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| An assistant medical officer plays an essential role in the medical team by providing preventive, curative and rehabilitative services at appropriate levels under the supervision of medical officers. |
Vision College has launched a new programme, the Diploma of Medical Assistant, which has been approved by the Malaysia Qualification Academy (MQA) and is also recognized by the Ministry of Health and the Malaysian Medical Assistant Board.
The newly launched programme will commence its first intake on 24th October 2011. This programme is designed to meet the need for Assistant Medical Officer (AMO).
The 3-year programme consists of theoretical and practical training that will prepare students for working life as an AMO. An AMO plays an essential role in the medical team in providing preventive, curative and rehabilitative services at appropriate levels under the supervision of Medical Officers.
An AMO is the person who acts as a frontliner in the Accident and Emergency department (A&E), providing immediate prompt supportive care for all emergencies and refer them accordingly for further management. This includes performing first aid and resuscitative procedures to revive patient, maintain their vital functions and to prevent further deterioration of the condition until medical officer takes over the role. They are also lead ambulance team to provide emergency treatment accordingly to established protocol. Among other things, AMO obtain medical histories, perform examinations and procedures, order treatments, diagnose illnesses, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests, refer patients to specialists as required and first-assist in surgery.
The school of Diploma of Medical Assistant is spearheaded by Syafiq Teoh who has more than 30 years experience in the field of healthcare. Most of his career was spent serving the Ministry of Health and its affiliated colleges and training centres. His teaching career began in 1988 with one of the AMO training centres of the Ministry of Health before making his way up as a Headmaster in 1999. He then served as the Exam Coordinator for Ministry of Health. With his vast knowledge and expertise in the healthcare field we can assure that students are able to compete competitively as an AMO.
“An Assistant Medical Officer has to be someone that is able to work under pressure. Being the frontline person in A & E (Accident & Emergency) Department requires a person that is able to think on his feet and work independently,” commented Syafiq.
“It can be the most rewarding career for those who love to give back to the community. Part of the job of an AMO is to go out to treat indigenous people who do not have access to medical care.”
(Source: StarSpecial, 5 October 2011)
