‘Ma, pa, we're doctors too!'

The Star

10-05-2025

The word 'medicine' often evokes aversion among children, but for Shawn Wang Hong Jing and Andrew Amgad, it carried positive associations from a young age.
Shawn's father is a pharmacist, while Andrew's parents are both doctors.
Watching their parents dedicate their lives to serving others left an indelible mark on them, inspiring both to pursue careers in healthcare.
Their commitment to becoming doctors was recently celebrated at Monash University Malaysia's graduation ceremony, where Shawn and Andrew received their Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees.
The ceremony, which took place last month, held added significance for the best friends, as they studied in the same halls where Shawn's father, Dr Wang Leong Seng, and Andrew's mother, Dr Nevein Philip Botross Henien, have long served as academics.
Early influence
Reflecting on his journey, Shawn said his path to medicine stemmed from his immense love of science, coupled with watching his father's professional dedication.
'Growing up, I saw the way my dad cared for his patients and the dedication he had to teaching. That stayed with me. It made me want to be part of something bigger, to make a difference,' he said in a press release.
He shared that his medical training, especially during the clinical years in Johor Baru, was both challenging and transformative.
'That was when everything started to feel real. I found my love for emergency medicine and the confidence to truly step into this role,' he said.
Having a parent as a faculty member at the same university offered Shawn a rare perspective.
'It gave me a unique view of what it means to teach, to care and to lead. It's come full circle, and I'm grateful for every step of the way,' he shared.
For Andrew, that connection added an interesting dimension to his academic life.
'Everyone knew about it, leading to many amusing conversations.
'My mother is loved by everyone – she's been a maternal figure to many of my peers,' he said.
He shared that his decision to follow in his parents' footsteps came naturally, driven by both admiration and aspiration.
'Growing up in an environment with doctors as parents, there weren't many other career paths that felt right.
'My parents taught me to approach medicine with compassion and empathy – qualities essential for a successful and fulfilling career in healthcare,' he added.
Parental pride
For Dr Wang, a pharmacist and lecturer at Monash University Malaysia's School of Pharmacy, watching his son Shawn walk across the graduation stage was a moment of pride.
'It's been incredibly meaningful. My wife and I are so proud of Shawn, not just for graduating among the top 5% of his cohort, but for the person he's become.
'He's passionate, compassionate, and always looking out for others,' Dr Wang said.
He added that beyond academics, Shawn has contributed to healthcare through research collaborations with him, co-authoring medical papers and taking on mentoring roles for younger students.
'It brings me so much joy to see him guide his juniors and be there for his sister, who's now pursuing medicine too. He's not only a remarkable doctor, but also a thoughtful brother and son,' Dr Wang said.
Similarly, Dr Henien, a general physician and lecturer at the Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, experienced a heartwarming moment watching her son Andrew graduate with a medical degree.
Originally from Egypt, with a medical background dating back to her graduation from Cairo University in 1991, Dr Henien practised medicine in her homeland before moving to Malaysia in 2004. She served eight years with the Health Ministry before joining academia in 2011.
Having Andrew study at the same institution, she said, was a 'very special' experience.
'Seeing him walk the same halls and interact with my colleagues gave me both pride and humility. I always stayed in the background, allowing him his independence, but it was deeply meaningful to witness his growth,' she shared.
Dr Henien added that some moments deepened their bond even further.
'There were times when he faced challenges, as any medical student would. Offering guidance, emotional support, or just listening made a significant difference.
'I remember nights spent discussing patient cases or simply reassuring him during stressful exam periods,' she recalled.
Brotherly bond
The friendship that developed between Andrew and Shawn was another factor that carried them through their medical training.
'We met in our fourth year, and he's been like a brother ever since. Those early morning car rides to clinical rotations – filled with laughter, gossip and conversations – made my medical school experience so much more enjoyable and unforgettable,' Shawn said.
Echoing the sentiment, Andrew said they bonded over their shared passion for medicine.
'Shawn had a reputation as a smart and charming student. He has taught me so much, not just academically but also personally,' he said.
The duo have embarked on the next phase of their medical careers.
Shawn, who aspires to become an emergency physician, is based in Adelaide, working as a medical intern in general medicine at Flinders Medical Centre.
Andrew currently interns at Bundaberg Hospital under Queensland Health's Wide Bay Hospital network in Australia. His immediate post-graduation plans include exploring various work environments and eventually starting specialist training.
'Graduating alongside my peers and with my family's support has given me memories that I will treasure forever.
'I look forward to making my parents proud as I continue to grow and contribute to the medical field,' he concluded.