Last Thursday marked a historic moment in Maldivian healthcare and education: the graduation of the first batch of medical students trained entirely in the Maldives. Among the trailblazing graduates was Saifullah Muslim, a young doctor from Sh. Milandhoo whose determination and perseverance helped him fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a doctor.
From Childhood Dreams to Medical Reality
Saif’s fascination with medicine began early, inspired by storybooks featuring doctors. Growing up in Milandhoo, he nurtured this dream while excelling academically. After completing his secondary education at Maafushi School and higher secondary studies at CHSE, Saif joined the MBBS program at Maldives National University (MNU) in 2018.
The program, launched with 21 pioneering students, represented a milestone for local education, allowing aspiring doctors to study medicine without leaving their families or the Maldives.
Overcoming Challenges of a New Program
Starting a medical program in the Maldives came with significant challenges and public skepticism. Many questioned whether the Maldives had adequate facilities and resources to train doctors, particularly for anatomy studies, which traditionally require cadavers.
Saif acknowledged these concerns but emphasized that students’ dedication matters more than the location of their studies:
“No matter where you study, what matters most is the effort a student puts in,” he said, likening it to the difference between students at different schools—success depends on individual commitment.
During clinical rotations, Saif and his peers initially faced hesitation from patients, who were unsure about interacting with student doctors. Over time, this issue resolved as public understanding and support grew.
Quality Assurance Through Collaboration
The MBBS program at MNU was established in collaboration with Malaysia’s UKM (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia). Under this partnership, students spent six months in Malaysia studying key modules, while the remainder of the program was delivered in the Maldives by visiting and local lecturers.
Reflecting on the program’s standards, Saif remarked:
“I would say that quality-wise, it was very much controlled and monitored throughout the 5 years.”
Persistence Through Adversity
Saif’s journey to graduation was far from easy. He described moments of mental and physical exhaustion when giving up seemed like the only option. However, his unwavering commitment and effective time management helped him push through the difficulties.
“This is not easy; this is very hard. There will be times you want to give up… But if you work hard, you can reach the result,” he advised.
Interning at IGMH and Exploring the Future
Currently, Saif is completing a one-year internship at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH), rotating through various departments. His exposure to emergency medicine has sparked an interest, but he has yet to decide on a specialization.
One memorable experience during his internship involved helping a patient recover through prescribed medicine, leading the patient’s child to express heartfelt gratitude.
After his internship, Saif hopes to gain further experience at IGMH for two years before pursuing advanced specialization.
A Message of Hope and Encouragement
Saif’s journey is a testament to the potential of Maldivian medical education and the power of perseverance. He encourages aspiring doctors to embrace challenges, work hard, and remain focused on their goals.
As a member of the first cohort of locally trained doctors, Saif has not only fulfilled a personal dream but also paved the way for future generations of Maldivian doctors to achieve theirs.