Continued……….
It’s been 6 months since I last wrote an article in this series. In between, I was interviewed by various organisation in relation to contract doctors etc. This will be my last article in this series.
Despite all the hardship that I went through since my childhood of being a “non”, one thing that was guaranteed for me was a civil service job! This is simply because, there were only 3 medical schools producing about 450 graduates annually and some returning from overseas. There were plenty of post available for us to fill. Interviews by SPA and MOH were conducted in the universities even before we sat for our final year exams. The moment our results were out, we would receive our appointment letters within 2 weeks! I had written about this many times before and thus will not go into the details. I was asked to report to Hospital Ipoh within 30 days. While the salary was pathetic to say the least, we were grateful that we had a permanent job. Two months before we due to finish our housemanship, we need to apply for district posting and induction course (Kursus Induksi). At that time, district/rural posting after housemanship is mandatory. We must make our 3 choices. I was asked to go to Pontian Hospital in Johor for my district posting.
While there was subtle racism wherever I worked in MOH, it is hardly noticeable. This is simply because the staffs consist of mixed races. There were nurses, MAs (Medical Assistant), attendants from all different races. This reminded me of the time I was in school back in 1980s. While the schools were becoming monoethnic in composition of teachers by late 1990s, hospitals and klinik kesihatans were still consist of multiple races working together. In fact, most of the HODs were non-Malays in JB hospital. Unfortunately, things have changed since then. We hardly see any Chinese or Indian MAs working in MOH nowadays. Nurses are predominantly consisting of a single race and the composition of doctors are also becoming predominantly of a single race. I am not saying that these people are not doing their work or discriminating against non-Malay patients, but it is an unhealthy development in a multiracial and multireligious country. Many of the non-Malay consultants and HODs moved to private sector, mainly due to financial reasons. They have accepted the fact that their children will not receive any privileges in education or scholarship. Thus, they have no choice but to move to private sector to earn better revenue to support their children in the future. Nowadays we even have shariah compliant hospitals, whatever it means. An Ustaz or Imams are allowed officially into a hospital to say prayers, but similar permission are not given to other religious bodies.
I used to say to my friends that the last government body that use to be multiracial will eventually come to an end, and it happened. Sometimes I should just keep my mouth shut! With the current contract issues and limited permanent position, I doubt the situation will get any better. This coupled with quota system in master’s recruitment and limited post graduate opportunities, will only make the situation worst. What really shocked me the most is when I found out that some of my Malay friends who I worked with as Medical Officers openly expressed their opinion that they would prefer all HODs to be Malays as this is a Malay country! When even highly educated people can think as such, what hope do I have? By mid 2000, I began to realise that this country is heading the wrong direction, the direction of destruction and no return.
The first 10 years of my medical life was a turbulent one. Getting married halfway through my 2nd year of working life (district posting), passing my Part 1 MRCP on 1st try and moving to JB Hospital to continue my training was the easy part. With a pathetic salary, busy work life (JB Hospital is one of the busiest hospitals in the country) and studying at the same time really pushes you to the limit. By the time I sat for my Part 2/3 in 2002, I had 2 child and got my 3rd in 2004. By this time, I was in debt! Looking into the future and where the country was heading, I had to make difficult choices. I quit MOH halfway through my Rheumatology training in Selayang Hospital and joined Monash University in 2006. My wife who sacrificed a lot with me, had to discontinue her Family Medicine Master’s program in 2002, as it was just too difficult for us to manage the whole family with both of us doing postgraduate education at the same time. We lived by ourselves.
With the help of Professor Khalid Kadir, I was encouraged to complete my Rheumatology training in Singapore while I continue to teach in Monash which was based in Johor Bahru. I am forever grateful to Prof Khalid for this arrangement. This allowed me to complete my Rheumatology training by 2008. Working in Singapore gave me a different perspective of how such a small country could succeed! It is all based on meritocracy and knowledge-based economy. The way they encourage research and development and how they support you to develop new skills and new departments is fascinating. How they attract the best brains from all over the world and keeping their own best brains is something that Malaysia can learn from. Unfortunately, Malaysia is too engrossed with Malay nationalism with race and religion tearing the country apart. The best brains leave to be better received by another country.
Upon returning from Singapore, I encouraged my wife to continue her discontinued post graduate education. She was very eager to complete her post graduate training in Family medicine. She enrolled into the Academy of Family Physicians MAFP/FRACGP program which was a 4-year program. The advantage: you are eligible for FRACGP which is registrable in Australia. As an appreciation of her sacrifice taking care of the family while I was doing my post graduate education, I paid for her course. While Monash gave me a much better salary than MOH, with rising cost of living and higher tax that you must pay in private sector, it was still an uphill task to earn enough for my children’s education, especially tertiary education. As I had mentioned in my past articles, by 2010 I had to remove my children from national schools to private national schools (not international). The racial and religious issues that was happening in the national schools (despite being a missionary school) was not something that I could accept. I do not want my children to grow up with racial and religious dogmatism. It hurts you when your son who is just 10 years old asking you why the Ustaz in his school distributing free food to only Muslim students in the canteen!
Thus, by 2010 with my eldest already 10 years old, I need to save enough money for him to pursue his tertiary education in 7 years’ time. Again, I had to make a difficult decision in my life. While I loved academic life, publishing at least 5 papers in major international journals within 4 years and loved teaching, I had to give up and move to private sector. Columbia Asia Nusajaya invited me to join them as they opened their first hospital in Johor. After much deep thought, I accepted their offer. I was also the Chief of Medical Services for the hospital, for 7 years.
Life working as a consultant in private hospitals in not rosy either. Yes, you may earn much higher than public sector or universities, but it is no work, no money system. The more hours you work, the more money you get. The more patients you see the more money you get. After some time, you will realise that you are earning enough money, but you do not have a life! I have written about this in this blog as well as in my books. There is no work life balance. The unethical practices that happen in private hospitals is something that I could not accept either. In Malaysia, everything seems to be about money. As one of my friends who is a businessman said, Malaysia is the best place to make money!
By 2015, my wife has cleared her FRACGP. By this time, the country was in turmoil. The 1MDB scandal and billions of dollars being swindled right in front of our eyes was sickening. Politically, the government has lost it’s 2/3 majority since 2008. Racial and religious politics went into overdrive. What more can politicians use other than race and religion, the well-known propaganda known time immemorial. The government started going after the citizens to collect more tax and penalties to patch up the loss. By 2016, the private specialist doctors became a fresh new target. GST was introduced. With just a single letter, LHDN decided that the private specialist can’t form a company and divert their income to the company (something that has been happening since 1980s and considered legal) and have to declare their income as personal income. They backdated these 5 years (2010-2015) with reduced penalty of 15%! After much discussion between MMA and LHDN, it was reduced to 3 years. We had to rush to settle this by end of December 2016 which was the due date for the penalty of 15%. This is when I realised that the government could screw you when they run out of money. LHDN is the most powerful organisation under the Ministry of Finance who can even charge you in court without going through the police/AG. The DG has absolute power to order any audit or change the rule and can deem anything as a form of tax evasion.
