“Janji, doktor. Saya akan ingat kata-kata doktor. Harap nanti boleh jumpa doktor lagi semasa makcik lebih sihat” (“Doctor, I promise I will remember your advice. I hope I can see you again when I’m healthier.”)
A patient shared these words with Lan Yuen Qi, a Year 5 Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) student at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) and co-lead of the university’s 2026 Health Camp. This simple exchange became a meaningful reminder of the human side of medicine and why she chose this path in the first place.
Moments like this reflect why NUMed’s annual Health Camp is so highly anticipated by both students and the communities they serve. Organised as part of their final-year experience, it is an opportunity to step beyond hospital walls and into the heart of the community.
This year’s edition was a collaborative effort with Larkin health clinic, Larkin health clinic advisory panel, Newcastle Medical Clinic, Johor Baru health office, Johor Baru district dentistry health office (PKPDJB), Johor Baru City Council, Health Lane Family Pharmacy, Dutch Lady Malaysia, HM Hong Motors Sdn Bhd, Anytime Fitness Malaysia, Hawker Habitat, Procare Physio, Printicious DIY Gift Supply, Nestle MILO Malaysia, Forest Star Enterprise and Persatuan Penduduk Flat Larkin JB.
Held in conjunction with World Hypertension Day, the event reinforced its focus on non-communicable disease awareness and prevention.
Taking place at PPR Larkin multipurpose hall in Johor, it helped reduce logistical and cost barriers, bringing accessible healthcare services directly to residents, while also serving as a valuable platform for graduating medical students to gain hands-on exposure to public health practice.
According to NUMed’s clinical affairs dean Prof Dr Harinarayan Radhakrishna, “Students apply their theoretical knowledge by screening the community for health conditions and diagnosing non-communicable diseases.
“This experience is invaluable for understanding real-world medical practice. By identifying health issues early, students learn the importance of preventive care and how to manage conditions to prevent complications.”
Throughout the day, residents participated in a range of screening and educational stations.
“The Primary Care booth saw the highest turnout, as student volunteers patiently provided clear explanations of results. Residents were highly appreciative of the professionalism demonstrated by the team,” said Year 5 MBBS student Tai Kai Sheng who was also a co-lead of the event.
Mental health screening and engagement was the most interactive. Through guided conversations, creative engagement tools and simple stress-relief techniques, students helped facilitate open discussions around emotional well-being.
Also in the lineup were dedicated booths for women, children, men and dental health; educational talks and cooking demonstrations designed to promote healthier lifestyles. Together, these activities reinforced a central goal of the programme: making healthcare accessible, understandable, and actionable for the community.
Both Lan and Tai reflected on the importance of reconnecting with the human side of medicine.
“It is easy to get overwhelmed by exams, studies and clinical placements in medical school. This event showed me what it meant to serve my community,” said Lan.
Tai echoed similar sentiments: “Stepping out to Larkin and meeting the community there stripped away the academic noise and reminded me of my calling to serve people.”
Ultimately, the 2026 Health Camp was more than about screening numbers or educational outputs. It was also about connection between students and community, knowledge and action and medical practice and its most human purpose.
