When I first applied for the Master of Science in Public Health (MSPH) degree at IMU, I went in with expectations to learn the core disciplines of public health such as epidemiology, health policy, management and biostatistics. Not only did the course meet my expectations by setting a strong foundation in public health with modules relating to social and behavioural health, and health economics, I was also provided with a comprehensive crash course in research methodology that continues to help as a blueprint for conducting research in the field of medical science.
Furthermore, the modules were not only multidisciplinary with different playing fields of public health merging into each other, the lectures and following discussions were heavily nuanced and updated with recent scientific developments especially relating to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Rather than just being theory-based and book-learning based which I am used to, the learning materials utilised practical field visits, presentations and open discussions with lecturers and colleagues alike which I found extremely enlightening. As a student, I was encouraged to tailor my discussions, presentations, and arguments drawing from my experiences and background in Microbiology and Psychology. The diverse background of MSPH students from different parts of the world that included scientists, medical doctors and lab specialists allowed for a multidimensional learning environment.
As an international student, I also had the opportunity of learning more about the Public Health system in Malaysia through our field visits and field attachments and our elective attachments. The professional experience and memories of these visits and attachments will sit with me for a very long time.
One of my apprehensions before the commencement of the course was whether I would be able to effectively communicate and assimilate in a new environment, as I came from a different culture and country. This apprehension quickly dissipated once I met the lecturers of the programme who were very friendly and generous with their help and advice. I was very easily able to form a healthy mentor-mentee relationship with all the lecturers who were with me every step of the way. This made the task of completing an entire research project within the stipulated timing of 6-12 months much less daunting because my assigned supervisor and other lecturers were very helpful.
All in all, this entire experience is something I will cherish for a very long time and draw from for every aspect of my learning journey and career. Every discussion, presentation, field visit, practical class and interaction has been a valuable learning moment for me and something that I wish to pass on and share.