UCSI was presented with a certificate of appreciation for their service at the medical screening organised for the residents of Taman Sri Manir.

UCSI’s medical students manned four stations including blood glucose where they administered the screening processes to detect diabetes.

Patients were assisted in the procedure to measure their bone density.

UCSI’s Associate Professor Dr Retneswari Masilamani (third from left) observes her students as they interpret the results of the screenings and provide counselling to their patients.

The experience enabled students to hone their communication skills as well as they communicated the test results to their patients.

KUALA TERENGGANU: UCSI University’s medical students and lecturers were recently invited by the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) to participate in a health screening organised for the residents of Taman Sri Manir. 

Officiated by Dato' See Meng Geok, National Vice Chairman of Wanita MCA, the event offered free screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar and osteoporosis. Thirteen students and three lecturers from UCSI’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences ran the blood pressure, pulse cum oximetry, blood glucose station, and bone density stations. 

The participants mostly consisted of the elderly who showed keen interest to undergo the various tests and to receive medical advice and counselling. Under the guidance of their lecturers, the students administered tests, interpreted the results and provided recommendations to their patients. 

Those with normal results were motivated with the good news and encouraged to maintain their healthy lifestyle for wellness, while those who had abnormal readings were advised to seek hospital treatment in addition to practicing a healthier lifestyle. 

“Such interactions with the public enable our students to enhance their clinical as well as their communication skills which are an important tenet of being a doctor,” said Associate Professor Dr Retneswari Masilamani, who also serves as the advisor to the UCSI Medical Students Association at the University’s Terengganu campus. 

“It is an invaluable learning experience for the students who will also witness, first-hand in the field, the need to serve the community and educate them on the importance of maintaining wellness. It is critical that communities are empowered to actively participate in their own healthcare decisions and activities to keep themselves healthy.” 

Participants also enjoyed a talk on osteoporosis and healthy lifestyles delivered by a visiting doctor from Hospital Kuala Lumpur. 

At the end of the event, UCSI was presented with a certificate of appreciation for their contribution.