A guide for foreign doctors who are looking to work in Singapore
Singapore is consistently in need of talented medical professionals due to its expanding healthcare system and ageing population. The city-state offers an attractive work environment for doctors from Malaysia, India, the UK, Ireland, Australia, Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.
Why work in Singapore?
Advanced Healthcare System
Singapore’s healthcare system is internationally recognized for its efficiency and advanced technology. Doctors here have access to cutting-edge medical facilities and are part of a robust healthcare network. According to the World Health Organization, Singapore ranks among the top countries for healthcare infrastructure and services.
Competitive Salary
Doctors in Singapore enjoy competitive salaries. According to Michael Page’s Salary Guide, the average salary for doctors ranges from SGD 8,000 to SGD 20,000 per month, depending on experience and specialization.
Career Growth
Singapore provides extensive opportunities for career advancement, including specialization, research, and leadership roles. Continuous professional development is a priority, supported by a range of training programs and educational opportunities.
Cultural Compatibility for Malaysians
For Malaysian doctors, Singapore offers a culturally similar environment. The shared language and cultural practices make the transition smoother. Singaporeans also prefer hiring Malaysians due to these similarities, facilitating easier integration into the workforce.
Getting Started
To work in Singapore, you must first pass an interview and obtain a job offer. Following that, you’ll need to prepare for medical registration with the Singapore Medical Council and apply for a Work Pass through the Ministry of Manpower.
There are 3 pathways for you to secure a job in Singapore:
· Clinical Associate
· Resident Physician
· Associate Consultant / Consultant
A. Clinical Associate
This is a 2-year non-renewable contract job under Temporary Registration. You can either work in Singapore to gain 2 years of working experience before returning to Malaysia for career advancement or, ideally, work on your postgraduate qualifications that will allow you to be registered with the Singapore Medical Council.
For example, if you are pursuing MRCP and have completed either MRCP Part 1 or Part 2 examinations, this will be a good option for you to work for 2 years while preparing for your MRCP PACES. Once you officially obtain your MRCP degree, you will be eligible for conversion to become a Resident Physician.
Apply for the Clinical Associate Job opening here.
B. Resident Physician
This is another entry point for doctors who want to work and stay long-term in Singapore. It is a non-specialist career track with a 2-year renewable contract, offering the opportunity for contract renewal or conversion to a permanent staff position.
To apply as a Resident Physician, you need to have a primary medical qualification that is registrable with the Singapore Medical Council. Some of these qualifications include:
- Malaysia: University of Malaya and University Kebangsaan Malaysia
- Australia: University of Adelaide, University of Melbourne, University of New South Wales, Monash University, University of Queensland, University of Sydney, University of Western Australia and Australian National University.
- Ireland: University of Dublin (Trinity College Dublin)
- India: : All India Institute of Medicine New Delhi and Christian Medical College Vellore
- UK: University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge, University of Dundee, University of Edinburgh, University of Glasgow, University of Liverpool, University of London Medical Schools, University of Nottingham, Imperial College London and others.
The full list of the primary medical qualifications registrable with Singapore Medical Council can be found here.
Alternatively, you need to hold postgraduate qualifications from the United Kingdom, such as Membership from the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP/MRCPI/MRCPS), Fellowship from the Royal College of Radiologists (FRCR), Fellowship from the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS), or Fellowship from the Royal College of Emergency Medicine (FRCEM).
The full list of the post graduate qualifications registrable with Singapore Medical Council can be found here.
Apply for the Resident Physician job opening here.
C. Associate Consultant / Consultant
This is a specialist-level position. You need to have completed specialist training and hold postgraduate qualifications recognized by the Specialists Accreditation Board, such as those from the UK, USA, Canada, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. The specialty training content should be judged and deemed equivalent to Singapore’s local residency programs.
You should have at least 3 years of working experience in your country of origin as an accredited and licensed medical specialist.
Cost of Living in Singapore
Singapore is known for its high cost of living, but the quality of life is exceptional. Here’s a breakdown of typical expenses:
- Rent: Approximately SGD 1,000-1,200 for a room, SGD 2,000-2,500 for a studio apartment or two-bedroom apartment.
- Utilities:SGD 150 – 300 per month for electricity, gas, water and garbage disposal fees.
- Food: Assuming that you are eating out, the cost of dining in the hospital food courts, hawker centres, local coffee shops might cost anywhere from SGD 5-10 per meal. This means it cost approx. SGD 800-950 for food per month per person. This might be slightly more expensive compared to do your own cooking but most Singapore residents prefer eating out for convenience’s sake.
- Groceries: SGD 300 – SGD 600 per month.
- Dining Out: SGD 10 – SGD 20 per meal at an inexpensive restaurant.
- Transportation: SGD 100-150 per month for public transportation.
Conclusion
Working in Singapore as a foreign doctor offers a blend of professional challenges and personal growth opportunities. The structured career progression, advanced medical facilities, and competitive salaries make it an attractive destination. If you are considering this career move, Disruptive Doctors is here to assist you every step of the way.
If you are interested in working as a doctor in Singapore, check out the job opening for doctors in Singapore. Our team will guide you through the process and help you embark on this exciting career journey.
For more detailed and up-to-date information, visit the Singapore Medical Council’s official website and the Ministry of Manpower’s Employment Pass page.
