Universiti Malaya Library

Narrator

Professor Dr. Rokiah Che Ismail

Born in Tumpat, Kelantan Prof Rokiah started her primary education in a Government English School in Tumpat. She was taught the thinking process at an early age and that got her interested in learning and exploring new knowledge. She would stop by the dispensary on her way to school and asked questions such as why do kids have to take Vitamin B and anti worm. She would argue with the professionals from young and she said it was good practice to develop the mind. When she was in Standard 3, she made up her mind to become a medical doctor. She continued her secondary schooling at Pasir Mas, Kelantan. Motivation and the desire to excel is very important to her. At that time, she was the only Malay female from a rural area who was offered an entry into medical school and had to work very hard to compete with other races.
Initially, she was offered to go abroad to study medicine but she preferred to do it locally so that she could study diseases in Malaysia. She was then offered to pursue her study abroad for training to become a lecturer. Immediately after that she enrolled in dermatology and also diploma in venerology.

6 months training in UMMC

Postgrad training in UK (University of Birmingham)

Queen Elizabeth Hospital for 6 months (MRCP).

Institute of Dermatology and Diploma in Venerology.

On 1st January 1979, Prof Rokiah came back as a Lecturer in UM teaching Internal Medicine, Dermatology & STD.

February 1979, proposed a STD Clinic (first in the country).

1981-1982, increase awareness on HIV.

1983, appointed as the Associate Professor.

In 1986 UMMC had its first case of HIV. Prof Rokiah was in the taskforce committee to educate and train health practitioners.

In 1986 also, she was appointed the Deputy Dean (Student Affairs).

Experience

6 months training in UMMC
Postgrad training in UK (University of Birmingham)
Queen Elizabeth Hospital for 6 months (MRCP).
Institute of Dermatology and Diploma in Venerology.
On 1st January 1979, Prof Rokiah came back as a Lecturer in UM teaching Internal Medicine, Dermatology & STD.
February 1979, proposed a STD Clinic (first in the country).
1981-1982, increase awareness on HIV.
1983, appointed as the Associate Professor.
In 1986 UMMC had its first case of HIV. Prof Rokiah was in the taskforce committee to educate and train health practitioners.
In 1986 also, she was appointed the Deputy Dean (Student Affairs).