What is Nuclear Medicine?

   Nuclear Medicine is an application of nuclear (radioisotope) techniques in a medicine. It can be broadly divided into two branches "in vitro" and "in vivo" procedures. There are numerous radioisotopic "in vitro" procedures for genotyping and molecular profiling applicable to clinical molecular biology. These procedures are becoming increasingly important in several clinical and pre-clinical conditions, from determining changes in cancer cells to drug resistance in malaria parasites. These techniques proved to be increasingly valuable in preventing catastrophic consequence of ineffective treatment.

   The majority of nuclear medicine procedures are "in vivo" non-invasive procedures. After administration of the radiopharmaceutical typically by intravenous route (sometimes locally) to a patient, its distribution and localization provides functional or metabolic information. This helps doctors to make critical decisions based on objective information about the status and function of a particular organ or disease. The data is depicted with the aide of imaging systems called Gamma Cameras (be they planar or SPECT systems) and transformed into images which allow visual determination and staging of the disease. One of the fastest growing techniques is Positron Emission Tomography (PET) that requires special instrumentations called PET tomographs. This technique allows clinicians to track organ function at a molecular level, therefore revealing intricate health changes earlier in individual patients than other diagnostic modalities.

Convocation - Diploma & Certificate

Real MLT

   I was officially appointed as a Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT;  known as Assistant Medical Scientific Officer then) on 6th August 1989. I was posted in the Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences. My duties were more on research works (assisting the lecturers & Scientific Officer). Later, due to my desire to explore a new field, I asked for a transfer to a  newly founded Nuclear Medicine Unit.  I started my first task in Nuclear Medicine on 21st April 1991. In Nuclear Medicine, I had to learn by myself  since it was very new to me (zero knowledge then). Big thanks to the then Coordinator of Nuclear Medicine Unit, Dr. Ahmad Zakaria (now is Professor Dr. Ahmad Zakaria) who gave me more than what I needed to really work in this field. Here, I involved in direct contact with patients. My tasks were to prepare radiopharmaceuticals, to carry out Radioiodine Uptake Test, to perform scintigraphy  procedures and to prepare & give radioiodine therapeutic doses... But then in the early 2000, I decided to try a new field. 15th April 2000, I again  shifted to Anaesthesiology Department (to be exact - Intensive Care Unit). Here, I was assigned to perform a Blood Gas Analysis and also to look after the Blood Gas Analyzer, not only in ICU but also in Operating Theatre, NICU, 8S Ward, 2 Delima Ward). However, I just couldn't cope wth the 'closed' environment of ICU. Once more, I applied for another transfer. After had a discussion with the then Dean of School of Health Sciences & Prof. Ahmad Zakaria; I was officially transferred to School of Health Sciences (to be posted under Programme of Medical Radiation) on 15th July 2001. For this new task, I was assigned to handle the practical classes for the students. At beginning, not only for Medical Radiation students but I also involved in the practical classes for some other programmes/courses [Dietetics Programmes & Biomedicine Programmes; Food Preparation, Basic Laboratory Sciences, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Pathology, Physiology]. 

Standing (Lt - Rt): Mohammad Noor Azmi (1966), Rohana (1960), Azahar (1954), Rohani (1956), Rosnani (1962), Abdullah Waidi (1964): Sitting: Azman (1968), Roseyati (1970); Not in the photo: Rohaya (1958)

MLT In-Service Training

   15 August 1984: Registered for the training. My course-mates &  I had undergone 2-week orientation process. We were 35 (in number) at a day of registration & the 3rd batch of trainee then. The orientation week had passed successfully. Many unforgettable sweet sour memories been absorbed into our mind.


  2 weeks had gone. Now, it's time to hardly learn about all aspects of MLT. Year 1; we had been taught the 3 basic sciences, i.e. Biology, Physics & Chemistry (Organic, Inorganic and Physical). I had passed them with great result in one go. Some of us had to repeat these subjects. Besides those fundamental subjects, we had also learned Laboratory Mathematics, Laboratory Instrumentations and Laboratory Techniques in Medicine. All of us did well in Year 1.

  Come Year 2 & 3, more challenging. More subjects to be learned -. Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Chemical Pathology, Microbiology & Parasitology, Immunology, Haematology.....Those were very difficult at the beginning but later they were not so difficult.  Some of us did well, some not. End of Year 2, some of us were sent for the Elective Practical Attachment at nearby hospital to get a real routine life of being a MLT. Some were left for undertaking Remedial Elective as the examination results not satisfactory.

  After sitting for our second Professional Examination, we all were conferred a Certificate in Medical Laboratory Technology. As for Year 4 & 5, we were given an option to majoring in one of these field; Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, Pharmacology & Physiology, Haematology & Blood Banking, Pathology and Chemical Pathology. As for me, I chose Pharmacology & Physiology. I just love to do Immunology but there was no intake for it then. After struggling for 2 years in major subject, all of us did great. We were then succeed to be conferred a Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology at the USM Convocation Day in May 1989. Since then, we were eligible to practise Medical Laboratory Technology. Sadly to say, some of us had quit half way (during Year 2 and 3). Only those involved,  knew the reason. So on 6th August 1989 begins our new life as a Qualified Medical Laboratory Technologist....

My great parents, Police Sergeant (R) Idris bin Hussain & Putieh binti Ibrahim

2011

  It's a long time not writing in my blog. There is nothing to write, nothing to talk about.

  Welcome a year of 2011 and good bye 2010. Today, we are now already in the 13th day of 2011. Time is running so fast. This means we are getting older. May this 2011 will bring a lot of happiness, prosperity and success to our life.


  Life becomes more difficult, more complicated, more expensive, more challenging. The price of almost everything is getting higher.  The climate and weather are now unpredictable......