The exhibition titled “Miles and Medicine Traveling: Doctor” is a dedication to the incredible travels that Dr. Mohazmi Mohamed have taken, depicting journeys in which the fields of medicine, community service, and the natural marvels of the globe all merged intricately in a seamless manner. The collection of images, which are artistically attractive, serve as a portal to the many facets of Dr. Mohazmi’s life by providing a distinct viewpoint for visitors of all different kinds. In addition to the exhibition, a dedicated human library sharing session on Dr. Mohazmi’s travels and medical life was held in conjunction with the library’s open day on November 23rd, 2023. Dr. Mohazmi’s human library is a public sharing session in which he shares stories from his travels as well as anecdotes from his years of travel.

The objectives of the session were to:

1. highlight Dr Mohazmi’s commitment to community service that emphasizes the transformative role of healthcare in diverse settings.
2. break down stereotypes associated with the medical field, emphasizing the human side of healthcare.
3. increase awareness and understanding of the diverse function and valuable contribution that library offer to UM Faculty of Medicine
4. raise awareness of the about the wide range of services, function, and contribution that library offer to broader community.
5. promote collaborations between libraries and academic community to engage, exchange knowledge, and explore potential collaborative initiatives.

Dr Mohazmi bin Mohamed was born on September 20, 1969, in Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur. He completed his tertiary study at UM, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) in 1994 and a Master of Medicine (MMed) in 2002.

Dr. Mohazmi Mohamed is a specialist in the Department of Primary Care Medicine at the moment. His professional career began as a Houseman at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC). He was then elevated to the rank of medical officer at UMMC before being moved to Klinik Kesihatan Pelangai in Bentong. He pursued his love in medicine as a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, UM, after getting his master’s degree.

Dr. Mohazmi Mohamed is a respected medical lecturer in primary care medicine with a special interest in travel medicine. Dr. Mohazmi is an ambitious explorer, an active hiker, and a passionate advocate for community participation outside of his lecture hall. His many interests blend into a distinct and inspirational presence, making him a noteworthy personality in the field of medicine. His life motto is,

‘’To be successful, you need to be different!’’

Dr Mohazmi has not been apart from traveling even being busy as a medical doctor. He had been traveling for almost 15 years and still counting. His travels compliments with his works as his nature of work involves in Haj Medical Team, humanitarian mission war zone, community engagement programs, mobile vaccine team and many more.

Dr Mohazmi does not travel without a mission. While traveling, many accomplishments he had made for not only himself but also for the community. In 2014, he contributed to the Ministry of Higher Education’s initiatives aimed at enhancing health and education systems in third-world countries, encompassing CLMV (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam), as well as Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor. Additionally, he provided crucial medical assistance to Malaysian pilgrims during the Haj in 2004 and 2006. In 2012, he played a pivotal role in a humanitarian post-war mission in Gaza. Amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021, he actively participated in administering vaccines to vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities, indigenous people (orang asli), and immigrants.

During his travels, he effortlessly adapts to any situation, likely due to his easygoing demeanor towards both people and his surroundings. Unfazed by pickiness, he embraces challenges with a laid-back attitude, metaphorically throwing himself on the ground. His knack for making thorough preparations before travel contributes to a seamless adjustment to new and unfamiliar environments. According to Dr. Mohazmi, he has traveled to almost 40 countries from New Zealand and Australia to countries across Asia such as Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, and further spanning through Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, including the United Kingdom, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania, as well as diverse nations like Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Turkey.

In various countries or regions, unique cultures abound, with subtle variations even within a single nation. His approach involves a thoughtful consideration of local customs, relying on insights provided by local guides to understand the intricacies of each culture. Upon arriving at a new destination, he makes it a priority to visit the local mosque or museum, using these experiences as an initial gateway to comprehend the community.

In the midst of traveling, Dr Mohazmi acquires new skills such as photography, it has added a creative dimension to his journey, considering it as both an art form and a means of storytelling. Despite not being particularly adept at writing, he harbors a desire to compile his travel adventures into a book, intertwining them with themes of health, food, and nature. This endeavor reflects his passion for sharing the enriching experiences and diverse facets of his journeys.

Methods of Implementation

1. Planning phase

In the planning phase for the exhibition, it has to be meticulously strategized to ensure a seamless and impactful event. Starting with a well-defined vision and theme, for example the exhibit of the wonders of the world of travel medicine through Dr Mohazmi’s photographs and also promoting the achievement of Dr Mohazmi. After that is decided, the venue and the layout of the exhibition to ensure that the exhibition have a good flow.

Following this, the exhibition content centers on selecting and arranging exhibits with the goal of crafting a cohesive narrative that harmonizes with the overall theme. For example, the different theme of photographs, materials such as souvenirs and mementos. Given the inclusion of a human library sharing session in the event, meticulous planning is applied to ensure that the venue, theme, and layout seamlessly align with the main overarching theme. Considerations extend to elements like the stage setup, the content of the talks, the flow of the sharing session, and the specific target audience, all carefully considered during the planning phase.

