What Happens After MBBS Abroad? Career Options for Indian Students Explained

The completion of an MBBS at any foreign university will be a great accomplishment in your life, but for those Indian students who decided to study MBBS in foreign countries, the real struggle starts after the completion of the course. Most Indian families invest a significant amount of money to help their children pursue MBBS in foreign countries, hoping that they will have a clear path ahead for their careers. But guess what, there are many ways open for you if you just knew how to proceed. 

As a student, after completing the foreign MBBS, you have many things that can follow, such as getting licenses after the foreign MBBS, doingPG after the MBBS abroad, or even engaging in clinical practice in both India and abroad. Here at Taksheela, we offer much more than just helping you secure admission to a top medical university abroad; we ensure you excel throughout your medical career, admission included.

Key Takeaways

• For Indian candidates with a foreign MBBS degree, the FMGE or NExT examination needs to be cleared to become eligible to work in India.

• Studies for PG after MBBS abroad include NEET-PG examinations or foreign entrances like USMLE, PLAB, or AMC.

• The licensing after the foreign MBBS process depends on the respective countries to which a candidate wants to apply; thus, candidates should study it well.

• Teaching, research, and healthcare administration serve as good non-medical alternatives for a foreign MBBS graduate.

• Careful early career planning yields good results; ideally, do it before your final year.

Which Licensing Processes Must an Indian Student Complete After Finishing MBBS Education Abroad?

License after the foreign MBBScompletion is the foremost step that must be taken by any Indian student after coming back from abroad. The National Medical Commission (NMC) asks all the foreign graduates to appear for a screening test before getting themselves registered as a physician in India.

• FMGE (Foreign Medical Graduates Examination): At present, FMGE is a mandatory screening test conducted by the National Board of Examinations for foreign MBBS graduates in India.

• NExT (National Exit Test): FMGE will be replaced by NExT, as it would become the common licensing and postgraduate entrance test for both Indian and foreign MBBS graduates.

• MCI/NMC Registration: Finally, the successful candidate must register at the state-level council.

Students are advised to begin preparing for their medical licensing examinations 6–12 months before completing their MBBS studies abroad.

Can You Study for PG Courses After MBBS Overseas? What Options Do You Have?

Yes, you can definitely go forPG after MBBS from abroad as well. Foreign students, especially Indians, demand the PG course after MBBS in foreign countries. This course is a means to reach not only India but even other countries as well.

India:

• Eligibility for FMGE/NExT

• NEET-PG for MD/MS/Diploma

• Very tough competition, plan in advance

Foreign Countries:

• USMLE (USA): USMLE Steps 1, 2 CK, and 3 for getting licensed to practice medicine in the United States of America

• PLAB (UK): PLAB 1&2 for getting licensed to practice medicine in the United Kingdom

• AMC (Australia): AMC Examination (two-part examination) for practicing medicine in Australia

• MCCQE (Canada): Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Exam (MCCQE) for getting licensed in Canada

In both cases, there is a separate timeline for each and special preparation needed before going for any PG course overseas.

Career Options Other Than Clinical Practice

All graduates do not want to immediately join any residency or clinical practice. AnMBBS in foreign countries equips the student with strong foundations in medicine that will help them in various other paths.

• Research: Work for a research institution, a pharma company, or a hospital. The foreign MBBS degree gives you an international outlook that will be appreciated by research institutes.

• Healthcare Administration: Get a Master's in Healthcare Administration (MBA in Healthcare Management/Hospital Administration). There are increasing jobs in these areas.

• Medical Writing/Teaching: Take up a job with a pharmaceutical company, health technology firm, or even a medical publication house as a subject matter expert.

• Public Health/Epidemiology: Get a Master’s Degree in Public Health and work with international health institutions like the WHO and UNICEF.

• MedTech Industry: With the advent of innovative medtech devices and innovations that rely on artificial intelligence and data science, there is now a need for clinicians at MedTech startup companies. 

How Do You Prepare for FMGE/NExT While Studying Abroad?

Wise students begin preparing for thelicensing after a foreign MBBS  before completing their studies overseas. Here is what they do:

• Stick to the NMC curriculum during your clinical postings as per the FMGE/NExT format.

• Enroll yourself in the online portal, which focuses specifically on FMGE preparation.

• Do question paper solutions of FMGE from previous years so that you get familiar with the format.

• Practice in English in case your university conducts classes in regional languages.

• Keep maintaining a clinical logbook for gaining knowledge and experience.

Is It More Beneficial to Practice in India or Elsewhere After Doing MBBS from Overseas?

Everything comes down to individual tastes, financial planning, and specialization that you want to choose. Here’s a small table comparing both options.

Working in India:

• FMGE/NExT license is required

• Large patient base and exposure

• Rapid growth of the private medical sector along with attractive salaries

Working Abroad:

• Differing license requirements depending on the country (USMLE, PLAB, AMC, etc.)

• Brighter financial future and residencies

• More complicated process but great career opportunities eventually

The most appropriate solution would be getting your licenses done and working in India for 1-2 years before applying abroad.

Guidance for Foreign MBBS Is Essential to Succeed!

Following an MBBS qualification obtained from abroad is simple because it can be described as a layered process. Whatever your next step may be, whether it involves studying further, clearing your licensing examinations, or pursuing a career in medical research or healthcare administration, proper information will always be needed.

Here at Taksheela Institute Of Education, we provide you with a complete package for studying abroad, from choosing the right institution to planning your entire career after your MBBS abroad.