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| International Federation of Medical Students' Associations, Jordan - Jordan University of Science and Technology Local Committee. |
As a start to this post, I would like to give you, my dear readers and fellow IFMSAns, a very brief insight into my academic history.
I was never the brightest of students, nor was I ever that perfectly disciplined pupil or straight A student, except for a few primary years some might say. It so happened, that through tenth grade, something in me decided it would be worth making that leap of faith. Then and there, in hopes of raising my prospects for university admission, the decision was made; and I made it my intention to exert a greater effort into academics. I did well, unexpectedly well actually, and here I am - five years later - your average medical student about to begin his fourth year of study in the clinics.
Mind you oh wise readers, do not be fooled. Time - the unalterable, unfaltering nuisance that it is - changes but the tiniest fragments of this vast universe we call home. Through childhood, not once had I contemplated the thought of becoming a doctor. I was convinced wholeheartedly, that the future would have me become a world renowned architect, designing modern skyscrapers for the most magnificent cities around the globe. Childhood dreams a few might call it, eh?
Some of you, my good fellows, have had the medical dream for as far back as they can remember. I find that respectably fascinating. However, I fool you not my friends; not even upon graduation from school did the thought of a medical career sound intriguing. After registering myself into a Mechanical Engineering degree at the University of Jordan, and convincing my inner being that I was to become the innovative mechanic of the future, fate has it that a twisted change of events occurred.
None other than our Jordan University of Science and Technology called home, offering me a spot as a medical student. There I was, seated under grandmother's lemon tree, with mom yelling from our apartment downstairs that I had been accepted into medicine.
Unbelievable as this may sound to an audience of medical students, the decision was never an easy one. There are the days where I tell myself that the decision was as haphazard as flipping a coin; some might call it luck or faith, and still some might attribute the happenings to a higher being. But even with that said, I am well assured, that had it not been for the cultural and societal outlooks on medical education and physicians, I would have not end up where I am today.
Life so has it that people around this world are segregated from one another by numerous cultures, multiple societal values, and those plenty customs and habits; be they good or bad. Our Middle Eastern values today, have almost nothing in common with those of their Western or Eastern counterparts, albeit globalization is playing its large part in bringing about a universal culture worldwide.
Do excuse me, good people, for there are times when my head finds itself running about in circles, subjects are so thoroughly intertwined with one another it becomes quite the deed focusing on a particular topic. My current days studying psychiatry have seen me diagnose myself with a rather large portion of mental illnesses. A few will be tempted to call it 'medical student syndrome' and others may refuse to do so. But that is another subject to be discussed on its own.
Subject at hand, my dears. Society does have its ultimate role in every decision that flows through your head, be it rational or not. It is widely believed, in our beloved Jordan and Middle East at large, that those students who are high achievers at school deserve to enter nothing but medicine or engineering. Prestige, social class, financial income, job availability, and societal approval are words and concepts that come to mind when dealing with such a matter.
Kind readers, I believe that there are quite the share of questions that must be posed on the topic of admission into medical school. I have no doubt that you are aware of the four year premed system that is valid in the United States, or the fact that the majority of renowned institutions of higher education across the globe require their applicants to interview for medical spots. I will refrain myself from pointing out the other rigorous requirements medical school applicants undergo abroad.
I think I am safe to say that the admissions system does need a significant overhaul, albeit some would philosophize that they are against the notion. How many of us would have passed through an interview, a psychometric or a medical-knowledge evaluation exam? The thought is indeed quite the fright. And yet people are adamant in convincing you that quality still prevails over quantity, that the country still respects the rule of law and fair criterion selection - my sincere boo to that.
Fellow IFMSAns, I must thoroughly thank you for taking the time to read this blabber of thought. It isn't too objective but I suppose it'll do for a first timer on our new blog. No?
