The Open Day That Gave Me a Clearer View of Medicine

24 Jun 2026

6 Min Read

Anusha Baanu (Unibuddy Ambassador), Nellie Chan (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Explore how Taylor’s Open Day helped Unibuddy Ambassador Anusha gain clarity on studying medicine and pursuing a medical career.

I had just completed Foundation in Science when I found myself facing one of the biggest decisions of my life. Unlike after secondary school, this felt far more significant, one that would determine not only what I studied next, but potentially the direction of my future career. Although my foundation studies had exposed me to subjects closely related to medicine and sparked an interest in healthcare, they did not bring the clarity I expected.

The more seriously I considered this path, the more questions I had. I wondered whether I was genuinely drawn to the profession itself or simply attracted to the idea of becoming a doctor. At the same time, I worried about whether I could cope with the realities of medical school, often described as one of the most demanding academic programmes. Stories of sleepless nights, endless exams, and the emotional toll of it all made me doubt whether I would survive—let alone thrive—in such an environment, despite my interest in the field.

Then came the practical considerations. The long and costly pathway into medicine made me conscious of the financial commitment involved and what it might mean for my family. Securing a scholarship felt less like a want and more like a need. Meanwhile, I was also becoming more aware of the wider uncertainties within Malaysia’s healthcare system, particularly the contract doctor system and its implications for job placements and the early experiences of junior doctors after graduation. Hearing all this made the path ahead feel even more daunting, and I began to wonder whether committing so many years to it would ultimately lead to stability.

With all these questions weighing on my mind, I realised what I needed was clarity—an understanding of what pursuing medicine actually involved. I was also eager to explore the different pathways available, having always believed there was only one strict route into the profession. More than anything, I wanted the confidence that I was making an informed decision. That search for answers ultimately led me to attend Open Day at Taylor’s University.

First Impressions of University Life

When I first arrived on campus, I was surprised by how lively it was. Before attending Open Day, I had always pictured universities as rigid and intimidating, where students were constantly under pressure and focused solely on academics. Instead, I saw student ambassadors, lecturers, and counsellors moving about across campus, interacting in a calm, conversational manner that made the atmosphere feel far less tense than I had expected.

The campus tour was my first experience of the day, and it was the moment university life began to feel real. Walking through lecture theatres, study areas, discussion rooms, and shared facilities made it easier to imagine myself there, not just as a visitor, but as a prospective student. It no longer felt unfamiliar; it began to feel like a place where I could belong.

What stood out most during the tour, however, was not the physical environment itself, but the role student ambassadors played in shaping the Open Day experience. Beyond the tour, many of the booths and activities were run by them, and it was striking how confidently they engaged with prospective students and parents. More than their confidence, what impressed me most was the sense of ownership they demonstrated—responding thoughtfully to questions, sharing their insights, and guiding interactions throughout the day.

Witnessing this level of student involvement broadened my view of university life. It was no longer just about attending lectures and sitting for exams, but also about communication, collaboration, leadership, and independence. What stayed with me most was the support shown by the student ambassadors, which later inspired me to become one myself after joining Taylor’s. I wanted to offer future students the same sense of welcome that I had received on my first visit.

Conversations That Brought Clarity

As I explored Open Day further, I attended a personalised counselling session and briefly spoke with a lecturer, both of which are directly relevant to the decisions I was trying to make about my future. One of the most important misconceptions I held was clarified during the counselling session: my belief that medicine followed a single, fixed pathway. I learned that there are, in fact, multiple routes into the field, depending on students’ academic backgrounds. This significantly shifted my perspective, making the journey feel far less restrictive and more flexible to navigate.

The session also provided a concise overview of the available scholarship opportunities. The counsellor outlined the forms of support I could apply for, which later proved invaluable when I prepared my own application. I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship, which became one of the strongest sources of motivation throughout my studies. It not only eased financial burdens but also gave me a sense of reassurance, reinforcing my confidence in pursuing this path.

However, it was speaking to Dr Shajan that had the greatest impact on me. I remember raising my concerns about the contract doctor system in Malaysia. Instead of dismissing them, he acknowledged the challenges within the healthcare system, placing them within the wider context of the profession. He explained that although the path is often marked by uncertainty and sacrifice, it is also a career grounded in purpose and continuous growth. His perspective prompted me to reflect more deeply on why I was drawn to medicine in the first place. In doing so, I realised that I have always been motivated by a desire to help others and make meaningful contributions to their lives.

Looking Back as a Medical Student

Looking back now as a fourth-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student at Taylor’s University, I can see how much the Open Day experience has shaped my journey. I arrived feeling unsure of myself and uncertain about my future, but I left with a clearer sense of direction and, more importantly, a stronger sense of purpose in pursuing medicine.

Of course, medicine has not been easy—there have been sleepless nights, endless exams, and moments that test both resilience and self-belief, just as I had heard it would. Even so, I have never regretted my decision, because I know this is the path I am meant to be on.

If I were to share one thing with prospective students attending or planning to attend Open Day, it would be this: uncertainty is a normal part of the process. Clarity rarely arrives all at once; it grows gradually through honest conversations, lived experiences, and quiet reflection. And in many ways, that is enough to begin.

Like Anusha, you don't need to have all the answers before taking the next step. Open Day gives you the opportunity to speak with lecturers, explore the campus, learn about scholarships, and gain a clearer understanding of what studying medicine — and university life — is really like. Join our upcoming Open Day and start turning uncertainty into clarity.

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