Top 5 Universities to Study Medicine & Surgery (MBBS) in Malaysia

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What is MBBS?

MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. It is an undergraduate Degree programme pursued by individuals aspiring to become medical doctors. The Degree is commonly awarded in countries following the British medical education system.

The term “MBBS” is often used in countries like India, the United Kingdom, and many Commonwealth nations. The Degree encompasses both medical theory (Medicine) and practical surgical skills (Surgery). Graduates with an MBBS Degree have the necessary knowledge and training to practice Medicine and perform medical procedures.

In some universities and regions, the term “Doctor of Medicine” (MD) is used interchangeably or alongside MBBS. The Doctor of Medicine title is typically associated with postgraduate medical education. In such cases, after completing the MBBS Degree, medical graduates can pursue further specialisation or research leading to the award of the Doctor of Medicine Degree. The MD Degree is often regarded as a higher academic qualification and may require additional years of study and research beyond the basic medical Degree.

It’s important to note that the usage of terms like MBBS and MD can vary across countries and institutions, and the specific requirements and designations may differ. It’s advisable to refer to the specific regulations and terminology used by the medical education system in a particular country or university for accurate understanding.

Medicine Specialisation

Medicine Specialisation	Description
Allergists	They deal with autoimmune illnesses, asthma, eczema, food allergies, insect sting allergies, and other immune system disorders.
Anaesthesiologists	These medical professionals administer medications to alleviate discomfort or induce unconsciousness during surgical procedures, childbirth, or other medical interventions. They closely monitor your essential bodily functions while you are under the effects of anaesthesia.
Cardiologists	Cardiologists are highly skilled specialists in the field of cardiovascular health, focusing on the heart and blood vessels. They are sought after for conditions such as heart failure, heart attacks, hypertension, or arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).
Colon and Rectal Surgeons	Gastroenterologists are specialised doctors who diagnose and manage disorders related to the small intestine, colon, and rectum. They provide treatment for conditions such as colon cancer, haemorrhoids, and inflammatory bowel disease, among others.
Critical Care Medicine Specialists	Specialise in the care of critically ill or injured individuals, often leading intensive care units (ICUs) within hospitals. They are commonly consulted in cases where there is organ failure, such as heart failure, or in situations involving accidents or severe trauma.
Dermatologists	Dermatologists specialises in treating skin, hair, and nail conditions. From moles and scars to acne and skin allergies, they offer expertise and treatments for a wide range of dermatological concerns.
Endocrinologists	These are experts on hormones and metabolism. They can treat conditions like diabetes, thyroid problems, infertility, and calcium and bone disorders.
Emergency Medicine Specialists	Emergency physicians play a vital role in saving lives and reducing disability by making critical decisions and providing urgent medical care in emergency rooms.
Family Physicians	Family physicians deliver comprehensive healthcare for all ages, conducting checkups, screenings, vaccinations, and chronic disease management. They prioritise holistic and continuous care for the entire family.
Gastroenterologists	Gastroenterologists specialise in the digestive system, treating conditions such as abdominal pain, ulcers, diarrhoea, jaundice, and digestive organ cancers. They also perform colonoscopies and other tests for colon cancer.

Skills to be a Doctor

Empathy Understanding and appreciating other people’s emotions and experiences is known as empathy. One of the essential traits for doctors is empathy. Doctors should give care in a way that satisfies both the physical and emotional requirements of their patients since patients and their families are frequently in challenging, life-changing, or stressful situations.

Emotional-Intelligence

Unfortunately, it is a hard truth of the job that occasionally you will have to break bad news to patients or their close family members. You need to have the emotional maturity to stay professional and level-headed and explain to people what the best course of action is since it’s usually news they don’t want to hear.

Problem-Solving

You’ll also need to be able to think creatively. The test results may not match your expectations in cases where the patient presentation is not obvious, so don’t be afraid to channel your inner Gregory House and look at the situation from a different angle.