By this time, I had no choice but to decide my next step. While I was doing well in private sector, it was a one man show. My wife was still a civil servant and my children’s education was totally dependent on me. My eldest son was going for SPM in 2017. We decided that it is best to send our children overseas for education. I wanted them to get a degree which would be more widely recognised all over the world. The world in shrinking and we can’t be living in a cocoon. Fortunately, my eldest was not interested in medicine. I let them do what they are interested rather than coercing them to do what the parents wanted them to do. To date, none of my children are interested in medicine.
After my wife cleared her FRACGP in 2015, we started receiving calls from recruiting agencies in Australia, offering her a GP position. We rejected all the offers. But something happened in 2016. While I was talking to one my friend from KL, he suggested, why don’t you apply for Skilled Migration Visa (using my wife’s FRACGP) which would give you a PR status in Australia? I was baffled. Is there such thing as getting a PR status without even stepping your foot into a country? Surprisingly, there is such thing and he recommended me to have a chat with a migration agency in Subang. We met with the agent, and everything changed! We thought of giving it a try. It involved a lot of work, from getting the medical registration from Australia (including visits to Australia to confirm job contact), numerous amounts of documents, certification of degrees, English test, police clearance etc etc. It took us almost a year to get all these documents sorted, not to mention the money involved. Finally, by March 2017, we submitted.
There were so many things that went through our mind. Are we really going to leave a country where we were born and grew up? Will our children be able to adapt to the new environment? Would we be able to adapt to a new environment and culture? The worst part, what about me? I am not registrable in Australia as I do not have a registrable degree. It is another long process and money to even apply for assessment. While we were considering all these, and my son was going to sit for his SPM (November 2017), we received another shocking news! In June 2017, my wife’s application for Skilled Migration Visa was accepted and we need to do some final document submission such as medical check-up, police report etc within 60 days. We did it in 30 days and submitted all necessary final documents. Woolah, within 3 weeks, our Visa was approved, and we are officially an Australian permanent resident! This visa is for the whole family, not just for my wife! My children will now be able to enrol into Australian university as domestic students with heavily subsidised fee.
Why am I talking about this? A country which does not even know who we are, gave us permanent residency without even the need for us to step our foot into the country (except I have been to Gold Coast as a tourist). There were NOT a single question of what race or religion we belong to. Those who know me knows that my wife is not an Indian, she is a Malay! What mattered most was your skill and documents! And despite my wife being the main applicant, the entire family received residency status. This is how a country valued your talent and invites you to be part of their country. We are considered equal to their citizens except in voting rights. This is how they attract the best brains. Where are we Malaysia? Race, religion, and nationalism chased away the best brains, only for us to be proud of saying “Malaysian Born so and so……….” Foreign professionals married to Malaysians have to wait close to 10 years to receive their residency status, not to mention the various insults they receive at immigration office. We have a long way to go……
I moved my family to Perth, Australia in December 2017. My wife started working as a GP in January 2018. My eldest son started his university in February 2018 and my other 2 children started their schooling. What happened to me? Well, I had to start my ball rolling. With an unrecognised degree in Australia, I am not registrable in Australia. But as a senior physician I can apply to be recognised (not guaranteed) via the College of Physician. Another long process of degree verification, document collection, English test, interviews etc was conducted by the college (RACP). I submitted my documents in April 2018, called for an interview in Melbourne in May 2018 and finally in July 2018, I received their verdict. I received a “substantially comparable” status which would allow me to work as a consultant with 12 months of peer review before receiving specialist registration. This verdict is only valid for 2 years, which means I must find a job for the 12 months peer review within that timeframe.
Based on RACP report, there were 145 applications in 2018 from all over the world for specialist assessment. 112 were considered “substantially comparable”, majority of these were from countries where specialist training is recognised by Australia such as UK, Ireland, USA etc. Out of 11 applications from Malaysia, only 4 were deemed substantially comparable and I am one of them. The other 2 options are partially comparable and non-comparable. Partially comparable means you need to do top up training of about 1-2 years as a registrar and may or may not need to sit for Part 2 exams. Non-comparable means, case closed. Once again, as my wife’s visa application, I was extremely lucky to receive the substantially comparable status. This, together with my status as a resident in Australia, I was able to look for a job. This was the next hurdle that I had to endure.
While I was going through all these processes, I was travelling between JB and Perth quite frequently. Then came the 2018 General Election. Everyone was euphoric after the historic result. Many wanted me to stay since a new Malaysia has emerged aka Malaysia Baru. Yet again, based on evidence and sentiments on the ground, I knew this excitement is going to be short lived. I wrote an article in this blog dated 4th June 2018 with the title “Towards Malaysia Baru? I predicted that if the new government do not perform at a supernatural speed, either the government will fall before the next election or at the next election. My friends laughed at me and said it is unlikely due to overwhelming majority. Nowadays, they asked me to keep my mouth shut as everything that I predicted seem to be happening!
It was only in January 2019 I was invited for a job interview (after trying for 7 months). Again, I was lucky to be given a full-time consultant job in a regional hospital in Western Australia. Hopefully this would be my last leap of faith. I decided to take it and left Malaysia in May 2019. ……. I received my FRACP in 2020. It saddens me to see what is happening to Malaysia since I left. The vision of Wawasan 2020 remains an elusive dream. The country is more divided than the time I grew up in 1980s and 1990s. Racial and religious rhetoric is tearing the country apart. When even a vegetarian food prepared by Gurdwara Sahib can be questioned on halalness and cleaning a temple by Muslims can be haram, where are we heading?
I can go on writing and ranting but I will stop here. It has been a tough 2 years for most of us. I hope and pray that 2022 will be a better year with disappearance of Covid.
I wish everyone a very Happy New Year 2022………………………
Pagalavan's Avatar 
May I know the chronology (Timeline) of your MRCP Pt 1, 2 written and PACES exam sittings from the date you graduated from University Malaya? It is indeed remarkable and should prove an example to others.
UM 1997
MRCP Part 1 May 1999, Part 2 July 2001, Part 3 June 2002 (delay due to September 11 2001)
Most interesting. Long journey to where you are Dr. Will be interesting also to know what your children are studying in Australia.
