Two Weeks in Malaysia: Our Elective Journey at UKM’s Department of OBGYN

In July 2025, we had the opportunity to take part in an elective program at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), which took place from July 7th to July 21st at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz (HCTM) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This elective program was a clinical rotation designed for final-year medical students, allowing us to learn directly in a hospital setting. Throughout the program, we had the opportunity to observe real clinical cases and, with patient consent and under the supervision of our mentors, we were also able to conduct history-taking and perform physical examinations.

Pictures with our supervision in Obgyn

For the duration of the two-week program, we were placed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Participants were divided into different teams; one of us was assigned to the Green Team, and the other to the Orange Team. Although we were assigned to separate teams, our schedules and clinical activities were generally similar, allowing us to share experiences and learn from one another.

Picture with the team of Green Unit

The Green Unit followed a structured and varied schedule of clinical activities throughout the week. Each day began with morning ward rounds at Ward 1B and 2B, starting at 7:00 AM and continuing until around 9:00 AM. On Monday, following the ward round, we were assigned to observe activities in the labour room. Tuesday’s schedule included a session in the operating theatre, where we observed surgical procedures. On Wednesday, we attended a clinico-pathological conference (CPC) held in the auditorium, followed by outpatient clinic rotations. Thursday involved further observation in the labour room after morning rounds. Finally, Friday concluded with a rotation in the family clinic, where we observed patient consultations in an outpatient setting.

Picture with the Orange Team

From Monday to Friday, the schedule with the Orange Team was packed with a variety of clinical activities. On Monday, we joined morning ward rounds and observed procedures at the labour room OT. Tuesday continued with ward rounds, ultrasound clinic sessions, and clinical year classes. On Wednesday, we attended a clinico-pathological conference and joined case discussions in the ward. Thursday included another clinic rotation with Dr. Rowaidah and clerking patients for case presentations. Finally, on Friday, we wrapped up the week with morning rounds and presented our cases to the clinical team, a great opportunity to receive feedback and reflect on what we had learned.

Our elective posting at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia has been an insightful and rewarding experience. Throughout our rotation in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz, we were given the opportunity to join daily ward rounds, participate in clinic rotations, observe procedures in the operating theatre, and engage in meaningful discussions with doctors. These experiences have significantly enriched our knowledge, especially in understanding how patient care is managed holistically, from clinical decision-making to doctor–patient communication.

Through each activity, we gained valuable exposure not only to various clinical cases but also to how the healthcare team works together in managing patients. Observing how doctors interact with patients and make decisions in real time helped us learn important aspects of communication, professionalism, and patient-centered care, lessons that are rarely captured in lectures or textbooks.

Beyond academic and clinical learning, this program also gave us the opportunity to build new friendships and professional relationships, both with the doctors who guided us and the medical students who were on rotation as well. We are truly grateful for the warm welcome and support we received during our time here, and we sincerely appreciate every moment, lesson, and connection that made this experience so meaningful.

Name: Faiha Yasmine, Yosef Rangga Wicaksono

Year of studies: 2022

Home University: Universitas Airlangga