The career scope after medical studies in Turkey is huge. The most common prospects after completing medical studies (MD/MBBS) in Turkey are
- Practicing medicine as a general practitioner or doctor in Turkey, the EU, or other countries
- Pursuing a post-graduate degree residency program
- Higher education such as a master’s or a doctoral degree (Ph.D.)
The ratio of doctors is 1.7 per 1,000 citizens in Turkey, which is quite low compared to an average of 3.4 in other European countries. This data, published in an article in ResearchGate, suggests that there is a rising demand for proficient physicians in Turkey. Thus, it attracts a lot of international students. Turkey is also a wonderful designation for medical (MD) studies. The education it offers is excellent in terms of quality. Since Turkey is a member of the EU, it is quite feasible for international students to transfer their license to practice medicine in other EU countries. Here is a detailed account of the career scope after medical studies in Turkey.
Practice Medicine in Turkey
Here are steps to start practicing medicine in Turkey as an international student
- After completion of the six-year MD program in Turkey, you need to pass the STS Exam (Turkish medical equivalency exam). The minimum passing score is 45/100.
- You have to work 6-9 months in a government educational hospital.
- You require a work permit or visa issued by the Ministry of Family, Labor, and Social Services to start working as a medical doctor in Turkey.
- Though Turkish language proficiency is not required for studying medicine in Turkey, it is a requirement if you are planning to practice medicine in Turkey. Clearing the STS exam will confirm your proficiency in the language.
- After completion of the above-mentioned requirements, you can start applying for jobs in Turkish Hospitals. However, it is important to note that foreign nationals are not allowed to work in state-run hospitals.
- You can search for job opportunities in private hospitals in Turkey through online platforms including LinkedIn or Indeed as well as Turkish job portals.
Average salary:
The average yearly salary of a general practitioner or medical doctor in Turkey is 221,000 TL or 11,854 USD (Salary explorer).
Practice Medicine in the UK
The United Kingdom is well-known for providing good employment, training, and a solid work-life balance for doctors. Every year, a large number of doctors from the EU, as well as from other countries, seek a medical license in the UK. Doctors intending to start practicing in the UK must be registered with the UK’s General Medical Council (GMC). The next step is to clear both parts of the PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board) test. The test ensures that you have the right skills and qualifications to practice medicine in the UK.
Doctors need to undertake a two-year foundation program. The first year of the foundation program entitles students the provisional registration whereas the second year gives them full registration. Upon completion of the foundation program, they can even go for specialist or GP registration in the UK.
Average salary:
The average yearly salary of a doctor in the UK is 13,900 GBP or 17,041 USD.
Practice Medicine in UAE
The licensing authorities for specific territories where you can apply for a license to practice medicine in the UAE are as follows.
| Authority | Territory |
| DHA (Dubai Health Authority) | Dubai |
| DHCC (Dubai Healthcare City) | Dubai |
| HAAD (Health Authority Abu Dhabi) | Abu Dhabi |
| MOH (Ministry of Health) | Northern emirates |
Doctors must take the medical licensing exam and have their qualifications confirmed before they can register with any of the above organizations. Following that, they must pass an oral examination. After clearance, they will be registered and licensed to practice in the UAE.
Average salary:
According to the PayScale statistics, the average yearly salary for a doctor in the UAE is 399,619 AED or 108,813 USD.
Practice Medicine in India
To practice medicine in India candidate must obtain a license from the National Medical Commission (NMC). The candidate has to appear for the NMC screening test or the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE) to get a license. This exam is conducted twice a year in June and December.
Average salary:
According to the PayScale statistics, the average yearly salary for a doctor or physician in India is 9,259 USD. The salary is highly variable based on the city and specialization.
Post graduation/residency in Turkey
Obtaining a postgraduate degree or residency after receiving your MD in Turkey is a simple process. There are over 100 medical faculties in Turkey that offer specialization programs. To begin your residency program, you must be fluent in Turkish. Almost all the residency programs are taught in Turkish, so students need to speak the language to be able to communicate with patients.
They must have a six-year undergraduate degree in medicine and pass the national admission exam called the STS Exam. It is held twice a year, in the months of February and August. It follows an MCQ-based format and consists of a total of 120 questions. Following that, they must complete 6 to 9 months of required training in Turkish government hospitals.
They must then take the Turkish Medical Specialty Exam, or TUS, which is likewise held twice a year in April and September. The exam lasts 150 minutes and is divided into two sessions of MCQ-based questions. The exam score determines the choice of specialty. The duration of the residency program depends on the type of specialization. After completion of the program, students have to appear for an exam, which they must pass before they can start working as specialists. Students get paid while completing their residency.
Average Salary:
The average yearly salary of a specialist doctor in Turkey is 60,631 USD.
Master’s or Ph.D. in Turkey
After completion of MD/MBBS in Turkey, students can opt for a master’s or a Ph.D. program in Turkey. The following are the popular colleges in Turkey that offer these programs in medicine and healthcare fields.
- Hacettepe University
- Ege University
- Istanbul University
- Istanbul Medipol University
- Gaziantep University
- Dicle University
There are numerous options open for students after a medical degree (MD/MBBS) in Turkey. They can practice medicine in Turkey after clearing the STS exam and completing the mandatory training of 6 to 9 months in Turkish government hospitals. They can even travel to other countries to practice medicine after receiving the necessary permits. Some students prefer to complete their residency to become specialist doctors. Other options such as a master’s degree in healthcare and a Ph.D. are available.
