Kylie Kwek, a fourth-year student at the Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine of NUS, says her ambition to become a doctor is deeply rooted in her fascination with the sciences and the satisfaction gained from helping others. “I know it sounds very cliché and traditional,” she admits, “but I think that’s my main motivation, and I’m really fascinated by the detective-like nature of a doctor’s job.” This curiosity and dedication have been the driving force behind her academic journey. She has a keen interest in oncology, which is why she chose to have a placement in medical oncology at Semmelweis University, but she remains open to other specializations, including family medicine due to its broadness and appealing work-life balance. When she first heard about the exchange program between NUS and Semmelweis University, she did some research on the latter and understood immediately that it is a very prestigious institution. The opportunity to engage in clinical practice and research at such a renowned university was a major source of motivation for her.
During her five-week placement at the Oncology Division of the Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology of Semmelweis University, Kylie was immersed in a dynamic environment. Under the mentorship of Dr. Máté Ádám Balázs, resident doctor at the department, Kylie participated in patient consultations, physical examinations, and oncology meetings. “I had the opportunity to attend the breast onco team meeting held every Wednesday, and the gastrointestinal and solid organ tumor meeting every Thursday,” she notes, highlighting the collaborative and educational nature of her placement. Kylie also delved into pharmacovigilance and was involved in a research study on the health economic comparison between the subcutaneous and intravenous administration of a breast cancer drug. “It was very eye-opening,” she says, emphasizing the importance of such practical experiences in her medical education.
The knowledge and experience Kylie gained at Semmelweis University are invaluable because, as she points out, there is no such long posting in medical oncology in the medical school curriculum in Singapore. Her time in Budapest provided her with an in-depth understanding of cancer treatment, exposure to different drugs, and the potential to introduce new studies back home. As she says:
I can help to bring that knowledge back and possibly introduce new studies to see whether this certain type of drug is as effective in an Asian population as compared to a Caucasian population.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Kylie thoroughly enjoyed exploring Budapest. “Budapest is such a lovely and beautiful city,” she enthuses, admiring the architecture and the pleasant weather. Highlights of her stay included visits to Buda Castle, the Parliament building, Fisherman’s Bastion, and a night cruise on the River Danube. She also ventured outside Budapest to Szentendre and Lake Balaton, and even made some weekend trips to other European countries, such as Spain, Italy, and Austria.
Kylie wholeheartedly recommends the exchange program to her peers. “It’s been a very enjoyable experience and I’m very honored to have been welcomed here,” she says. She praises the strong research environment at Semmelweis University and feels privileged to have been able to explore the surgical aspects of medicine as well. As five Semmelweis students prepare to visit Singapore in August as part of the exchange program, Kylie offers them practical advice: “The weather is very humid, it is summer 24/7. So, pack lightly.” She also encourages them to savor the diverse culinary scene in Singapore, describing it as a melting pot of cultures. Kylie hopes students will gain an insight into Singapore’s healthcare system, noting the similarities and differences between the two countries in this respect, such as the digitalization of medical records in Singapore. She invites Semmelweis students visiting NUS to reach out to her for guidance and a warm welcome.
Semmelweis University offers a wide selection of tailor-made short program opportunities for medical, dental, pharmaceutical, and healthcare professionals and students. The full range of courses is available in the Semmelweis Short Courses portfolio managed by the Directorate of International Relations.
Dr. Balázs Csizmadia
Photos by Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University
