Electives must give the right impression
Editor - An elective is usually one of the highlights of a medical student's training. there are various opportunities to pursue a subject of interest as well as experience the local culture and environment of the elective location.
But I was saddened by jessica fiestall's portrayal of malaysia in electronic student bmj. malaysia was featured as a country with a "collapsing economy" and "city smog for air." it is regrettable iffiestall did experience such a hostile environment. but I do not agree to the use of tabloid style publicity. this could misinform and dissuade students from carrying out an elective in an otherwise welcoming country.
I would like to correct some of the misconceptions about my home country. Malaysia is a multiracial society with a vibrant economy, having recovered from the economic slowdown in Asia. A "collapsing economy" may give the impression of civil unrest, street protests, and beggars lining the roads. This is not the case in Malaysia. Malaysia is divided into the Peninsula and Northern Borneo, comprising the states of Sabah and Sarawak. The country is free of natural disasters and a paradise for nature lovers. It is home to the world's oldest tropical forests and the best tropical islands in a region surrounded by coral reefs. Air cleanliness is a priority. Open burning, unregulated forest clearance, and highly polluting motor vehicles are frowned on by the local authorities.
Malaysia is culturally diverse. Be prepared to experience the multiethnic festivities, such as Chinese New Year, Diwali, HariGawai, and Malaysia Fest. With religious freedom, it is not difficult to locate mosques, churches, and Buddhist and Hindu temples. The country is a haven of culinary delights, with a fusion of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Portuguese and other Western cuisine. Traditional and modern lifestyles coexist.
English is widely spoken, more so in the medical fraternity. Medicine is taught in a similar way to that of the British curriculum but with a different emphasis. Malaysia offers a wide array of specialties against the background of tropical medicine. Foreign students are most welcome and generally given high quality teaching.
Giving an inaccurate impression of a destination may deter some students. This would be a loss to student and host. The student is deprived of an educational and social experience while the host is alienated. So I would recommend Malaysia to anyone wanting a unique and reasonably priced elective experience. For further information visit Tourism Malaysia at www.tourism.gov.my
Kay Seong Ngoo, fourth year medical student, University of Aberdeen
Email: ksngoo@doctorsworld.com
studentBMJ 2001;09:261-304 August ISSN 0966-6494
Editor's response: We apologise if we have misrepresented any of the countries featured in our elective reports. To avoid this happening again, we have changed our policy. From now on all we want from elective reports is the experience part of 800 to 1000 words. Please do not write the factual part. Mark Wilson, author of The guide to medical electives around the world, has been checking submitted elective reports and in some cases has found that he has had to practically rewrite the factual account. He will now write this part and add in some other information about contacts and hospitals in the country. For example, if you want to write about your elective working in a nutrition centre in Bangladesh please just write about that experience. Mark Wilson will write the facts about the country and medical contacts in Bangladesh. All of your contributions will still have to go through our editorial board. Enjoy your electives and please keep accounts of your experiences coming.
