Nocturnale

My previous article on the Postgraduate Training In Emergency Medicine in Singapore has garnered quite some positive responses from readers. In fact, many of these readers (mostly Malaysians) are interested in pursuing a postgraduate career in Singapore but are held back by various uncertainties. I thought I should debunk some of the myths and address those concerns in this post.

I am a Malaysian. I am aiming to do the MCEM/MMed in Emergency Medicine. What are the chances of advancement in this field for a Malaysian in Singapore?

Malaysians and for that matter other nationalities are not sidelined. Once you are in the Singapore system, your training opportunities do not depend on whether you are a Singaporean or not but solely based on merit. If you are good, you are in! If you are exceptional, Singapore will do everything to keep you within her embrace. Meritocracy is well and alive in this republic.

I am a Malaysian-borne Emergency Medicine resident based in Japan. I am interested in working in Singapore in my attempt to move closer to home. I have been offered a contract in Singapore. Why should I take up the offer?

Singapore is one of only three countries (the others are Hong Kong and India) in Asia which offers world-recognized postgraduate training programs in Emergency Medicine. Singapore is culturally very similar to Malaysia, very close geographically to Malaysia, safe and it is a meritocratic society. As long as one is competent and willing to work hard, opportunities are ample to advance in their career.

It goes without saying Malaysians do extremely well in the Singapore system being culturally and linguistically very well adapted.

I have heard about the ‘horror stories’ on working in Singapore. Doctors in Singapore work like laborers and have no life outside of their work circle.

The Singapore way of life is definitely more ‘on the ball’ compared to Malaysia. However, they advocate work-life balance as well. In fact it is a government policy to encourage that. This becomes more important as part of the national strategy to increase fertility rate in Singapore! Hence, it is a five day work week in Singapore. In emergency medicine however, shift work is the norm.

Will Malaysians be sidelined in the race for postgraduate training opportunities in Singapore? Don’t they give more priorities to Singaporeans?

To help answer this question, I approached an experienced senior consultant (a former Malaysian who understands the Malaysian way of life intimately) working in one of the best hospitals in Singapore. She affirmed and testified that Malaysians are not discriminated against. The opportunity is equal. Singaporeans and foreigners have to compete at the same ball field and only the best prevails.

Meritocracy is what drives and keeps Singapore ahead. It only makes sense if the provision of high quality healthcare is given by the best possible minds in this competitive field.

What are my chances of getting into the training programs?

Opportunities for training are excellent, and are getting better as Singapore ramps up it’s medical capability (to train and groom 2000 more doctors over the next 5 years). For example, 80% of doctors (4 out of 5!) who applied for Surgery specialty training last year were accepted.

My ultimate aim is to specialize in Emergency Medicine. Where can I get more information about postgraduate training opportunities in Singapore?

For further details on this, I suggest you visit this excellent website. It gives you the latest information on the training programs and how to apply to be a trainee. 

I am a graduate from a XYZ medical school. Am I eligible to work in Singapore?

Your basic medical degree must be registrable with the Singapore Medical Council (SMC) in order to seek employment opportunities in Singapore and subsequently apply for the specialist training programs. For Malaysians who are Universiti Malaya or Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia graduates, you are eligible. Otherwise, your options are limited to just becoming a temporary Clinical Fellow or Observer. The previously established Non-Traditional Source Program for doctors with medical degrees that are not recognized with the SMC has been abolished, unfortunately.

Disclaimer: The author is in no way affiliated with the Singapore Ministry of Health or any healthcare provider groups in Singapore.