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EXPERIENCE

Radiating satisfaction

Radiation therapist Muhammad Rahmatullah Zainodin, 29, wants to help people and make a difference in their lives through his work at National University Hospital (NUH).

He works at the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS), which is located in NUH.

As part of NCIS’s oncology team that treats cancer patients, radiation therapists play a crucial role, operating linear accelerator machines, which direct highenergy X-rays at cancer cells in a patient’s body, shrinking or removing them.

Mr Muhammad ensures accurate delivery of radiation therapy while giving his patients guidance and emotional support. He also designs treatment plans using the hospital’s high-tech planning system.

Studying overseas 
Prior to commencing work at NUH, Mr Muhammad Rahmatullah completed his Bachelor in Medical Radiation Science (Radiation Therapy) the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology in Australia on the Health Science and Nursing Scholarship awarded in 2011. He previously graduated from Nanyang Polytechnic with a Diploma in Radiation Therapy.

The scholarship is now known as the Healthcare Merit Award (HMA), offered by MOH Holdings to promising students with strong academic track records and a passion to pursue careers within the public healthcare sector.

Its recipients can opt to study nursing, pharmacy or allied health disciplines in reputable local and overseas universities. The scholarship covers the tuition fees, and provides a return airfare, monthly stipends and allowances for winter wear and books.

“I was overwhelmed with happiness when I received the news that I had been awarded the scholarship. I am also so happy that I got to serve my bond at NUH, which is a great hospital,” he says.

“Studying overseas was an eye-opening experience for him. “I faced exciting challenges that taught me valuable skills and qualities, such as communicating in a foreign country, comprehending cultural customs, time management, independence and adaptability,” he says.

In addition to the specialised subjects on radiation, he also took non-technical subjects such as Mind, Body and Wellness to gain insights into a holistic approach to healthcare, so he can help his patients more comprehensively.

A healthy balance 
He has now already completed his bond, having worked at NUH for four years handling state-ofthe- art equipment and using his medical knowledge to do his part to combat cancer.

“I love my work and I hope to contribute as much as I can to my patients and organisation, sharing knowledge and aid in NUH’s growth,” he says.

Mr Muhammad Rahmatullah enjoys the performance culture and camaraderie at his hospital. He says: “I work in a healthy environment where one is always encouraged to progress and excel. The team spirit and bond are strong and work culture is designed to maintain only the highest level of performance.”

However, it is not all work and no play at NUH. The hospital sent his team on a “cohesion trip” to Bintan in Indonesia during Mr Muhammad Rahmatullah’s first year at work, to help them build strong bonds and mutual understanding. “It is usual in healthcare settings to work in teams and such exercises help us excel in our daily work as team members,” he says.

Given the specialised nature of his work, he suggests that HMA scholarship applicants find out more about the specific job scope of each of the allied health disciplines.

These disciplines include diagnostic radiography, dietetics, medical social work, occupational therapy, orthoptics, physiotherapy, podiatry, radiation therapy, respiratory therapy, prosthetics and orthotics, and speech therapy.

HMA scholars can now pursue a four-year degree in radiation therapy with Singapore Institute of Technology or reputable overseas universities.