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The Star
10-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
‘Ma, pa, we're doctors too!'
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.
Times
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Times
Mother and daughter go head-to-head in local election
There have been few things that have surprised Frances Leonard in local politics. The 74-year-old has served as a parish councillor, a district councillor, the mayor of St Albans and the chairman of her local Conservative association. However, on Thursday, she will be standing against her daughter. Mrs Leonard said: 'Somebody said to me: 'So your daughter's standing against you in Marshalswick & Colney Heath?' I went: 'Is she?' I obviously didn't pay attention to the nomination paper. I said: 'Is [the Green group leader] having a laugh?'' Mrs Leonard was born in Warwickshire, but moved to the St Albans area 51 years ago after meeting her husband at the School of Pharmacy in London. On Thursday, she will be standing as the Conservative candidate
CNN
22-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
Teen use of cannabis edibles increases 43% after legalization in Canada, study finds
Legalization of cannabis products may be linked to growing use among teens, a new study found. Teen use of cannabis rose 26% in Canadian provinces that legalized the sale of edibles and extracts in October 2019, according to the study, which published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. Edible use increased 43%, raising concerns about youth-friendly forms of the drug, such as cannabis chocolates, candies, sodas and desserts — the same products responsible for a growing number of child hospitalizations in the US. Based on surveys of more than 106,000 students aged 12 to 17 years old, the study found use remained stable in Quebec, where the sale of these products was still banned. Canada legalized dried cannabis use in October 2018, and all Canadian provinces except Quebec followed a year later by legalizing the sale of cannabis edibles and extracts. While Canada's 2018 law prohibits the sale of cannabis to individuals under 18, the study suggests legalization could have made these products more accessible to teens and influenced their attitudes surrounding use. Canadian laws require child-resistant, plain and clearly labeled packaging for cannabis edibles, but illicit products sold online and by unauthorized distributors often look like other snacks, according to the study. 'This finding is important in light of previous literature regarding potential long-term adverse health effects of cannabis use for adolescents,' said senior author Dr. Hai Nguyen, a professor in the School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in an email. Teens using cannabis products regularly are at a greater risk for developing dependency disorders later in life, according to neuroscientist Joshua Gowin, who was not involved in the study. 'Some (studies) suggest that cannabis use during adolescence, especially heavy use, could alter brain development,' said Gowin, an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 'If you start using earlier, it may be harder to change that trajectory later on.' Cannabis use can affect parts of the brain that deal with attention, coordination, learning, decision-making and emotional regulation, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use at an early age has been linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and a heightened risk of developing longer-lasting mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, in adulthood. Despite these risks, the study found the students perceived less harm from occasional cannabis use because of its legalization. Using both cannabis and alcohol at the same time, which studies show can lead to higher and more frequent consumption of both, was 28% more prevalent after legalization as well. When it comes to social attitudes around drug use, causality is often complicated to prove, because laws can change in response to cultural changes as well, Gowin said. For this reason, other research methods beyond surveys can play an important role in understanding the effects of legalization for future policymaking decisions. Related video These 'Cannamoms' say weed helps them be better moms In the US, the relationship between adolescent use and legalization may be even more complex to study because of variations in state and local regulations, Gowin said. Federally, cannabis is illegal, but 47 states have legalized it for medical uses and 24 states for adult recreational purposes. Each state has its own laws about marketing, packaging and distribution of these products. Nguyen also noted his research only addresses short-term effects based on one point in time after legalization, so it's important to continuously study how use patterns evolve and reflect changes in the laws. In the meantime, Nguyen recommended policymakers focus on striking the right balance between adult access and teen protection. Further enforcement may be needed to crack down on marketing and packaging that appeals to younger people, he noted, and local regulators can ensure cannabis distributors are located an appropriate distance away from schools. 'It is also essential to invest in public education campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of cannabis use among adolescents,' Nguyen said, adding that multimedia public health campaigns, school-based awareness efforts and parent-child communication are all important prevention strategies. Parent-youth communication guides can help families have more informed conversations at home and navigate common misconceptions about edible use, Nguyen said. 'It's not about scaring people,' Gowin said. 'Honesty and truth can be at the forefront of the conversations and hopefully people can make up their own minds about what's the best thing for them, their families and their communities.'
