THE STAR, TUESDAY 3 APRIL 2018

COURSE FOCUS
ALLIED HEALTH SCIENCES, MEDICINE, DENTISTRY & PHARMACY

Protect those pearly whites

THE most visible yet often
neglected part of your body is
your mouth, or more specifically,
your teeth. Having a set of shiny,
white teeth can not only help
boost your confidence by making
you more attractive but
contributes to your overall health dealing with diseases of the gums for you. certain personality attributes
as well. and supporting structures of the While fresh graduates that suit the demands of that
Dentistry is a fulfilling field that
helps people achieve their
mouth and jaws.
l Orthodontics – Includes
may be reluctant to work for
little to no pay at these centres,
career. The attributes needed for
pursuing dentistry are: An oral
history
optimum dental health. diagnosing and correcting some senior dentists are usually l Love for science – Science
Professions in this field are largely misalignment of the jaws and happy to contribute their time and forms the basic and future
associated with dental care but teeth. skill due to their more flexible development of dentistry. Having
can also include cosmetic dental l Prosthodontics – Focuses on schedules. a keen interest in science subjects
treatment. recreating and restoring parts of l Teaching – Another profession can make your journey in
This dynamic field has a the teeth or jaws damaged in for more senior dentists, being an dentistry an enjoyable one. Dentistry may not be a fun
wide array of specialisations. accidents or by disease. industry expert qualifies you to l Love for people – Dentists vocation but dentists have
A traditional path will bring you l Paediatric dentistry – impart knowledge to students. deal with many people daily. been around for millenniums.
towards owning a dental care Dedicated to the oral health needs Most teaching positions require Even if you want to teach or Read these fun facts:
practice while more modern of babies and children, who have several years as a dentist or in be a researcher in the field, l Hesi-Re, who lived in
specialisations are focused on different dental anatomy from associated specialisations. you need a few years as a Egypt more than 5,000 years
research or cosmetic alterations. adults. l Research – If your focus is on practitioner to qualify for those ago, is the earliest-known
l Cosmetic dentistry – bettering the field of dentistry by positions. dentist.
Local need for dentists Aesthetic appearance is the heart
of this line, with focus on obtaining
developing new techniques in
treatment and prevention
A genuine care for people and
good social skills are needed by
l Lucy Beaman Hobbs
became the first licensed
Dentistry is not as simple as skills in correcting and restoring procedures, a career in research any dentist, especially for one female dentist in 1866.
teaching people how to brush and teeth, jaws and other oral may be for you. wanting to specialise in paediatric l Electric chairs used for
floss. Oral disease due to poor structures. To conduct research projects and dentistry. executions were first invented
dental care is rampant, ranging l Veterinary dentistry – A studies, you usually need several l Hard-working – As with by a dentist named Alfred
from tooth decay and gum disease relatively rare field of dentistry years under your belt as a dental many other professions, being a P. Southwick in 1881.
to cavities. Early detection is for care of animals such as race health practitioner. hard worker is necessary to l Dental assistant Irene
extremely important since minor horses whose dentists are called pursue a career in dentistry. Newman became the first
symptoms such as an oral ulcer
can indicate more serious
equine dental technicians.
l Forensic odontology – Skills needed to succeed Completing your education is
not the end of your hard work as
dental hygienist in 1905 when
she received training to clean
conditions. Involves criminal investigation Every profession needs people you then need to get used to teeth.
“Maintaining good oral health is such as identification of disfigured who are not only passionate working in the highly competitive
more than just brushing your victims through dental records. about their work but also possess field.
teeth. Educating people on oral

