Medical & Dental Outreach to Kg Lokub
Aspiring medical students on a one-day Medical & Dental Outreach in Kg Lokub, Tuaran
On 2 December 2012, A3 Education and Training successfully organised a one-day student volunteer programme for aspiring medical students at Kg Lokub, a village by the Kiulu River in the Tuaran District about 1.5hrs drive north of Kota Kinabalu city. The activity was organised as part of a larger Medical & Dental Outreach programme organised by Rotary Club of Luyang and Tuaran District Hospital. It was held at SK Lokub, a primary school with suitable facilities and reliable supply of electricity and water.
Aimed at reaching between 200 to 250 community members, a total of 8 medical doctors and 1 dental team delivered basic medical and dental checks, treatments and medications to the target recipients. At the end of the one-day programme, the medical team has delivered various checks and treatments to about 150 adults and 50 children and the dental team saw close to 70 patients seeking dental treatments.
The volunteers were made up of 7 medical and one law students that are about to leave for their further studies in various medical foundation and A-Level programmes locally and overseas. The student volunteers provided non-medical assistance to healthcare professionals including doctors, dentist, pharmacist and nutritionists. They helped prepare food and served lunch and milk to children, distribute donations of clothes and provide assistance to the Rotarian in crowd-control.
This activity provided the students with an opportunity to observe medical professionals in action, interact and even provide basic assistance to the patients. They had direct access to the doctors and specialists as each of them was assigned to one throughout the programme. There were plenty of discussions and mentoring, and for most of the students this was their first ever experience in a field that they have chosen as their future career.
Ms Amy Tan, Marketing Manager for A3 said, “We want to provide the students with an actual field experience and observe first-hand medical professional on the job, an opportunity to have one-to-one discussion with said professionals on subjects such as their journey to become a doctor, or specialisations in programmes. Ultimately, this will also help them build a better Personal Statement for their university entrance interviews. We hope by providing this platform, our student volunteers will be able to make a better and wiser decision for their future”
What the students say
This medical volunteer programme made me realize that to become a doctor, we really need to have a passion in helping people. Observing the doctors treating the patients was an eye-opener for me. There were so many participating doctors with diverse background, yet they all share the same commitment to serve the community and help the people and this was really awe-inspiring to me. I am now convinced and have a clear idea where I should pursue my medicine study next year. I’m really grateful that A3 Education & Training has given me the opportunity to have this experience.
Hong Thsun Siong
Recently completed UEC, Tshung Tsin Secondary SchoolThis volunteer programme will be very helpful in my near future as it will play a big part in my application to the university that I desire to go. This was a great experience.
M. Talha Zaigham
Currently pursuing A-Level programme in Institut SinaranI find this activity extremely beneficial. It is my first time being exposed to the scenarios and situations doctors go through every day. Today, I assisted Dr Jared and he taught me many medical terms and common sickness. I truly experienced a lot and made me sure of my ability to become a doctor myself.
Rachelle Chang
Recently completed SPM, going for A-Level programme in MalaysiaI’m glad I came here. Met with old friends and made new ones. I loved the long journey up and down the hills and the off-road travel. I got to observe a dentist in action pulling out teeth, converse with many other doctors specializing in different areas and this provided me with wider and better view of the field of medicine. The venue was very good as the school was just next to the beautiful Kiulu River. This is the first time I have volunteered for a medical camp and it is an amazing experience. Thanks!
Visva Somasundaram
Currently pursing A-Level programme in Institut SinaranI had an amazing time today and it was very inspirational. I’m happy that I took the time to help out as it really made me see things from a different perspective. I realise that the world is not all rainbows and butterflies.
Cassandra Yong
Attending International Foundation – Health Science at Dublin International Foundation CollegeParticipating in the medical and dental outreach programme has opened my eyes to things I have never experienced before. It really taught me a lot and was a life-changing experience. I’m glad I took the opportunity to give back to those less fortunate than us.
Natasha Yong
Attending foundation programme with Sussex UniversityThe place is extraordinary. It’s been a privilege working with the doctors and the amount of experience I got was amazing. It was tiring but very satisfying. The members of the Rotary Club were friendly and treated us with great hospitality. I had great exposure to both patients and doctors.
Lo Yun Shen
Recently completed O-Level, going for A-Level programme in UKThis programme is very beneficial us. I have learnt a lot of things from this camp especially from Dr. Warrence and Dr. Raja, they shared a lot of their thoughts and experiences in the field. If there is an outing like this I’m sure I will participate again.
