During my upper secondary school years, I developed a strong interest in medicine as I began studying biology. I felt compelled to use the knowledge I was gaining to help others and contribute to their well-being. That was when my passion for medicine truly began.

Upon completing my pre-university studies, I started looking for a medical university that aligned with my goals. I came across IMU, and it stood out to me for its strong focus on medicine and its well-structured MBBS programme. It seemed like the ideal place to pursue my calling and it truly was.

I still remember the mixture of excitement and nervousness I felt on my first day at IMU. The thought of spending five years in medical school was daunting. But looking back now, as I reflect on my final day of Semester 10, I realise just how quickly time has flown. What once felt like a long journey now feels too short.

I remember watching my Semester 10 seniors at their oath-taking ceremony, feeling a mix of admiration and anticipation. I couldn’t wait for that moment to come. But when it finally did, although I felt proud and grateful to have become a doctor, part of me found it difficult to accept that my time as a student at IMU was coming to an end.

The memories came flooding back—those early days of forming lifelong friendships, the warmth and guidance of seniors who showed us the way, and the many hours spent in hospital corridors, clerking patients and following ward rounds. I remember carpooling with friends to various hospitals, squeezing in meals between postings, and the anxious yet comforting moments of studying together before exams. Late-night OSCE practice sessions, racing against TBL deadlines, and burning the midnight oil for assignments became routine.

Despite the challenges, I was consistently surrounded by a supportive community. My peers stood by me and lecturers whose dedication went beyond teaching. They guided us not only in mastering medicine, but in growing into compassionate, grounded doctors. The lecturers at IMU are more than educators; they are mentors and role models who exemplify the highest standards of the medical profession. Their unwavering commitment, both in and outside the classroom, continues to inspire me.

While waiting for graduation, I’ve been spending quality time with my family and friends, and focusing on personal growth. Since A-levels, I had been living away from home, and now I’m cherishing this opportunity to reconnect and create new memories with my loved ones.

I’ve also been playing my favourite sports, activities I’ve always enjoyed, but now I finally have more time to play more often with friends. It’s been refreshing to return to these hobbies with renewed energy.

In addition, I am actively involved in peer tutoring for both pre-clinical and clinical students at IMU. Sharing what I’ve learnt with juniors has been a rewarding way to give back to the community that shaped me. I also volunteer with NGOs such as the National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), where I’ve had the chance to contribute to meaningful causes and connect with dedicated healthcare professionals and like-minded peers.

I plan to begin my housemanship in Malaysia with the first intake after graduation. I have a strong interest in internal medicine, particularly nephrology. My fascination with kidney-related diseases started when I was in primary school, after learning about how life-limiting these conditions can be. Since then, I have hoped to make a difference in the lives of individuals affected by renal disease, including those with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

I intend to sit for the MRCP examination next year to further pursue my interest in internal medicine. That said, I remain open to exploring other specialties, as experiences during clinical practice may shape my interests in unexpected ways.

One of the most important lessons I’ve learnt throughout this journey is the value of self-awareness—understanding my strengths, acknowledging my weaknesses, and staying true to my values. I found it more meaningful to measure my growth against who I was yesterday, rather than comparing myself to others.

There were certainly moments of doubt, times when progress felt slow, or when I questioned whether I was doing enough. But I reminded myself that growth doesn’t always happen overnight. One quote that stayed with me throughout the journey was: The tree that is slow to grow bears the best fruit. It reminded me to be patient with myself and to trust the process, knowing that meaningful progress takes time.

I also learnt to see every moment as an opportunity to grow—not just academically, but personally. Many of the most valuable lessons I gained came outside of lectures, through group study, peer teaching, and real-life experiences in the wards. Helping others helped reinforce my own learning.

To anyone beginning this journey: stay humble, stay curious, and never lose your passion for learning. As one saying puts it, not only does the thirsty seek water, but water also seeks the thirsty.

We didn’t come this far just to stop here. There is always more to learn, and always room to grow.

Written by Praveen Durai A/L Duraai