International medical studies need to be assessed carefully

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Dr Letticia Moja, chairperson of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) Medical and Dental Board cautioned that the Council has observed an increase in the number of students qualifying at medical schools abroad, only to find that the medical qualification obtained is not always regarded as equivalent to, or on the same standard as, those obtained locally

"Upon their return, these students, like all healthcare professionals in the country, have to be registered with the HPCSA in order to practice. They are required to follow the same process as all foreign qualified doctors. They are furthermore required to complete two-year's internship training at a recognised institution (if they have not done this abroad), followed by a compulsory one-year community service."

The council's role is to set, maintain and apply fair and acceptable standards of education and training for all the healthcare professions under its ambit. Consequently, not all medical qualifications obtained from tertiary institutions abroad are recognised by it. It has agreements with various tertiary institutions around the globe where equivalence with the South African training is established. Each application for registration is thus considered and a determination of the requirements is made, which may include need for additional training and/or some form of examination such as the Board examination, to be permitted to practice in the public sector. The reality is that many foreign qualified practitioners do not pass the Board examination.

Board exams

Should the person be required to sit for a Board exam, he/she needs to apply to the HPCSA, with the relevant documentation and required fees. (This includes the application form; copy of degree or other qualification; sworn translation in English; documentary proof of internship training or equivalent; verification of credentials; recent Certificate of Good Standing and copy of passport/ID). The Board may also request any other information it deems necessary.

All foreign qualified doctors (even those who are South African), are also required sit for and pass the final year medical school examination if they wish to be registered in the category independent practice.

"As the HPCSA is mandated to protect the public and to guide the professions, it has to ensure that the standard of education is equivalent to the South African qualification and practitioners, who obtained a foreign qualification, have the necessary knowledge and expertise to practice their profession."

Not only is studying abroad very costly for families but students are far away from their family and friends, they may have to learn a new language and often have little social support. In addition, they may learn a very different approach to healthcare; learn about a different disease spectrum in a different context, which may not necessarily be appropriate to the South African setting.

Choosing a medical school

Therefore, when choosing a medical school abroad, the Council advises students to consider the following:

• Does the medical school have a well-established, international reputation?
  
• Are there graduates who have passed the Board examination and are currently working in the South Africa?
  
• Is the language is easy to learn?

Prospective students and their families should carefully consider these options, as there are many South Africans, with foreign qualifications, that cannot work as doctors in the country.

Prospective students can email az.oc.ascph@ofni or call +27 (0)12 338 3901.