THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019
COURSE FOCUS
Future of healthcare sciences
KPJ Healthcare University
College (KPJUC) has come far
since it opened its doors in
1991 as Puteri Nursing College.
KPJUC offers a wide range of
undergraduate and
postgraduate courses in all
areas of healthcare sciences
and management.
Its accomplishments include
being the first and only private
university college to offer
training programmes for
medical specialists at the
master’s level. Graduates of
these programmes qualify as
specialists in their respective
disciplines.
The success of KPJUC
graduates can be attributed to
its use of a blended learning
system, which comprises 50%
hands-on training and
exposure to real working
environments. Graduates have
access to an extensive network
of KPJ Healthcare hospitals,
which are spread across
Malaysia in major cities.
This success is further
supported by a strong team of
experts comprising more than
1,000 medical consultants,
senior nurses, allied health
professionals and trained
clinical instructors.
KPJUC has produced more
than 10,000 graduates, with a
100% employment rate among
nursing graduates and 80%
employment rate among health
sciences graduates within six
months of completion. KPJUC
graduates are highly sought
after in the healthcare industry,
be it locally or internationally.
School of Pharmacy
A key achievement for KPJUC
is its Bachelor of Pharmacy
programme being accorded full
accreditation status by the
Pharmacy Board Malaysia and
Malaysian Qualifications
Agency. All KPJUC graduates
are therefore assured
placement as Provisionally
Registered Pharmacists at KPJ
hospitals.
Besides the Bachelor of
Pharmacy, KPJUC also offers
the Diploma in Pharmacy,
Bachelor of Pharmaceutical
Science with Health Sciences,
and Master of Science in
Pharmaceutical Technology.
School of Health
Sciences
l Physiotherapy
At hospitals today, there is an
obvious shift of care from a
traditional role of providing
rehabilitation and curative
treatment to preventative
measures, which offer
employees, industries and
communities ways to curb
occupation-related disorders
and non-communicable
diseases.
The global aged population is
expected to grow to 2.1 billion
people by 2050. Physiological
changes encountered by the
elderly can hinder them from
carrying out daily
responsibilities and
maintaining active lives.
Physiotherapy is an option for
them to lead productive,
independent lives.
Such an expanded and
extended role requires
therapists with a higher level of
academic qualification to
deliver safe and effective care
to the targeted population. To
fulfil the demand, KPJUC offers
training programmes at the KPJUC believes in aligning its programmes with current industry trends, making it a reliable, comprehensive
diploma, bachelor’s and healthcare education provider.
master’s levels. Teaching and
learning is conducted in
classrooms and therapeutic
skills labs.
l Medical diagnostic
imaging
Medical imaging plays an
essential role in today’s
healthcare system, being the
eye of the hospital for diagnosis
and treatment planning. This
field encompasses a wide array
of procedures that advances
with technology. Because the
field is always changing,
education needs to be dynamic
to stay relevant.
With the implementation of
the Allied Health Sciences Act,
radiographers with the skills
and knowledge to perform
diagnostic imaging procedures
will be in great demand.
Multiple job opportunities can
be explored in clinical and non-
clinical areas, including roles
such as radiographer, magnetic
resonance technologist,
sonographer, ultrasonographer,
application specialist, medical
physicist and safety officer.
KPJUC also offers a part-time
mode for working medical
imaging professionals seeking
to upgrade themselves in their
fields. Bachelor of Medical
Imaging is offered for a
duration of eight semesters,
with credit exemptions. The
maximum duration of the
course is four years and the
modules cover theoretical and
practical training in and out of
campus.
l Occupational therapy
Occupational therapy is a
unique rehabilitative health
profession. Occupational
therapists treat people of all
ages for mental, physical,
emotional and social issues.
They are needed in myriad
settings, including hospitals,
schools, rehabilitation centres
and workplaces, and can even
run their own rehabilitation
centres.
Occupational therapists with
bachelor’s or postgraduate
qualifications are needed in
more autonomous and
proactive roles in rehabilitation
and community-based services,
both locally and internationally.
n For more information, call
1300 885 758, WhatsApp 010-
848 0087, email marketing@
kpjuc.edu.my or visit www.
kpjuc.edu.my
2 Allied Health Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy
Front line of
healthcare
THERE seems to be a false tendency by many
to consign the job of a pharmacist as
someone who only deals with medicines.
This tunnel vision leads people to pigeonhole
pharmacists to one single role.