Attention to Detail

When managing prescription dosages, patient histories, allergies, physiological variances, cultural customs, and every other aspect of a busy hospital ward, it’s imperative to pay attention to even the smallest details. In other words, any medical professional must possess the capacity for close attention to detail.

Decision-Making

Doctors have the last say in all clinical choices pertaining to patient care, so you’ll need to feel at ease accepting responsibility and making difficult judgements. This entails coordinating and supervising patients’ treatment programmes as well as having to defend them to family members, which can be challenging if they are resistant to your suggestions.

Eligibility to study MBBS in Malaysia

Academic Entry	Minimum Score
Foundation	CGPA 3.00
Diploma	CGPA 3.50
STPM	CGPA 3.0
UEC	B4
A-Levels	BBB
Australian Matriculation (ATAR)	80
IB Diploma	30

Note: Universities may have different requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

Entry Level	Minimum Score
IELTS	Band 6.0
MUET	Band 4
TOEFL	60

Note: Universities may have different English Language requirements. To learn more, get in touch with us!

Pathway to be a Doctor in Malaysia

In Malaysia, becoming a doctor entails a multi-step process with specific requirements. Below are the general guidelines for you:

After completing your SPM, you can choose one of these three:

(a) Foundation in Science which only will take you 1 year to complete OR

(b)STPM/ Matriculation/ A Levels/ SACE/ Equivalent OR

When considering your desired career in Medicine, it is crucial to carefully assess your long-term objectives and evaluate the available options. Your academic performance and personal goals should serve as guiding factors in making informed decisions.

Upon completing the necessary pre-med prerequisites, you can proceed with applying for and completing an undergraduate Medicine Degree programme, which typically takes around 5 years to finish. The medical course encompasses a preclinical phase (2 years) that focuses on fundamental medical sciences, followed by a junior clinical clerkship (1 year) and senior medical clerkship (2 years). Problem-solving, inquiry methods, critical thinking, and independent learning strategies are strongly emphasised throughout the course. Graduating students are expected to demonstrate competencies in essential knowledge, clinical skills, as well as leadership and communication skills required for effective collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Subsequently, upon successful completion of the Degree in Medicine, it becomes mandatory to undertake a two-year housemanship, which is an essential internship for aspiring doctors in Malaysia. Housemanship training provides supervised practical experience and must be completed following graduation from medical school.

After the two-year housemanship period, you can apply for full registration as a medical officer with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), paving the way to become a general practitioner in Malaysia.

After gaining some experience as a doctor, you can continue your education with postgraduate studies, which typically takes 4 to 5 years. You also need to complete 2 to 4 years of supervised training to become a Specialist. To be able to become a Specialist, you are also required to sit for the Examination for Provisional Registration (EPR) to ensure that a medical practitioner has the knowledge, skills and competence levels to provide safe and effective treatment to the Malaysian public.

Becoming a Doctor in Malaysia is a long and challenging journey that requires dedication and perseverance. It takes an average of 8-9 years to become a fully registered Doctor after completing SPM, and more than 10 years to become a Specialist. Good luck future doctors!

Universities to study MBBS in Malaysia

1. UCSI University

This medical programme stands out for its graduates who excel in their medical knowledge, skills and leadership. With a focus on five key areas – basic medical services; clinical and therapeutic methods, procedures, and investigations; community and family Medicine; communication skills; and professional competence – the curriculum is designed to produce highly skilled doctors capable of meeting future medical challenges and advancing healthcare. From Year 1, students will be based at Springhill (Seremban/PD) campus where the UCSI Hospital is also at. Students will have the opportunity to perform medical procedures instead of merely observing. This early exposure to patient interaction will subsequently ensure a smoother transition from university student to a medical doctor.

Programme Offered	Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Duration	5 Years
Intake	September
Indicative Fees (2023)	Local students: RM 351,310 International students: RM 429,500