May be it is just my observation from my contact with fellow colleagues and from the facebook postings.
Here is my advice for oversea medical graduate or to those medical students are still study overseas (UK, australia, Ireland)
1. COME BACK EARLY
My former classmate who graduated from Overseas, most of them had complete foundation years in UK and for some reasons (I don’t know the actual reasons) end up, not continue to work in UK and was currently working in Singapore. In fact, majority of them are working in Singapore.
I don’t see any advantage of doing housemanship in UK unless you’re have a long term plan of living in UK or you decided to pursue a postgraduate degree before you bound home.
So, what is the advantage of returning home and work for KKM (MOH)?
reason is simple, you’re sure get the job and got to serve the society and people who you grew up with.
being a UK graduate or Australia have the the advantage of language and education and IMHO, they have advantages in completing postgraduate diploma.
And secondly, IS IT SO NICE TO WORK IN SINGAPORE? I agree that working in Singapore will be reward with salary in SIN DOLLAR and what else? daily commute in bus or MRT while you Malaysia colleagues who earn probably half your salary, driving a brand new car to work.
There are also plenty of opportunities for postgraduate training in Malaysia. After 3 yr in services, we can apply for master programme.
SO, my final advice is:
ASK YOURSELF, DO YOU STILL LOVE YOUR COUNTRY? IF YOU DO, FIND A REASON TO RETURN HOME.
AND FINALLY, IT IS THE TIME YOU START TAKING CARE OF YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR PARENT WHO IS GETTING OLDER.
IF YOU WORKING IN OVERSEA, YOU ARE MOST LIKELY TO ABANDON your FATHER AND MOTHER. PERIOD
Thoughts and views of a liberal mind man 
86 comments
Comments feed for this article
October 15, 2011 at 9:54 pm
Phan Nop
Hi Dr Wong
I’m currently applying for IMU MBBS-Partner Programme
Nevertheless, I am having second thought now cause the fee is astronomical.
Thus, I am thinking of applying for the Feb2012 IMU Local MBBS instead.
There are a few questions that I would like to seek your advice on before I make my final decision. These questions concern the recognition of the local MBBS degree and my future career pathway.
Is there a high chance/easy for me to get an oversea specialisation upon completion of the MBBS degree? Which countries are relatively easier to secure a place?
Would you be so kind as to allow me to add you on Facebook? I would very much like to ask you more questions.
Thank you so much for your time.
God bless
Yours truly
Phan Nop
e-mail: phan_nop@yahoo.com
October 16, 2011 at 1:15 am
kingkongdoctor
Dear Phan Nop,
I try my best to anwser your inquiry
>Is there a high chance/easy for me to get an oversea specialisation upon completion of the MBBS degree?
>Which countries are relatively easier to secure a place?
I assume that you worries about the recognition of MBBS (IMU) and the future chance of specialisation
MBBS (IMU) is recognised by MMC which mean we can practise medcine in Malaysia. However, you can’t practise in Singapore coz they’re only recognise Malaysia’s UM and UKM degree
And if you wan to work in US, u need USMLE, if you wan to work in UK, u will need PLAB and if you wan to work in Australia, u need to pass AMC exam.
Secondly, specialisation
There is very rare people actually going overseas to do specialisation. Most of the specilaist have their training done back in malaysia, which mean they are either completed their Master program at local U or taking oversea postgraduate exam
Let take this example, MRCP which is a postgraduate diploma in Medicine from UK. They are many graduate of MBBS(IMU) had obtained MRCP which is recognised in commanweatlh countries.
I personally agree that going overseas is really expensive and we can’t get PTPTN loan. Unless you are very keen to work overseas, then PMS is good choice.
Regards
Wong
October 16, 2011 at 2:03 am
Phan Nop
Thank you very much for your reply Dr Wong
October 25, 2011 at 2:49 pm
wint khine
hello doctor,
i would like to ask somethig ,sir.Actually I am a doctor from Myanmar.I finished MRCP part 1 and first part of part 2.i wanna work in malaysia to get training.So please give me advice to proceed my goal..How long will the training take?Thanks
October 25, 2011 at 10:16 pm
kingkongdoctor
Dear Wint Khine
You can apply to work in Malaysia as a contract doctors. We have a number of Myanmar doctors in Malaysia.
Regading the MRCP PACES, there is no formal training available in hospital and largely self effort. Good new is you can take a Malaysia while you working here.
