, mentorship, volunteering, academic competitions and service to the IMU community.
It reminded me that personal growth is not measured solely by academic results, but also by the positive impact we have on those around us. In hindsight, I am grateful to the many mentors, lecturers, friends and teammates who encouraged me to step outside my comfort zone and embrace opportunities that I might otherwise have overlooked.
Continuing My Medical Journey at UNSW
Currently, I am continuing my medical training under MBBS programme in our partner school – University of New South Wales (UNSW).
Down the road, I aspire to become a clinician who delivers compassionate care while remaining curious and open to new opportunities for growth. Whether through research, teaching, mentorship, leadership or community service, I hope to continue contributing wherever I can make a meaningful impact.
As IMU has given me so many opportunities throughout my journey, I would also love to give back to the university and support future generations of students in the same way that my mentors, lecturers and peers have supported me.
Advice for Future IMU Students
If I could give one piece of advice to future IMU students, it would be this: say yes to opportunities, even when you think you are not qualified enough, smart enough, or experienced enough. Step outside your comfort zone, participate actively and never be afraid to try something new. Some of the most meaningful experiences and friendships in your university life will come from the opportunities you almost did not take.
At IMU, you will eventually discover that growth usually begins with a sentence you never wanted to hear: “Would anyone like to volunteer?” More often than not, the experiences that shape you the most begin when you reluctantly raise your hand.
University is not just about collecting lecture notes, memorising pathways and surviving examinations (although those are definitely achievements worth celebrating). Do not underestimate how far curiosity can take you. I joined some opportunities because I was interested, some because I was encouraged by my mentors, and a few because I genuinely had no idea what I was getting myself into. I might fail, I might embarrass myself a little, but surprisingly, those became some of the most rewarding experiences of my university journey.
Most importantly, remember to enjoy the journey. One day, you’ll realise that the memories you treasure most were never the grades on a transcript, but the people you met, the challenges you overcame and the unexpected opportunities that shaped who you became. You do not need to be the smartest person in the room to begin—you just need to be willing to learn.
As I graduate from the Bachelor in Medical Sciences (Hons) programme, I am grateful for the lessons, challenges and memories that IMU has given me. This achievement is not only a reflection of personal effort but also of the incredible support from my family, friends, mentors and the IMU community who made this journey possible. Wishing everyone all the best in the next chapter of life.
Written by Lee Min Ci (李敏慈), who graduated with her degree on 4 July 2026 and received the Tun Zahir Merit Award.
Takeaway
Lee Min Ci’s journey demonstrates how IMU University’s Bachelor in Medical Sciences (Hons) programme equips students with clinical experience, research opportunities, leadership skills and global pathways that prepare them for the next stage of medical education.
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