MBBS - Adventure outside India

Choosing the right destination for studying medicine abroad involves careful consideration, especially for students aiming to return to India or settle abroad. I am not emphasizing on Here’s a detailed approach based on the information provided:

Destination Choice Based on Career Goals

1. Students Interested in Settling Abroad (Georgia, China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan etc.) - For students who aim to settle abroad after completing their medical education, factors such as Budget, quality of education, career opportunities, and lifestyle play a crucial role.
2. Students Intending to Return to India ( Nepal & Bangladesh etc.) - For students who intend to return to India after completing their medical education, factors such as Percentage of students qualifying the FMGE from this college and country play a crucial role.

Note : We can definitely switch to countries, as long as we keep the FMGE pass percentage in our considerations.

Common parameters crucial in selecting the Institution

• Having attached hospital with at least 400-500 beds is critical rather associations with different hospitals
• USMLE - United States Medical Licensing Exam, AMC - Australian Medical Council, PLAB - UK Professional and Linguistic assessments Board Acceptance & eligibility needs to be checked. all of these exams have part 1 and 2. USMLE exam can be attended while pursuing MBBS where as AMC and PLAB cannot be attempted while pursuing MBBS. For complete details please check the links.
• Alcohol addiction/Pub cultures etc. play important role from both student and parent perspective as disciplinary approach is critical for a progressive career like MBBS???
• Origin of the faculty
• Financial Outline along with course period- Mostly these courses extend up to 7 years due to language barriers
• Language in which licensing exam needs to be taken (For eg, In China Licensing exam is conducted in Mandarin)?
• Climatical conditions, Direct flights and Availability of Indian Food also plays a crucial role.

Note : Someone who wants to pursue medicine in developed economies like USA,UK involves substantial investment and can go up to 2-4 Cr

"While there are numerous positive online narratives about studying MBBS in various countries, I’d like to address some of the challenges."

FMGL Regulations :

The billion-dollar question is whether the NMC will allow practice and FMGE attempts after 7 years under FMGL regulations. Please review guidelines

Philippines issue - The NMC, in a communication with the Indian Embassy in the Philippines, has said that it will not consider the bachelor of science course (also known as BS Biology or bridge course) as a part of medical education to be recognized in India. BS Biology is an 18-24 month course which every student in the Philippines has to undertake before they take the second 48-month-long main course called the doctor of medicine (MD)

FMG's should undergo 2 years of internship in place of 1 year, Only after several appeals in supreme court this has been brought back to 1 year

https://www.outlookindia.com/international/after-ukraine-future-of-10-000-indian-medical-students-studying-in-philippines-at-stake-news-187078

Medical Licensing Exam and Clinical Practice :

Most of the licensing exams will be conducted in 3 categories , Fluency in language is very critical.

1. Test, 2. Practical and 3. Oral Exam (Viva).

In Russia, the medical licensing exam (GOZZ) is primarily conducted in Russian. International students often need to demonstrate proficiency in the language, especially for clinical practice.

In China, the medical licensing exam (National Medical Licensing Examination) is mainly conducted in Chinese. However, some universities offer programs in English, but the licensing exam itself typically requires proficiency in Chinese, as it's essential for practicing medicine in the country. Many colleges offer 5 years plus 1 year of internship, such colleges do not qualify NMC guidelines . Indian government has issues advisories in the past.

Post completion of MBBS students have to pursue for PG as medical profession is a progressive career across the world.

Very Low FMGE Pass Percentage :

Pass percentage in FMGE ranges between 10% to 30%. Majority of these students were not able to clear even after 2-3 years. Starting in 2025, overseas graduates will be required to qualify the new?National Exit Test?(NExT) in place of the Foreign Medical Graduate Exam (FMGE). Candidates intending to practice in India will have to clear NExT, within two years of completing their medical studies abroad. This test is applicable for 2020 batch students

Geopolitical Perspective :

The atmosphere of uncertainty and potential danger can lead to significant stress and anxiety, affecting students' academic performance and overall well-being. The conflict may affect the recognition of medical degrees in other countries, especially if the education system is perceived to be compromised due to war conditions.

Diplomatic relations and ties between countries play a role in clearance of licensing exam and post graduation work permits.

Studying MBBS in Ukraine post-Russia's invasion presents several challenges which a student can face.

Unrest in Bangladesh has questioned safety concerns as diplomatic relations have deteriorated.

Advisories to Indian students in Kyrgyzstan

Although the validity of MBBS degrees in Georgia was subsequently clarified, the stress that students endure will be significant. Students can work as junior medical officer post completion of the degree i.e if a certified doctor is not available in the hospital a Junior doctor can provide emergency medical care independently. This also clarified one thing that students after completing the degree can work as salaried and not as self employed professional in Georgia also.

Promise of the golden ticket to the USMLE, AMC, and PLAB :

Many students dream of practicing medicine in developed countries like the USA, UK, and Australia. However, it’s essential to recognize that they did not clear the NEET exam for admission in India. Succeeding in the USMLE, AMC, or PLAB requires immense dedication and hard work.

In conclusion, while studying medicine abroad offers exciting opportunities, it’s crucial to prioritize factors beyond cost alone and ensure the program’s recognition by NMC, WHO, and other relevant authorities. Conduct thorough research, seek expert advice, and stay updated with official guidelines to make an informed decision about your medical education abroad. By seeking valuable guidance on USMLE, AMC, and PLAB pathways, along with support for clearing FMGE in India, Students should empower to turn their dreams of practicing medicine in India and developed countries into reality.