Hidden benefits

Giving confidence, enthusiasm and professionalism a welcome boost, further education is about far more than gaining greater job security, writes Dr Darwin Mak

The moment I received the results of my finals, I imagined that I would not have to sit any more examinations. However, in the fast-developing medical profession, no one can stop learning - continuous medical education is the trend.

In fact, I was lucky, in that my boss did not exert any pressure on me to pursue further education, other than attending monthly academic meetings and some short courses. However, as a contract-based member of the Department of Health, I believed that further equipping myself was a way to keep my job secure. I also decided to take the Master of Medical Science programme at the University of Hong Kong to prepare for my professional examinations.

I was so excited when I returned to my old school. I bought new stationery and happily remembered my time at university. After years without lectures, homework or examinations, I was worried that I would not adapt to school life. However, I quickly became accustomed to the new campus and lectures - although studying on a part-time basis was tiring. Sometimes I had to go to work after attending four-hour lectures on Saturdays. The weekends were filled with studying and work and I also had to find some time to prepare for tutorials. Reading on my way to work became a daily routine.

On the other hand, technological advances saved time and researching journal articles via the library website meant I did not need to travel to the university library. Searching and browsing on the Internet is a quick and efficient way to prepare homework and dissertations.

I did get depressed because of the pressure, but the course gave me more than I had expected. It brought back a great deal of forgotten knowledge and also made plain many concepts that I did not understand as an undergraduate.

Most importantly, it gave me a better understanding of my job. After nearly four years' service, I was familiar with day-to-day work, but was unsure of the reasoning behind "boring routine practices". I had even queried why I was doing something - whether for the sake of people's health or for reasons of policy. However, through both reading and studying, I have a new and clearer understanding of my job. I now find a great deal of academic support for my daily duties and have become more enthusiastic. I feel more confident in discussions with my colleagues and seniors and voice my opinion more frequently.

Other than the academic benefits, this course has also broadened my social network. The section in which I work is a minute part of the department and we rarely communicate with other sections. Few people know anything about our section; in fact, I did not know about other sections, either. As my classmates come from different specialties, I now know much more about how other sections are run and have a complete picture of the department. I am sure this will be of some advantage if I want to transfer to or work with other sections.

When I submitted my application for this course, I was simply looking for better job security. Since joining this programme, I can present my ideas to my seniors more professionally and with greater confidence. Although I am not going to be promoted, I have been assigned some important duties this year. I, therefore, believe that this course has increased my professional ability in terms of knowledge, my social network and my communication skills.

Taken from Career Times 2003/11/14
If you want to contribute to this column, please contact the editor for further information at editor@careertimes.com.hk