"Those Detours Shaped Me Into Who I Am Today"
Humans of Medicine #51
This publication is in conjunction with the public health initiative by MMI. For further information, please visit @mmi_social on Instagram.
Dr. Loke Xi Mun is a junior doctor and a plastic surgery trainee at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She is also the chairperson of the Junior Doctors’ Network (JDN), a part of the Malaysian Medical Association that actively advocates for the well-being of junior doctors.
Workplace pressure seems to be the highlight of today’s stories — no matter where you turn. Scroll through any social media feed, and you’ll likely come across at least one junior doctor sharing their struggles or announcing their resignation. It’s become almost a norm.
So today, I wanted to share my story. Because sometimes, stories have the power to shift perspectives in ways that data simply cannot. Perhaps it might resonate with some of you, remind you that you’re not alone, or even inspire you to keep going. Maybe, through sharing, more of us will reach out to one another — and together, we can build a community of support and strength.
I’ve learned the hard way that humor and grit are the best survival skills in medicine. Like many others, I began my journey bright-eyed and hopeful, with every plan laid out neatly. But life had other ideas. My journey has felt like a train that derailed multiple times — yet, each time, I somehow managed to bring it back on track.
It started when I was extended during my housemanship. Later, I experienced mistreatment from a not-so-senior colleague. And just when I thought the worst was behind me, life threw another curveball. When it came time to apply for postgraduate training, I wasn’t given the opportunity — “lack of manpower,” they said. Still, I chose to stay, for the sake of the people and my department.
Eventually, I realised that the only way forward was to leave the Ministry of Health (KKM) and join the university pathway. But even there, the journey didn’t unfold as planned. I had to wait another three years to accumulate the required SKU marks before being eligible to apply for postgraduate training. Every setback was disheartening, yet it taught me one crucial lesson — there isn’t only one road to your goal. There are many paths, some smooth, some bumpy — and mine just happened to have a few extra bumps along the way.
A Plastic Surgery Trainee Highlight: Meet Professor Ghulam Qadir Fayyaz, a renowned plastic surgeon specialising in cleft lip and palate surgeries from Pakistan. Our guest speaker for the 2nd National Plastic Surgery Conference, August 2025.
Emotionally, the toll was real. There were moments I felt drained, disheartened, and unsure of where I stood. But what kept me going was my passion to serve — the very reason I joined this noble profession. On bad days, a simple “thank you” or a smile from a patient reminded me why it was all worth it. Those small gestures had the power to reignite my motivation when everything else felt heavy.
I was also incredibly blessed to have the unwavering support of my family. They stood by me through every twist and turn. Even on days when I couldn’t be physically present, a quick FaceTime or short call was enough to lift my spirits. I made a conscious effort to be kind to myself on tough days — to take small steps to care for my own wellbeing. Sometimes, a five-minute chat with family made all the difference.
Looking back now, I am grateful for every challenge I faced. Those detours shaped me into who I am today and led me down a path I never expected to love. I once aspired to become a cardiothoracic surgeon — but my struggles eventually led me to discover an even more fulfilling journey in plastic surgery, one that truly resonates with who I am.
Organising the Live Surgery was an eye-opening and inspiring cleft surgery learning experience and a true highlight for me as a novice trainee. On my left is Dr. Kasturi, a Plastic surgeon and Chairperson of the 2nd National Plastic Surgery Conference, August 2025. Along with my team members.
I know that stories like mine — and the many others you see on social media — might make you worry about working in Malaysia, especially when a better work-life balance seems more achievable abroad. But I’d like to say this: the grass is always greener on the other side. Give Malaysia a chance to shape you into the doctor you aspire to be. Challenges will come, but seek help — don’t quit.
We at the Malaysian Medical Association Junior Doctors’ Network (MMA JDN) exist for exactly that reason — to advocate for and champion the welfare of junior doctors within ten years of graduating from medical school. We’ve been in your shoes before, and we’re here to make sure that you will never walk this journey alone.
JDN Seminar, a collaboration event in April 2025 by MMA JDN and Society of MMA Medical students (SMMAMS). Sitting on my left is the Chairperson of SMMAMS, Miss Siew Ke Yuan, and her energetic committee members.
As my final advice, I’d like to share a quote that has been a source of motivation for me:
“A setback isn’t the end — it’s just the scenic route to where you are meant to be.”
