For Gwendolyn Amanda Johnson, or Gwen as she prefers to be called, travelling over 10,000km away from her hometown of Ipoh to the city of Łódź in Poland and later the island country of Malta has been not only a leap across continents, but a leap of faith.
From studying medicine at the University of Łódź to pursuing specialisation in emergency medicine, Gwen has spent years laying the groundwork for a noble career in healthcare.
She represents a growing group of Malaysian healthcare professionals who are building global experience with the long-term intention of giving back to their homeland.
Here is how she made the foray into studying and working abroad, and how the years spent on foreign soil not only transformed her as a
A Catalyst for Independence and Growth
The seeds of Gwen’s curiosity towards living abroad were first sowed through a cousin, who studied medicine in Russia.
“I used to go to the airport with my uncle to pick him up, and sometimes he would bring gifts back. Somehow, that inspired me to go abroad since I was a kid,” Gwen recalled.
After weighing her options on where to study, fate brought Gwen to the University of Łódź after she aced the institution’s Polish entrance exam.
The moment she passed through immigration, it dawned on Gwen that things would never be the same again.
“Everything changes in a split second because you’re alone now,” she said. “That mindset has made me more alert, intentional and grateful in life.”
Adapting to Poland meant navigating a new language, unfamiliar systems and a culture far removed from home. “But I reminded myself that I chose this path, and every challenge was a lesson rather than a struggle.”
Her journey mirrors that of many Malaysians abroad who leave home not simply to explore the world, but to expand their capabilities and perspectives.
Through platforms like MyHeart, Malaysians overseas are increasingly able to find ways to stay connected to home while building global expertise. The result is that distance does not weaken their contribution, but strengthens it instead.
Starting Anew in Malta
After six years in Poland, Gwen made another bold decision to move to Malta just days after her graduation.
The move came after she observed seniors from her university who had begun working there three years earlier.
“Several of my seniors had already been working in Malta and they shared many positive experiences,” she said. “From what I observed, the system there seemed very suitable for international graduates.”
Encouraged by their insights and reassured by the structure of Malta’s healthcare system, Gwen decided to begin her career in an environment she believed would allow her to grow with confidence.
Uncovering a New Calling
A new environment and culture were not the only major changes that awaited Gwen in Malta. While she once aspired to be an anaesthesiologist, a three-month rotation in emergency medicine changed everything.
“At first, I didn’t even know it was something you could specialise in,” she said. “But I loved how dynamic it was. You see everything—heart attacks, trauma, paediatric cases—and you have to think fast.”
When Malta’s Ministry of Health opened new specialist training posts for third-country nationals for the first time in years, Gwen was among the successful applicants. “It was pure luck and timing, but I also believe the right doors open when you’re ready,” she said.
Furthermore, her training is recognised across Europe, giving her the flexibility to attend courses in Italy or the UK. Recently, her interests have evolved further, growing towards paediatric emergency care. “Treating children is something I feel deeply drawn to,” she added.
Along the way, Gwen has gained a deepened awareness of time and the value of living. “Seeing life and death up close in what I do has made me more conscious and present. I’ve learned to criticise less, complain less, see things from a wider perspective and value things more deeply,” she shared.
Keeping Home Close and Roots Strong
Although Malta may not be familiar to some Malaysians, there is actually a growing and tight-knit community of them in Malta.
“For me, it started with a WhatsApp group. Whenever someone new from Malaysia arrives on the island, they get added to the group and we welcome them,” Gwen said.
The community is a big part of how she keeps her roots alive, as she often helps organise potlucks and gatherings, especially during festive seasons.
“Everyone brings something from home, like satay, ikan bakar or curry puffs. You never know what dish or delicacy will show up, and that’s the best part.”
These gatherings, she said, are more than just about food. “It’s about connection. We share stories from all over the world and remind each other why we’re here.”
Over time, such networks can evolve beyond social gatherings into platforms for collaboration and knowledge exchange. This is where MyHeart can come in by transforming organic Malaysian communities abroad into structured opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and cross-border contribution.
Channelling Grief into Inspiration and Connection
Beyond connecting with her fellow Malaysians, Gwen fosters connections of a wider kind through social media and content creation.
On her Instagram, she shares reflections on life abroad, emotional growth and the realities of practising medicine overseas.
Her content and their underlying themes of emotional intelligence and mental health awareness stem from a devastating loss. “When my aunt passed away six years ago, it made me rethink everything,” she said. “I realised I had more to offer than just my job. That’s when I started reading self-help books and writing reflections on social media.”
Her posts, which she describes as her “online diary”, have since inspired many. “Sometimes people message me saying something I posted helped them see things differently. Even if it’s just one person, that’s enough for me.”
If the right opportunity arises, Gwen hopes to give talks and mentor younger Malaysians. “I wasn’t taught to think the way I do now when I was younger. If I can help someone else find their purpose or mental clarity, I’ll be fulfilled,” she said.
Gwen’s passion for connection is one that mirrors the purpose of module. It provides a space for Malaysians like her to find others with shared interests and value and turn them into real-world impact.
Investing in Malaysia’s Healthcare Future
In the long term, every skill Gwen is acquiring abroad is, in her mind, an investment in how she can eventually serve Malaysia.
She envisions returning home not just as an emergency specialist, but as a healthcare professional shaped by systems that prioritise mentorship, psychological safety and respect.
Apart from contributing technical expertise, she wants to help shape a better environment for aspiring and young doctors—one that provides even greater support and champions emotional wellbeing.
“In Malta, I see how senior doctors are always so open to lending their support and creating an inclusive culture that instils confidence in their younger counterparts,” she said. “Through what I’ve learned from working alongside them, I hope to gradually break the cycle by fostering a culture where younger doctors feel safe to learn, grow and speak up.”
By building herself professionally overseas, Gwen believes she will one day return with both clinical credibility and a stronger voice, enabling her to influence not only patient care, but workplace culture.
If Gwen’s drive to connect with and inspire fellow Malaysians resonates with you, why not join the MyHeart community? Sign up today to connect and collaborate with more individuals like yourself looking to make a difference
