One profession, five broad stages
- Medical school — Complete an MMC-recognised basic medical qualification.
- Housemanship — Train as a provisionally registered house officer under supervision.
- Full registration — Apply after satisfactorily completing the required clinical training.
- Compulsory service — Serve when directed under the Medical Act and applicable MOH arrangements.
- Specialty training — Complete an approved or acceptable pathway, then enter the Specialist Register.
Timelines vary with programme length, placement availability, assessment outcomes, extensions, service rules and the specialty selected. Always confirm the requirements that apply when you reach each stage.
Medical school: start with a recognised qualification
Medical programmes combine academic teaching, clinical skills, examinations and supervised clinical placements. The important regulatory check is whether the exact basic medical qualification is recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and listed in the Second Schedule of the Medical Act 1971.
Recognition can be qualification-specific and time-bound, particularly for overseas qualifications.
Provisional registration and housemanship
After graduating, an eligible doctor applies through MeRITS for provisional registration. This permits practice only as a house officer in an approved institution; it is not yet independent medical practice.
MOH describes supervised training across medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics and one alternative posting. Each posting includes structured assessment.
Full registration and compulsory service
After satisfactory clinical training, the doctor applies for full registration. A doctor who wishes to practise must also keep an Annual Practising Certificate current and meet applicable CPD and professional-indemnity requirements.
Compulsory service is distinct from housemanship: housemanship is supervised graduate training before full registration; compulsory service is a statutory service obligation after full registration. Current law, the formal notice and MOH policy determine the placement and duration.
Specialty training
A doctor may remain in general practice or pursue specialist training. Only doctors entered in the Specialist Register may practise as specialists in their registered specialty.
- Council-approved local training: an approved Malaysian specialist programme and required supervised work experience.
- Acceptable overseas training: recognised overseas training supported by completion evidence and applicable work experience.
- Comparable pathway: case-by-case consideration for comparable training of special value to Malaysia.