However, there is a broad spectrum of
possible career paths that are open to
pharmacists and students of pharmacy
programmes.
The Bachelor of Pharmacy programme at
Monash University Malaysia exposes aspiring
pharmacists to a wide array of possibilities
Through integrated teaching modules, virtual learning and embedded research modules, and focuses on three main clusters:
the Bachelor of Pharmacy programme ensures that each graduate is equipped with both l Enabling sciences – Imparts knowledge
essential and advanced skills to lead the change in any healthcare system. of science, human anatomy and physiology
to students via innovative teaching methods
and activities.
l Drug delivery – Allows students the
opportunity to master the concept of how
drugs assimilate with the human body, as
well as the pathways involved that lead to
drug actions and cures.
l Pharmacy practice – Students are
trained on how to optimise patient therapy to
suit individual needs via an integrated
module.
Students also have to complete clinical
attachments in community pharmacies or
primary and tertiary healthcare centres.
Clinical attachments are the practical
implementation of the knowledge and
concepts taught by the programme and allow
students the chance to observe the role of the
pharmacist in direct patient care. The
attachments also equip students with better
clinical decision-making skills when they
enter the work force.
Through integrated teaching modules,
virtual learning and embedded research
modules, the Bachelor of Pharmacy
programme ensures that each graduate
is equipped with both essential and
The many fields of dentistry
DENTAL health is often overlooked by
Malaysians despite it being an important and
crucial aspect of our physical and overall
well-being.
If you are keen on helping others improve
their oral health and have an interest in
science, dentistry could be a rewarding
career path for you. Aspiring dentists in
Malaysia can choose to become a general
practitioner or a dental specialist.
Among the many areas of dentistry in
Malaysia are:
l Oral surgery – This field deals with
injuries in the oral and maxillofacial (face
and jaw) region. While oral surgery may
sound intimidating, it involves common
procedures such as simple tooth extractions.
l Orthodontics – Orthodontics is the
diagnosis, prevention and correction of
malpositioned teeth and jaws. Specialists use
fixed and removable appliances such as
braces, retainers and headgear.
l Paediatric dentistry – This area of
dentistry caters to the needs of infants,
children and adolescents, including those
who are medically compromised and have
special needs. Dentists are trained in this
field to ensure a smooth and pleasant
experience for these children through
employing special management techniques
for dental problems such as growth
disorders, oral diseases and injuries from
accidents.
l Periodontology – Periodontology is
concerned with the supporting structures of
the tooth, including the gums and
surrounding bone. This field involves, but is
not limited to, systemic diseases that weaken
these structures. Treatment options offered
can be either surgical or non-surgical.
l Oral medicine and oral pathology –
Dentists in this field deal with the causes,
processes and effects of diseases of the
mouth, face, salivary glands and jaws. They
handle many cases, from oral ulcers and
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019
advanced skills to lead change in any
healthcare system.
For example, in the research module,
students get the opportunity to be involved
in ongoing clinical and lab-based projects.
There are also elective modules where
students are required to perform systematic
reviews and meta-analysis, as well as review
research papers published as far back as 50
years ago. They can then identify and bridge
gaps within the scientific literature and find
solutions to problems based on advanced
statistical analysis.
Meta-analysis is an important skill to a
pharmacist. It is the process of assessing or
comparing the clinical efficacy of drugs. As
we know, there are a myriad of medicines for
any single ailment. Doctors and patients are
faced with “selection hypertension” because
of the infinite choices of drugs available.
Take Panadol, for instance. It is not the
only painkiller out there. There are many
more, and they all come in different dosage
forms, strengths and combinations, and they
all might effect a patient differently.
Pharmacists, after conducting a meta-
analysis by statistically comparing two or
more drugs, can come to the conclusion if
drug A or drug B is better for a particular
patient.
Besides working for pharmaceutical
organisations, there is a wide array of careers
that students can pursue. For those wanting
to gain in-depth understanding of medicine,
they can choose to pursue their postgraduate
studies. The entrepreneurial can establish
their own community pharmacies and
contribute to the Malaysian healthcare
system.
n For more information about the pharmacy
programmes at Monash University Malaysia,
visit www.monash.edu.my/pharmacy
facial pain to more serious systemic diseases.
