1.Alternate careers for medical graduates and house officers in Malaysia
Amaramalar Selvi Naicker ; Vinoshini Devi A/P Kailaivasan ; Brenda Saria Yuliawiratman ; Arvindran Alaga ; Kevin Ng Wei Shan ; Manimalar Selvi Naicker ; Ohnmar Htwe
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2021;76(2):183-189
Introduction: In recent years, many unresolved issues
pertaining to house officers in Malaysia have led to a longer
waiting time and a ‘glut’ of medical graduates with a
surprising 20% dropout amongst those who join the
housemanship programme. This appears to reflect the
changing times, mindsets and work expectations of
millennials who comprise this cohort reflecting a need to
consider possibilities of career shifts especially so in these
uncertain times. This study explores the perceptions,
awareness and interest in alternative career options
amongst recent graduates and house officers.
Materials and Methods: This was a study done between 2018
and 2019 using a questionnaire which was shared on
various social platforms. Data analysis was done using
Excel spreadsheet.
Results: A total of 450 house officers and 657 medical
graduates responded. Expectedly 66.8% claimed lifelong
passion whilst another 12.1% claimed family influence as
their reason to do medicine. Most were aware of their career
challenges and 40% of them were keen to consider career
change and reskilling indicating a possible shift from
traditional expectations of a medical career.
Conclusion: Whilst medicine is often considered a true
calling, current challenges will require mental and emotional
flexibility to explore other career opportunities. Thus,
engagement programmes should be directed at medical
graduates and house officers to identify and support those
open to career transitions. This will help address current
issues of internship bottleneck and rising dropout rates
amongst internees. Early career change engagements will
give them insight into their true career goals whilst opening
up opportunities for those who wish to change.
2.Factors Associated With Pressure Ulcer Risk Among Spinal Cord Injury Adults in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A Community-based Study
Yee Xing You ; Jing Yi Foo ; Wani Aqilah Mustafa ; Rohana Hussain ; Amaramalar Selvi Naicker ; Ohnmar Htwe ; Zahara Abdul Manaf ; Suzana Shahar
Malaysian Journal of Medicine and Health Sciences 2021;17(No.3):177-184
Introduction: Pressure ulcers (PUs) are a leading health problem among spinal cord injury(SCI) patients. Therefore,
this comprehensive study was aimed at determining the association between potential factors and the occurrence
of PUs among SCI adults in community settings. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults
with SCI aged 18 years and above from five selected locations in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The study was carried
out through interviews based on validated questionnaires such as the Dietary History Questionnaire (DHQ), Spinal
Nutrition Screening Tool (SNST), Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities (PASIPD), Barthel
Index for Activities of Daily Living (ADL), and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Estimated weight and
height were obtained using recumbent formula. The stages of their PUs were assessed based on National Pressure
Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) grading system. Results: A total of 40 subjects participated in the study, 25% of
whom were having PUs. Their nutritional inadequacies were identified, whereby 90%, 70% and 85.5% of them
were receiving below their daily requirement of energy, carbohydrate and protein, respectively. The fat and sodium
intakes of 55% of them were above the Malaysian Recommended Nutrient Intakes(RNI). It was successfully found
that physical activity could decrease the risk of PUs(R2=0.654, OR=0.310, p<0.05). Conclusion: Overall, 25% of
the subjects had PUs that were associated with physical inactivity. The majority of the subjects did not meet their
nutrient requirements. Therefore, there is a need for increased physical activity and improved nutrient intake in order
to reduce the risk of pressure ulcers among SCI adults in communities.