To start off, medical school is atumultuous roller coaster ride, and when you start off, you might feel that those five years ahead of you are daunting. However, before you know it, you will be done and dusted with med school, and suddenly you find yourself standing at a crossroads, trying to determine which path to take that would more or less determine your career for the next few years at least. As such, even experienced doctors will find yourselves wondering just what else you can do to progress forward. So here are just a few select choices that may apply to you: 1. Postgraduate Training (for fresh graduates): The most common path chosen by fresh MBBS graduates would be residency. The training structure of PG training differs from country to country. The United States and United Kingdom remain as the most popular choices for doctors to complete their residency. a) USMLE This is a 3-step exam that must be successfully passed before being considered as eligible for particular disciplines in the US. b) Plab Plab is the two-part system that has to be undergone before being able to enter the UK medical system. c) AMC The AMC is also a 2-part exam that has to be cleared before securing a place in a medical programme in Australia. d) FCPS For those who wish to explore their options within the region, FCPS is the postgraduate training system that is offered in countries like Pakistan, India and the Middle East. This is also a 2-part exam, in which part 2 will have to be taken at the end of one’s residency. 2. Master's: In order to become a consultant, Master’s has to be completed in any chosen discipline within Medicine and Surgery. It is very similar to the postgraduate training mentioned above, with the exception that you would have to pay the institute instead of receiving a monthly stipend. This programme is available in Singapore, Malaysia, and a large number of other countries. 3. MRCP/MRCS: MRCP and MRCS are the diplomas offered by the Royal College of Physicians, and Surgeons respectively. It is an entrance exam for specialty training in the UK. However, it is also recognized in Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle Eastern countries provided you have completed the required training along with passing the exams. This has a total of 3 parts: part 1 and 2, and PACES. 4. MBA: If you would like to deviate slightly from the clinical side of healthcare, you could consider venturing into administration of the various medical and/or healthcare organizations. In order to gain a better grasp of management and administration duties, you could opt for a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA). 5. Lectureship: Teaching is a very noble profession. If you love imparting knowledge to people, following your MBBS and Master’s, you could always try your hand at teaching and lecturing at Medical Schools. There is always a demand for qualified doctors to come back to teach, and this is definitely an attractive and popular choice for both fresh and experienced doctors alike. 6. Medical Representatives: Different private medical companies hire doctors to present their products. This might involve taking part in conferences to give presentations on those products, and serving as a credible endorser for them. The remuneration package for such positions is very attractive, and another consideration for doctors like yourself. 7. Master’s in Public Health (MPH): For doctors who wish to address healthcare issues at a policy-level, MPH would be an excellent choice. Governments are constantly in search for public health consultants, and your solid background and knowledge of the medical field would give you an upper hand when it comes ot developing sound policies. Other related career options include Health Educator, Environmental Health Consultants and Directors, Community Activists, Public Health professors, etc. 8. Clinical Research: The medical industry is constantly evolving, and is extremely dynamic. If you have a penchant for curiosity and a love for conducting and leading research projects, you might want to give medical research some serious consideration. New drugs, treatments, technologies etc. are being developed daily. Get yourself affiliated with a credible research institute, or volunteer with a senior doctor in a research project. This can take place simultaneously with your clinical work, and could provide you with some much-needed perspective about your career. Source
