Georgetown, Penang – RUMC is proud to highlight the exceptional achievements of Dr Tijani Khalida Khadrisah, a recent graduate from the Class of 2025, who emerged as the Winner of the Oral Moderated Poster Presentation at the ASEAN Federation of Cardiology Congress (AFCC) 2025, held at the SETIA SPICE Convention Centre from 18th to 20th July 2025.

Her award-winning presentation, titled “Breaking Bad Cholesterol: A 15-Month Real-World Journey of Cardiovascular Risk Reduction Clinic at Hospital Pulau Pinang,” offered meaningful insights into the field of cardiovascular research and demonstrated the importance of real-world data in improving patient outcomes.

This outstanding recognition is a testament not only to Dr Tijani’s dedication but also to the quality of education, clinical exposure and academic mentorship that RUMC strives to deliver. The project was supervised by Associate Professor Datin Dr Zarina Banu, Consultant Cardiologist, whose continuous guidance played a vital role in shaping the success of the presentation. Dr Tijani stood out among many senior and more experienced cardiology fellows—a remarkable accomplishment for a recent graduate.

Reflecting on her journey as a recent graduate at RUMC, Dr Tijani shared;
“The assignments at RUMC, particularly the reports and oral presentations, were instrumental in preparing me for this opportunity. The curriculum’s emphasis on clinical exposure, critical thinking and evidence-based medicine provided a strong academic foundation. More importantly, the encouragement to go beyond textbooks, along with the guidance from our lecturers, truly made the difference.”

Despite the high-pressure environment, she credits her confidence to the support system around her.
“Honestly, it was the trust my co-authors placed in me that gave me the confidence. I knew I had to do my best, even though I felt intimidated and nervous before the presentation. Professor Zarina offered continuous guidance and encouragement, helping me refine both the content and delivery. The love and support from my family also helped me feel grounded and ready to share our research.”

She also offered valuable advice for fellow RUMC students:
“My biggest advice is: don’t underestimate yourself. You’ll learn so much along the way. Also, seek guidance early. I’m incredibly grateful to have had Prof Zarina as a mentor. Don’t hesitate to reach out to lecturers or clinicians – most are happy to help if you show genuine interest. Lastly, keep practising your presentation skills. It’s not what you present, but how you communicate it. With the right preparation and mentorship, you’ll be surprised at what you can achieve.”

RUMC also extends its gratitude to the Cardiology Department, Hospital Pulau Pinang, for their collaboration and support throughout the research process.

This milestone not only recognises Dr Tijani’s individual achievement but also reinforces the university’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful research and nurturing future-ready healthcare professionals.

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ABOUT RUMC
RCSI & UCD Malaysia Campus (RUMC) has its roots in Penang Medical College (PMC), which was established in 1996. PMC was created through a collaboration between the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) and the University of Dublin (UCD), two respected medical universities in Ireland. In 2018, RUMC was awarded University status by the Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education as a Foreign University Branch Campus, making it one of the highest levels for a foreign-owned university in Malaysia. Today, RUMC is the only Irish university in the region and is recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and Irish Medical Council (IMC) as graduating high-performing doctors. Our students receive a comprehensive medical education and hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities, preparing them to succeed in the medical profession and ensuring our graduates can pursue their medical careers anywhere in the world, including USA and Canada with recognition from ECFMG, FAIMER and WDOMS.