On 22 May 2024, four IMU Chinese Medicine staff and twelve students departed early in the morning for Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple in Jenjarom, Selangor, to take part in a medical outreach programme. The annual Wesak Day medical outreach programme was a collaboration with Academy for Silent Mentor, National Cancer Society and Buddha’s Light International Association.
The medical outreach offered a range of general health check-ups, including BMI measurements and glucose or cholesterol level assessments, thyroid and breast ultrasound screening, human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and ear, nose, and throat screenings.
The health screening is a pivotal platform to raise awareness for allopathic and complementary medicine to work cohesively. This fosters an opportunity for patients, students and other health practitioners to understand the importance of integrated healthcare services for the public community.
Students also took this opportunity to learn more about clinical skills, research data collections and some even saw repeat patients from the previous year.
Students' Reflections
Tan Jia Wei (CM221):
I am very honoured and grateful to participate in this medical outreach programme in Jenjarom. It is a new experience for me, beyond classroom learning.
I also participated last year, but due to my lack of comprehensive knowledge, I could only roughly understand how acupuncture works efficiently in treatment. However, with a year of study and growth, the theories I have learned are now sufficient for me to practice, conduct consultations, and assist with needle insertion. I am also amazed by acupuncture as how miraculous it helps in treating a patient with insomnia for ten years to sleep soundly.
Chiu Jen Yann (CM121) :
Among the many patients, one case that stood out to me was that of a 77-year-old woman who had not undergone any medical check-up. Upon pulse-taking, she presented with a fascinating “hardened” yet “dispersing” pulse, which hinted at potential cardiovascular issues, specifically a coronary artery occlusion. This diagnosis underscored the profound diagnostic capabilities of Chinese Medicine’s pulse-taking combined with comprehensive consultation.
This experience not only highlighted the critical importance of health awareness and early disease detection but also emphasised the value of integrating alternative medicine into mainstream healthcare.
I am profoundly grateful to all the lecturers and comrades of our Chinese Medicine family for their support and guidance. It was a powerful reminder of the significant impact we can have on individuals’ lives, reinforcing my passion for a career in Chinese Medicine.
Kwek Ze Wei (CM221):
It is heartwarming to return after a year to Fo Guang Shan Dong Zen Temple and have the privilege of providing Chinese Medicine healthcare services to the local community. This experience not only embodied the true spirit of compassion that Wesak Day represents but also reinforced the importance of empathy and giving back to the community.
We are always grateful to treat members of the public and have staffs/students involved in the medical outreach. It is essential to cultivate empathy, patience and compassion for others. We look forward to the next Wesak Day and hope to have more collaborations with allopathic healthcare practitioners.
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