You may obtain the application at this address
http://www.moh.gov.my/forms?search=Application+Form+For+Contract+Medical+Officer
Regards
October 25, 2011 at 6:19 pm
confused medical student
Hi Dr KingKong,
I am currently a 4th year IMU student. i have some qeuries regarding my future pathways.
i wish to further specialize as a general surgeon or Ent surgeon in the future.
May i know if there is other alternative way besides enrolling in the master programme?
There is quota system set in the local university and i doubt that we could straight away apply for master programme once we have completed our 2 years MO service.
Most of my seniors managed to enter the programme only at their 30s.
i am more interested in taking MRCS however it is not recognized in MALAYSIA. Can you provide me more informatoin regarding MRCS ex. where to sit for the exam and could we do our core trainning in singapore for MRCS part 2/3 ? i have checked the royal colleges website but there is much confusion which i wish that you could enlighten me.
kindly advice.
regards,
confused medical student
October 25, 2011 at 10:11 pm
kingkongdoctor
Dear Confused medical Student
To cheer you all, some of my bacthmates are doing year one master in surgery(1) , anaest(3 or 4), medicine(1), paed (1) and pathology(1) All of them just 4 years of graudated from IMU.
YOU CAN apply straight away after 2 years in services. Those fellows all appied in 2010 August (we graduated in 2007, 1 year HOship and 2yr MO)
I think apply master is only viable option in malaysia setting especially in surgery related field.
I can’t help you on MRCS but my friend who is currently doing 1st year master in surgery and he did MRCS before, so he is the better person to give you the info. I will mail his email address.
Regards
October 26, 2011 at 7:21 am
confused medical student
Thanks dr. kingkong for the advice.
March 31, 2013 at 12:13 pm
ShinobuVamp
Dear Doctor,
I’m a 4th year medical student in USM. I would like to have the email address of your friend who did MRCS. Thank you very much!
May 9, 2012 at 3:59 pm
Coming back home
Hi Wong, I came across your site while searching jobs in malaysia. I am currently working as a GP in Singapore after graduating from IMU- twinning programme. It has been almost 8 years of working now here in Sg and I agree with you , coming back Malaysia has always been in my mind.
I was looking through MMC website regarding application for registration to work in Malaysia. Wow , lots of paper works with so many requirements. For me, compulsory service is abit confusing for my case.
MMC will have to review case to case before they can decide how long I need to serve , then after approving my application, I need to obtain a job within one mth .
There are quite a few of us here in Sg hoping to return. we are jst not sure if malaysia is interested in us though. sigh.
Do you know any one in the council that will be able to help the doctors from overseas to return??
May 9, 2012 at 5:40 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
It’s such unfortunate situation.
I don’t know any one in the council but I do know one doctor (a friend of mine) who last year contested for MMC (himself is a former MMA presiden for state of perlis).
Here is his email: Dr Yeap Ewe Juan (Consultant Orthopedic surgeon) yej@pd.jaring.my
Regards
list of mmc council members
Click to access Results.pdf
May 9, 2012 at 8:10 pm
Coming back home
Hi, thanks for your kind reply.Will have a look around and probably send a few emails for enquiry. Have a good day.
August 15, 2014 at 11:40 pm
Confused
Dear Coming back home,
Can I please have your email to ask for your advice about the IMU-twinning programme?
I am currently at crossroads and do not know which to choose.
July 2, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Confused medical student
Hi doctor.
I’m currently a 4th yr medical student in the UK, and am definitely planning to come back to Malaysia. So far what I’ve planned to do is to do the 2 foundation years then come back to do MRCP in Malaysia. Another option is to work for another 2 years after the foundation yrs to complete my MRCP, then come back.
Any advice on both options? What would it be like for me in both scenarios when I return to Malaysia? Is it not much difference or is it an enormous difference and a lot to consider?
Also, could you tell me what or how is the Malaysian doctors’ professional ladder like after medical school? Eg in the UK, it’s 2 yrs foundation, then 2 yrs core training, then 6-8 yrs of registrar level before becoming a consultant. How is it like in Malaysia? When do I enter in the above 2 options?
Thank you so much.
July 6, 2012 at 6:19 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
At present, all medical graduates are required to do 2 years housemanship which consist of 4 months of medicine, surgery, paed, ortho, o & g and either A&E or anesthetic.
