Malaysia is a popular destination for students who want to pursue a medical degree and a career in the healthcare sector. The country offers world-class education, affordable tuition and living costs, a multicultural environment, and high-quality medical facilities. According to the Malaysia Education Blueprint 2015-2025, the country aims to attract over 250,000 international students by 2025, with a significant proportion of them enrolling in medical courses. Many of these students choose the country because of its reputation as an education hub, and the job opportunities after medical studies in Malaysia.
Studying medicine in Malaysia offers many benefits, such as universal medical scholastic principles, advanced training practices, pragmatic medical coaching, and internationally recognized programs. Moreover, Malaysia has seen a large influx of international students in recent years, from 10,453 in 2020 to 18,848 in 2023, making it a diverse and vibrant learning environment. However, studying medicine in Malaysia is not only about academic excellence and cultural exposure. It is also about preparing for a rewarding and challenging career as a medical practitioner in a country that needs more healthcare professionals. According to the Health Minister, Malaysia needs more medical specialists to support the increasing demand for services in the national healthcare system. The doctor-population ratio in Malaysia has surpassed the World Health Organization’s recommendation of 1:1,000, but the number of family medicine specialists is still low compared to the actual need. Therefore, medical graduates who wish to work in Malaysia have many opportunities to contribute to the health and well-being of the nation.
In this article, we will look at some of the best career pathways for medical graduates in Malaysia and more.
Opportunities After Medical Studies in Malaysia: Working as a Medical Doctor
One of the most common and obvious choices for medical graduates is to work as a doctor in Malaysia. However, this is not as simple as it sounds. To practice medicine in Malaysia graduates need to obtain a license from the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), which is the statutory body that regulates the medical profession in the country. The MMC sets the standards and guidelines for medical education, training, and practice, and ensures that all doctors adhere to the code of ethics and professional conduct. To obtain a license from the MMC, you need to complete compulsory housemanship training for two years. The housemanship training is a structured and supervised program that aims to provide medicine graduates with the necessary clinical skills and competencies to become competent and independent medical practitioners.
The housemanship training involves rotating through six different departments in a public hospital, namely medicine, surgery, orthopedics, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and emergency medicine. Each rotation lasts for four months, and medicine graduates are expected to perform various tasks and procedures under the guidance and supervision of senior doctors. During the housemanmanship training, medicine graduates are also assessed by senior doctors on their knowledge, skills, attitudes, and professionalism. Only after completing the housemanship training and passing the assessments, medicine graduates can apply for full registration with the MMC and work as medical officers in Malaysia. A medical officer is a general practitioner who can work in public or private hospitals, clinics, or health centers, and provide primary and secondary health care services to the patients.
However, not all MBBS graduates are eligible for the housemanship training and the MMC license. According to the MMC, only m graduates from recognized universities can apply for provisional registration and housemanship training. Therefore, MBBS graduates from unrecognized universities may face difficulties in working as a doctor in Malaysia. Moreover, the housemanship training is highly competitive and limited in capacity. According to the Malaysian Health Ministry, there are about 5,000 housemanship positions available every year, but the number of MBBS graduates exceeds 7,000. This means that some MBBS graduates may have to wait for a long time before they can start their housemanship training. In addition, the housemanship training is also very challenging and demanding, with long working hours, heavy workloads, and high expectations. Therefore, working as a doctor in Malaysia is not an easy option for MBBS graduates. It requires a lot of dedication, patience, and perseverance. However, it can also be rewarding and fulfilling, as doctors can make a positive impact on the health and well-being of the people.
Medical doctors in Malaysia earn an average salary of 120,000 MYR per year, with a range of 60,000 MYR to 180,000 MYR depending on their qualifications and experience. Doctors who work in rural areas, government hospitals, or specialized fields may receive additional allowances and incentives. The salary of doctors in Malaysia is also influenced by the demand and supply of medical services, the cost of living, and the economic situation of the country. Doctors in Malaysia enjoy various benefits, such as medical insurance, pension, and tax exemptions. However, they also face challenges, such as long working hours, heavy workloads, and high stress levels. Additionally, those engaged in academic and research pursuits may supplement their income through teaching and publications.
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Opportunities After Medical Studies in Malaysia: Working as a Doctor in Other Countries
Another option for MBBS graduates is to work as a doctor in other countries. However, this also requires meeting the requirements and regulations of the respective countries. For example:
- To work as a doctor in the United Kingdom, MBBS graduates need to pass the Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) test and register with the General Medical Council (GMC). The GMC is the regulatory body that grants the license to practice medicine in the UK. MBBS graduates also need to have a valid work visa and a sponsorship from a UK employer to work as a doctor in the UK.
- To work as a doctor in the United States, MBBS graduates need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and obtain a visa sponsorship from an employer. The USMLE is a three-step exam that evaluates the medical knowledge, skills, and abilities of MBBS graduates. MBBS graduates also need to have a valid work visa and a sponsorship from a US employer to work as a doctor in the US.
- To work as a doctor in India, MBBS graduates need to obtain a license from the Medical Council of India (MCI) and complete a compulsory rotating internship for one year. The MCI is the statutory body that regulates medical education and practice in India. The rotating internship is a training program that exposes MBBS graduates to various clinical departments and specialties in a hospital. After completing the internship, MBBS graduates can apply for permanent registration with the MCI and work as a doctor in India.
- To work as a doctor in UAE, MBBS graduates need to obtain a license from the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and pass the Prometric Exam. The MOHAP is the authority that issues the license to practice medicine in UAE. MBBS graduates also need to have a valid work visa and a sponsorship from a UAE employer to work as a doctor in the UAE.