Both my sons are into engineering field. My daughter is still in Year 12 (2022)
Hi Dr Paga
I didn’t know you were in WA. I hope I can come and meet you in person once the borders open. I’m doing the FRACGP in Victoria. I have been reading your blog for a couple of years.
Stay safe and happy New year!
No worries. When the world goes back to normal, we can meet!
Amazing, been reading for such a long time I didn’t realise that you are here in Australia now. I’m currently in the process of the arduous study towards my FRACP exams here in regional QLD. Would be great to catch up at some point.
No worries but I live in a separate country known as WA , hahahaha
Hi Dr, I thought if we do not have recognisable degree, but with MRCP we will be accepted in Australia. As in your case why didn’t the Australian government absorb you straight away for the job instead of need to undergo the 12 months of peer review period?
MRCP is not recognised in Australia. But if you undergo full specialist training in Ireland and UK with CCT, you should not have any problem getting substantially comparable status. However, everyone will have to go through a 12 month peer review process, even if you have completed your training in UK, Ireland or any other recognised countries.
Hi Dr. Paga, thank you for your invaluable input once again. I’ve enjoyed reading your perspectives in Malaysia’s medical field since I was a medical student.
I know you mentioned you might consider keeping your mouth shut but would be really interested to know your point of view on current specialisation in Malaysia. You’ve mentioned/implied on several occasions that if training opportunity arises oversea, this is probably the better option than staying in Malaysia given there’s only 1000+ posts for masters annually and the lack of international recognition (Please correct me if I’m wrong).
The National Postgraduate Medical Curricula for 12 specialties were launched on August 2021 (https://medicine.um.edu.my/news/national-postrgaduate-medical-curriculum-npmc) and there was recently voices to allow contract doctor to enter specialisation programme soon. Both news have given us hope that there would be a slightly more promising (and possible more structured) route for us to train and specialise in Malaysia.
I wonder what is your take on this? Perhaps this would be an interesting topic to understand further as many of us reading your blog are medical students/doctors who have yet to achieve consultancy/senior status.
Firstly, it is not easy to enter any postgraduate programs in any country. Even in Australia, there are more applicants than the training post available. Thus, it is not guaranteed either in other countries. The only advantage is the fact that it is based on meritocracy. No cables involved and purely assessed on your CV, referee reports, interviews etc. It is way more structured and handled by a single entity aka the colleges. Getting a training registrar post is another issue altogether.
The National Postgraduate Medical Curriculum is a project started by Prof Adeeba in UM almost 10 years ago. It is to standardised the curriculum between all the universities and eventually in KKM as well (for the alternative pathways). To my knowledge, it is yet to be implemented in KKM. At the moment, it is only meant for the Masters program in public universities. It has a long way to go. The politics between universities, and between university and KKM is another issue!
Yes, MOH has promised that they will extend the contract till you complete your postgraduate degree, to a maximum of 10 years. I have written about this few months ago. To me, that is good enough. But remember, only certain specialities has alternative pathway. Most surgical fields are limited to local Masters program. The number of post are limited and unlikely to match the number of applicants. I have given my opinion on this in my last few articles.
Thank you for taking your time answering to the comments. I deeply appreciate that. I also envy my medical colleagues and sometimes wish that I could compromise and give up on surgery.
I shall patiently wait for your upcoming posts.
Hi doc, I never knew that you are no longer in Malaysia! I was still under the impression that you were working in JB. You were spot on in this article in that this country is regressing and regressing fast. For Malaysia to lose a talent like you to a country you have never lived in before and for Australia to give you and your family something that we still have to fight for as Malaysians is appalling. How is life over there doc? Is practicing in Australia better compared to Malaysia?
Only those close friends, family members and colleagues knows about me moving to Australia. So far, no regrets and more at peace. Practising in Australia is very much different than in Malaysia. But you will learn the hack more over here with all the latest forms of treatment. The latest and best treatments are almost free over here. And frankly, patients here are better than in Malaysia when it comes to trust and listening to your explanation. Well paid as well. To be honest I am one of the highest paid civil servant here!
Hi Dr. Pagavalan, i am one of your loyal blog’s reader since i was a medical student. I graduated from same university as you, in an unfortunate year of contract system implemented. Taken MRCP part 1 and 2a written, unable to complete Paces yet due to another unfortunate years of 2020 and 2021. I am giving up to be a medical specialist in Malaysia.
Do you mind to share and guide the pathway of FRACGP that your wife taken? Is the GCFM + iFRACGP 4 years course by AFPM still recognise by Australia medical council? I have read on AMC website that IMG need to serve rural area for 10 years, is WA/ Perth consider rural? I am totally interested to work in Perth tho..
I will also be grateful if you could recommend me any migration agent to Australia please..
Thank you for your attention and appreciate any reply.
I think you should not give up. Life is never easy and will never go as you intend it to go. If you read my story which I had written in my books etc, you will realise that I almost gave up as well. We must always hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Was PACES cancelled or not held outside UK?
Whoever enrols into the AFPM/FRACGP program from 2019 will only receive icFRACGP which is not by itself registrable in Australia. You need to complete further requirement to be registrable which I am not sure whether the details are out yet. This 2019 batch will only graduate in 2023. So, we may get more details by then.
The definition of rural is different for different profession. For medical, under medicare billing, they go by DPA(for GP) and DWS(for specialist) zoning. DPA and DWS areas are where IMGs can work for billing purpose. The entire area from Joondalup(North) to Mandurah(south) are NOT DPA. You can look at this areas in the Australian immigration website/search google.You are not eligible to work in Perth if you are a IMG for at least 10 years. The more rural you work, the shorter this duration becomes as they do give discounts!
There is no point seeing a migration agent if you do not have a registrable degree in Australia. I would suggest for you to sit for AMC Part 1. Due to border closures over the past 2 years, many who just had AMC Part 1 manage to get a job under provisional registration in Australia this year but most of them were already in Australia to start with.You will be given 4 years to complete your Part 2 or WBA. Sometimes they may extend another 2 years if got good report from HODs.
As I had always said, medicine is the worst profession to be in if you intend to migrate!
Have you tried Singapore?
I see, thanks for your reply Dr Pagavalan. I have previously rejected singapore offer as my spouse is doing master specialist programme +bond 4/5 yrs. I guess to be recognised as specialist in Australia is even harder than GP. Okay, i should stop dreaming and forget about it.
Hi Dr Pagalavan! I am an avid silent follower of your blog. Never thought that you have actually migrated to Australia! Hope you and your family are settling in well there. And this particular article really nails it in terms of the racial, economic and politic chaos in malaysia. Deep down inside, I do feel worried about what malaysia might be in 10-20 years time. More clowns and cronies are being put in power and racial discrimination is on the rise. I predict Malaysia will be in crisis just like what happened to Greece few years ago. It’s good that you have migrated to a better country that appreciates you more. Being a doctor who migrated to the UK myself, I know how hard it is for you to make that big leap and hard decisions. But in the end we have to do what best for our children’s future. And hey, even the politicians are sending all their children abroad nowadays!
