Some people have been saying that to become a doctor or a cosmetic surgeon you need a 4 year Bachelor’s degree and THEN a 4 year medical degree, while others say that you go straight to a 6 year medical degree right after high school. So, which one is it?
Finally, can I get some recommendations on the best Universities for a Medical degree and their tuition fees?
Thank you.
Medical Schools/Universities in Thailand
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Med School is 6 years here. Then you get your MD…which is odd, because in Europe you qualify with MBBS or MBChB and do 1 year pre-registration houseman job (clerking and taking bloods). You can call yourself Doctor but you are not really senior at all. There are different systems of residency (in USA you are a junior intern first). From graduation age 24-5 it takes 8 or more years (i have heard 10-12 in some places) to be a consultant Plastic Surgeon, as an example, because the money is there (there are always Ferraris parked on yellow lines at Bumrungrad). For something like this, you need the right connections and name PLUS a 9-12 month course in Chicago or Pittsburgh to learn the higher tecniques. On the other hand, you can be a dermatologist in less time and with just an exam from a local board. Or you can be a GP and open a ‘shop’ (we have 2 in my road).
Yes, about 70% of the exams here are in Thai–no good for most people (except Thais!)
Yes, if you are a Thai wishing to work in US or UK you need to pass the specialised medical exams. Some of the test books are in Kinokuria. You need the language to be IELTS 8-9 as well as being able to explain the Kreb’s Cycle in English.
Mahidol and then Chula are the tops (same as dentistry), although there are “odd” places which train doctors. Thammasat at Rangsit has started to take people, and (as I understand) Rangsit University, which normally does Tourism, Chefs or Sports Science. There is a place in deepest Esaan which does doctoring, as does Songklha (both have good names).
Very few non-Thais are allowed to train here. It is also very HiSo. How many boys or girls from a Rice farmup north are consultants at Chula? None. Ferrari? Nope. It is getting a little better…although when I was teaching Med Studs at CU 15 years ago I did a quick straw poll: 50% of the kids had Mom, dad or bothdoctors. Another 20% had dentists or nurses as Mom or dad. 50% admitted that money and kudos were bigger goals than helping the sick.
As a medical tourism hub, it is getting better and dearer here. All the big places are owned by the same people anyway. India should always be on your list for cheap and excellent surgery. Korea or Taiwan (I can’t remember…) are known for plastic/cosmetic. Poland is getting a good name for complex bone surgery now.
However, if I need complex brain surgery, take me to Queen’s Square in London.