It’s all up to your choice. If u completed 2 yr of foundations and return to malaysia, the ministry will ensure you that you have complete all the posting mentioned above. I do have my colleague who need to do O & G as houseman before going to do serve as medical officer. And similar if you have gain MRCP. Yes, you are allow to become physician but only after you serve the necessary postings.
The present system is like this: 2 year of housemanship, after that you become medical officer, if you had gained your Mrcp, you are a general physician and you need to serve at least 1 or 2 year before you can join the fellowship program I.e 4 yr training specialize training in cardio, or Neuro n etc.
Let take an average time frame to become a cardiologist. So it took 2 yr housemanship, 2 yr of medical officer, 2 yr of general physician, and 4 years of cardio fellowship. I guess it took at least 10 years just like my present visiting neurologist who graduated in 2001 and become a neurologist by 2011.
Mrcp in malaysia is recognized as specialist rather as registrar. I guess getting a Mrcp and come back to malaysia is definite advantage. Or else back to Malaysia as soon as you graduated, my former colleague was back to Malaysia right after graduated from dundee n after 4 years in the service, she is now doing her master in orthopedic.
July 2, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Confused medical student
Sorry, it’s “where” do I enter in the above 2 options?
Thank you again.
July 12, 2012 at 3:13 am
Confused medical student
Okay, thank you for your input and all the information you have provided. Appreciate it. I will ask you more questions when I need your advice again.
Thank you.
August 31, 2012 at 5:00 pm
Misbah
hello!
I hold MBBS degree from a university recognized by MMC!
i did 1 year houseman ship( 3months each in gyane obs, surgery, medicine and paeds) i am cuming to malaysia in january 2013 as i am getting married there! I want to do postgraduate training in paeds. can u please guide me whether i have to do 1 more year of housemans ship? and wat if i give mrcp there then what are its future prospects?
waiting eagerly for ur reply
August 31, 2012 at 7:23 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
You had completed O&G, surgery, medicine and paeditraic. I can only find what missing is Orthopaedic.
So, I think you are not required to do another year of HO. But you may need to do 2 more postings Ortho and Emergency or ANest (just Maybe). It’s usually up to the KKM to decided. If the KKM said not required, then you can start work as Medical officer.
It’s definite worthwhile to get MRCP. MRCP is recognised in Kementerian kesihatan as Specialist and not only a specialist registrar like the UK.
Regards
August 31, 2012 at 5:02 pm
Misbah
forgot to mention that i did my mbbs from pakistan
August 31, 2012 at 9:09 pm
Gemini
Hi Dr:) I am a second year medical student from UTAR. I am keen and enthusiastic to find out more about how to do USMLE in Malaysia. However, I am lacking of information. Googling doesn’t really help much. I only know that we can take the test in Prometric Center in KL. Can I know further on how to prepare for that? I have asked many medical students from public and private unis. They do not really know much about USMLE. I have downloaded the content outline of USMLE Step 1 but I have no idea of where to start and how to do it. Are you familiar with USMLE? Thanks.
September 6, 2012 at 10:30 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
So i guess you interest to practise medicine in US.
I have not take this test before but I know IMU students who wish to study in US, they took the exam.
Usually the test is self study.
I just check the wiki and apparently they are some new changes
Anyway, I try to based on the website and from what I knew,
so,
after completed your first 2 yrs of basic science, before the start of clinical yrs, you must go for your USMLE 1
and by the final yr of your medical school, you will need to go for your USMLE2
And according to the wikipedia, it’s said “Graduates of US medical schools typically take this exam at the end of the first year of residency. Foreign medical graduates can take Step 3 before starting residency in about ten U.S. states”
so I guess, you can took the part3 after getting your MBBS.
Regards
March 31, 2015 at 9:20 pm
chryser
Hi Gemini,
I found out your post by chance while I was searching for the MBBS course in UTAR. I realise that this were posted long time ago, you might have come to your final year in UTAR. I would like to ask how you find studying in UTAR.. Is it…err how to say…erm is it good? If I were to study medicine in UTAR, what is your opinion? I will be really grateful if you could kindly give me some advice.. Thank you
August 31, 2012 at 10:00 pm
KLP
Hi doctor, referring to your statement/reply above: “MRCP is recognised in Kementerian kesihatan as Specialist and not only a specialist registrar like the UK”.
