Ah, Teacher’s Day! A time to pause, reflect, and appreciate those brave souls who venture into the wild world of education armed with nothing but their wits, a whiteboard marker, a laser pointer, and an endless supply of patience. Here at the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, we are blessed with some of the finest educators who tirelessly mould the minds of tomorrow’s Public Health champions.

By Professor Dato’ Seri Dr Anwar Fazal, President, The Dr Wu Lien-Teh Society.

On this special day, let’s tip our hats to the unsung heroes of academia – our beloved teachers. Whether they’re dissecting complex epidemiological data, demonstrating the finer points of disease prevention, or reminding us (for the umpteenth time) to wash our hands properly, they do it all with a smile and a hint of humour.

A Few Fun Facts About Our Fabulous Superheros:

Master Multitaskers: Ever noticed how our lecturers can seamlessly switch from teaching to research, from research to administration, then back to teaching without breaking a sweat? “It’s like juggling flaming torches – only instead of being prepared with a fire extinguisher, they probably have a coffee.”
Digital Dynamos: In this age of online and hybrid learning, our educators have to melt their brains out to become tech wizards. From creating engaging e-learning modules to troubleshooting Zoom mishaps, they’ve got it all covered. Who needs a magic wand when you have SPM’s own tech wizards?”
Public Health Pioneers: Our department isn’t just about hitting the books. Our teachers are out there on the frontlines, conducting groundbreaking research and advocating for better public health policies. They’re like the superheroes of social medicine – with wearing capes is optional.
Endless Encouragers: No question is too trivial, no concern too small. Our teachers are always there to guide us, inspire us, and occasionally provide much-needed pep talks. It’s like having a personal cheerleading squad, minus the pom-poms.

A Shout-Out to Our Students:

And let’s not forget our amazing students, who make teaching such a joy. You bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives to every class. Keep asking those questions, keep challenging the status quo, and most importantly, keep up the good work – you are the future of social and preventive medicine!

So, here’s to our outstanding teachers – thank you for your dedication, your wisdom, and your unwavering commitment to shaping the next generation of health professionals. Enjoy your special day, and maybe, just maybe, take a break from grading those papers.