After that being taken into consideration, the exhibition scope and content are then decided. After interviewing Dr Mohazmi, he stated that he wanted to focus on 3 main points which are travel, hiking, and community services.

Resource allocation where exhibition budget considering cost in term of exhibition design, marketing, and material. Cost considerations for materials, such as prints, display structures, and decorations, are factored into the budget. The proposal also addresses any additional logistical requirements for the event, including flower vase and easel rental.  Following the budget planning, a detailed proposal is carefully put together, considering the needs for exhibition design, marketing, and materials. This proposal covers specifics like how the exhibition will look, including the layout and visual elements, as well as any interactive features. It also explains how the event will be promoted, using various methods like social media and traditional advertising.

Showcase Materials and Resources

The showcase is carefully set up to highlight different aspects. Photographs are displayed on easels, capturing special moments. Fabrics are showcased on panel boards, adding texture and visual appeal. The display stand is decorated with mats and fabrics, creating a cohesive backdrop. Notably, artifacts, like old passports under glass covers, become focal points.

Adjacent to them, photobooks invite visitors to explore Dr. Mohazmi’s visual journeys. Hiking essentials find a neat spot, telling their own stories—bags, shoes, hats, sticks, identification cards, and permission passes, each with its own adventure. Dr. Mohazmi’s journey is detailed on a board, featuring his biodata, travel stories, skills, and chronicles.

Humanity works come to life through pictures on the display board, offering a glimpse into impactful projects. The exhibition unfolds with three main themes—hiking, travel, and community work—creating a simple yet engaging narrative that ties together Dr. Mohazmi’s diverse experiences. The result is a compelling exhibition that invites visitors to explore and appreciate his endeavors.

The human library event unfolds on a well-prepared stage with two chairs—one for the moderator, Ms. Ulyaa Binti Sujak, and another for the speaker, Dr Mohazmi Mohamed. The emcee for the occasion is a dedicated volunteer student named Tan Sing Yee. The session commences at 10 am and concludes at 12 pm with seating arranged in classroom setting.

The session began with an opening speech from Puan Zanaria, the Head of TJ Danaraj Medical Library, followed by an officiating speech by Associate Prof. Adina, the Head of the Department of Primary Care Medicine. The event proceeds with a special video montage. Subsequently, the human library sharing session, led by Dr. Mohazmi, kicks off and wraps up with a few insightful Q&A sessions.

Participants in the Q&A are gifted to souvenirs from Dr. Mohazmi, including keychains from his past travel destinations and photographs from his exhibition. The carefully structured agenda ensures an enriching experience for the audience, fostering a connection with Dr. Mohazmi’s experiences and allowing them to take home meaningful tokens of the event.

Visitor Engagement and Feedback

The exhibition successfully drew a substantial number of visitors from various academic institutions, the UM medical community, students from different institutions, and UM students. This diverse turnout underscores the exhibition’s success in attracting and engaging a wide-ranging audience. The positive response from individuals representing different backgrounds and interests reflects the exhibition’s ability to resonate with a broad spectrum of viewers.

The human library, coinciding with the library’s Open Day, attracted numerous visitors from the Open Day event. Attendees not only witnessed the human library sharing session but also explored the exhibition. Many visitors had the opportunity to engage in spontaneous discussions with Dr. Mohazmi about the exhibition and share their interests. Additionally, the exhibition garnered a visit from Prof. April Camilla Roslani, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, who took the time to explore the exhibition after officiating the opening ceremony in the morning. This convergence of diverse visitors, including the dean, further highlighted the exhibition’s broad appeal and positive reception.

The feedback from visitors indicates a strong sense of inspiration drawn from Dr. Mohazmi’s achievements. Many expressed a keen interest in emulating his journey, aspiring to travel the world, accumulate diverse experiences, and contribute to helping those in need. Dr. Mohazmi’s impact extends beyond the exhibition, serving as a source of motivation for individuals eager to embark on similar paths of exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with communities around the globe.

Conclusion

In summary, the exhibition featuring Dr. Mohazmi was a big hit, drawing a diverse crowd from different places. The human library session, held during the library’s Open Day, attracted even more visitors eager to learn and engage. Feedback from attendees highlighted how Dr. Mohazmi’s journey inspired many to dream big, to travel, gain experiences, and make a positive impact like he did. The exhibition successfully showcased his achievements and sparked meaningful conversations with visitors.

This event showed the power of storytelling and visuals in creating curiosity and empathy. Dr. Mohazmi’s adventures, combined with the interactive setup, resonated with a wide audience, leaving a lasting impression and encouraging others to explore the world with a similar spirit. The positive response and feedback reflect the exhibition’s success in promoting a global perspective and inspiring a sense of curiosity and compassion.

Prepared by:
Diyana Sofia
TJ Danaraj Medical Library