Career path possiblities for MBBS doctor from Pakistan

Hello,

Usually, after doing MBBS, doctors either go for FCPS (from Pakistan) or FRCP/FRCS (from UK) or Residency in USA (after passing USMLE). Apart from this what are other options? Isn't it possible that an MBBS doctor takes admission in PhD? I would like to know the possiblity of this career path (i.e. going for PhD) and comments of seniors and experienced persons regarding this like is it useful or not or thats not the path an MBBS doctor should pursue if he/she wants to be a specialist doctor.

Usually it is possible for Medical students (those who have done MBBS) to get enrollment in direct PhD in Germany. Does anyone has information about this?

Thanks,

Arsalan

Hi us97013,

Good questions. I'm not sure about some of them but I can answer your question as to whether or not this is the path to take for someone who wants to be a specialist doctor. To specialize, you don't necessarily need a PhD. It may help you, but it will be one of many things that will help you in getting into a specialized field.

The usual path for an MBBS IMG (without a PhD), at least in the states, is as you mentioned: Take USMLE, apply for residency in either internal medicine or a specialty of your choice, and go from there. After doing a residency in internal medicine you can then specialize by doing a fellowship.

Also, apart from the options you've mentioned, I'm not sure there are many other career paths for an MBBS, except maybe teaching, but most places outside of Pakistan will require that you get some sort of teaching credentials first.

So, although you certainly can pursue a PhD, it's not required in any sense for getting a residency, FCPS, or FRCP/FRCS. As for how much an MBBS degree qualifies you for enrollment in a PhD program, I'm not quite sure about that, but like you mentioned, it's possible in Germany and therefore it's probably possible elsewhere is my guess.

Well, all depends on the acumen that the MBBS holder posses. i think anybody can build his/her international medical career if he/she has got the guts.