Starting a medical career in Malaysia is a great chance for both growth and adventure. Malaysia offers a unique place to work as a doctor in a diverse healthcare system. If you’re looking to immigrate to Malaysia as a doctor, this guide will show you how to do it and get started.
How to Immigrate to Malaysia as a Doctor?
Yes, foreign doctors can work in Malaysia, but some specific requirements and procedures must be followed. Here’s a general overview of the process:
- Recognized Medical Degree
- Full Registration
- Temporary Employment Pass
- Competency Examination
- Work Visa and Permit
- Language Proficiency
- Compliance with Malaysian Laws and Regulations
- Employment Opportunity
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
- Malaysian Medical Council Registration
Get the FREE Cheat sheet for
Immigrate to Malaysia as a Doctor
Step 1. Recognized Medical Degree
For a foreign doctor to practice in Malaysia, the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) must recognize their medical degree. This recognition ensures that the medical education and training they received meet Malaysian standards. The MMC maintains an updated list of recognized medical degrees from various institutions worldwide. It’s crucial for foreign doctors to verify their degree’s recognition status before proceeding with other steps. If the degree is not recognized, alternative routes might be required, such as additional examinations or training.
Step 2. Full Registration
Doctors who have completed their housemanship (internship) in their home country or in a country where the medical degree is recognized can apply for complete registration with the MMC. Complete registration is a requisite for practicing unsupervised medicine in Malaysia. It indicates that the doctor has acquired sufficient training and experience to provide healthcare services independently. This process involves submitting proof of qualifications and knowledge and, sometimes, undergoing an assessment.
Step 3. Temporary Employment Pass
Foreign doctors who still need to complete their housemanship can apply for a Temporary Employment Pass. This allows them to undergo housemanship in Malaysia, which is a mandatory training period for medical graduates. The housemanship in Malaysia typically covers various medical disciplines and lasts for about two years. This step is crucial for those who graduated from medical schools whose degrees require additional practical training as per Malaysian standards.
Step 4. Competency Examination
If the MMC does not recognize a foreign doctor’s medical degree, they may need to pass a Medical Qualifying Examination. This exam assesses the doctor’s medical knowledge and skills to ensure they meet the standards required in Malaysia. Passing this examination is a significant step towards eligibility for registration with the MMC, particularly for doctors from non-recognized institutions.
Step 5. Work Visa and Permit
Doctors must obtain a valid Malaysian work visa and permit, like any foreign professional seeking employment in Malaysia. This legal documentation authorizes their stay and employment in the country. The process usually involves the Malaysian employer applying on behalf of the foreign doctor. This step is essential to ensure compliance with Malaysian immigration laws.
Step 6. Language Proficiency
Proficiency in English is generally required for foreign doctors in Malaysia, as it’s widely used in the medical field. Additionally, knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia, the national language, can be advantageous for effective communication with patients and colleagues. Some healthcare settings require a certain level of proficiency in Bahasa Malaysia, depending on the patient demographic.
Step 7. Compliance with Malaysian Laws and Regulations
Foreign doctors must adhere to all Malaysian laws and regulations pertinent to the medical profession. This includes ethical practices, patient confidentiality, and compliance with medical protocols and procedures. Understanding and respecting Malaysian healthcare’s legal and cultural context is crucial for effective and lawful practice.
Step 8. Employment Opportunity
Securing a job offer from a Malaysian healthcare facility is a prerequisite. This can be in a public hospital, a private clinic, or other medical institutions. A job offer is often required before applying for a work visa and registration with the MMC. Foreign doctors should research job opportunities and requirements specific to their field of specialization.
Step 9. Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
In Malaysia, practicing doctors are required to engage in continuous professional development. CPD activities include attending workshops, seminars, and other educational programs to keep up-to-date with advancements in medicine. This is crucial for maintaining high standards of medical training and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
Step 10. Malaysian Medical Council Registration
Continuous registration with the MMC is mandatory for all practicing doctors in Malaysia. This involves renewing their registration periodically and adhering to the MMC’s professional and ethical standards. This registration is a testament to the doctor’s credibility and commitment to maintaining professional competency in their practice.
What Are Some Jobs for Doctors in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, doctors have various career options, including working as General Practitioners in clinics, specialists in hospitals (like cardiologists, surgeons, or pediatricians), academic or research physicians in universities, public health officers with government agencies, and occupational health doctors in corporate sectors. Additionally, opportunities in telemedicine and aesthetic medicine are growing, catering to evolving healthcare needs and technological advancements. These roles differ in specialization, work environment, and focus, ranging from patient care to research and administrative responsibilities.
How Much Does a Doctor Make in Malaysia?
In Malaysia, a doctor’s salary varies widely based on factors like experience, specialization, and the type of practice. Generally, a fresh medical graduate starting as a house officer can earn around RM 2,947 to RM 6,000 per month. Experienced general practitioners typically earn between RM 7,000 and RM 20,000 monthly, while specialist doctors and consultants can earn significantly higher, ranging from RM 15,000 to over RM 30,000 per month. Salaries are typically higher in private practice and for those with advanced specializations.
