Another feather in his cap: Toh on his graduation day recently. –SWU Phinma
Septuagenarian embraces new challenges after earning medical degree
HAVING just turned 71 and with four education certificates under his belt – the latest being a medical degree – Toh Hong Keng shows no signs of slowing down.
The grandfather of two has recently taken on a consultancy role in his friend’s allergy and immunology business, where he will provide education on allergies and information about allergy diagnostics.
He also intends to co-write a book on nutrition and weight management with a medical friend.
Another goal for the former sales and marketing professional – his career for over three decades before his retirement at age 65 – is to travel to places on his bucket list, such as Italy and Egypt.
Keeping active and finding ways to “do something useful” at his age are what drive the Port Dickson-born Malaysian, who is a permanent resident of Hong Kong.
In fact, these motivations led Toh to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree at Southwestern University (SWU) Phinma in Cebu City, Philippines – a five-year endeavour that began in August 2019 and culminated in his graduation as one of the world’s oldest medical graduates on July 20 this year.
“I was worried I might be busy on social media and watching videos all day long during retirement,” he told StarEdu.
The idea to study medicine came to him when he met two young Indian medical students in Kyrgyzstan as he was approaching retirement.
“I enjoyed my university days. I thought it would be fun to be a student again, and if I could become a medical doctor, I could join Doctors Without Borders or at least use my knowledge to take care of my own health during retirement and that of my family,” he said.
However, he had concerns about his qualifications, including his academic background, age, the medium of instruction, and costs.
Eventually, his research led him to SWU Phinma, which ticked all the boxes for him.
“Unlike in some countries and universities, there is no age limit for students admitted to the university. Moreover, the course is taught in English and the tuition costs are reasonable. Living expenses are also similar to those in Malaysia,” he said.
Having made his choice, he then relocated to Cebu, leaving behind the familiar comforts of home.
“My family was surprised at first but supported me throughout the years,” said the father of three.
Studying medicine presented a number of challenges for Toh, even though he is no stranger to tertiary studies – he holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and control engineering from the University of Bradford, a master’s degree in technology and development from Imperial College London, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Hull, all in the United Kingdom. “Studying medicine is not a walk in the park. You need to be prepared to invest time and effort into it. Unlike other courses, it is a lot more intensive and extensive.
“While science and engineering are more about calculations and concepts, biological sciences and medicine demand a significant amount of memorisation,” he shared.
In the face of his academic struggles, Toh cited the university’s counselling system – where four students are assigned a consultant doctor as their mentor to discuss any issues – as one of his biggest sources of support.
“Teamwork and mutual support with our group members were extremely important. We worked together on hospital duties, assignments and group presentations,” he said.
Reflecting on his journey in medical school, he shared that he had many memorable experiences.
“For example, assisting in the delivery of a baby, performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation on patients who had cardiac arrests, writing prescriptions for patients after interviewing and examining them in the Rural Health Unit, and assisting in surgeries in the operating room,” he said.
He also remembers the gruelling schedule and hospital shifts – “up to 30 hours sometimes”.
“Occasionally, I developed oedema, which is a buildup of fluid in the legs causing them to swell, from standing for extended periods. During breaks, we would sleep at our desks as there weren’t enough beds,” he said.
On lifelong learning, Toh said while it is not essential to pursue multiple degrees, it is important to have a genuine interest in the subjects one chooses to study.
“For example, I pursued my second degree in technology and development because I wanted to understand how a developing country can become a developed country,” he said.
Having secured his medical degree, Toh said due to his age, he will not proceed with a postgraduate internship and board examination, but will seek opportunities to utilise his medical knowledge.
To other senior citizens, Toh had this to say: “I want people to know that life is not over after 60 or even 70. In some ways, it’s just the beginning.
“Each person is different physically and mentally, and has unique interests and priorities. The important thing in retirement is to do what you enjoy and to be with the people you care about, so that you have no regrets when you leave this world.“Have a lifestyle and life philosophy that align with your expectations, what you want to do and the people you want to be with.”
Hoi Kei, 22, a student in Kuala Lumpur, is a participant of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