Yahoo
22-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Teen cannabis use increased after legalization in Canada, study finds
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, help is available. Dial or text 988 or visit for free and confidential support. Legalization of cannabis products may be linked to growing use among teens, a new study found. Teen use of cannabis rose 26% in Canadian provinces that legalized the sale of edibles and extracts in October 2019, according to the study, which published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. Edible use increased 43%, raising concerns about youth-friendly forms of the drug, such as cannabis chocolates, candies, sodas and desserts — the same products responsible for a growing number of child hospitalizations in the US. Based on surveys of more than 106,000 students aged 12 to 17 years old, the study found use remained stable in Quebec, where the sale of these products was still banned. Canada legalized dried cannabis use in October 2018, and all Canadian provinces except Quebec followed a year later by legalizing the sale of cannabis edibles and extracts. While Canada's 2018 law prohibits the sale of cannabis to individuals under 18, the study suggests legalization could have made these products more accessible to teens and influenced their attitudes surrounding use. Canadian laws require child-resistant, plain and clearly labeled packaging for cannabis edibles, but illicit products sold online and by unauthorized distributors often look like other snacks, according to the study. 'This finding is important in light of previous literature regarding potential long-term adverse health effects of cannabis use for adolescents,' said senior author Dr. Hai Nguyen, a professor in the School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in an email. Teens using cannabis products regularly are at a greater risk for developing dependency disorders later in life, according to neuroscientist Joshua Gowin, who was not involved in the study. 'Some (studies) suggest that cannabis use during adolescence, especially heavy use, could alter brain development,' said Gowin, an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 'If you start using earlier, it may be harder to change that trajectory later on.' Cannabis use can affect parts of the brain that deal with attention, coordination, learning, decision-making and emotional regulation, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use at an early age has been linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and a heightened risk of developing longer-lasting mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, in adulthood. Despite these risks, the study found the students perceived less harm from occasional cannabis use because of its legalization. Using both cannabis and alcohol at the same time, which studies show can lead to higher and more frequent consumption of both, was 28% more prevalent after legalization as well. When it comes to social attitudes around drug use, causality is often complicated to prove, because laws can change in response to cultural changes as well, Gowin said. For this reason, other research methods beyond surveys can play an important role in understanding the effects of legalization for future policymaking decisions. In the US, the relationship between adolescent use and legalization may be even more complex to study because of variations in state and local regulations, Gowin said. Federally, cannabis is illegal, but 47 states have legalized it for medical uses and 24 states for adult recreational purposes. Each state has its own laws about marketing, packaging and distribution of these products. Nguyen also noted his research only addresses short-term effects based on one point in time after legalization, so it's important to continuously study how use patterns evolve and reflect changes in the laws. In the meantime, Nguyen recommended policymakers focus on striking the right balance between adult access and teen protection. Further enforcement may be needed to crack down on marketing and packaging that appeals to younger people, he noted, and local regulators can ensure cannabis distributors are located an appropriate distance away from schools. 'It is also essential to invest in public education campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of cannabis use among adolescents,' Nguyen said, adding that multimedia public health campaigns, school-based awareness efforts and parent-child communication are all important prevention strategies. Parent-youth communication guides can help families have more informed conversations at home and navigate common misconceptions about edible use, Nguyen said. 'It's not about scaring people,' Gowin said. 'Honesty and truth can be at the forefront of the conversations and hopefully people can make up their own minds about what's the best thing for them, their families and their communities.'
CNN
22-04-2025
- Health
- CNN
Teen cannabis use increased after legalization in Canada, study finds
Legalization of cannabis products may be linked to growing use among teens, a new study found. Teen use of cannabis rose 26% in Canadian provinces that legalized the sale of edibles and extracts in October 2019, according to the study, which published Friday in the journal JAMA Network Open. Edible use increased 43%, raising concerns about youth-friendly forms of the drug, such as cannabis chocolates, candies, sodas and desserts — the same products responsible for a growing number of child hospitalizations in the US. Based on surveys of more than 106,000 students aged 12 to 17 years old, the study found use remained stable in Quebec, where the sale of these products was still banned. Canada legalized dried cannabis use in October 2018, and all Canadian provinces except Quebec followed a year later by legalizing the sale of cannabis edibles and extracts. While Canada's 2018 law prohibits the sale of cannabis to individuals under 18, the study suggests legalization could have made these products more accessible to teens and influenced their attitudes surrounding use. Canadian laws require child-resistant, plain and clearly labeled packaging for cannabis edibles, but illicit products sold online and by unauthorized distributors often look like other snacks, according to the study. 'This finding is important in light of previous literature regarding potential long-term adverse health effects of cannabis use for adolescents,' said senior author Dr. Hai Nguyen, a professor in the School of Pharmacy at Memorial University of Newfoundland, in an email. Teens using cannabis products regularly are at a greater risk for developing dependency disorders later in life, according to neuroscientist Joshua Gowin, who was not involved in the study. 'Some (studies) suggest that cannabis use during adolescence, especially heavy use, could alter brain development,' said Gowin, an assistant professor of radiology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. 'If you start using earlier, it may be harder to change that trajectory later on.' Cannabis use can affect parts of the brain that deal with attention, coordination, learning, decision-making and emotional regulation, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Use at an early age has been linked to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and a heightened risk of developing longer-lasting mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, in adulthood. Despite these risks, the study found the students perceived less harm from occasional cannabis use because of its legalization. Using both cannabis and alcohol at the same time, which studies show can lead to higher and more frequent consumption of both, was 28% more prevalent after legalization as well. When it comes to social attitudes around drug use, causality is often complicated to prove, because laws can change in response to cultural changes as well, Gowin said. For this reason, other research methods beyond surveys can play an important role in understanding the effects of legalization for future policymaking decisions. Related video These 'Cannamoms' say weed helps them be better moms In the US, the relationship between adolescent use and legalization may be even more complex to study because of variations in state and local regulations, Gowin said. Federally, cannabis is illegal, but 47 states have legalized it for medical uses and 24 states for adult recreational purposes. Each state has its own laws about marketing, packaging and distribution of these products. Nguyen also noted his research only addresses short-term effects based on one point in time after legalization, so it's important to continuously study how use patterns evolve and reflect changes in the laws. In the meantime, Nguyen recommended policymakers focus on striking the right balance between adult access and teen protection. Further enforcement may be needed to crack down on marketing and packaging that appeals to younger people, he noted, and local regulators can ensure cannabis distributors are located an appropriate distance away from schools. 'It is also essential to invest in public education campaigns that raise awareness about the risks of cannabis use among adolescents,' Nguyen said, adding that multimedia public health campaigns, school-based awareness efforts and parent-child communication are all important prevention strategies. Parent-youth communication guides can help families have more informed conversations at home and navigate common misconceptions about edible use, Nguyen said. 'It's not about scaring people,' Gowin said. 'Honesty and truth can be at the forefront of the conversations and hopefully people can make up their own minds about what's the best thing for them, their families and their communities.'