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I am much more happier here and more at peace. My children are also happy and not keen to go back to Malaysia ! The way I look at it, Malaysia is not going to recover from this mess. It has to fall first.
Thank you for your blogs, and sharing your experiences. Please keep writing n predicting what you think will happen.
Hi Dr,
Have been a loyal reader for years. I’m a contract MO who recently moved to Victoria in 2021 as well and am applying for training next year. Hope to see you around when COVID is a bit better. Would love to pick your brain!
Are you from Monash Malaysia?
Well done Dr!! I would hv chosen the same path had I faced the racists that u faced.
I am shocked where u wrote the ustaz distributing free food to muslim school children ONLY. Must hv been extremely difficult and sad explaining it to yr son.
I hope the ustaz gets the sack.
Someday this country shall be govern based on meritocracy. Then all the rent seekers and the fakes will hv to find a job.
Best wishes to you Dr.
Thanks for the reply, Ustaz will never be sacked as they are very powerful in the schools.
Welcome to WA, Pagalavan. I hope you have settled in comfortably. It’s great to hear about another Malaysian-trained specialist getting recognised by AHPRA. I have been reading your insightful blog on and off for many years as the inefficiencies and racial bigotry within KKM (and the government in general) was something that ticked me off back when I was serving but recently this post come to my attention through a friend. I did not realise that you have moved to Australia.
I can certainly appreciate your struggles. It is hard for SIMGs from non-western countries to get into Australia and I am glad to hear that you made it. I myself was deemed partially comparable twice before finally passing the specialist exam and deemed substantially comparable. Unlike you, it took me 7 years to be recognised! It would have been quicker if I had done the AMC exams and gone through my specialist VTP all over again here. But once you are through, the system is definitely a fairer one than the one back home and I have no regrets leaving despite spending another 7 extra years.
I am also in WA but probably in a different regional town from you. I am in Perth every now and then. If you feel like catching up with a fellow Malaysian doctor, I’ll be happy to oblige. Cheers.
That would have been tough I guess with a lot of uncertainty in-between.May I ask you? Are you a physician or some other specialist?
It was certainly tough going between one senior registrar job to the next and not knowing if I’d have a job the next year. I’m an ophthalmologist. Being among one of the harder specialties to get into in this country also didn’t help the process as I had a lot of competition securing jobs.
Yes, surgical fields are extremely difficult. Physician and paediatrician are a bit easier comparably as they do take into consideration the years of experience
Are u happier now? (Specialist thinking of migrating for her daughter’s future and yes this despite being a malay).
Yes, never been happier! Just a word of caution that the process is not easy and takes a lot of perserverance. My process was a little bit easier simply because my wife had a registrable degree and we manage to get a PR status even before stepping foot into Australia.
It is indeed worrisome to note that some Malaysian doctors doing the UK MRCP parallel pathway could not complete PACES in 2020 and 2021. Is it due to SOP and social distancing requirements due to Covid?
Dear Dr Pagalavan, currently I am applying IMU, Moansh Universirty Malaysia and RUMC for MBBS. Do you have any advice which universities shall I enter for better future prospects and career? Looking forward to your kind advice, thanks.
I would suggest imu twinning or Monash.
IMU-Jefferson
Many of them are board-certified specialists before the age of 30! And, the average pay is 300k-500k per year (before tax). Surgical field can go as high as 700K to 1M per year.
You forgot to mention the difficulty in getting a training/residency post, high litigation rate and stress level. You get sued for a simple mistake by millions. Thus the indemnity insurance itself can take away a lot of your income plus the tax. The laws and salary differs between states.
America is sadly not a place I as a doctor would want to go to. I considered it before deciding on Australia. Like Dr Paga said, getting a training post of your choice in USA is challenging. Not to mention that one would have to pass the USMLE exams with high marks. In comparison to the USMLE, the AMC exams is much more straight forward – you just need to pass it and your job opportunities open up to you. Of course getting a training post of your choice in Australia isn’t easy. Most IMGs go to GP, Internal Medicine, ED or rural health. You can live a comfortable life in Australia as a doctor if youre good with your money. But take it from me money isn’t everything. I’ve worked with a GP that brags about how he has money to last 3 generations – the GPs words not mine. But that GP is miserable. Works 5 and a half days a week. Sees 80 patients a day. No other life. If you want to live like that, might as well stay in Malaysia.
exactly. I was just talking to a consultant who has worked in US. He was sued just for ordering a painkiller over the phone when a nurse called. He was not the person who even admitted the patient. The nurse just wanted a confirmation of the medication. The patient was a drug addict who was found on the road side. When the patient was later diagnosed with spinal abscess and ended up with delayed treatment, lawyers got involved and everyone got sued! His name was also included and to get out of the legal issues, he was demanded to pay $100k. His indemnity finally negotiated for 45K and settled just to get his name out of the legal battle. They are suing the hospital for 20mil! This is US!
I can tell you a lot more stories.
Lu, it appears that US medical schools (Jefferson) have given up on IMU. Please check IMU website.
Is the MRCGP International recognised in Australia?
I have answered this question above
Hi Dr. I am currently finishing my MBBS and planning my housemanship in Malaysia before specializing. I would like to know the pathway of an anesthesiologist as well as cardiologist here in Malaysia and in Australia and how long would it take me to complete them. Thank you.
Please read my articles written few years ago. The answers are all there. If your degree is not recognised in Australia, it is a different ballgame in Australia.
The Utusan Malaysia and Social Media are reporting of ‘strikes’ by Medical assistants who are on contract. Is the situation also caused by too many graduates from MOH training institutes and the private sector? A situation similar to contract houseman. Your comment is appreciated.
simple answer is number of post!
Hi Dr Pagal, thanks for your post.
For context, I am a gazetted MRCP(UK) specialist in Int Med in a KKM Hospital. My wife recently just cleared her MRCP (UK) as well.
I was considering whether we should both leave to SG to continue our lives there as there are multiple problems we forsee could happen while continuing our work here in Malaysia (esp in regards to children’s future).
However we could also get comfortable and “rot” here in KKM too. But thinking of our future children’s education fees… I don’t think working in KKM even as a specialist will be able to provide the means to finance a competitive tertiary education.
Do you have any experience on how it is like for a MY MRCPUK holder to continue working in SG. I believe that we are not registrable as specialists even with MRCP(UK).
MRCP is not recognised as a specialist degree in Singapore. You can apply for registrar post. They have also moved to residency style training.
