How to become a doctor in Malaysia

As a doctor, I am frequently being asked this 2 questions: How to become a doctor in Malaysia? Is it hard to become a doctor? For my very first entry, we will talk about the steps needed to become a doctor in Malaysia.

Becoming a doctor in Malaysia involves several steps. Here’s a general outline of the process:

1. Educational Requirements

  • Pre-University Education: Complete SPM (or equivalent) with strong grades in relevant subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics). You’ll need to have at least 5Bs at SPM (or O Levels / IGCSE) including:
    • Biology, and
    • Chemistry, and
    • Physics, and
    • Mathematics or Additional Mathematics, and
    • One other subject
    In addition, you MUST  have a pass in Bahasa Melayu and Sejarah in SPM. This is to fulfil the requirements of working in the government for your housemanship later on. 
  • After SPM, you can pursue a pre-university course like A-Levels, STPM, or foundation in science.

  • The academic requirements at pre-university or foundation level are as follows:

    • A Levels: BBB, ABC or AAC in Biology, and Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
    • STPM: BBB, ABC or AAC in Biology, and Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
    • Australian Matriculation (e.g. SACEi, WACE): 3Bs in Biology, and Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics; or ATAR 80 including an average of 80% in Biology, and Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics
    • Foundation in Science / Matrikulasi: CGPA of 3.0 in Biology, and Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics, and all subjects must be at least a C (GPA 2.0); and 5Bs in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics or Additional Mathematics, and one other subject in SPM or equivalent.
(source: https://eduadvisor.my/articles/how-to-be-a-doctor-in-malaysia-after-spm)
  • Medical Degree: Enroll in a recognized medical school to earn a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) or equivalent degree. This typically takes 5 to 6 years.

2. Internship

  • After obtaining your medical degree, complete a compulsory housemanship (internship) for about 2 years in various medical disciplines, such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, etc. This is the hardest part of your practice, typically in Malaysia, where a lot of medical students ended up not continuing with the journey, due to the job's low pay and long hours (can be up to 24 hours a day! But this is the time to built your resilience and it does pay in the end! This is also a reminder to you as to why you chose medicine in the first place. If your very first intention is not right, you might not be able to go through this!

3. Full Registration

  • Upon completing your housemanship, apply for full registration with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). 
  • in order to be a registered medical officer in Malaysia, you must pursue a medical degree that is recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council, regardless whether your degree is from Malaysia or overseas, if not, you might need to sit and pass the Medical Licensing Examination.
  • Choosing a recognised medical degree is VERY CRUCIAL for this.

4. Specialization (Optional)

  • If you wish to specialize, you can apply for a postgraduate program in a specific field of medicine. This can take an additional 4 to 6 years.
  • Also your medical degree also plays a very important role in the acceptance for a postgraduate program. Choose your university carefully!

5. Continuous Professional Development

  • Stay updated with medical practices and complete continuing medical education (CME) requirements to maintain your registration.

Additional Tips:

  • Choose the Right Medical School: Ensure the institution is recognized by the MMC.
  • Stay Committed: The path to becoming a doctor is long and challenging, requiring dedication and hard work.
  • Always remember why you chose medicine: If you are passionate about healing and helping people, keep this in focus when times are tough, hang in there. You might not be able to see the reward this profession offers you, but you will, in the end and it is very fulflling. 
  • Do not choose medicine because of money: I can assure you that if you like money and expect to make millions being a doctor, well, you will be super dissappointed! 
  • Gain Experience: Volunteering or working in healthcare settings can enhance your understanding and improve your application.

Resources:

  • Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) for regulations and updates.
  • Websites of local medical schools for admission criteria and programs.

Good luck on your journey to becoming a doctor!

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