Student Name: Haitham Hilal Said Al Mahrouqi
University Name: University of Otago – New Zealand
Course Name (Specialization): Intercalated Bachelor of Medical Science (BMedSc [Hon]) – Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MB ChB)
Student Profile
‘Life is unpredictable’ for I never thought I will end up studying in New Zealand for 8 years!
I finished my high school studies at the Sultan’s School being the top student in Oman among the bilingual private schools. I wanted to study abroad and funny enough, New Zealand was not in my radar at all. Then I received a full scholarship from the Ministry of Higher Education, stating ‘Medicine in New Zealand.’ Ever since, I thought I made one of the best decisions of my life.
New Zealand is a beautiful country with very humble people. I think my biggest achievements in NZ were shaping my personality and becoming independent.
Now as a trainee doctor (final year of medicine), I reflect back on my journey. I obtained a first class honors for my BMedSc (Hon) and I am one of the top students among my class in medicine, alhamdulillah. I received numerous awards, the last award being the ‘Hematology Prize’ awarded for the highest achievement and aptitude in hematology.
I recently had the chance to spend three months of my medical course in Australia and the USA training at two very renowned eye hospitals. My hope is to become an eye surgeon one day, although the road ahead is still very long.
Besides medicine, I love being involved with the Omani societies. I chaired the Otago University Omani Association in 2007-2008 and the Omani Student Society of New Zealand in 2009.