Pathologists go through multiple meticulous
procedures to correctly diagnose diseases
such as oral cancer or infections.
l Public dental health – Public dental
health is a specialisation concerned with
educating the community about oral health
through population-based strategies, as well
as providing oral healthcare services. These
specialists are also responsible for
developing oral health policies, programme
management, oral disease prevention and
ensuring the health and safety standards of
clinics.
l Restorative dentistry – This field is
dedicated to the smooth and healthy
development of the teeth, especially for those
with special and complex clinical needs. It
deals with the replacement of missing or
damaged teeth, with fillings, crowns, bridges
and implants being common restorative
options.
l Endodontics – This field encompasses
the care of the dental pulp and tissues
surrounding the roots of teeth. Endodontists
aim to preserve patients’ natural teeth
following traumatic accidents affecting
dentition.
l Prosthodontics – This branch of
dentistry involves the design, production and
fitting of artificial replacements for the teeth
and other parts of the mouth. Prosthodontics
is aimed at patients who experience loss of
teeth through accidents or the natural ageing
process.
With so many options to choose from,
career opportunities for aspiring dentists are
endless – from government hospitals and
private clinics to working with the Orang Asli
Development Department to cater to the
dental needs of orang asli in rural areas. One
thing for sure is that dentistry promises a
fulfilling career path for those who thrive
from being part of this altruistic profession.
THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019
Straight shot to
a medical degree
WITH the recent announcement of the Sijil
Pelajaran Malaysia and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran
Malaysia results, RCSI & UCD Malaysia
Campus (RUMC) (formerly Penang Medical
College) is calling out to those who have
received excellent grades and are keen to
pursue a career in medicine. The world-
renowned medical university has graduated
almost 1,700 high-performing doctors in the
span of two decades and continues to attract
applicants eyeing its globally recognised
medical degree.
SPM-leavers with their hearts set on
medicine may enrol in RUMC’s Foundation
in Science (FiS) programme, a unique pre-
university pathway that allows students to
have an early introduction to the medical
and clinical field in a hospital setting. After
equipping themselves with the necessary
basic knowledge, students can then apply
them to their study of medicine and health
sciences.
FiS students have the added advantage of
having the opportunity to engage not only
their fellow course mates, academics and
doctors, but also their medical student
seniors. A guided and focused curriculum
will give students an early head start. They
will also receive exposure in the clinical and
caregiving aspects of the medical and
healthcare professions before starting their
degree.
Students applying to the FiS programme
with 6As in SPM are eligible for a
scholarship equivalent to 25% of the tuition
fees. With only one intake per year, full-time
students can begin their pre-undergraduate
path to medicine next month.
Upon concluding the FiS programme,
students who score a cumulative grade point
average of 3.5 to 4.0 may progress directly to
the five-year medical degree programme at
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI)
or University College Dublin (UCD) and
RUMC, while students with a CGPA of 3.0
to 3.49 may proceed to the one-year Pre-
Medical Year at RUMC.
Medicine students begin their
transnational journey in Dublin, Ireland,
where they will receive an Irish medical
education as they undertake a 2.5-year
pre-clinical study at RCSI and UCD, two
world-renowned medical universities.
Upon completion, the students return to
Penang for a 2.5-year’s clinical phase where
they will receive on-site training at Penang
General Hospital, Seberang Jaya Hospital
and Taiping Hospital.
n For enquiries about RUMC’s programmes,
call 04-217 1888 or email study@rcsiucd.edu.
my
Allied Health Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy 3
IMC’s nursing
students enjoy
a learning
and training
environment that
is encouraging
and enriching.
Breaking the glass ceiling
IN a profession that is predominantly female,
being a male nurse can have its share of
stigma. Though the role has been
traditionally looked upon as female-oriented,
male nurses are now more accepted as they
are also relied upon to help with a variety of
jobs in healthcare. More men are taking up
this profession as they, too, see the benefits of
a stable career.
Toh Ting Lian, a male nursing student,
shares his experience in learning how to
cultivate care, patience and competence in
handling patients at a hospital. Though the
programme has its share of challenges, such
as dealing with death and diseases, many of
his male coursemates share the same
sentiment and believe they serve as
inspiration to others with their work.
Toh says, “People are usually surprised
that I chose to be a nurse, but I am happy
with my choice as patients share their
gratitude with us after recovery and
discharge from the hospital. No amount of
money can buy the kind of satisfaction you
get by caring for a life.”
Fellow student nurse Eric Ham shares a
memorable experience of how a dying
patient, whose children were too busy,
looked forward to Ham’s morning rounds
to chat.
As with most, Muhd Aminuddin, another
nursing student, had another course in mind
before choosing nursing. When asked why
he went for nursing despite being offered a
spot in another course, he shares that he was
advised by his father that the nursing
profession provides a bright and stable
future.