Malaysia needs more dentists

health is crucial for society to
maintain overall health and
Career options
quality of life,” says paediatric Even though the general
dental specialist Dr Leong Kei Joe, assumption is that you will be a
who is also president-elect of the dentist upon completing your
Malaysian Dental Association. dentistry degree, there are other “ACHIEVING optimal oral health results are as follows: or advice from a dental
career options available as follows: constitutes a major public health l Ninety-four per cent of healthcare provider.
The pathway to dentistry l Own practice – The most
common career option in the field,
challenge that requires strong
advocates who are committed to
adults in Malaysia have some
form of periodontal disease The above data goes to show
Many people carry the having your own practice means promoting oral health initiatives, while the prevalence of dental the lack of awareness among
misconception that dentistry is an you get to be your own boss and emphasising disease prevention caries is 89.4% within the same Malaysians regarding oral health,
easier field of study than other determine your own working measures and integrating oral group, according to the National but it is not wholly the fault of
medical professions. This is an hours. health into general health Oral Health Surveys of Adults any one party.
unrealistic perception since You can be a general dental practices,” says Dr Leong Kei Joe, 2010 conducted by the Health In 2016, Health Minister
dentistry is appropriately complex practitioner or specialise as a president-elect of the Malaysian Ministry. Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam
and challenging. dental surgeon, or both. Dental Association. It was also revealed in the announced that there was only
In Malaysia, pursuing dentistry l Join hospitals – Getting a In this sense, “advocates”, same publication that around one dentist for every 5,100
takes at least five years of hospital job means you can work while not limited to dentists, still 75% of adults in Malaysia are Malaysians.
intensive education followed by a at an established institution with feature dentistry experts as major unaware of the need to maintain He also expressed an urgent
year of compulsory service with an existing clientele and consistent stakeholders in educating oral hygiene. need for more dentists to cater to
the Government. After that, you salary. Malaysia about the importance of l The National Health and Malaysia’s ever-growing
can choose to specialise. The Being attached to a hospital also dental health. Morbidity Survey 2015 found that population.
process of specialisation usually means busy days, especially if This is especially needed as 5.2% of the population had dental Since the Health Ministry is
takes three years. working at a government hospital. research from the past decade health problems in the two weeks aiming for a dentist-to-population
Specialisations you can choose l Join community health has produced less-than-promising preceding the survey. ratio of 1:3,000 this year, it is a
from include: centres – If you want to give findings in terms of dental health However, only 26.6% of good time to begin your dentistry
l Periodontology – Involves back to society, this option is literacy among Malaysians. Some this group sought treatment journey.
2 Course Focus THE STAR, TUESDAY 3 APRIL 2018

Cultivating a passion for caring

MORE than just doctors and
surgeons, healthcare involves other
specialists working alongside them.
Whether these individuals are
working diagnostic machines,
assisting doctors in medical
procedures or helping rehabilitate
a patient, they play an important
role in medical centres.
Nurses, technicians, pharmacists,
radiographers and dietitians are
just a few of the types of
professionals that run the industry.
A career in healthcare may not
be easy, but it is one of the most
fulfilling, especially to those who
hope to make a difference in this
world.
Malaysia is home to a
comprehensive range of healthcare
services and has a fast-growing RSDHC's Setia Alam campus is equipped with faciities such as an anatomy
industry with many opportunities RSDHC is fitted with a comprehensive library and ICT resources. and physiology museum to enhance students' learning.
for expansion. It is also a popular
destination for medical tourism. l I – Innovate for continual The degree programme is students to obtain qualification for
With the many top-quality
healthcare institutions in the
improvement
l T – Teamwork and respect for With more than structured to help students achieve
their maximum potential. In each
employment, leading towards
retention of adequate numbers of
country, students are spoiled for one another 10,000 graduates semester, students will be taught healthcare personnel in these

currently employed,
choice when it comes to choosing l E – Ethical in our practice theories relevant to nursing institutions,” says Wong.
an education provider that practices by UH lecturers. Another financial aid service is
specialises in healthcare.
It is important to choose a
Graduates of RSDHC
programmes can experience RSDHC was awarded Students can then apply the
lessons and skills learnt to their
the Yayasan Sime Darby Skill
Enrichment Programme, which
college that can equip them with
necessary and additional skills to
working both locally and
internationally. As the college is
a six-star rating by clinical decision-making and
critical thinking at work.
offers scholarships to students who

the Higher Education

face financial constraints and are
give them an edge over others in associated with several hospitals in For those interested in keen to pursue vocational studies
the industry.
Ramsay Sime Darby Healthcare
the region, students have the
advantage of attachments with Ministry under the postgraduate studies, RSDHC’s
Teaching Methodology course is a
at RSDHC.

