How is life as a doctor in Singapore?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Hi all.

I am a radiology resident in France from an university which is not in the Second Schedule of the MRA.
Is it possible to work in Singapore as a radiologist after my residency, if I have FRCR ?

Thx for your replies !

yes it is possible.

there are two components to it.
firstly full FRCR, second ensure you enter the france specialist register.
and is in good standing with the french medical council before applying job in singapore.
good standing is very important.

the recent case of a french anesthetist poisoning patients frightens us a bit.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I would not mind that. Currently I feel the career path in singapore is not sustainable in the long run.

Why do you feel that? Think it is hard to go to aus at HO level because their own grads cant even secure internships esp internationals, probably more opening once you finish HO.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Why do you feel that? Think it is hard to go to aus at HO level because their own grads cant even secure internships esp internationals, probably more opening once you finish HO.

Dont worry in singapore cfm got job one.
If got mbbs cannot be doctor can be teacher.
Can go into medical device and informatics.
Device reps, drug reps.
Wont starve to death.

Hi guys, I'm wondering about the pathway to becoming a geriatrician in Singapore. what do you have to do once you finish housemanship? Also how hard is it to become a geriatrician in Singapore with an NUS degree? Thanks so much

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I think the previous poster meant competing with the chief residents of the dermatology programmes for associate consultant positions. I believe he/she was talking about how there are too many residents these days and few AC positions, and having to compete with those fresh out of residency. Not being a citizen might be a disadvantage, as well having less/no connections. Have you managed to find any dermatology AC openings?

As to your previous question, Dermatology part of internal medicine in Singapore.

I am not sure how long it takes to get from AC to C, but if you spent a few years as an attending you would probably get a consultant position rather than AC.

On the mohh and specialist accreditation board website it states it is about 2-3 years to get full registration depending on your citizenship status. I believe until then you can only stay in an academic setting ie public hospitals rather than working in a private practice. It is possible by then you would be a consultant.
I do not think being an AC would be a good thing in private practice if you were to own one, as there are a lot of very senior doctors who leave public practice to private, and hold titles like senior consultant, have professorships etc, were previous head of depts, and have a strong reputation. Patients are likely to shop around and choose the most senior and reputable ones, so you might not get much business being a fresh AC. There is probably little cosmetic work in the public hospital setting.

I am not really sure why you would want to work here to be honest? Derm is one of the hardest to get in the US and highly paid with good work-life balance. It will be difficult to practise privately compared to the US as it is a small market and probably fighting with many big names. Maybe at least spend a few years as an attending?

Thank you again for your response. The plan would be to work for a few years after graduation, before deciding if the move to SG would be suitable. The move is mainly due to personal reasons, and I have entertained the idea of raising my children in SG.

Despite working for a few years after graduation, I believe that given that my credentials are foreign, I would still have to work under a limited license for 2-3 years. I am still a little confused as to how one gets promoted from an AC to Consultant. Is this a title that is given out by the local society (DSS in this case) or MOH? Are there any specific criteria for promotion? Do they limit the total number of Consultant positions, such that an existing Consultant would have to retire before an AC can be promoted?

From my limited experience speaking to Singaporeans, it seems like many did not know the difference between a "Dermatologist" and a "GP/FM with a diploma in Dermatology", which is unfortunate given the significant difference in training. However, it makes me wonder if many patients really do shop around for the senior consultants or HOD. If the "GP/FM with diploma in Dermatology" can thrive (IDS Clinic, Niks Maple Clinic), it begs me to wonder if the word of mouth recommendation remains more valuable than these academic titles.

What's HO pay in Singapore like ?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Thank you again for your response. The plan would be to work for a few years after graduation, before deciding if the move to SG would be suitable. The move is mainly due to personal reasons, and I have entertained the idea of raising my children in SG.

Despite working for a few years after graduation, I believe that given that my credentials are foreign, I would still have to work under a limited license for 2-3 years. I am still a little confused as to how one gets promoted from an AC to Consultant. Is this a title that is given out by the local society (DSS in this case) or MOH? Are there any specific criteria for promotion? Do they limit the total number of Consultant positions, such that an existing Consultant would have to retire before an AC can be promoted?

From my limited experience speaking to Singaporeans, it seems like many did not know the difference between a "Dermatologist" and a "GP/FM with a diploma in Dermatology", which is unfortunate given the significant difference in training. However, it makes me wonder if many patients really do shop around for the senior consultants or HOD. If the "GP/FM with diploma in Dermatology" can thrive (IDS Clinic, Niks Maple Clinic), it begs me to wonder if the word of mouth recommendation remains more valuable than these academic titles.

In Singapore outpatient consult is out of pocket. Outpatient clinic insurance are very limited. A GP charges $50, a derm charges $300. who would you go to for simple cases of eczema or contact dermatitis.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

What's HO pay in Singapore like ?

3600sgd gross
2800-2900sgd net

Originally Posted by Unregistered

3600sgd gross
2800-2900sgd net

How about after completion of NS ? And is MO pay about there too ? That's not a lot considering many industries are paying their fresh grad way higher starting pay.

Not surprising at all. Some doctors I know drive grabhitch to make a living now. Economy is terrible.