He says, “Some patients have a negative
view of us, but it doesn’t bother me. That is
their view and I am only doing good by
helping patients with their health. I am sure
they wouldn’t mind when health is involved.
I’ve been guided by good lecturers and
quality clinical instructors from International
Medical College (IMC), so I am not worried.”
The Subang Jaya campus of IMC – a private
college with a long-standing reputation in
providing nursing education – is currently
accepting applications for its April intake.
Drop by IMC’s campuses in Subang Jaya and
Ayer Keroh to get first-hand information on
the college and learn about its quality
academic programmes, which serve as entry
points to exciting and promising careers.
n For more information, call 03-8024
0757/06-233 1589 or visit www.imc.edu.my
4 Allied Health Sciences, Medicine, Dentistry & Pharmacy THE STAR, TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2019

Student-led conference gets kudos

INTERNATIONAL Medical University (IMU)
launched its first Our Society, Adults and
Youths (Our S.A.Y.) conference at its
campus in Bukit Jalil on Mar 16. Malaysia’s
first public conference organised by youths
for youths, Our S.A.Y. reached out to
parents, youths, educators and mental
health practitioners to address pressing
mental health issues faced by our youths.
The conference incorporated four major
contemporary issues faced by society –
depression and anxiety, bullying and
cyberbullying, substance abuse and
addiction and also healthy relationships
and harm reduction. Through the
conference, IMU’s Psychology Department,
Psychology Club and IMU Community
Engagement Office, in collaboration with
Dignity for Children Foundation, took a IMU's Our Society, Adults and Youths (Our S.A.Y.) conference on Mar 16 addressed issues relating to mental health among Malaysian youths.
proactive step to promote awareness of
mental health and social issues. deal with the intricacies of the targeted which can broaden their view and internationally for further specialisation at
The event was officiated by IMU vice- topics. The forum provided a platform for knowledge and aid them in choosing their the graduate level. In order to become a
chancellor Prof Abdul Aziz Baba. In his participants to exchange knowledge and future career pathway. qualified psychologist, you will have to first
welcome speech, he accentuated the four experiences and brought together different IMU looks for opportunities to apply complete your undergraduate degree in
major issues affecting contemporary perspectives for discussion. psychological theories into real-life settings psychology, followed by a master’s degree in
society and highlighted that educating the Feedback from the participants was by organising such events. In addition to one of the specialised areas of psychological
general public on the causes and overwhelmingly positive, with many giving one-to-one attention academically, practice.
proliferation of these issues among the commenting on the usefulness and IMU lecturers are willing to go the extra Intakes for the Psychology programme
youth was imperative to ensure society is timeliness of this conference. This mile in making sure that the students are are in February and September. If you
better informed on how to root them out. conference will be closely followed up by well guided in exploring their interests and enjoy thinking about the causes of human
This first national public conference collaborative initiatives to reach out to advising them when carrying out events. behaviour and have a desire to help people
addressing youths’ mental issues was youths and their supporting environment. The three-year Bachelor of Science manage their problems, apply now for a
themed “Youths’ Mental Wellbeing: Dare to Psychology students at IMU do not only (Hons) Psychology at IMU, Malaysia’s first great start to an interesting and exciting
be Aware” and aimed at reaching out to concentrate on excellence in academia but private medical and health sciences career in psychology.
youths, parents, teachers and counsellors also involve themselves in organising university with more than 27 years of If you have just completed your SPM and
to address mental health. Well-known university events such as raising dedicated focus in healthcare education, do not have pre-university qualification,
speakers in their fields of expertise were awareness on mental health. By doing so, has a curriculum that has been developed consider enrolling in the one-year IMU
invited to deliver keynotes on these issues they build soft skills in leadership, team- to meet high international standards. Foundation in Science for a direct route into
and were aimed at encouraging parents building, communications and resilience, Students have the option of completing any of the university’s local degree
and youths to synthesise ideas for a better while still having the guidance of a team of their psychology degree in IMU or study programmes.
understanding of the cross- generational experts and psychologists from diverse part of the programme in IMU and transfer
divide. fields. to University of Newcastle, Australia, or the n For more information, call 03-2731 7272,
These lectures were then followed by In this way, IMU psychology students are University of Strathclyde, United Kingdom. email start@imu.edu.my or visit www.imu.
interactive workshops to help participants exposed to diverse fields of psychology The programme has also been accepted edu.my