What is the difference between “Specialist in Malaysia” and “specialist registrar in UK”? Is “specialist in Malaysia” the same as “consultant”?
Thank you
4th year student
September 6, 2012 at 10:21 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
in UK, after the Foundation 1 and 2 and ST3, a doctor will go for their specilaist training to become a neurologist/cardiologist/so forth.
Usually by ST3, a doctor in medicine is to have MRCP. And the subsequent training period, they are called specilist registrar (a Registrar).
In Malaysia, after u 2 yrs Housemanship and if you are very good at exam, by year 3 or 4, you got your MRCP. And u are call “PARKAR PERUBATAN”.
But basically they’re just a MRCP graduate. There are not a real specialist yet. To become a neurologist/cardiologist/gastro….., the MRCP fellow need to go for “sub-sespecialist” training – another 4 years. And after finished the training and become a neurologist/cardiolots/,,, usually we got promoted to consultant (Pakar Perunding).
Regards
October 16, 2012 at 6:50 pm
change agent
I can only sympathise with the current state of affairs that’s affecting the medical students and doctors in service.Latest statistics show approx 32,000 doctors in Malaysia,22,000 are in civil service while the rest are in private practise.It cannot be denied that this was the country to practice medicine.However the latest turn of events has left us in the doldrums.There are no check and balances in number of medical colleges which have been given permission to run these courses .
With 3000 to4000doctors joining the service which is expected to rise to 5,000,the lack of training posts and hospitals still not accredited for housemanships training leaves much to be said regarding the consultation and organisation of these training.
I spoke vehemently when 104 nursing colleges were functioning a few years ago.Every time i raised the question as what are you going to do with all of them,mnay just shrugged off the idea.Time has come with more than 8000 nurses unemployed,yet to b etold their training is substandard from the private sector.
In 2015 when the ratio of doctor patient ratio is achieved,and the looming gloomy economy,it will not be long when doctors will have to wait for 6 months or more t be posted with the Government for houseofficers training.
The probability of post graduate training too is questionable with the large number of candidates.Will the medicalofficers become glorified MOs and the rest wait patiently to be posted.
Likewise postgraduate training overseas is doubtful ,except for America where an annual 7500 International Graduates are welcome and Post graduate is still open
Certainly the outlook looks gloomy,but one instead of conceeding defeat has to rise to the occasion and seek greaner pastures abroad whenever available and do the bes t.
October 19, 2012 at 12:26 am
raina
i guess the only alternative left currently as advocated by many would be in pursung the USMLE exams
October 19, 2012 at 6:17 pm
KLP
“the MRCP fellow need to go for “sub-sespecialist” training – another 4 years. And after finished the training and become a neurologist/cardiolots/,,, usually we got promoted to consultant (Pakar Perunding).”
Concerning your above statement, please consider this case:
I graduated from uk, worked for 3 years, have MRCP, and wish to return to Malaysia. Am I guranteed a spot for the 4 year “subspecialist” training? If i’m not guranteed a spot, what are the chances I will get one? And will I get to choose the hospital?
Thank you.
October 21, 2012 at 12:23 am
kingkongdoctor
Hi
MRCP holder will need to go for 18 months gazettement (to official certify as specialist by the Ministry) which a supervised training by a medical consultant.
For a Master of medicine holder, the gazettemet duration is 6 mths.
Currently, After the gazettement, specialists are required to work for 1 to 2 years before entitled to apply for sub-sepcialist training.
for instance, if you come back to Malaysia as a MRCP holder, then you can start your gazettement for 18 mths and then after that, you need to work for 2 more years before you can start your training. So, you need at least 3 1/2 before the training started.
I thinks most people will get their training within the duration and as usual, ministry will sent you to particular state hospital and you have right to appeal.
Regards
February 1, 2013 at 11:22 am
abdul hore
how much is the salary / income during gazettement ?
February 10, 2013 at 3:09 pm
kingkongdoctor
You getting the salary base on the specialist level but can only claim medical officer oncall .
November 30, 2012 at 10:17 am
Toots00
HI dr. I am a 4th year medical student in a local university, I am highly interested in pursuing in dermatologist or aesthetician. If u don’t mind could you tell me briefly the path of becoming each one. Thankyou soo much Dr.
