Student Experiences

Students' Testimonial

Hear what our alumni have to say about our postgraduate programmes and how the programme has helped them in their career.

Dr. Joe Ooi Chor Yau

Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak

While many people pursue a PhD for noble reasons, my motivation was different. My primary reason for starting this journey was to be closer to my family. Despite this, deciding to pursue a PhD has been one of the most significant decisions of my life. Throughout the process, I gained invaluable experiences and knowledge that I might never have encountered otherwise. For instance, I was fortunate to be guided by exceptional supervisors who taught me the art of research, to network with other researchers and collaborators in the field, and to travel to places I never imagined visiting—like the United States, thanks to my supervisor being based there. Though the journey was long and challenging, marked by the pandemic and personal burnout, I have never regretted my decision. Looking back, I realize that while my initial motive might not have been ideal, the journey itself has profoundly enriched my life. I am deeply grateful to the Department of Primary Care Medicine and to everyone who has been part of this chapter—my supervisors, the friends I made along the way, and the field experts who offered their guidance. This PhD journey has undoubtedly added a touch of sweetness to my life.

Alumnus of PhD, 2024

Dr. Lim Mun Kit

Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, Monash University Malaysia

Reflecting on my postgraduate studies at the Department of Primary Care Medicine, I am deeply grateful for the exceptional education and support I received. The department's strong emphasis on research methodology provided a robust foundation for my professional growth. The faculty, who were not only experts in their fields but also dedicated mentors, guided me through every step of my journey. The research opportunities were diverse and enriching, allowing me to work on projects addressing real-world health issues. One of the most significant experiences was contributing to a project promoting healthy aging for Malaysians. This initiative, the first of its kind, enabled me to apply my research skills meaningfully, ultimately improving the quality of life for the elderly population. The department's collaborative environment encouraged critical thinking and effective teamwork with colleagues from various disciplines. This experience not only enhanced my research capabilities but also fostered a strong sense of community and teamwork. One of the most valuable aspects of my experience was the supportive community within the department. The encouragement from faculty and fellow students created a positive and motivating atmosphere, helping me navigate the challenges of postgraduate study. The skills and knowledge I gained at the Department of Primary Care Medicine have been instrumental in my career, and I am proud to be an alumnus of such a prestigious institution.

Alumnus of PhD, 2023

Dr. Muhammad Ashraf Bin Khalid

Senior Lecturer, Department of Decision Science, Faculty of Business and Economics, Universiti Malaya

Before starting my PhD, my academic background was in Computational Mathematics and Applied Statistics, both of which were coursework-based, so I had little research experience. The opportunity for a PhD opened up to me when I was hired as a Research Assistant under the guidance of Professor Dr. Ng Chirk Jenn (who later became my supervisor) and Professor Dr. Low Wah Yun, working on research in men’s health. Encouraged by their support and mentorship, I decided to dive into health sciences for my PhD—and especially under a clinical department of Primary Care Medicine. Many of my peers back then were surprised by this leap! Looking back, I now see that the department’s unique blend of clinical and non-clinical expertise was a huge asset. This mix was evident in the collaborative spirit, supervision, and research discussions, all of which helped me bridge the gap between my background and my PhD research. I can't count the number of times that this supportive environment helped me get through the challenges of shifting fields. Today, I’m back in my original field, teaching and conducting research as a statistics practitioner. My time in the Department of Primary Care Medicine continues to inspire me, and I make it a point to emulate it by encouraging my own students—whether they're from Physics, Computer Science, Law, or other disciplines—to embrace interdisciplinary opportunities. As a researcher, I always consider the opportunity to collaborate with researchers from the Department of Primary Care Medicine.

Alumnus of PhD, 2021

Dr. Ranita Binti Hisham Shunmugam

Senior Lecturer, Department of Library & Information Science, Faculty of Arts & Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya

Who would have thought that an ordinary librarian like me, with a background in library science, would pursue a PhD in Medicine, particularly in Primary Care Medicine? It is a privilege not everyone experiences—having a study leave supported by UM. I am grateful for the opportunity provided by my supervisors, the late Prof. Liew Su May and Prof. Ng Chirk Jenn, who aimed to train a librarian from the UM medical library to be involved in Evidence-Based Medicine and Systematic Reviews back in 2013. I am delighted to be part of this PCM family and can truly say I have had a tremendous experience here. I have had the chance to work with many individuals and gain valuable experience in conducting workshops and other activities. It has not only been about the PhD; we have also acquired important skills as researchers. The study environment here is excellent, supported by an amazing network of postgraduates and lecturers. I have witnessed everyone working diligently, and we are encouraged to express our creativity. Of course, there have been struggles during my PhD journey, but the care and encouragement from everyone have motivated me to complete my studies. After graduating, I continued my work at the medical library, applying what I had learned while providing training to students and lecturers. Following my experience as a Senior Librarian, I took another step in my career by joining the Department of Library and Information Science, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Malaya, as a Senior Lecturer. I am grateful to everyone who has been part of my humble journey.

