ASK any doctor why they chose medicine and the answer is rarely about the title. More often, it begins with a desire to help people.
For two graduates of the University of Cyberjaya’s (UoC) Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, that shared purpose has taken them on different paths.
Today, Dr Ahmad Anuar Sofian is an orthopaedic spine surgeon at Hospital Al-Sultan Abdullah UiTM, restoring movement and quality of life, while Dr Dahvinia B. Devan is a general ophthalmologist at Hospital Kuala Lumpur, dedicated to preserving sight.
Although they practise in different specialties, both believe good medicine requires more than clinical knowledge; it demands empathy, resilience and a commitment to lifelong learning.
For Dr Anuar, medicine extends beyond the operating theatre. Besides treating patients with complex spinal conditions, he has volunteered with Mercy Malaysia on humanitarian missions in Gaza, providing care in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
A recipient of the university’s Alumni Excellence Award and former Best Overall Performance Student, he believes success is defined by the lives a doctor is able to touch.
“Success is not just about career achievements or titles; it is about making a positive difference in patients’ lives,” he said.
Dr Dahvinia’s journey took an unexpected turn when an earthquake disrupted her medical studies overseas.
She transferred to the UoC and continued pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor.
Having since completed specialist training while balancing motherhood, she understands that resilience is just as important as technical expertise.
“Sometimes the path we don’t plan for turns out to be the one we’re most thankful for – and that's exactly what UoC has been for me,” she said.
Despite their different journeys, both alumni credit their medical education with preparing them for the realities of clinical practice.
Through clinical placements, simulation-based learning and mentorship from experienced clinicians, they gained the confidence and perspective needed to care for patients with skill and compassion.
That philosophy reflects UoC’s approach to medical education. Alongside developing clinical competencies, the MBBS programme places equal emphasis on communication, professionalism, ethical practice and adaptability.
As university chancellor Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah puts it: “Patients rarely remember every detail of their treatment, but they will always remember how their doctors made them feel.
“Clinical excellence saves lives, but compassion, humility and integrity are what build trust. That is the kind of doctor we should aspire to develop.”
Whether they pursue careers in surgery, ophthalmology, family medicine, paediatrics, psychiatry, research or public health, UoC graduates share a common purpose: improving lives through compassionate, patient-centred care.
The stories of Dr Anuar and Dr Dahvinia demonstrate that while medical careers may take different directions, the values that define an exceptional doctor remain constant.
For aspiring doctors, choosing a medical school is about more than earning a degree; it is about finding an environment that inspires them to become the kind of healthcare professional they aspire to be.
Prospective students and parents are invited to discover UoC’s MBBS programme during its Open Day on Sept 5 and 6 where they can meet academic staff, explore the university’s simulation facilities and learn about scholarships of up to RM100,000 for eligible students.
Find out more about studying medicine at UoC. Register at https://cyberjaya.edu.my/openday-2026