November 30, 2012 at 5:42 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
For dermatology, You can get a diploma in dermatology ( for GP clinic) or get a postgraduate master / mrcp and specialize in derm. and for aesthetic medicine , u can get a diploma after you compete your housemanship training.
February 10, 2013 at 10:54 am
bala
How many years it is required for a medical student to complete their course abroad? based on mmc malaysia?
February 10, 2013 at 2:55 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi. Mmc recognize a list of universities from abroad . So, the duration of the course does not matter. Usually medical degree took 5 yrs to complete.
March 27, 2013 at 10:14 pm
Frahman.
I’m from Bangladesh. I have finished my higher secondary( Intermediate). I wish to be a doctor. So i want to do my mbbs course from Malaysia. So which medical university will be good for me? And will it be right for me to do mbbs course in malaysia? M really tensed.. plz help me up sir..
March 28, 2013 at 8:20 am
kingkongdoctor
Hi, you must obtain a pre university certificate like A level or equivalent. They are medical university which officer pre medical course . I may recommend you AIMST. You can check the university and entry requirement from for the university. Pls ensure that the mbbs is recognised by your Bangladesh medical council or relevant authority before you pursue the course .
April 8, 2013 at 11:45 pm
wong
hi, what should i do if i would like to become a neurologist or neurosurgeon?
April 9, 2013 at 10:08 am
kingkongdoctor
Hi,
Neurologist is a medical specialist trained in to diagnose and manage disease of brain and nervous system like parkinson disease, epilepsy.
So if you interest , you to go for mrcp or master in medicine and to do a fellowship in neurology.
Neurosurgeon is a surgeon trained to deal with surgery on brain . So to become a neurosurgeon , he must become a surgeon by enroll in master in Neurosurgery.
April 20, 2013 at 4:33 pm
David
hi, how good is AUCMS’ukm[franchised] md degree?. The convocation for this degree is to be taken place in UKM or in AUCMS campus.
May 21, 2013 at 11:07 am
lolz
Hai dr. I have a ques..students who still study at oversea can do electives in summer in malaysia. What about those who GRADUATED? What stuff can they do while waiting for interview/induction? Goy a fee months there so i feel i want to do something instead of sitting at home and waiting. I heard no electives for graduates but observationship? What say u?
May 21, 2013 at 10:58 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
Maybe you can find a part-time job like teaching in a local private medical college as a tutor or instructor.
Regards
May 21, 2013 at 8:10 pm
pubalan
hi what s ur opinion regarding working at australia as a doctor…
May 21, 2013 at 10:56 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
I have no idea what is like working in Australia since I have not been there.
If you are planning to migrant to Australia, then it’s a good idea.
Regards
June 4, 2013 at 8:46 am
TiffanyYoung
Hello dr. I am currently doing the local MBBS at IMU. After graduate, is it possible for me to work overseas?
June 5, 2013 at 8:09 am
kingkongdoctor
Yes, there is alway a chance for doctors who wish to pursue their career in overseas countries.
For local IMU graduate you need to pass usmle exam if u wish to practice in us, PLAB if u work in UK, AMC it in
Australia.
Quit a number of them obtained Mrcp and pursuing specialist training in Singapore.
On the bright side, I’m very proud of Imu graduates (my housemen who just finished medical posting). They are competence, knowledge and hard working. They will do very well in their career.
June 5, 2013 at 8:16 am
TiffanyYoung
Thanks dr!
July 11, 2013 at 3:23 pm
lim
I’m a MBBS student in Mahsa University. I would like to be a general surgeon in the future,can you please give me some guidance on how to achieve this?should I register for master programme once i am done with my MO?is there any requirement? thank you for your time!!
July 11, 2013 at 9:12 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
After u graduated with your mbbs, you are require to go for housemnsship which is 2 years. After completed , the Ho now have become a medical officer(MO) n usually you will be posted in various department. if u interest in surgery, you must become the medical officer of a surgical department where you will train in surgery and learn to perform operation like appendectomy , hernia op and etc. After 2 years as mo, mo can apply for master program.
Regards
July 11, 2013 at 3:29 pm
lim
And I would like to gain some experience in overseas and I came across this programme,https://www.facebook.com/worldwideamo.but i got no idea on how it works, whether it is just a training or I will be doing my housemanship over there.After joining this programme I can continue my practise in Malaysia?
July 11, 2013 at 9:17 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi,
I can’t access fB page so I don’t know what is about.
