Lifelong Learning Experience in Cytology

Lifelong learning is a self-motivated learning experience that encourages continuous improvement on knowledge and skills. At the IMU, we adhere strongly to this culture. On 5 July 2018, the Division of Applied Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology (ABSB) organised a continuous professional development (CPD) programme entitled ‘Diagnostic Lecture Series: Essentials of Cytology’. This pilot session in the lecture series was co-organised by the Malaysian Biomedical Science Association (MyBiomed), and was aimed at enhancing basic-intermediate knowledge and analytical skills in gynaecological (cervical) and non-gynaecological (respiratory, serous fluid and urinary) cytology. The unique feature of this workshop is its focus on non-gynaecological cytology, which is rarely offered amongst existing diagnostic-themed CPDs in Malaysia. The participants represented a broad range of professions, including histopathologists, cytotechnologists, lab managers, and even university lecturers. They were affiliated with, to name a few, BP Clinical Lab Sdn Bhd, Hospital Lam Wah Ee, Sunway Medical Centre, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd, Segi College KL, Columbia Asia Sdn Bhd, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Prince Court Medical Centre.

Prof Chin Beek Yoke, Associate Dean of the School of Health Sciences, delivered an insightful opening speech, during which she appreciated the contributions of the biomedical scientists in various fields, and encouraged participants to keep up-to-date with the latest diagnostic innovations in the market. We were honoured to have highly reputable speakers from the IMU Department of Pathology, A/Prof Purushotham Krishnappa, Dr Thin Thin Win @ Safiya Yunus, and Dr Dhanashri Panse who shared their clinical experiences via case review sessions. With slide after colourful slide of stained cells, serious discussions on challenging case presentations were punctuated with lighter moments of witty banter, particularly during Dr Purushotham’s session.

One of the highlights in this CPD was that the participants had the opportunity to self-assess the programme’s learning outcomes through an interactive Kahoot! game. Yeow Cheau Wey, a medical laboratory technologist from Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd, won the first prize while two other triumphant participants with the highest scores took home a prize each.

Some feedback from the participants include:
“The first thing that caught my eye from the flyer was the non-gynae cytology, which is a rare find. This is my first time here – I used to attend similar events in Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The quality of the programme is comparable to those overseas sessions, and the speakers were very good. And IMU definitely has good facilities as well!” – Muhamad Feerdaus Kamis, Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd
““What I liked the most about the session is the lecturers, who have great knowledge. I come from zero knowledge (starting cytology next week), but after attending this, I feel like I have learnt a lot. I really would love to attend similar events every year if IMU organises them!” – Marilyn Jessica Pereira, Sunway Medical Centre

Some feedback from the participants include:

“The first thing that caught my eye from the flyer was the non-gynae cytology, which is a rare find. This is my first time here – I used to attend similar events in Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The quality of the programme is comparable to those overseas sessions, and the speakers were very good. And IMU definitely has good facilities as well!” – Muhamad Feerdaus Kamis, Pantai Premier Pathology Sdn Bhd

““What I liked the most about the session is the lecturers, who have great knowledge. I come from zero knowledge (starting cytology next week), but after attending this, I feel like I have learnt a lot. I really would love to attend similar events every year if IMU organises them!” – Marilyn Jessica Pereira, Sunway Medical Centre

At the end of the event, the gratified attendees applauded the success of the inaugural session in the lecture series, and were keen to return for upcoming lectures. Last but not least, the Division would like to extend our gratitude to DDBill International Sdn Bhd and Recovered Energy Engineering Sdn Bhd for their generous sponsorship. In 2019, the ABSB division will be offering ‘Essentials of Haematology’ – another fundamental topic in medical laboratory science.