Is it not already established that having MRCP does not make one a specialist?
Yes, even in Malaysia you need to complete atleast 4 years of training
Hi Dr Pagal, thanks for your post.
For context, I am a gazetted MRCP(UK) specialist in Int Med in a KKM Hospital. My wife recently just cleared her MRCP (UK) as well.
I was considering whether we should both leave to SG to continue our lives there as there are multiple problems we forsee could happen while continuing our work here in Malaysia (esp in regards to children’s future).
However we could also get comfortable and “rot” here in KKM too. But thinking of our future children’s education fees… I don’t think working in KKM even as a specialist will be able to provide the means to finance a competitive tertiary education.
Do you have any experience on how it is like for a MY MRCPUK holder to continue working in SG. I believe that we are not registrable as specialists even with MRCP(UK).
More than 4000 Permanent post are to be offered, but I am still sceptical Any comment ?
the last I know there were close to 25k contract doctors. This only cover 3500 of them and thereafter 800 per year till 2025. We are producing close to 5K per year. As I have said many times before, only a small percentage will be receiving a permanent post.
MMA and other had a recent Town Hall meeting with the Minister of KKM and others. The extra permanent positions were announced. However, there were “frank discussions ‘ reported on social media. Is it possible for the public to know about more details of the meeting? The reality of the situation and that this seems to be ‘one off exercise’ just to ease the pressure temporarily.
I think Khairy has already said many times that the government will not be able to provide permanent positions to everyone
Hi Dr Pagalavan,
Been an avid reader from before my med school days until now. Currently, working as a HMO in Victoria (Yes, I’m from Monash Malaysia – a good number of us have been able to find jobs here over the past 2 years). Planning on doing BPT training from here.
My friend actually met you in the hospital you work at in WA – he’s now doing internship in QLD.
Thanks for sharing your story and looking forward to whatever you write.
Thanks. Yes, last 2 years is a gift for those who have recognised degree or passed AMC, purely due to covid and border closures. Won’t last long but better to take the opportunity. I think I know the guy you are talking about, saw him end of 2019 when he came to do his electives.
Hi Dr Letchumanan, i have long been contemplating to work in Australia as a registrar post in psychiatry (i am a psychiatrist in a KKM hospital), but feel like i’m giving up a permanent job in Malaysia to pursue finding psychiatry registrar jobs in Australia on a yearly basis each time the contract ends, will become a struggle later.
and i read it took some time for IMGs (International Medical Graduates) to find job positions whether it be registrar or specialist in Australia, seeing that an exodus of doctors worldwide seeking the same opportunity in Australia.
How likely is this competition in finding jobs in Australia hinder long term employability for us IMGs.
Since i have a registrable medical degree (i only have to sit for an English test to be registered with APHRA) but probably partially comparable specialist qualification (Masters in Psychiatry from Malaysia), it will probably be quite easy for me to find my first job offer as a registrar (i don’t mind stepping down to become an MO like doctor In Australia), but i worry about the long term job prospect in Australia for IMGs like me.
I dont have children like others here as to the reason to move to Australia for them to have a better life/education, but my reason is i am frustrated with the way this country is going.(just to explain my backgrond as i am single person with elderly parents to look after here).
Any thoughts from you about my input here is most appreciated
Since you are single, I believe it is worth an afford. While Australia is short of psychiatrist, the problem is the college. As far as I know, college of psychiatry will never recognise a degree outside Australia. However, since you have a registrable degree, it is worthwhile looking for jobs as a psychiatry SMO/SMP/registrar. This also depends on type of registration from AHPRA. So, my suggestion is to look for these jobs, once accepted, get your AHPRA registration done. You can also put your assessment with the college but that will take time. Meanwhile, you can come and work as a SMO/SMP/Registrar while waiting for the college decision.
hope you are doing well dr. was taking the risk and migrating to australia the best decision u made for family and career?
Yes
Hello, Dr Pagalavan. Thank you for your post, I found it especially insightful as I too am considering enrolling in the GCFM ATFM Fam Med program to obtain my FRACGP and later migrate to Australia. In Malaysia, I’ve been dissuaded and told by many GPs that family medicine specialists are not in demand (outside of KK) and that our community at large mostly does not distinguish between a general practitioner and a FMS. I was wondering if you or your wife have any advice for people like me who are aspiring to be family physicians. Are there more job opportunities for Family Physicians in Australia?
Thank you in advance
I hope you are aware that those who enrol into the program from 2019 is not automaticall registrable in Australia. The problem in Malaysia is the fact that family medicine specialists have no role as a GP as you will never be considered as a specialist by the population. As for Australia, there are job opportunities for GPs as you are considered self employed. But you can only work in DPA AREAS. you can find what this means from some of my articles and on Australian immigration website
Hi Dr Pagalavan, I’m a Monash Malaysia graduate currently working in Melbourne, and I’ve heard a lot about you and occasionally read your blog as well. I’m (pleasantly) surprised to know that you’ve migrated to Australia, since I’ve gotten the impression from your writings that it would take a lot to make you even think of leaving Malaysia. Like yourself, I really have a heart to serve my people and “tanah tumpahnya darahku”, but as someone looking at FRACGP training here in the near future, it saddens me to know that GPs aren’t in much demand in Malaysia, when even Singapore is starting to realise that a healthcare system with strong primary healthcare results in better health outcomes, and they are beginning to strengthen their primary healthcare system.
But more than that, I’m most saddened by a point you made in this post, where you mentioned that even some educated Malays have a racist mindset. Someone I know in Melbourne who migrated here quite a while ago was once holding a high managerial position in one of Malaysia’s prominent banks. He also was reluctant to migrate at first, but the straw that broke the camel’s back for him was when the CEO of that bank, what one may call an ‘atas Malay’, unashamedly said to him, “You know what, in our eyes as Malays, we see all of you non-Malays as pendatang in this country.” That was when he realised that it’s not just the kampung and hawker Malays who think like that, it’s also many Malays in the upper echelons of society. I sort of refused to accept that in my mind initially, partially because of the good impression of many Malays that I’ve had from my days at Monash Malaysia and my pre-Australia life in general, most of whom don’t think like that (or at least that’s what I think). But what you said here, and what I’ve been hearing now and then from others as well, are increasingly proving to me that even ‘atas Malays’ are refusing to recognize us ‘nons’ as their fellow countrymen. I guess it could still be understandable if such thinking comes only from the kampung and hawker Malays, but if even many ‘atas Malays’ – Malays in academia, business, medicine, education etc. can think like this, I’m inclined to feel that there is no more hope for the country…
Hahaha, I hope you heard good things about me! My argument with Monash management when I was with them was quite nasty till they even refuse to accept me later, for sessional teaching. I presume you must be a recent graduate of Monash Malaysia. In Malaysia, we do not have a national health financing scheme. Thus GPs are just considered as normal doctors despite you having a post graduate degree.