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Pursuing Higher Studies in Malaysia or Abroad
Another option for MBBS graduates is to pursue higher studies in Malaysia or abroad. This can be a good way to enhance their knowledge, skills, and qualifications, as well as to explore their interests and passions. There are various types of higher studies that MBBS graduates can pursue, such as:
- Master of Medicine (MMed): This is a postgraduate degree that specializes in a specific branch of medicine, such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, etc. It usually takes three to four years to complete and involves both coursework and clinical training. MMed graduates can work as specialists or consultants in their respective fields. According to a report by the Malaysian Medical Council, there were 6,841 MMed graduates in Malaysia as of 2023.
- Master of Public Health (MPH): This is a postgraduate degree that focuses on the prevention and control of diseases, the promotion of health, and the management of health services. It usually takes one to two years to complete and involves both coursework and research. MPH graduates can work as public health practitioners, researchers, policymakers, or educators in various settings. According to a report by the World Health Organization, Malaysia had 1,026 public health specialists as of 2023.
- Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.): This is the highest level of academic degree that involves conducting original and independent research on a specific topic. It usually takes three to five years to complete and requires a dissertation and a viva voce. PhD graduates can work as researchers, academics, or experts in their respective fields. According to a report by the Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia had 1,143 Ph.D. graduates in health and medical sciences as of 2023.
There are many universities in Malaysia and abroad that offer these types of higher studies for medical graduates. However, the admission criteria, fees, and scholarships may vary depending on the university and the program. Therefore, MBBS graduates need to do their homework and find out the best options for them.
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Opportunities After Medical Studies in Malaysia: Alternative Careers in Malaysia or Abroad
Working in alternative careers in Malaysia or abroad means that MBBS graduates can use their medical knowledge, skills, and experience in different domains and sectors that are not directly related to clinical practice. This can be a good way to utilize their medical background in other ways that may suit their interests, passions, or goals better. For example:
Medical Writing: This involves writing, editing, and reviewing various types of medical documents, such as articles, reports, proposals, manuals, etc. Medical writers can work for pharmaceutical companies, research organizations, journals, or freelance. Medical writing can be a good option for MBBS graduates who have excellent writing and communication skills, as well as a keen interest in medical research and innovation. Medical writing can also provide flexibility and variety in terms of topics, formats, and clients.
Medical Education: This involves designing, developing, and delivering various types of medical education programs, such as courses, workshops, seminars, etc. Medical educators can work for universities, colleges, hospitals, or professional bodies. Medical education can be a good option for MBBS graduates who have strong teaching and mentoring skills, as well as a passion for sharing their medical knowledge and experience with others. Medical education can also provide opportunities for academic and professional development, as well as networking and collaboration with other medical professionals.
Medical Administration: This involves managing and coordinating various aspects of medical services, such as finance, human resources, quality, etc. Medical administrators can work for hospitals, clinics, health departments, or insurance companies. Medical administration can be a good option for MBBS graduates who have good organizational and leadership skills, as well as a sense of responsibility and accountability for the medical services they oversee. Medical administration can also provide challenges and rewards in terms of improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system.
Medical Informatics: This involves applying information technology and data science to improve health care delivery, research, and education. Medical informaticians can work for health systems, software companies, research institutes, or government agencies. Medical informatics can be a good option for MBBS graduates who have strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as a curiosity and enthusiasm for the latest technologies and innovations in health care. Medical informatics can also provide opportunities for creativity and impact in terms of developing and implementing solutions that can enhance the quality and safety of health care.
Medical Journalism: This involves reporting, writing, and editing news and stories related to health, medicine, and science. Medical journalists can work for newspapers, magazines, websites, radio, or television. Medical journalism can be a good option for MBBS graduates who have a flair for storytelling, a keen eye for detail, and a desire to inform and educate the public about health issues and discoveries. Medical journalism can also provide exposure and recognition in the media industry, as well as a chance to interact with various sources and experts.
Medical Consulting: This involves providing advice, guidance, and solutions to clients in the healthcare sector, such as hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or non-governmental organizations. Medical consultants can work for consulting firms or independently. Medical consulting can be a good option for MBBS graduates who have strong business acumen, a strategic mindset, and a willingness to take on challenging and diverse projects. Medical consulting can also provide high-income potential, as well as a chance to travel and work with different clients and cultures.
Medical Research Ethics: This involves reviewing, monitoring, and ensuring the ethical conduct of medical research involving human subjects, animals, or the environment. Medical research ethicists can work for ethics committees, review boards, regulatory agencies, or research institutions. Medical research ethics can be a good option for MBBS graduates who have a deep understanding of the principles and values of medical research, a respect for the rights and welfare of research participants, and a commitment to uphold the highest standards of ethical practice. Medical research ethics can also provide a sense of satisfaction and responsibility in terms of protecting the integrity and quality of medical research.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, there is no dearth of job opportunities after medical studies in Malaysia. Graduates can choose to work in various sectors, such as public hospitals, private clinics, academic institutions, or even overseas. They can also enjoy the benefits of working as a doctor in Malaysia, such as a high salary, a respected title, a diverse culture, and a dynamic work environment. Moreover, they can make a positive impact on society by providing quality healthcare services to the people, especially those in rural areas who need more medical attention. Therefore, studying medicine in Malaysia is a wise and rewarding decision for anyone who wants to pursue a career in the healthcare industry. For more information regarding the same, contact our admission experts at Gyanberry. Book your free video call appointment now!