College (RSDHC) is an established

college with more than 20 years
Subang Jaya Medical Centre, Ara
Damansara Medical Centre or
Malaysian Quality programme designed for working
adults who wish to pursue a
Fulfilling industry demand
of experience in providing ParkCity Medical Centre in Evaluation System teaching career in institutions of Nursing is an integral part of the
healthcare education.
Known for its nursing education
Malaysia, and Ramsay Sime Darby
Health Care hospitals in Indonesia for Private Colleges higher learning.
This programme aims to equip
healthcare team and a profession
that is in great demand worldwide.
and allied health sciences
programmes, it provides students
and Australia.
RSDHC offers a pre-university
2016/2017. individuals with the ability to
apply a range of approaches that
RSDHC is especially proud of its
nursing programme, which boasts
with quality education guided by programme for students interested will enhance the learning a 100% pass rate and excellent
experienced clinical educators. in health sciences before experience of health science career prospects for graduates.
As the healthcare industry and advancement into the diploma students. Instead of only focusing on
its needs continue to grow, the level. Its Foundation in Science is a certified ISO 9001:2008 and RSDHC is committed to helping producing new nurses, RSDHC also
college recognises the need for one-year full-time programme that accredited by the Malaysian its students explore opportunities provides further training for
specialised skill training and prepares students for tertiary Qualifications Agency (MQA). and provide enough nurturing for existing nurses who are looking to
provides a variety of nursing sub- education in medicine, dentistry RSDHC offers preparatory them to grow into their careers. notch more qualifications in their
specialty programmes. and related health sciences. Intakes courses for the International The college often holds career.
It has also expanded its offerings are in January, April and July every English Language Testing System recruitment fairs and workshops “For working nurses, we offer
to include courses for medical year. and Malaysian University English in addition to granting high- six months of post-basic training
assistantship, medical laboratory Upon graduation from RSDHC Test examinations for students achiever rewards such as in critical care nursing, renal
technology, physiotherapy and diploma programmes, students will who wish to achieve the minimum attachments with its affiliated nursing, oncology nursing and
other health services. receive certificates for completion English proficiency qualification to medical centres. perioperative nursing
With more than 10,000 of their respective courses, pursue further study. To ensure that students receive programmes,” says Wong.
graduates currently employed, professional examinations and For SPM school-leavers, RSDHC the best college experience, RSDHC Graduates of RSDHC nursing
RSDHC was awarded a six-star achievements in extracurricular offers a three-month intensive provides quality venues for programmes have a bright future
rating by the Higher Education activities. Dean’s list certification is programme to candidates who are education and living. Its aim is to in the industry as there are at least
Ministry under the Malaysian awarded to high achievers. sitting for repeat examinations in provide a learning environment 600 industry positions available
Quality Evaluation System for These certificates of recognition July and November. that is safe, allowing students to be locally and internationally.
Private Colleges 2016/2017. serve as testament to RSDHC In collaboration with University free of discrimination and Nursing and health science
As part of Ramsay Sime Darby graduates’ industry-ready of Hertfordshire (UH), RSDHC now harassment. programme intakes are in April,
Health Care group, students of capabilities that can further offers the BSc (Hons) In addition to spacious lecture July and October every year.
RSDHC are guided by the EXCITE improve their employment Contemporary Nursing 2+0 halls, laboratories and classrooms,
core principles of the college:
l EX – Excel in everything we do
opportunities.
All diploma programmes offered
programme. The course is for
practising registered nurses who
RSDHC is fitted with a
comprehensive library and
Visit the campus
l C – Care and compassion from by RSDHC are approved by the have successfully completed an information and communications RSDHC is open every weekday
the heart Higher Education Ministry, MQA-approved diploma in nursing. technology resources. Students can from 9am to 5pm. Walk-in
also use the free wireless Internet enquiries are welcome. Students
connection provided on campus. can visit RSDHC’s new campus in
Furthermore, RSDHC offers a Setia Alam or look out for RSDHC
comprehensive range of services representatives at major education
including counselling, academic fairs nationwide.
support, career enhancement and Wong shares the institution’s
personal development guidance, pride in its Setia Alam campus.
international student support, Best described as a campus in the
financial aid, and international and sky, it is equipped with state-of-the-
local student accommodation art facilities and can accommodate
facilities. up to 2,000 students at any one
“In as little as five years, there time.
will be a shortage of professionals “All classrooms offer a view of
in most healthcare disciplines, Setia Alam from different
especially within the group that directions. The Setia Alam campus
has direct contact with patients,” also offers students the
says Eliza Wong Pak Fong, acting convenience of various practical
chief executive officer and learning laboratories and
academic dean of RSDHC. recreational areas for
“RSDHC aims to provide as many extracurricular activities,” says
healthcare personnel as possible to Wong.
meet future demands of the
industry. n For more information,
“We engage healthcare call 03-3362 0100/0110, e-mail
institutions in providing financial college@ramsaysimedarbyhealth.
aid for underprivileged students. com or visit www.
RSDHC simulates real work environments to prepare students for professions in their chosen fields. This arrangement enables more ramsaysimedarbycollege.edu.my
THE STAR, TUESDAY 3 APRIL 2018 3
4 Course Focus THE STAR, TUESDAY 3 APRIL 2018