Yes, at one point I told myself that I will never leave Malaysia as I lived all my life in Malaysia. Unfortunately, as I had written above, the way the country was heading changed my view. As your children grew older, I had to make difficult decisions.
You will be surprised how many educated Malays think the same. I was shocked myself when I saw someone who I worked with and was a friend said that. Even some of my friends had similar experience. You will see what is in their heart when election comes. Never compare with the students in university as they are still young and supported by family. Thus they will not show any such tendencies till they start working and having a family. Then they would want the same supremacy policies to maintain. It is very difficult to change the mindset as who wants to lose their special benefits? I know enough Malay consultants/doctors in private earning hundreds of thousands of ringgit but still take MARA/JPA sponsorship, boarding schools benefits, UiTM etc etc. It suppose to be for poor students but why these super rich people are receiving such similar benefits? Not to mention a mansion with 15% discount!
Hi Dr Pagalavan. Reading this post and the comments gives me such heavy mixed feelings. It’s sad to see our country lose another brilliant brain. But I understand your predicament.
Im a Malaysian graduated Med school in Australia in 2010, went on to do housemenship in Singapore and continued working there for 8.5 years. Was accepted into Residency (specialist training) Program in 2014, completed MRCOG Part 3 in 2017. In mid 2019, after completing 5 out of 6 years of residency training, I relocated back to Malaysia for good for family reasons, and have been applying to work in Malaysian public hospital since. I need another 9 months of post-qualification working experience, which I believe is known as gazettement. This application has taken 3yrs and I’m at a total lost, having not worked in Msia before, not familiar with the system and not knowing many ppl, and not being able to find a formal resource/guide as to how to navigate getting a job here. The few personal contacts I have who have some knowledge/personal experience, all have different paths and outcome that are not applicable to my case. I’ve gone through MMC, APC, NSR, SPA, KKM but not one who can clearly direct me on the steps I should take. Felt like I’ve just been pingpong-ed between them. Coming from a super-efficient, meritocratic Singapore, this is extremely humbling. and frustrating. Do you have any insight or advise on how I should go about this?
Welcome to Malaysia! This was one of the reason why I had always advised those who intend to come home, to complete all your speciality training overseas. The problem now is the fact that there are no post in government service. The post you are applying is the same post as any MO post, which are all given under contract. So, they will not bother offering someone from overseas compared to those who are already in the system. I would suggest for you to go back to Singapore and finish your specialist training, get recognised as a specialist in Singapore and then apply for NSR registration. In that way, atleast you can work in private sector.
‘‘So, they will not bother offering someone from overseas compared to those who are already in the system.’’
That explains why it’s taken so long! Thought it’s because of skin color, among other reasons.
I agree. It makes total sense to specialize before returning, which was my plan all along. It’s just unfortunate that my situation didn’t allow that.
Thank you so much for your prompt reply, Dr Paga. Can really see your care and dedication for these things.
Hello Dr Paga, I’ve been a silent reader of your blog ever since I was a medical student many years ago. Although I grew up in Malaysia, I was privileged enough to complete medical school at UWA and have recently finished training as a psychogeriatrician. Perth has been my home away from home for over a decade so you can imagine my pleasant surprise when I discovered that you’re also in WA!
Reading about your journey has struck me with equal measures of nostalgia and sadness. Malaysian is not the country it used to be and I am so glad that you are finding your feet in WA.
If you ever want to catch up with a fellow Malaysian doctor or get some inside scoop on good places to makan in Perth, feel free to be in touch. 🙂 Either way, I wish you and your family the very best.
hahaha, my wife is an expert in makan place in Perth.
Hi Dr Paga, what do you think about the limited slot to get into residency programme in Singapore? Which country(malaysia or singapore) will be easier to get into the specialist programme? I wish to do internal medicine and now I’m in a dilemma.
Hi SEM. I graduated (Aus) in 2010 and went straight to work in Sg. Was accepted into Residency Programme in 2014, which is considered slow in getting into a Program. Given that these things are case by case but generally comparing with our peers who graduate and work locally, those in Sg have the extreme privilege to enter into specialist training earlier and also graduate from it earlier because it’s all by merit. Fair and square. Internal medicine has highest intake for residents every year, easiest to get into.
Hi SY, thank you for the info, is it slow bcoz applying PR takes time? From what I know, we can only get residency after getting PR. Another thing is seems like nowadays getting residency is more difficult compared to previous years as singapore focuses to train more “generalist” doctor, hence getting subspecialisation would be more difficult. Just curious, to get into junior IM residency, how many papers do we need to have? Is it that competitive? All in all, I wish to get IM training in SG and back to Malaysia after getting specialist title.
I think as far as Internal medicine is concerned, there are no difference. In Malaysia you can still do MRCP and become an internal medicine specialist, fully recognised by NSR. Beware that the residency program in Singapore is not directly recognised by NSR unless you have American board certification or have MRCP.
Thanks Dr Pagalavan for the reply. For the IM residency programme in SG, from what I know they must complete MRCP before finishing the junior IM residency. In Malaysia, even doing mrcp by default we are still under contract unless gov offers us permanent, I even heard the rumours of unable to do gazzettement if someone is still under contract. And another thing is doing IM in M’sia spends few more years compared to SG. But I guess when choosing subspecialty staying in M’sia has more advantage compared to the competitive environment in SG. From Dr Paga’s reply, seems like staying in Malaysia is a safer choice haha!
As long as the contract is renewed, you can do your gazettement. The issues is renewal of contract, which KKM has promised will do till you complete your speciality training. As far as training duration is concerned, I don’t think there is any much difference for MRCP pathway. If your plan is to come back to Malaysia, then staying in Malaysia is a better option
The training duration I meant as in need to wait for few years after completing mrcp for gazettement and service before applying subspecialty while it is not needed in Singapore(can straight away apply sub after IM junior residency). Thank you Dr Pagalavan for your input, it is helpful. I will make the final decision soon. Thank you.
yes, but does not mean you will get into the sub program immediately.
Hi Dr Paga, what do you think about the limited slot to get into residency programme in Singapore? Which country(malaysia or singapore) will be easier to get into the specialist programme? I wish to do internal medicine and now I’m in a dilemma.
Hi Dr Paga, if I may pick your brain on Professional Medical Indemnity Insurance.
