Seven graduates in medicine set to join health sector |08 November 2014

We often complain of the lack of Seychellois doctors when we visit the hospitals. This lack is being taken seriously by the government who, every year, tries its best to send Seychellois students for further studies in the field of medicine.

This year seven graduates came back home after successfully completing five years of study in India and Malaysia.

Currently there are 99 Seychellois doctors and 383 doctors from various parts of the world registered with the Seychelles Medical Council. Most of the expatriate doctors come here for short consultations/work and need to be registered.

Seychelles Nation had the opportunity to meet the new graduates who talked about their experiences in India and Malaysia and also gave some advice to all those finding sciences a challenge.

They also talked about their upcoming two-year internship, during which they will have to spend four months in six different departments in public health centres. They all left Seychelles in 2009 for two and half years of study in India then two and half years in Malaysia.

Somasundaram Rajasundaram chose Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics for his A-Levels at the School of Advanced Level Studies (Sals), Anse Royale.

Following his brilliant results, he chose to make a career in medicine. “I had a fantastic and enriching experience in both Manipal (India) and Melaka (Malaysia). Study-wise it was more challenging in India than Malaysia as it involved rote memorisation, whereas in Malaysia it was all practical based and clinically oriented. Outside of studies, I had the chance to visit many places in India and Malaysia and explore the various cultures. I truly enjoyed my five years abroad.  If you are finding science difficult, ask yourself if it could be because of a lack of interest in it. Once you appreciate a field and develop an interest in it, difficulties will fade away. Also understanding the basics is vital! As always, working hard at something also makes it easier.”

Thelma Betsy studied at the Mont Fleuri secondary school before joining Sals. “It was  five years that were filled with various challenges, like adapting to the different ways of life, coping with my studies and missing home to name a few. However, with the support of my family, friends and God's grace, I tried to stay on track.Overall my five years was fulfilling, although it was a tough experience. Science subjects can be quite demanding, but if you grasp the basics and stay focused, you will see better results.”

Shanna Estico also studied at the Mont Fleuri primary and secondary schools before moving on to Sals. “For me, it was not all plain sailing. Both places took some time getting used to. Being away from home was the hardest but my love for medicine kept me going and with God's grace I managed to overcome all challenges sent my way. I know many young people find science difficult but try to understand the concepts instead of just trying to memorise everything. Be determined and work hard and more importantly do not give up.”

Joshua Gopal studied at English River secondary school before joining Sals to study Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics. He describes his five years of study as “very long but it was a good experience. It was nice to study in these two places. We took five years and expect the unexpected when you are abroad. But we were lucky to have the support of each other. At the end, all that matters is the satisfaction you get when you graduate as a doctor.”

Tanya Gopal studied at Beau Vallon school before joining Sals to study Biology Chemistry and Mathematics. “For me India was very nice but we had a language problem in Malaysia. We had our practical in the government hospital and we had to have somebody to translate for us. If you think of taking a path in the medical field, you will have to understand science properly and then go for it.”

Lisa Kissubi also studied at Beau Vallon school before joining Sals to study Biology Chemistry and Mathematics: “India was relatively ok but in Malaysia we were depending on others to do our job. Fortunately for our exams, we were provided with interpreters.”

Alan Low did his schooling at Independent School before joining Sals to study Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Mathematics: “Overall it was a good experience for me. I got to make new friends and experience two different cultures. India was ok but I preferred my experience in Malaysia as we had practical. We have to show interests in the field of science and dedicate the proper amount of time to it. You have to work really hard and there will be lots of obstacles along the way, but you need to persevere.”

When asked about what they think of graduates who do not come back to the motherland after their studies, they expressed the following:
“I am not sure of their situation but it's very sad and shows disrespect. The government spends so much money to send you overseas and you should feel proud to serve your country,” Soma Rajasundaram said.

“I think graduates ought to give back to our country by coming back home,” said Thelma Betsy.

“Well I think each and everyone has different goals and dreams and maybe theirs are not back here in Seychelles. Although it is unfortunate that our country has to make do without these qualified people,” Shanna Estico said.

“We have to make the most of the free education that the government provides us and it is always good to come back home and serve your country before thinking of anything else,” Lisa Kissubi said.

“Anyways, I was more than happy to come back home and give my career a chance and see how it goes,” said Tanya Gopal.
 “Personally, I feel it is good to come back home to experience the work here and pay back the bonds,” said Alan Low.

 “On a personal level, it will be much better to go abroad but we need to think more about our country instead of our personal wishes. We need to come back to help make our system better,” Joshua Gopal said.