At the beginning of my final year, as part of the IMU Special Study Course (SSC), I had the privilege of undertaking a four-week selective in Otorhinolaryngology, specifically in the field of Rhinology at Stanford University, Palo alto, California which is one of the world’s leading institutions in ENT, from 15 September to 15 October. This experience was truly a dream come true, allowing me to engage in a world-class clinical and academic environment and broaden my perspective on medicine beyond Malaysia.

During my selective, I was supervised by a chief mentor, Dr Zara Patel and also had the opportunity to observe 4 other rhinologists. I mainly observed sinus surgeries, rhinoplasty procedures, and PRP injections in the office. I also had the opportunity to observe otologists, mainly witnessing a few cochlear implant procedures, giving me a well-rounded exposure to both surgical and minimally invasive interventions. Notably, most ENT procedures at Stanford are performed on an outpatient basis, emphasizing efficiency and patient-centered care.

My rotation took place at 801 Welch Road for ENT clinic days and Blake Wilbur Drive for operating theatre sessions, complemented by grand rounds of lectures, journal clubs, and research day activities, which deepened my understanding of evidence-based practice, clinical decision-making, and multidisciplinary care.

I also had the opportunity to interact with US medical students and learn about their education pathway, which includes completing a bachelor’s degree before medical school. I also met students from Lebanon, Turkey, Spain, Pakistan, and other countries, providing a global perspective on medicine. Also, meeting a fellow Malaysian student in Stanford made me feel proud of my roots and provided a comforting sense of home while abroad.

One of the aspects that left a lasting impression was the culture of encouragement and support. Faculty and peers motivated one another to share knowledge, offer constructive feedback, and celebrate achievements, creating a positive and inspiring environment for learning. They welcomed me warmly and included me as one of their own, allowing me to actively participate in discussions, ask questions freely, and contribute to case analyses. Being treated as part of the team not only enhanced my clinical understanding but also boosted my confidence and sense of belonging in a world-class institution. This culture fosters confidence, independence, and innovation, qualities I hope to emulate in my own medical journey as I continue to grow both personally and professionally.

Outside the clinic and OR, I toured the Stanford campus, explored the Bay Area and San Francisco, visiting landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, and Palace of Fine Arts, and traveled to Lexington to visit my brothers, who are working and studying in the USA. I also enjoyed authentic Malaysian cuisine in California, a delightful reminder of home.

Living independently taught me valuable life skills. Commuting by bus, managing my laundry, and navigating daily responsibilities strengthened my independence, adaptability, and resilience, qualities essential for a future physician.

Coming from Malaysia, where I am used to driving my own car, adjusting to public transportation in the US was initially challenging. There were days when I missed the bus and felt utterly alone, navigating a new environment without my usual support.

However, I chose to face each of these battles head-on, seeing every challenge as an opportunity to grow. At the end of the day, these experiences made me stronger, more confident, and better prepared for the journey ahead.

This selective not only reinforced my passion for ENT and rhinology but also made me realize that dreams can indeed become reality with guidance, perseverance, and support. It expanded my appreciation for global medicine, patient care, and collaborative learning, while giving me invaluable life experiences that I will carry forward in my career.

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to God and the Universe for making this dream a reality. I am sincerely thankful to IMU for providing me with this incredible opportunity and the freedom to pursue selectives anywhere in the world. I am also deeply grateful to my parents for supporting my aspirations and trusting me to travel independently, and to both my brothers in Lexington, USA, who took care of me throughout my stay, even though they were all the way on the east side of the country from California. I would also like to extend my gratitude to all the mentors who guided me and shared their knowledge along the way.

Most importantly, I owe my most sincere gratitude to Dr Elang Kumaran Krishnan, Senior Consultant, Otorhinolaryngologist, and Head and Neck Surgeon, my Mentor, Master, and Sifu, who planted the seed for this aspiration during my Semester 5 ENT electives. I hope to follow in his footsteps and aspire to become a human, surgeon, and mentor of his calibre one day. “The sky is not the limit; there is more to life, and more to achieve beyond what we imagine.”

Written by Sindhu Rajendran, IMU Medical Student