How Long Does It Take to Become a Specialist After Completing MBBS

After earning your MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree, the journey to becoming a specialist varies depending on the chosen specialty and the country’s medical training system. This article outlines the general timeline for becoming a specialist and the various training phases involved.

Foundation Training

Many countries require MBBS graduates to complete a foundation program, which is an internship lasting approximately 1-2 years. This phase often involves rotating through various specialties to gain a broad understanding of medical practices. This foundational training is crucial for building a well-rounded base before specializing in a specific field.

Residency Training

Following the foundation training, aspiring specialists enter a residency program in their chosen specialty. This phase can last from 3 to 7 years, depending on the field. Here’s a snapshot of how long residency training typically takes for various specialties:

Family Medicine: 3 years Pediatrics: 3 years Internal Medicine: 3 years Surgery: 5-7 years, with sub-specialties potentially extending the duration Psychiatry: 4 years Cardiology: 6-7 years following internal medicine

It's important to note that there can be additional programs, such as fellowships, which can add 1-3 years of training depending on the subspecialty chosen. These fellowships allow specialists to delve deeper into niche areas of their chosen field.

Becoming a Specialist

The total time to become a specialist after completing MBBS can range from 3 years to over 10 years, including fellowship training, depending on the specific pathway chosen.

Formal Requirements in Pakistan

In Pakistan, the journey to becoming a specialist is structured in a somewhat different manner compared to other countries. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the process in Pakistan:

House Job Internship: After completing MBBS, a 1-year compulsory internship called a House Job (HJ) is required. This internship provides practical training and experience in the hospital environment. FCPS Examination: After completing the HJ, candidates need to sit for the final FCPS (Fellowship of College of Physicians and Surgeons) examination. Passing this exam enables candidates to apply for a PGR (Postgraduate Registrar) position. PGR Training: Successful applicants can then proceed to 4 years of training as a PGR. This period is often seen as essential for gaining experience and further developing skills. Specialization Exam: Upon completing the 4-year PGR training, candidates sit for the specialization exam to become a fully-fledged specialist. While this process can take around 5-6 years, it can extend to 8-10 years due to entrance exam success and specialty training requirements.

Challenges in Pakistan

The Pakistani medical training system faces several challenges that can prolong the time to specialization. One of the most significant hurdles is the merit-based appointment process, which often requires additional service as a Medical Officer (MO) for 1-2 years in both Basic Health Units (BHQs) and Teaching Health Units (THQs).

Given the competitive nature of these positions, many medical graduates find themselves extending their training period due to the need to gain more experience and enhance their ranking on the merit list. This additional year or two of service can often add 2-3 extra years to the overall training period, bringing the total time to specialization to 8-10 years or more in some cases.

Conclusion

The time required to become a specialist after completing MBBS is highly variable, ranging from 3 years for certain primary care specialties to over 10 years for those pursuing extended training, including fellowships. While this process can be lengthy, it ensures that medical professionals are well-prepared to handle the complexities of their chosen specialties.