How is life as a doctor in Singapore?

Originally Posted by Skinternist

Thanks very much for the response. I really appreciate it.

I do not think that I will be competing with the local residents, as I would have already completed my residency prior to obtaining the FAAD.

I am still unfamiliar with the associateship positions, as this does not really apply here in the US. Now, please pardon my simple questions:

1. How many years does it typically take for an associate consultant to be promoted to a consultant?
2. What is the difference in salary between an associate consultant compared to a consultant?
3. How would the associateship position affect my salary if I were an owner of my own private practice?
4. Would I have to remain in an academic setting for the 3 years while under supervision, or am I allowed to join a group practice but just be practising alongside other dermatologists?

In the US, it is easy to gross 800k in business income, but I would have to deduct overhead expenses (approximately 40-45%) and another 35% (federal & state) income tax. A business income of 800k would yield a take home of 280k after deductions.

I assume the 150-200k would be a salary without any additional overhead expenses? I used a simple Singapore income tax calculator and found that a 200k salary would yield $180k after personal income taxes.

Thank you again.

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?

Just curious, are there any GPs currently that are previously qualified specialist? (I.e doctors who quit being a specialist and decide to be gp instead)?

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Just curious, are there any GPs currently that are previously qualified specialist? (I.e doctors who quit being a specialist and decide to be gp instead)?

plenty. know of some public health physicians who get disillusioned and change to gp work.

Are TTSH and KTPH good hospitals to apply to for general medicine as a PGY2 returning from the UK? What about teaching opportunity and networking in preparation for residency? Will greatly appreciate any advice.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

plenty. know of some public health physicians who get disillusioned and change to gp work.

Can I ask as a private gp, what sort of medical knowledge you will really need? Since technically, gp can see all sort of cases involving the specialities of IM, GS, paeds, Ortho, obs/gynae, ENT, eye derm etc.

If you are a specialist and decide to convert to gp, or if you are a mo wanting to be gp, how do you gain all these knowledge? (Given that you can't possibly do posting in everything)

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Can I ask as a private gp, what sort of medical knowledge you will really need? Since technically, gp can see all sort of cases involving the specialities of IM, GS, paeds, Ortho, obs/gynae, ENT, eye derm etc.

If you are a specialist and decide to convert to gp, or if you are a mo wanting to be gp, how do you gain all these knowledge? (Given that you can't possibly do posting in everything)

mbbs knowledge good enough. then plus some common sense and basic people skills, and you are set.

Are TTSH and KTPH good hospitals to apply to for general medicine as a PGY2 returning from the UK? What about teaching opportunity and networking in preparation for residency? Will greatly appreciate any advice.

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Are TTSH and KTPH good hospitals to apply to for general medicine as a PGY2 returning from the UK? What about teaching opportunity and networking in preparation for residency? Will greatly appreciate any advice.

Are you on peg? Ttsh should be good, not sure about ktph. Probably look at the residency you are interested in and see where the programme director works. Nevertheless have to do well at mopex, get some pubs etc

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Are you on peg? Ttsh should be good, not sure about ktph. Probably look at the residency you are interested in and see where the programme director works. Nevertheless have to do well at mopex, get some pubs etc

Yes I'm a PEG returning to singapore. Not sure if that's a wise decision I made few years back. Thanks for the reply! I hope I get TTSH as my primary hospital haha

The government/moh has been saying that they want/need more family physicians, but yet many people on this forum have been saying that the gp market is very saturated. So just wondering what is the true situation?