The pulse on medical degrees
BEING a doctor has always been a popular career choice. There is no nobler profession than saving lives, and it guarantees an attractive, steady income until retirement.
The overwhelming popularity of medical degree programmes – and the limited places available in local medical schools – mean that many who aspire to be doctors may not get to realise their dream on Malaysian shores.
Hence, there is a growing trend for Malaysian students seeking that coveted medical degree to go overseas.
However, getting a seat in top recognised institutions in the United States or the United Kingdom is dependent on good grades and deep pockets, especially if one is not able to secure a scholarship.
More affordable alternatives include countries like Russia and Indonesia.
Studying abroad has its fair share of pitfalls and problems. Chief among them is ensuring that the course is recognised by the relevant professional associations and governing bodies as having the acceptable quality and standards to train students in the field of medicine.
Medic Ed represents universities in Russia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Bangladesh and India. Students can choose among the two top-ranked medical universities in Russia – Moscow State Medical University (formerly known as MMA) and the Russian National Research Medical University (formerly known as RSMU).
Students graduating from these two universities can perform their housemanship in Australia, New Zealand and Canada without having to go through any entrance exam.
As for university choices in Indonesia, students can choose from Universitas Padjajaran, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Institut Technologi Bandung and Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Medic Ed specialises in consultation and placement services and has been in the business for a decade. Its 13 branches throughout Malaysia has 15 qualified doctors to give professional consultation.
Students who have just sat for their SPM will be enrolled in Foundation in Science (FIS) in TMC College, a subsidiary of Medic Ed.
When these students graduated, Medic Ed will be there to help them register with the Malaysian Medical Council. Medic Ed also has its own clinics, thereby guaranteeing students a job upon graduation. During government service, these graduates may work part-time in these clinics.
Medic Ed also offers graduates an opportunity to be their partners by opening up new clinics together when they have completed government service.