Making full use of his experience gained abroad

Bringing positive change to people’s lives is Dr Helmy’s motivation to embrace the next stage of his career here in Malaysia. A firm believer of “giving back”, Dr Helmy is an associate of the Institute of Democracy and Economic Affairs (IDEAS), a think-tank that performs research and is involved in advancing policy including in several areas such as Healthcare.

“The ability to be involved in non-clinical work was one of the key factors of my decision to return to Malaysia,” says Dr Helmy, who came home under the Government’s Returning Expert Programme (REP).

Apart from pursuing his professional life and raising a family, Dr Helmy is actively involved in social work and participates in various volunteer programmes.

“I have always wanted to have a more fulfilling life outside of medical work. Upon returning, I realised there are many ways I can contribute that go beyond the Healthcare spectrum. Being able to strike that balance here, and put my knowledge and experience gained from abroad in a more meaningful manner is very important to me,” he explains.

Do professionals with overseas experience have an advantage over their local peers?

A significant issue that undermines locally trained practitioners is the passive learning culture practised here in Malaysia. This is in stark contrast to the learning process found in more developed countries, which gives students the means to question and be an active participant in the classroom.

Dr Helmy explains, “When I started working as a junior doctor in the UK, I was very quiet. In fact, I was told off for not being vocal enough. It gave my consultants the impression that I was disinterested. A consultant of mine made it a point to challenge and to question me, allowing me to present my views to the point where I built up enough confidence.”

“With confidence, I was able to tell my consultants if they were wrong. One thing I really appreciated from my experience in the UK was the autonomy. I was treated as an equal whose ideas were valued and not just a junior doctor. There was a culture of inclusion and space to speak out, and this really does give you an advantage in developing your medical and soft skills.

“Communication skills, confidence, critical thinking skills, and adaptability are all crucial aspects in growing your career. I don’t think that medical practitioners from the West or those who have been trained overseas are automatically better than locally trained practitioners, but some of these aspects are given more emphasis during training in developed countries,” he adds.

When asked if he had any advice for other Malaysian Healthcare professionals abroad contemplating moving back home, Dr Helmy says, “An expert who has the opportunity to work alongside medical professionals overseas is able to excel in the Healthcare industry here, as long as they are willing to put in the extra effort and they believe in creating a robust Healthcare community. The sense of career fulfilment you achieve here, especially if you are able to contribute your expertise and overseas experience to your industry is a chance that you should not miss in your lifetime.”