Malaysian Doctors Share Challenges of Specialist Training

Three Malaysian doctors described the financial, family, and academic challenges of specialist training during a conference session. The discussion highlighted the difficulties trainees face as they navigate their careers.

Financial strain is common, with trainees often relocating between hospitals and paying for temporary housing. Some must manage without additional income due to the demanding nature of their training.

Dr Abhirrami Lechmiannandan, a paediatric surgeon, spent her master’s training in multiple locations across Malaysia, including Sabah, Sarawak, and Kelantan. She noted the financial burden of paying for extended accommodation.

Dr Mohanarasan Ratanam, an ophthalmologist, sold his car and bought a cheaper one before starting his training. He later sold his condominium for a profit after completing his studies, highlighting the potential long-term financial benefits of such decisions.

Family life is also impacted, with doctors often missing birthdays, holidays, and other important events. Dr Rakesh Rethinasamy, a neurosurgeon, advised trainees to have open conversations with their families about the expectations of specialist training.

Dr Abhirrami Lechmiannandan, who is also a mother of two, emphasized the need for flexibility and support from spouses and extended family. She stressed that parenting responsibilities should be shared between partners during training.

Academic pressure is another major challenge, with trainees preparing for rigorous exams while managing clinical work. Dr Rakesh Rethinasamy, a neurosurgeon, failed his final master’s exam on the first attempt but passed on the second, learning to focus on improvement rather than dwelling on failure.

He recommended treating exams as part of clinical practice, using real-world scenarios to prepare. He noted that confidence in daily work is key, even though no amount of preparation can fully prepare one for a final exam.