A new
approach to
learning
THE rapid pace of technological
advancement has created a
disruptive world where nothing
At Monash, we
is relevant for too long. There is endeavour to equip
students with
thus an urgent need for a
significant shift in the way
children are educated.
These coupled with the short head knowledge,
attention span of the modern
generation accelerate the need to
the necessary
come up with intelligent ways of professional skills
learning. The conventional
method of didactic learning, to excel as well as
Monash students are coached towards success through active and independent learning.
where the teacher speaks and
the student listens, is obsolete.
qualities such as
Assoc Prof Dr Victor Chuang, integrity, empathy
Monash University Malaysia’s
new head of School of Pharmacy, and the ability to
sheds light on the faculty’s
initiatives in helping students
work collegiately
learn better. with people.
“Beginning last year, we have
rolled out a revised syllabus with
a different teaching and learning
approach,” he says. With more and how they plan to resolve
than 25 years of experience them,” he says.
behind him, Assoc Prof Chuang is “We look at our students as
under no illusion to the athletes. We are the coaches. We
challenges that he faces. find out their strengths and see
“Students tend to focus on what they are lacking. Then we
what is coming out in provide them with the guidance
examinations. At Monash, we and tools to develop and
endeavour to equip students overcome their weaknesses.”
with head knowledge, the For his postgraduate studies,
necessary professional skills to Assoc Prof Chuang was a
excel as well as qualities such as benefactor of the Monbusho
integrity, empathy and the ability Scholarship from the Japanese
to work collegiately with people,” Ministry of Education.
he adds. He focused on studying the
The new method, which is ligand-binding properties of
being simultaneously rolled out plasma proteins with the aim of
by Monash’s Faculty of Pharmacy modifying protein molecules
and Pharmaceutical Sciences in using recombinant DNA
Parkville Australia, is aimed at technology for drug delivery and
empowering students to drive therapeutic purposes.
their learning process. Having spent more than six
“The whole process has years in Japan and more than 10
progressed from a passive years in Western Australia,
teaching approach to active Assoc Prof Chuang relates to the
personalised coaching. This is a challenges that foreign students
flipped classroom approach. We may face in a different country.
guide students to teach With facilities such as the
themselves, get information and Brain Research Institute Monash
solve problems,” he says. Sunway and animal house in
Where teaching was once place, Monash University
governed by lecturers, students Malaysia is ahead of its
are now required to read up and competitors in terms of research
understand a given topic before facilities.
they pose questions in an online “For a private university to
forum. maintain an animal house, I was
This is where the lecturers will really impressed. Animal studies
respond, after which students are conducted to investigate the
will attempt a series of questions efficacy of certain medication or
to check their understanding. the effect of certain compounds
“Lectures will be conducted in on living beings. This is a very
an interactive way where costly facility to maintain as the
lecturers provide further animals are kept in a controlled
clarifications on concepts that environment,” he says.
cannot be explained easily He may be new in Monash
online, in addition to answering University Malaysia, but Assoc
students’ questions,” says Assoc Prof Chuang feels very much at
Prof Chuang. home and has a clear and noble
In life, change is something idea of what he wants to
that humans struggle to grapple achieve.
with. It is no different for “I feel well supported by all
students who have been brought the schools. It’s like a
up in a system that encourages community, where we can all
rote learning. Acknowledging work together towards
this, Assoc Prof Chuang speaks providing research solutions
about the methods that are in nationally as well as regionally,”
place to address these challenges. he shares.
“There’s a mentor and mentee
partnership where, after two n For more information on
weeks, students will need to sit programmes at the School
down and reflect on the progress of Pharmacy, Monash
of their learning, identifying University Malaysia, visit
what learning issues they have www.monash.edu.my/pharmacy