Pathway to Medicine in Malaysia: How to Become a Doctor

Many students dream of saving lives and making a difference as doctors. In Malaysia, this path is highly respected but also challenging, which means you will need strong results, long hours of study, and hands-on training. While the journey seems intimidating, it is also one of the most rewarding paths you can take.

Here is a simple breakdown of the medical pathway in Malaysia, from SPM to becoming a fully registered doctor under the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).

1. Academic Requirements (SPM)

To be eligible for medical school, students must first obtain at least 5Bs in these SPM subjects:

• 物理
• 化学
• 生物学
• Mathematics or Additional Mathematics
• One other subject

This is the minimum entry requirements set by the MMC.

2. Pre-University or Foundation Studies

Right after SPM, completing a pre-university program is required. Here are some examples:

• STPM
• A-Levels
• Foundation in Science (at a recognized institution)
• Matriculation or equivalent

Qualifications from said programs are crucial to progress into medical school.

3. Recognised Medical Degree (MBBS)

The next step is to enroll in a recognised minimum 5-year MBBS degree program. Either in Malaysia or abroad, it is acceptable as long as it is accredited by the MMC.

During these five years of degree, you will gain both academic knowledge and hands-on clinical training to equip the skills for professional medical practice.

4. Housemanship (Medical Internship)

After graduating from your degree, you will need to do housemanship training that will last 2 years.

• This internship is fully supervised with rotation of different departments (internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, etc.).
• You will be allowed to apply for full registration with the MMC after completing this stage

5. Full Registration as a Medical Officer

After completing your housemanship, you can register with the MMC as a fully recognised medical officer. This marks the final step in becoming a doctor in Malaysia, allowing you to officially use the title ‘Dr.’

6. Compulsory Service

In Malaysia, it is compulsory for doctors to complete 2 years service with the government. This compulsory service ensures medical officers gain valuable experience while serving Malaysia’s healthcare system.

7. Postgraduate Studies (Specialisation)

If you wish to be a specialist, opt for postgraduate studies. It usually takes:

• 4–5 years of postgraduate academic training.
• 2–4 years of supervised specialist training (depending on the field).

There are a wide range of fields you can choose from including surgery, pediatrics, dermatology, depending on your interest.

Summary of Pathway to Medicine in Malaysia

Final Thoughts

The pathway one has to go through to become a doctor in Malaysia is a long and demanding process, yet highly rewarding. From achieving strong SPM results to completing MBBS degree, housemanship, and postgraduate training, every stage equips future doctors with the skills, resilience, and determination needed to build a successful medical career.

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