But, i personally think it’s very important to do housemanship locally in Malaysia.
Regards
July 12, 2013 at 12:26 am
lim
Thank you so much for the explanation and guidance.so means that I will have to request for becoming the medical officer of a surgical department during my MO in that 2years?What if I dont get it?
July 12, 2013 at 8:56 am
kingkongdoctor
Hi,
Question on What if we don’t get the posting that we want?
It’s can happened and sometime we get posted to different department .
How to prevent?
What we can do is at the end of housemanship, talk to the HEad of department or pengarah stated the intention to join the surgery department. If we still get the posting that we don’t want and end up in other department , do not worry, work in the department first and then can request to go surgery later. This happens to my junior who posting to A&e for few months before he joined the surgery department.
July 12, 2013 at 12:37 am
lim
Sorry, another question.To apply for the master programme,is there any entry requirement?After I passed the 4yrs master programme,and went through a 6-months training,does that mean I can practice as a general surgeon? I’m really confused and wish to clear my doubts. Thank you so much!!
July 12, 2013 at 9:09 am
kingkongdoctor
Hi
There is no need to be confuse and worry.
The usual req is minimal of 2 years as Mo, has 3 consecutive years of assessment points of more than 85.
After you competed 4 year of master aprogram and you will be a surgeon. The government will require the surgeon to go for supervise training under a consultant for 6 months.
You will be getting a better idea when u starts working as doctor.
Regards
July 12, 2013 at 3:39 pm
waiwailim
Thank you so much!!
July 20, 2013 at 1:07 am
waiwailim
Hi doctor.I’m in doubt of my degree.Since I’m doing my MBBS in Mahsa University,do I stand a chance to take the licensing exams to work abroad like USMLE/PLAB?I read it somewhere saying that to be eligible to register for the exam,the medical school must be listed under a guideline.I dont think Mahsa University is listed so does that mean I can work in Malaysia for the rest of my life?Does it make any difference if I have a specialisation before I apply working overseas?Thanks for your time.I’m really worried about my degree.
July 20, 2013 at 1:20 am
waiwailim
Hi doctor.I’m worried about my medial degree.Since I’m doing MBBS in Mahsa University,do I still get a chance to take USMLE/PLAB to work overseas?I read from somewhere saying that to be eligible to take the exams,med school should be qualified,but I dont think Mahsa is one of it.Does that mean I have no chance at all to work in overseas?Thanks!!!
July 20, 2013 at 4:04 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi , Mahsa university is relatively new as compare to other private med school. But pls don’t worry. Mahsa is an established nursing college before its get the license for medical program and the dean is Ismail merican, our formal health DIrector general. Therefore your mbbs will definitely recognized by government.
As for usmle and PLAB , you should have no problem of sitting for the exam.
Regarding to get specialization in Malaysia first or latter, I think if you intend to go overseas, probably it’s good to go oversea as soon as you qualify and get the training there.
July 20, 2013 at 10:04 pm
waiwailim
Thank you so much doctor!!You cleared off my doubts.Thanks
June 23, 2015 at 1:10 am
kingkongdoctor
Sure u can take usmle and whatever overseas paper u want.
Just have to pass it!
September 24, 2013 at 12:08 am
Daveleng
Hi doctor, if I’m graduating in a UK medical uni(transferred from imu) , as a malaysian, is it easy for us to get housemanship and job as well there?
October 22, 2013 at 11:23 pm
kingkongdoctor
Yes, pls come back and serve the country
February 23, 2014 at 6:26 pm
vigneiswaran
Hey Doc ,
I’m another medical student like wailim from Mahsa University. Being in a big dillema about the qualifying exams being implemented I was in the verge of either taking up USMLE Part 1 as that’s the only exam board who allows MEDICAL STUDENTS to do a licensing exam or to move to another university. I’m currently in third year and gonna finish my 3rd clinical posting.
Would you mind guiding me on how to take up USMLE being a medical student in MAHSA University.
February 23, 2014 at 6:27 pm
vigneiswaran
Hey Doc ,
I’m another medical student like wailim from Mahsa University. Being in a big dillema about the qualifying exams being implemented I was in the verge of either taking up USMLE Part 1 as that’s the only exam board who allows MEDICAL STUDENTS to do a licensing exam or to move to another university. I’m currently in third year and gonna finish my 3rd clinical posting.
