There are many different types of doctors; a doctor who treats only one specific part of the body is known as a specialist. They will have spent most of their time and education learning about that body part, but not everything about the human body.
The most common specializations are surgeons, neurologists, family doctors, pathologists and psychiatrists. The specialty that is probably the easiest to become would be a general practice doctor. They can work anywhere they want and can change whenever they want. They are trained in every field that a person can need medical treatment for.
A general practitioner doctor can further specialize in almost any area of medicine such as pediatrics, internal medicine, ophthalmology, and more if they wish to do so.
Doctors have a lot of responsibility and one of the most important things for them is to take care of patients and their families. To become a doctor, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Although medical education has gotten more difficult, becoming a doctor is still a relatively easy process.
What is needed to become a doctor in South Africa?
To become a doctor in South Africa, you typically need to follow these steps:
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Obtain a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent qualification with good grades in subjects like Mathematics, Physical Science, and Life Sciences.
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Complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree program at a recognized medical school. The degree program takes 6 years to complete.
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After completing the MBChB degree program, you need to complete a two-year internship at an accredited hospital or health institution.
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After completing your internship, you need to complete a year of community service in a designated rural or underprivileged area.
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After completing your community service, you can register with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) as a medical practitioner and obtain a practice number.
It's important to remember that the requirements may vary slightly depending on the medical school and the province you are in. It is important to check with the relevant institutions for the most up-to-date information.
Where to study a bachelor of medicine in South Africa
There are several universities in South Africa that offer a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree programme. Here are some of the universities that offer this programme:
- University of Cape Town (UCT)
- University of the Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Free State
- University of Limpopo
- University of Johannesburg
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