Students' Take: The start of a new chapter

By Tan Jiexin, Class of 2028

I am thrilled and thankful to be a part of this year’s LKCMedicine cohort. It has been my childhood dream to become a doctor — so I am blessed to have this opportunity to learn, this chance to do what I love and soon, this gift to heal!

To me, being a doctor is not just about the diagnosis and prescription. Earlier this year, I shadowed Dr Maria Kowzun, a breast surgeon in a community hospital in the United States. I found it especially meaningful watching her relate to patients from different walks of life. She took the time to listen to her patients; not just their words, but also their emotions. From her, I realised that listening to each patient’s story and caring for them is equally crucial for determining a holistic treatment.

LKCMedicine’s early exposure to patient simulations and clinical attachments will allow us to practice and learn how to communicate with patients of different ages and backgrounds, — whether it be the grandma with a poor grasp of English or the reticent teenager — to properly equip us to serve the people in our care.

Additionally, as someone who learns best through interaction and hands-on activities, I am most attracted to the patient-centric curriculum and collaborative learning pedagogy at LKCMedicine.

It is for these reasons that I chose to study at LKCMedicine.

I am excited to learn about the intricacies of the human body, the deadly and not-so-deadly diseases, and the life-saving treatments available; to learn from not just our professors, but from my peers too! I look forward to embarking on this long yet indubitably exciting journey with my cohort-mates.

May our medical school days be filled with much joy, zest and adventure!