Would you mind guiding me on how to take up USMLE being a medical student in MAHSA University.
March 19, 2014 at 7:45 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi, sorry an help u as I didn’t have any experience sitting for usmle
March 19, 2014 at 3:20 pm
malindergill
Dear doctor, I hope you are doing well. I’m a final year medical student from the University of Manchester. I have been given a job as a junior doctor for 2 years in the UK. I plan to come back after the 2 years to Malaysia.
i have been told that if I pass my MRCP part one in the UK, I would be able to skip the compulsory 2 years in malaysia. Is this true?
thank you.
March 19, 2014 at 7:44 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi, I have colleagues who were came back from overseas after finished horsemanship in or Ireland. They are required to complete the important posting like obstetric posting which they didn’t do back in uk/Ireland.
August 3, 2014 at 7:13 pm
Charles Eakin
Hi Doctor,
I hope you are well.
Slightly different question- I am a Westerner (gwai lo if you will!) with a medical degree from UK, currently at FY2 level and studying for MRCP.
I do not speak any Malay and minimal Cantonese but I am studying the latter in my spare time. I am interested in working in Malaysia/Singapore as MO although I haven’t decided the medical specialty I wish to pursue yet but am interested in haematology.
Do you know of many Westerners working as doctors in Malaysia? Is it easy or difficult to get jobs in KL and are foreign doctors treated well with good opportunities for specialist training? Is there a dedicated haem/onc training pathway after mrcp?
Many thanks!
August 4, 2014 at 10:54 pm
kingkongdoctor
Hi
I’m glad to hear that you are interest to practice in this Malaysia or Singapore.
I don’t know the Singapore system so I just focus on my country.
First of all, official language is Malay, but most of all clinical notes and investigation and reports are written in English. Don’t worry about communication with patients coz so many people know basic English.
2. Malaysia system actually recognize MRCP as a specialist, a general medical physician. It’s a major difference with the UK. We do not have specialist registrar post. So for a doctor in Malaysia who wish to train to become hematologist, first get a MRCP or master of medicine. Then you can apply for the hematologist training program (4 years program ) which one must wait for 1 to 2 years time before eligible for the training.
I’m not sure the training post is open to foreigner or contract doctor.
I think the present system in Malaysia is too slow to produce specialist as compare to Uk or Us System.
3 thirdly, you can apply to work in Malaysia by sending your resume and this form http://humanres.moh.gov.my/v2/uploads/0a166556-a2e5-a73f.pdf .
We do have foreign doctors from Egypt and Burmese. I have not see any doctor from Uk.
Regards
August 3, 2014 at 7:15 pm
Charles Eakin
And I forgot perhaps the most important question! Are there language exams before entering Malaysia? Are foreigners expected to be fluent in Malay?
Many Thanks
June 23, 2015 at 1:09 am
kingkongdoctor
You may need to learn malay. But it’s still English based.
October 27, 2014 at 5:39 am
aja105
hello dr,
im a final year student studying in egypt(of course its recognized by the MMC). my professional exam will be on this very december. after that, i’ll be getting my mbbch(equivalent to mbbs). im thinking of applying to do my ho in sarawak. but my university here is promoting us final year students to roll in Masters at Manchester Uni(since our Uni is linked with manchester Uk uni-thus the name of my programme is Mansoura-Manchester: u can google it)
the question is, whats the benefits of doing the masters first before Ho cause we still need to do our HO after getting back to malaysia.
the 2nd question is, when is the best time to do MRCP? i dont really understand the need of doing the mrcp.
October 27, 2014 at 5:42 am
aja105
one more thing~ i LOVE your blog! so helpful!
March 27, 2015 at 1:54 am
Ervin
Hi, I’m STPM student and planning to take MD in universitas brawijaya, indonesia. Is it nice? How about the reputation of indonesian graduate? i need your opinion, thanks^^
June 23, 2015 at 1:08 am
kingkongdoctor
From the group of housemen that I work with I think local grad (private or gov) are better in term of knowledge than indo. Otherwise they are still function the same
June 22, 2015 at 8:26 pm
Stella
Hi Doctor,
I am a Form 5 student in Malaysia. I am interested in taking MBBS and be either a pathologist or cardiologist(I still need some time to really decide). I just went to an education fair and there’s one university (Asia Metropolitan University) introduced me to USMLE. The consultant told me that after my Foundation in Science and MBBS(total of 6 years), I will take USMLE part 1 exam. After I pass the part 1 exam, I can work in any hospital in US for 5 years and take my USMLE part 2 exam. After I pass the part 2 exam, I will become a specialist. Which take lesser time(total of 11 years) to be a specialist compare to the traditional way to be a specialist in Malaysia(which took about 20-25 years in total) and he said that the USMLE certificate is recognised by the whole world including Malaysia, so I can actually work in anywhere I want as long as they hire me.
