Study medicine abroad: Why the country you choose can shape your career

Dubai: When students contemplate studying medicine overseas, the university selection is merely a component of their decision-making. According to Isha Bhandari, GEDU Medical's regional manager for MENA, the country and the healthcare system they enter can significantly influence the trajectory towards becoming a practicing physician.

Bhandari delivered this insight during the "Global Routes to Medicine" session held during the second day of the Gulf News Edufair at Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai. She emphasized that families should initially consider the student's long-term career destination instead of merely focusing on the university alone. "The question we should always ask is, is it the university that matters or the healthcare system that matters?" she posed.

"All the universities are good when it comes to medicine; we just need to focus on which healthcare system we are stepping into."

For UAE students considering medical education abroad, Bhandari highlighted that the UAE's healthcare system is unique due to its hybrid model. She also pointed out that the US serves as an example of a healthcare system offering an international pathway for medical graduates. The choice of country should be evaluated alongside the licensing and training requirements that students will encounter post-medical school.

"When we talk about medicine, it is crucial to understand what our final goal is, where we envision ourselves practicing medicine," she stressed. The journey extends beyond medical school, as Bhandari underscored the importance of comprehending the complete financial and temporal aspects of a medical career pathway. For students considering the US route, families should take into account the years of medical education as well as the subsequent residency period.

"Parents pay the fees for five years, and then, after three more years, the child starts residency," Bhandari explained. Residency involves postgraduate clinical training and the initial stages of practicing as a resident doctor. Students pursuing the US route would also need to complete the US medical licensing examination process.

Understanding licensing requirements is crucial for students who aspire to practice medicine post-studying overseas, especially if they may move between countries during their careers. Bhandari emphasized that the US route can be relevant for students contemplating careers both in the US and potentially returning to the UAE. She stressed the necessity for students and parents to seek comprehensive guidance when making these decisions, as even a cursory search on platforms like ChatGPT or Google would not provide this specialized information. "You need to understand and talk to the people who work from the education system," she advised.

Regarding the US route, Bhandari noted that the country remains a significant destination for medical professionals, underscoring its demand for doctors. For students who pursue a career in the US after completing the required stages, the average salary can range from $300,000 to $400,000 annually, depending on their specialization.

However, families must also consider the financial implications beyond potential earnings, such as the cost of medical education, residency, licensing examinations, and other requirements of pursuing a career overseas. Bhandari stated, "Even if there are any issues with the visa, it won't impact the students who are looking to pursue medicine as their career."

The overarching message from the session for UAE students was that medical education should be viewed as a long-term career pathway rather than a mere university choice. Students must consider where they want to practice, the healthcare system they wish to enter, and the examinations, residency, and licensing requirements they might face along the way. For families contemplating medical schools abroad, the question may extend beyond selecting a university: where do you see your medical career taking you?