A veteran medical professional with over 30 years of experience, Singapore-based Dr. Chua Tee Lian works as a family physician, previously serving with the Frankel Clinic and the Liang Clinic. Dr. Chua Tee Lian is now the director and clinic manager of C & K Family Clinic in Singapore. Before he could care for patients, he had to go through a rigorous process to become a medical doctor in his country.
Ranking among the elite when it comes to quality of life, it is no wonder Singapore has such a difficult journey to becoming a medical doctor. The country takes the healthcare of its citizens very seriously, and ensures that medical doctors are fully equipped to do their jobs.
In Singapore, there are a number of requirements along the road to becoming a doctor. Fluency in both English and Malay is needed, and certification will be required. It is recommended that the student choose to attend medical school in Singapore itself, and there are three different options.
Two of the medical schools in Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine at the National University of Singapore, and Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine at Nanyang Technological University, only require a high school transcript with certain courses completed. The program is five years in length and includes both a bachelor’s of medicine and science.
For students interested in the Duke-NUS Medical School, the entrance requirements are very different. Applicants must already have a bachelor’s degree and have passed the MCATs. This program is internationally recognized, and takes only three years compared to five.
Once a student has completed their MD training, they must apply with the Singapore Medical Council, complete a housemanship (residency), and submit all of their official credentials. Once approved by the council, they can then start applying for work as a medical doctor in Singapore.