Now the problem is I am actually still quite confused with USMLE. Can I get more information regarding USMLE and can I have your advise on should I choose to study in AMU after my SPM?
Kidly advise.
Regards,
Stella.
June 22, 2015 at 8:27 pm
Stella
Kindly*
June 23, 2015 at 1:06 am
kingkongdoctor
Hi,
Usmle is a requirement for all doctors who wish to practice in USA. So it’s consist of part 1.2 and 3.
U can google it and know what is it.
Unless u really think of settle in US, then usmle is a must.
To become specialist in Malaysia, it’s took about 8 years.( the best scenario, pass all exams and get into master within 2 years). Two of my batch mates just become a surgeon and an anaesthesiologist.
Let break down to two years in housemanship, two years become medical officers and 4 years in master program.
I advise u to choose the usual way
Go to pre U whether A level or matriculation and then get a mbbs
July 16, 2015 at 11:31 am
Aimi
Hi, between usci, mahsa and Taylor’s which of them Is better?
July 16, 2015 at 1:37 pm
kingkongdoctor
Have u visit all the 3 campus?
Oldest is ucsi , training in Terengganu. I’m not sure mahsa and Taylor using which hospitals. U can choose which u like most.
August 9, 2016 at 5:31 pm
Seth
Hello, doctor
I am a matriculation graduate and I’m very interested in taking up the MBBS course. I’ve been going on the net to look for reviews and most people say that IMU would be a good option. However, my parents suggested that I should opt for UTAR instead, seeing that the fees are nearly half the price of that from IMU with the same course.
My concern is that UTAR’s MBBS seems to still be newly established and some claimed that it has yet to gain recognition. Thus, saying that applying for it would only make us their guinea pigs. Is this true?
Due to lack of resources online, I couldn’t confirm it anywhere.
Would it be a wise choice for me to go for it anyway? What are your thoughts on UTAR’s MBBS?
I would really appreciate it if you would kindly reply to this post. I’m very scared to make the wrong choice for a very expensive course. Thank you, doctor.
August 10, 2016 at 9:09 am
kingkongdoctor
Hi Seth
I can’t comment on UTAR Mbbs course but I can say it’s possible very similar to IMU. I made the conclusion due to quite a few lecturers are former IMU lecturers,I.e. Prof Chong and Prof Boo.
All medical schools today are adopting to Problem based teaching and other modern medical curriculum.
Anyway, I think medical schools setting up are almost the same, the Students that made the difference.
Financial concern is important so do pay
visit to UTAR and IMU and ask questions.
Good luck and all the best.
September 1, 2016 at 11:23 pm
plzlee
Hi doctor.
I am a final year medical student who is studying in Scotland. I have pretty much decided to return home to work starting as a houseman. I have yet to do my electives which I will be doing it in Malaysia as well. I would like to find out how are the UK grads assimilating in the M’sia HO training and if they have the privilege to be fast tracked in the houseman placement. Thanks a lot for answering.
Regards,
Lynn
September 3, 2016 at 2:09 am
kingkongdoctor
Hi
I don’t see there any difficulties of adopting the malaysia system since we’re Malaysia system is based on the uk system.
And lastly, I am not sure the fast Track system. I’m afraid you may need to wait for your posting.
Regards
October 5, 2016 at 9:08 am
Adibah Rahman
Greetings Dr.
I stumbled upon the statement about Malaysian Govt is going to cut more and more scholarship for the post grads doctors. I know some will say we should try and save our every penny to afford the study itself, but I think the economy nowadays is not so good either. I even, was thinking of working outside the country after getting my license though it would be a brain drain.
I would be happy if you can read these statement and give me your two cents. My economics subject rusted. Could not get the whole view of these but, please take a look. https://www.facebook.com/siti.i.mohamad/posts/1300838499926555
Regards