Taking an international medical examination

Recently, I have been hearing a lot about AFTA from lecturers, post-grads lamenting (quite loudly in OTs) the fact they can't sub-specialise abroad and Head of Depatments not knowing what to do with the houseman surplus.

This is some quick info for all UPM students/MO/those wanting to specialise/train abroad:

You need to pass international medical examinations if you want to undergo your specialty training in that country. You can do it whenever you like after you finish studying. Ada yang kata lepas MO buat, ada yang kata lagi bagus kalau lepas 5th year buat, ikut anda semua apa yang lebih sesuai.

I have heard of lots of points of views, for example:
1) You can undergo your specialty training locally (UM, UKM, USM, but UPM offers Family Medicine and Pathology postgrad and they only take 3 per year) or regionally (Singapore is usually the main choice),
2) It's really hard/expensive/suicidal if you're going to take for fun, and only those who want to stay overseas permanently take it, otherwise it's not worth it,
3) What about JPA/PTPTN/local scholarship? You're betraying your country and taxpayers. You unpatriotic fool,
4) Ingat senang ke? Your english kena power habis lah,
5) Although, there are more technologically advanced medical practices, especially in developed countries. You can bring back all that wealth of knowledge and if you want, make Malaysia a better place in terms of the practise of medicine;

etc, etc. I have no answers/solutions/counter-argument, or rather I'd prefer not get political or confrontative. It's an option, not an obligation.

Image taken from http://dartmed.dartmouth.edu

I have divided this article into A) types of international medical examinations, B) IELTS and well, C) the cons of taking these exams.

A) Here are some in case you wanted to know (Wiki and official info website):
In America: USMLE and here's the official website
In the UK: GMC:PLAB and here's the official website
In Canada: MCCQE and here's the official website
In Australia: AMC and here's the official website
Bear in mind, this is not an exhaustive list.

B) You would definitely have to take IELTS since the UK and America recognises it. If I'm not mistaken, you need a band of about 6 to be considered competent in speaking English. Higher if you're a specialist who wants to undergo sub-specialty training. It costs about RM570 and you should take it at most 2 years before your international medical exam. You can take it in KL or Penang, wherever. Just click the link.

C) You should also consider:
1) Passing rate- I've heard from some people that the passing rate for international medical grads are 5%. Don't be discouraged. In any case, if you've seen the USMLE books, you'd know how hard the questions are. Never fear, if you want to study for them but not take the test, no-one's going to penalise you. It can't hurt to try to start studying and reading journals like those US medical students you see in Grey's Anatomy right? ;p
2) Total costs- Please don't be surprised if you find out that you need at least RM10k for the tests alone! USMLE is at least RM8k according to my calculations. In any case, you should start saving now. This doesn't even include flights/lodgings (see below). If you don't start saving for some test, at least for marriage, or kids, or a Ferrari or whatever.
3) Lodgings/Flight tickets- Check out AirAsia and Virgin. As for lodgings, my tip is to NEVER go to craiglist for a place to stay. The advertisers on that site are positively deranged.

Now, as for taking clinical training locally/regionally, and its pros and cons, I'm sure you can ask your seniors. If there's a demand, we'll be happy to try our best to interview some lecturers and supply the information.

Anyhow, wherever you do your practise, we hope for the best! Hope this helps!

Nazirah, 3rdyr 2010/2011