Paediatrics University of Malaya

Overview

Paediatrics at University of Malaya as a specialty deals with the family, community besides caring for the individual from the time of birth through age of 18 years. In Malaysia it is estimated that 26.4% (7.7 mil) of the population is under 15 years old (2012 Ministry of Health Malaysia, Health Facts). 

It is the most holistic of all medical specialties with care ranging from preventive care, anticipatory guidance and advocacy for children apart from the usual treatment of illnesses, thus minimizing the adverse effects of disease and allowing children to lead as normal life as possible. 

Children are generally well and healthy individuals and paediatricians enjoy working with a group of delightful and entertaining group of individuals, while at the same time having to deal with varied parents and other social support groups, making working life enjoyable and diverse. 

While children may present with an acute, critical or complex problem they are nursed back to complete normalcy and often permanently. The job is thus challenging, intellectually stimulating, enjoyable, emotionally satisfying and rewarding.

Career Opportunity

Paediatricians may choose to work at various levels:

• General practice in the community
• Hospital based consultants
• Tertiary level teaching hospitals
• Academic institutions

A trained paediatrician can opt to subspecialise in the various subspecialties ranging from neonatal intensive care to community paediatrics. Each subspecialty is forward-looking offering vast opportunities for research frequently leading to exciting and impressive discoveries.

Paediatricians often have to work with different professionals including:

• School teachers
• Social workers
• Physiotherapists
• Speech therapists
• Dieticians