27-04-2025
Determined to become a doctor, woman to sit for SPM at 36
KUALA LUMPUR: A 36-year-old entrepreneur is proving it is never too late to pursue your dreams, as she prepares to sit for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination this year with hopes of entering the medical field.
Sinar Harian reported that Rusni Shafiya Ruslan will sit for three science papers — Biology, Physics and Chemistry — with the unwavering support of her family and friends.
"Even though I am almost 40, their encouragement keeps me going," she said.
Rusni said her mother was initially amused when she expressed her wish to retake SPM, but her sister, Dr Nur Hanisa Ruslan, a surgeon, has been a strong source of motivation.
"Being surrounded by friends and acquaintances in the medical field also deepened my interest in hospital life and medicine. Hearing their experiences made me eager to learn more about the world of healthcare," she said.
The mother of three said she had to set aside her ambition in the past due to financial constraints and family responsibilities. However, this year, she decided it was time to take the leap.
"My focus now is on retaking the essential SPM subjects. After that, I plan to enroll in a university foundation programme, which I prefer over Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) as it is more intensive and closely aligned with the university environment," she said.
Rusni says it will take about six years to complete her medical studies if everything goes according to plan.
While she has yet to decide on a specialty, she is interested in obstetrics and gynaecology or paediatrics.
"But I am keeping my options open and looking forward to exploring different fields during my studies. I believe that with effort and support, my dream can become a reality," she said.