When I worked in Sg, this was automatically arranged by MOH. Following transition back to Msia, I now need to do gazettement before NSR registration. I believe I’m what they called a private candidate since I’m not already employed under KKM. Hence I believe I need to buy my own Indemnity Insurance? How do non-KKM Drs go about this in Msia? Which provider/policy is the go-to? Are there significant variation between the policies? Your knowledge on this is greatly appreciated.
As far as I know, to do gazettement you should be under contract from KKM. This means you should be covered by MOH. Otherwise, it is better to take own indemnity. MPS is the best out there. Please visit MMA website for further informations.
Hi Dr Paga,
Are there many doctors who earn 6 figures monthly in Malaysia? Since many are migrating overseas for better income, I heard that many specialists in private sector stay in Malaysia as they can earn 6 figures a month. Sometimes even more than they would if they worked overseas. Is that true?
I can answer your question if you don’t mind. As a doctor who has worked in Malaysia and now living overseas, money is not everything. I did not migrate to earn more than what I can in Malaysia. I migrated because I was sick of all the racist nonsense that is going on in Malaysia. Even if I earned more in Malaysia, I would still leave, given the opportunity.
Yes, there are many specialists in private that can easily make 6 figures a month. There are also GPs that can make 6 figures a month. But are they staying because of the money or because it is too hard for them to migrate overseas? Some overseas trained doctors might choose to return to Malaysia for various reasons but not many return because they can earn more.
Private practice is still very lucrative in Malaysia. Not all overseas countries can have private practice and even if there was, it might not be as accessible to new immigrant doctors. But private practice in some overseas countries can also be as lucrative as in Malaysia.
Hi Adrian,
Hope you are happy overseas now! I totally get your point about the racism in this country. However hard we try to contribute sometimes it’s just better to move somewhere else. How is life as a doctor overseas? Is it better in terms of earning potential and work-life balance?
I’m actually quite shocked to hear that many specialists and even GPs making 6 figures a month. That rivals what physicians in places such as US/Australia earn. My question here is doesn’t this then contribute to the glut of doctors we see now? Many are actually taking medicine purely because of the earning potential. It’s quite absurd that a developing country like Malaysia affords specialists that makes 6 figures a month, which will then affect the number of specialists who stays in public sector. My assumption was that only the top 1% earns 6 figures a month
Yes, based on my calculation, if you earn ethically, only about 1-5% of the private specialist earns more than 100K every month. These are usually procedural based specialist. If you include unethical earning, this may go up to about 10-15%.
I was just talking to a cardiologist when I came back to Malaysia 2 weeks ago. He joined private practise in 2018/2019. He told me very frankly, if given a chance, I rather go back to civil service! I got no life and it is really hectic with no family life! Money becomes secondary matter! If you ask any private specialist personally, almost all of them will say the same. The only reason they stay in private and not go overseas is simply because they can’t. And also they need to earn that money for their children’s future!
I think I have answered this question many times before. A procedural based doctor can earn a 6 figure salary a month. The issue is not how much they earn. It is whether the money is even earned ethically. Doing unnecessarily procedures is becoming a norm now to earn such a figure. Medicine has become a huge business! People who genuinely earning such a figure got prectically NO Life. Just talk to them and see how many hours they spend with their family. I have seen enough.
The only reason they do not go overseas is because they can’t! Almost all my previous colleagues would love to move to Australia but they simply do not want to go through the procedure and start all over again. Most of their degrees are Not recognised in Western countries. It is also not true that they earn more in Malaysia than overseas. The value of your currency is also important, not just how much you earn. Money is not everything!
Even though I work in civil service in Australia, after conversion I am earning more than what I use to earn in private sector in Malaysia with so much better quality of life aka work life balance. Also do not forget that your children’s education and healthcare are all taken care here.
Hi Dr Paga,
Thanks for your clarification, appreciate it. I was just thinking that if there is a potential to earn 6 figures a month in private, wouldn’t that then contribute to a lack of specialists in the public sector? Many people are now pursuing medicine solely for money sadly. Hence why we are witnessing the glut of medical graduates now.
It’s quite sad that the medicine business has evolved to the point that unnecessary procedures are being done just for money. Patients wouldn’t know any better. The fact that there is such a earning potential baffles me as it is similar to developed nations like US/UK/Australia. I genuinely thought that most specialists in private are making 50k-60k a month.
Like you mentioned Dr Paga, most of these specialists can’t practice overseas because their degrees isn’t recognized. And yet some do unethical practices and make big bucks. If this continues I’m afraid there wouldn’t be any good specialists left in public service as many would just go private since they can’t migrate easily.
It’s heartening to know that you can earn more with a better quality of life and coverage for your family in Australia Dr Paga. Way better than sticking around in Malaysia with it’s racist ideologies. So happy for you.
I think you don’t understand what I am trying to say. There are many other professions out there which can earn similar figures. And they can earn that by just sitting at home! Why there are still people in civil service? Because you will definitely have a better life, when it comes to family etc. Almost all who earn a 6 figure salary in private have NO LIFE. What is the point chasing money when you got no life!
Yes, most specialist in private earn less than 100K/month, usually on average about 50-80K. These are specialist who wants to have a better family life. Even then, they work almost 15 hours a day, 7 days a week. I know an orthopaedic surgeon who is only earning about 70K per month when orthopaedic could easily earn more than 100K just about 5 years ago. This is simply because of huge competition between the specialists in private sectors. This is also another reason why unethical practices are increasing day by day. it is a doc eat doc world out there which they would only realise when they join the private practise.
Hi doc,
Sorry if I got confused. I was asking because in other professions, only those at the very top are able to earn more than RM50k every month while it seems like all specialists who joins the private sector could easily be making between RM50k – RM100k a month. So the medical field seems like it’s a whole different league.
This is why I was thinking if this will cause a brain drain from public to private sector because of how we hear people saying that private sector is a gold mine. Till this day I have relatives who are saying they want their children to become a doctor due to prestige and also so that they can lead a good life because of the huge earning potential. That’s why we keep on hearing of people that want to complete specialisation as soon as possible and then jump into the private sector. This perception is really wide spread amongst the people here doc.
Hi RK,
I am very happy that I made the move overseas. Racial bigotry is not something that bothers me anymore. I have excellent work-life balance and I am also earning equivalent to what I can earn in private practice in Malaysia. I work 4 days a week and I do not have to be on call unless I want to.
Malaysia is producing way too many doctors for the population. So many that there are not enough training positions for those wanting to specialise. I do not see a glut of doctors happening. There will always be specialists in public hospitals. I have many friends who are excellent specialists and sub-specialists who chose to remain in public sector. Not everybody is in it for the money.
New specialists trained by the government will also frequently have bonds that require them to continue working in public hospitals. Of course they can choose to pay off the bonds but it is not cheap to do so especially if the income from the private practice is not guaranteed. It takes months to years to build up a private practice to achieve 6 figures a month. This includes top procedural specialties.