Alumnus of PhD, 2019

Dr. Teo Chin Hai

Senior Lecturer and Head of mHealth and Telehealth Section, UM eHealth Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya

As what the department aspires to teach (family medicine), it feels like a family being in this department. I was still exploring the career of my life and it was the warmth of the people in this department particularly my supervisor (Prof Dr Ng Chirk Jenn) that kept me locked on my career journey in this family. This department has always been pushing for people-centred care. Yes, publications, presentations and thesis are important to graduate, but it has always been about people first here. I am proud to say that in most of the work I have been involved in, they were done with the passion and intention to improve care for patients and community, not for the sake of publication in mind. I was also given a lot of opportunities to involve in many things aside my PhD work. There were also much fun organising men’s health campaigns, travelling to attend conferences, the outings and sports sessions done together. Of course, there are many experts with PhD whom I could refer to in the department. There were also ample research methodology workshops conducted by the department and often there are international experts whom we were connected up with to feedback on our work. All in all, it has been a very enriching and cherishable PhD journey for me in this department. Moving forward, I am now a senior lecturer in the eHealth Unit under the faculty, pursuing my passion in digital health. The skills and confidence I have built during the journey prove to be valuable as I continue to teach and conduct more impactful research in the university, while applying people-centredness as the core in all my future work.

Alumnus of PhD, 2018

Dr. Annaletchumy Loganathan

Assistant Professor, Department of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Malaysia

I pursued my PhD in 2012 at the Department of Primary Care Medicine (PCM), University of Malaya. My academic journey, initially grounded in aquatic biology and biomedical technology, was undoubtedly a challenging experience, particularly as I focused my research direction on mixed methods, with an emphasis on qualitative research. However, it was through the unwavering guidance and steadfast support of my supervisors, fellow postgraduate students, and the academic and departmental staff that I was able to thrive. The PCM department fosters a friendly and supportive environment, which was crucial in helping me balance my studies while working as a lecturer at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar campus. It was during this time that I truly learned the importance of integrity in conducting research and navigating the research process. As I continue to innovate and contribute to the field of academic and research, I remain deeply grateful to my supervisors, Professor Dr. Ng Chirk Jenn and Honorary Professor Dr. Low Wah Yun, for their significant role in shaping my career.

Alumnus of PhD, 2018

Dr. Cheong Ai Theng

Associate Professor and Family Medicine Specialist, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Embarking on a PhD has been a pivotal step in my journey as an academician. While my professional training in Family Medicine equipped me with essential clinical skills, I recognized the need to deepen my research expertise to make meaningful contributions to the field. Choosing to pursue my PhD at the Department of Primary Care Medicine, Universiti Malaya, was influenced by the university’s strong reputation for dedicated supervision and a supportive academic environment. A highlight of my journey has been the opportunity to work with my knowledgeable and committed supervisors. Their guidance has been invaluable, as regular meetings and constructive feedback have helped me refine my ideas and stay motivated. Their support has made the challenges of PhD study much more manageable. Equally important was the supports from my peers. Collaborating with fellow PhD students has enriched my experience. We share insights, and offer mutual support, creating a vibrant learning community that makes the journey more enjoyable. Overall, my time at Universiti Malaya has been fulfilling. I continue to foster connections and collaborate with my supervisors and peers on various research projects. This journey has truly been enriching, shaping my skills and passion for research in profound ways.

Alumnus of PhD, 2017

Dr. Renukha Sellappans

Senior Lecturer and Head, School of Pharmacy, Taylor's University.

I joined the Department of Primary Care Medicine, University of Malaya to pursue my PhD in 2012. With almost non-existence research knowledge and skills, I learnt so much from my supervisors, fellow postgraduate students and academic staff of the department. The department provided a dynamic, vibrant, collaborative and supportive learning environment to the traditionally very lonely postgraduate journey. I am very proud to say that it was the most enriching years of my whole life which has transformed me completely to who I am today. Upon completion of my PhD, I joined the School of Pharmacy, Taylor’s University in 2016 as a lecturer to start my academic career. With the knowledge and soft skills gained through my postgraduate years at UM, I continued to learn and excel in my academic career through teaching, research, postgraduate supervision and administrative tasks. Today, I head the School of Pharmacy at Taylor’s University and I sincerely thank my supervisors Associate Professor Dr Pauline Lai and Professor Dr Ng Chirk Jenn for all their guidance and support. Not forgetting the ever-supportive postgraduate comrades who are all achievers in their own field today. Thank you!

Alumnus of PhD, 2017

Dr. Lee Yew Kong

Senior Lecturer and Head, Research Training Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya

When I signed up for the PhD on shared decision making at the Department of Primary Care Medicine, it was a good foundation for a career in academia. Publication criteria had just been introduced for PhDs in Universiti Malaya. Thankfully, my supervisors (Prof Ng Chirk Jenn, Prof Low Wah Yun) guided me on how to translate research findings (which often dealt with local cultural and health system contexts) into a format suited for international readers. I got my first publication accepted the day before my scholarship (which was publication-based) was about to expire. I am not denying that publication pressure can be frustrating or even toxic, but in this department, I learned to enjoy the process. My PhD overall was a great experience and I remember fondly student group writing sessions, peer-led discussions, lunch and dinner outings, and being able to attend research conferences in Asia, Europe, North America and South America (I still haven’t made it to Africa). After graduation, I joined the department as a senior lecturer where I am assigned to the Department Research Committee. Talking about coming full circle, I was recently invited to the editorial board for the very first journal I published in, and this role has given me new ideas on how to help students engage with research in a positive manner.

Alumnus of PhD, 2014