Getting into Housemanship Training in Malaysia

Finally, medical school is over. Graduating from medical school with a MBBS degree has been one of the greatest moments in my life so far. The sense of accomplishment, the pride and joy that you felt when you were awarded your degree during the congregation ceremony. The proud looks that you see from your loved ones. The look of assurance from your fellow lecturers and clinicians. Moments that will stay with me forever. I believe the experience you had must be somewhat similar too.

Now back to reality again. Once you have graduated from medical school, you must complete 2 years training in the public sector, also known as Housemanship, in order to obtain Full registration with the MMC. Why ? and How ? You may ask.

Snippet from an old news paper article

So, There's 3 things you need to know.

1. Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)

2. Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam (SPA)
3. Kementrian Kesihatan Malaysia KKM)

1. Malaysian Medical Council (MMC)

All doctors in Malaysia are regulated by the MMC. Like how lawyers are regulated by the Bar Council. So its a body that oversees all doctors that are practicing in Malaysia. Once you've graduated, your school should have informed you about getting yourself registered with the MMC. Since you are now considered a professional, a doctor, you then need to let MMC know this and apply for "Provisional registration". 

Provisional registration is like "half-a-license". It just allows you to work as a doctor under the Housemanship training programme. This is ensure you get adequate training and clinical experience before they let you venture out. 

2. Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Awam (SPA)

Also known as, Public Services Commission. Housemanship training is provided by the government. Thus you will have to become a civil servant. Once you've obtain your MMC Provisional registration, you will then apply to SPA to become a doctor for the public sector. 

With the provisional registration certificate, SPA will be able to acknowledge you as a doctor, and appoint you as a civil servant working in the Health care sector. In which you will be given a rank within the civil service, known as Pegawai Perubatan UD41, this rank will determine your salary.

3. Kementrian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM)

Once you have the offer letter from SPA offering you the post as Pegawai Perubatan UD41, you will then need to focus your attention to the Ministry of Health. They will be responsible in placing you in one of the many Housemanship training hospitals located throughout Malaysia. You can choose up to 3 hospitals that you like the most in the application form, but whether you will get any of them mostly depends on whether there's any availability at that point in time. The results will be out before you start your training and you be given a chance to appeal.

In summary, after getting your MBBS degree, you have to apply to 3 different bodies in this order, MMC, SPA then KKM. Because you will need your MMC provisional registration certificate as a supporting document when applying to SPA and KKM.

I wish you all the best DR !

PS: Will explain the details of each part in later posts.