It might easier achieving 6 figures as a businessman rather than a doctor. If 6 figures a month is your target, then you might end up being disappointed.
Good to hear that you are doing well overseas and also managing to have a good work-life balance. To earn well and have a life is a blessing indeed.
Hopefully the situation in Malaysia doesn’t spiral out of control where the majority of specialists opt to be in the private sector to make more money this leaving only a slim force of specialists in the public sector to service the majority of the population. That would be a hammer blow to our healthcare here in Malaysia.
But as you have mentioned that it takes long to build a successful career in private and its better of being in business, what does the majority of specialists in private sector make in Malaysia? Do you have a ball park figure if you don’t mind sharing? Because recently many people I know are mentioning that they want to finish specialisation as soon as possible to make the jump to private. So the perception of making money in private is impacting the situation on the ground. Guess will be good if you will be able to share your view on this.
Where did you move to? I’m considering UK as the training opportunities offered to foreigners seems higher compared to SG.
Not sure if that’s the real case.
After passing MRCP Pt 1, one has to sit for Pt2 Written. Is it more difficult to pass Pt 2 than Pt1? What would be the average number of attempts in Pt 2 Written for the average doctor to pass?
Part 2 is more clinical than part 1, thus need experience. As for attempt, you need to check their website as rules changes all the time
Part 1 is usually the one with highest failure rate. You can expect 1-3 attempts average. Usually Part2a can pass 1-2 attempts. PACES probably expect 2 attempts if not prepared well
I also want to add. Please attempt to pass as soon as possible. Try for MRCPI as the waiting list for PACES is shorter. MRCP UK (arguably slightly more prestigious) has an extremely long PACES waiting list due to COVID.
I say this because there are rumours that the MRCP will no longer be recognised for gazettement as a Specialist.
This is the link for the talk, I suspect there will be an announcement of this in the near future. Malaysia’s medical fraternity is in a precarious position now, lots of rumours and politics:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1IHbSXaLIAWVZZG5x2Qap0ju8SfTNIC7h-rSuZhGm3tY/viewform?edit_requested=true
Actually these rumours has been going on since late 1990s! I doubt it will happen as the local Master’s program will not be able to cater for everyone. However, a more streamlined curriculum as suggested by Prof Adeeba is the way to move forward . This will make sure that even the MRCP holders will go through a standardised training/gazettement process.
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Hi Dr, I’m a general physician in Msia, and I’ll be interviewed by RACP for general medicine this week. May I know if you apply for comparability for rheumatology alone or both rheumato and general medicine?
May I ask for your opinion on the success rate of general physician by mrcpuk parthway in getting substantial/partial comparability?
Also, do u have any tips for me?
Much appreciated
I applied for both. The success rate depends on your years of experience. Generally if you have more than 5 years experience working as a consultant, you should be able to get substantially comparable status, depending on rotations that you have done as part of your training. Please look at some of my articles recently where I had mentioned about the success rates.
Thank you sir for your reply. Unfortunately, I only have 2-3 years. I went through the statistics published by australian board, however, they only mentioned success rate based on colleges in relation to countries but not specifically RACP with its countries (I’m trying to see the likelihood of our training here in Msia via mrcp pathway as compared to aussie). I couldn’t find anything on RACP site.
May I ask what sort of questions do they ask in the interview?
The questions are always about your training since you graduated. And what you are doing now. Likely you may get partially comparable status.
I see. Thank you very much sir.
Hi TP,
I’m in the exact similar situation as yourself. I have not applied for the specialist assessment pathway yet, as I previously heard that MRCP is not recognised in Australia.
if you don’t mind sharing, I would like to find out how your interview went.
Best regards.
MRCP is not recognised in Australia as a specialist exam. NSR registration is the main document they need to confirm you as a specialist. But having MRCP as one of the exams that you have sat, do give an advantage. The rest depends on your experience, years as consultant and training that you have undergone.
Hi WY,
Nice meeting you. We should view MRCP as one of the criteria(examination) as we do not have a national exam for general medicine. And not an exit criteria. Even in UK MRCP doesn’t mean you’re a specialist.
Consultant in Australia has more than just clinical duty. You should go through the basic and advanced training curriculum for general and medicine to see how your training matches them. That’s what I did in my self-reflection” part of the paper submission. Once that is satisfactory, they will call you for an interview.
My interview went well (at least from my perspective). The interviewer is very friendly. The whole process is more like a chat to get to know you better and to clarify a few things.
I recommend you to check out “3 common mistakes for OTPS specialists by Anthony”. His website explained very well. Also check out all the resources from RACP. RACP provide a very detail info of the entire process. Everything went exactly like what is posted on their website. This is something we should learn from them. The transparency and efficiency.
Unfortunately, I do not know my result yet. Hopefully at least partially. Finger crossed. Wish you all the best. Hope we can meet one day in Australia.
Hi TP, thanks for the tips on the interview and very glad to hear that it went well for you!
Since we’re going through the same pathway and in almost similar situations, if you don’t mind, I would like to get in touch with you, my email is wyiko888@gmail.com, if that’s ok with you.
Regards
Hi Dr,
I’m a general physician in Msia via MRCPUK. I’ll be interviewed with RACP this week. May I ask if you applied for both rheumato and general medicine or rheumato alone?
May I ask for your opinion regarding the success rate of general physician via mrcp to get comparability status?
Also, I wonder if you have any tips for me?
Much appreciated!
Hi Dr Paga,
Your posts have been inspiring and I’m looking into options of moving to Australia as a physician too. I did my undergraduate in the UK, then came back to Malaysia. I then passed the MRCP.
I’ve heard that MRCP is not recognised in Australia. Hence, may I know if I can still proceed with the specialist assessment pathway? Or is there any other criteria that I have to fulfil before application, bypassing the AMC standard pathway.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards.
Are you GMC registered? Like did you do your internship in UK?IF you are GMC full registered, you don’t need to go through AMC standard pathway.
AS for specialist pathway, firstly you need to have NSR registration as a specialist in Malaysia. RACP only recognises NSR as the body to register specialist. Unless you are a specialist for more than 5 years, you may get a partially comparable status. This will allow you to work as a senior registrar for peer review(1-2 years) and may or may not need to sit for exams (Part 2). Your experience and training as a specialist counts for RACP to make such decisions.
No I’m not GMC registered, I came back to Malaysia after graduation, did internship up to specialist gazettement, all here. I do have the NSR registration.
The year of experience counts from time we’re NSR registered?
Yes, you are considered as a specialist from the date of NSR registration.
Thank you very much for your kind replies.
Best regards.