Work and Immigrate to Malaysia as a Doctor
In conclusion, pursuing a medical career in Malaysia as a foreign doctor involves a structured process, including obtaining a recognized medical degree, completing necessary training and exams, and adhering to legal and professional requirements. Malaysia offers a vibrant and diverse medical landscape, with ample opportunities for professional growth and cultural immersion. With careful planning and compliance with Malaysian regulations, foreign doctors can successfully embark on a rewarding medical journey in Malaysia.
FAQs
Obtaining a medical residency in Malaysia is possible but competitive, especially for foreign graduates.
A Malaysian medical degree may require additional examinations and training for recognition in the USA or UK.
Recognition in the Philippines is possible, subject to passing local licensing exams and fulfilling regulatory requirements.
- Author
- Max-B.
- July 4, 2023
10 Comments
Hello sir g i have complete mbbs degree and now I want to go malaysia
If you already have your MBBS degree and want to study more or work as a doctor in Malaysia:
Look into Malaysian medical regulatory bodies or universities.
You can either go to graduate school or work as a doctor.
Meet the requirements for admission or licensing, which could include tests, language skills, and applications.
Get the student or work visa you need.
Plan ahead for tuition, living costs, and housing.
If you need to, go to orientation and get used to life in Malaysia.
Keep up with the rules about immigration and licenses.
I have already completed MS obstetrics and gynaecology in India,
What further steps required to fulfill to work in malaysia
To work as an obstetrician and gynaecologist in Malaysia after completing your MS in India, you need to follow these steps:
1- Register your medical qualifications with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). This involves submitting documents like your medical degree, MS specialization, registration in India, and clinical experience.
2- The MMC will review your application. If necessary, you may be asked to complete an evaluation exam or undergo a supervised training period to meet Malaysian standards.
3- Secure a job offer from a Malaysian healthcare institution. This is crucial, as the employer will help you with the work visa process.
4- Once you have an offer, apply for a work visa through Malaysia’s Employment Pass system, with your employer as the sponsor.
5- Proficiency in English is generally enough, but knowledge of Malay may be useful in daily practice.
I have already completed ms obstetrics and gynaecology in india
What further steps required to fulfill to work in malaysia??
Please explain in detail
To work as a doctor in Malaysia after completing your MS in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in India, you will need to get your qualifications recognized by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). The process includes submitting your academic credentials, clinical experience, and registration proof from your home country. You may also be required to pass an assessment or complete a supervised training period, depending on your qualifications. Additionally, securing a job offer from a recognized Malaysian healthcare institution is essential for your work visa application. Proficiency in English is usually sufficient, but familiarity with Malay can be beneficial.
Hi. I have M.S (Master) in clinical Dermatology from Hertfordshire University London UK and MBBS from Pakistan.Both Licensed by PMDC (Pakistan Medical council). Iam a citizen of Canada and Pakistan.
How can I get a License to practice dermatology in Malaysia and wherfe to get a job in Malaysia,.please answer.
Thank you for your comment!
To practice dermatology in Malaysia, you’ll need to have your qualifications recognized by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). This includes submitting your MBBS and M.S. in Clinical Dermatology to be evaluated. Depending on the assessment, you may need to take additional exams or fulfill other requirements. Additionally, proficiency in Malay may be required in some healthcare settings.
For job opportunities, you can search on platforms like JobStreet Malaysia, Indeed Malaysia, and LinkedIn. It’s also worth reaching out directly to hospitals or clinics specializing in dermatology in Malaysia to inquire about open positions.
Good luck!
Hello
I’m an Indian but done my MBBS and graduated from China as a FMG student. And now I have cleared my FMGE exam in India.
Hence if I want to register and practice in Malaysia what are the things i have to do.
Could you please guide me step to step approach?
Thank you for your detailed question. Since you have completed your MBBS in China as a Foreign Medical Graduate (FMG) and cleared the FMGE in India, your first step is to check if your medical degree is recognized by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). If your degree is not on the MMC’s recognized list, you may need to pass the Medical Qualifying Examination in Malaysia. Once your degree is recognized or you pass the exam, you must apply for registration with the MMC, which may require submitting your credentials, proof of internship, and other supporting documents. If you have not completed your housemanship (internship) or if it is not recognized, you might need to apply for a Temporary Employment Pass to do your housemanship in Malaysia. After registration, you will need to secure a job offer from a Malaysian healthcare facility, as your employer will help you obtain the necessary work visa and permit. Proficiency in English is generally required, and some knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia can be beneficial. Throughout the process, ensure you comply with all Malaysian regulations and keep your professional development up to date. If you need step-by-step guidance or assistance with documentation and applications, our consultancy group can support you through each stage. Let us know if you’d like more personalized help.