After years of studying hard, staying up late to study, and taking so many exams, MBBS graduates are at a point where they must now look forward to the next step. One of the common questions that comes up during this time is, “Can I get an internship abroad after my MBBS? This guide provides you with everything you should know, from finding out about exploring international internships and the types of opportunities that exist to problems you might encounter and tips for making your global medical ambitions become a reality.
To answer the question that many people will want to know, the simple response is: YES! And while this may sound encouraging, there are numerous important factors to consider and various permits needed, as well as some strategic planning to do to be able to have an International Medical Internship following graduation from medical school.
An international medical internship may provide an amazing opportunity to gain professional growth, cultural diversity, and skill development, which will change the course of your medical career; however, you cannot simply pack your suitcase, get on an airplane, and walk into a Doctor’s office in another Country. It is vital to know the laws and requirements of having an internship in another Country, as well as what to expect when you ask: can you get an internship overseas after MBBS?”
There are several types of international medical internships available. Examples include: Clinical Observership, where you will observe seasoned Doctors; Research Internships with top-tier medical institutions; Volunteering as a Doctor to help those living in poverty, paid internships with a shortage of Doctors in specific Countries, and also Specialty Medical Residency programs in a specific array of Specialties.
Why Consider an Internship Abroad After MBBS?
The decision to undertake an international internship after completing your MBBS will largely depend on the advantages and motivations of doing so, as they will assist you in determining your decision.
- International Experience
The way that Medicine is practiced in the world varies from country to country and has differing levels of exposure to medical best practices and treatments. By participating in an internship outside of India, you will have the opportunity to learn about and work with a wider variety of healthcare systems, patient populations, and treatment paradigms than you would in India alone. A physician trained in US emergency medicine, a physician trained in European primary care, and a physician trained in African tropical medicine will have a much broader view of what a physician can do than a physician trained in only one type of medical system and will therefore be more versatile and adaptable.
- Exposure to More Advanced Technologies/Techniques
A large percentage of developed countries now have access to the latest technologies and techniques; unfortunately, these technologies and techniques have yet to reach India. This means that if you are considering an internship after MBBS, then gaining experience with cutting-edge technologies, new surgical techniques, and the latest treatment modalities represents a tremendous professional opportunity for you.
- Building Your Resume
International internship experience on your résumé will show hiring authorities that you are adventurous, adaptable, and globally competent—three traits that are becoming increasingly important in modern medicine. As a result, when you apply for postgraduate programs, fellowships, and competitive job opportunities, your international internship experience will set you apart from other candidates who only have local experience.
- Cultural Competency
Physicians today must provide care for patients from diverse backgrounds who have different cultural beliefs, communication methods, and ways of thinking about health and illness. By participating in an international internship, you will develop your own cultural sensitivity and improve your ability to communicate effectively when caring for patients from diverse backgrounds.
- Networking
Individuals you meet while interning abroad (e.g., mentors, coworkers, and other interns) may serve as collaborators, references, or potential employers in your future career.
- Personal Development
You will build skills such as independence, problem-solving, and resilience. The growth you experience by working in a completely different environment and navigating through new healthcare systems and cultures will benefit you not only professionally but also personally.
Popular Destinations
Researching the potential for an internship abroad after your MBBS degree is achievable through the countries that offer these internships. The United States is considered the best by many International Medical Graduates from India regarding whether they can do an internship abroad following their MBBS degree due to the availability of world-class facilities and technology, and the highly regarded and reputable training offered by American institutions, and many of these institutions have provided their graduates with some of the most respected medical/scientific credentials available today.
- Observership Programs
This is a type of clinical observational internship that allows International Medical Graduates to observe and gain knowledge by observing American-trained physicians, listening to lectures, attending case study conferences, etc., without actually being qualified to practice medicine on American patients (the International Medical Graduate does not have the necessary licensure to practice in the U.S.). Through an observership, you will learn about the U.S. healthcare system and maybe even receive a letter stating you participated in the observership, which could help you if you apply for Residency.
- Internships in Research
This is a position where you will conduct research either through a Clinical Research Project, Laboratory Research, or a Project Investigating the Epidemiological Profile of a population. No matter what your personal research interest might be, the United States has several institutions that are open to providing Internships to International Medical Graduates via research.
- Requirements
The following items are generally required to apply for an observership position:
- ECFMG Certification, OR evidence of current progress towards ECFMG Certification;
- Valid Medical Degree Credentials;
- Current documentation proving English Language proficiency;
- In some instances, an individual may be required to have passed Step 1 of the United States Medical License Examination (USMLE).
The requirements for research interns will differ based on individual institutions and the focus of the research; therefore, contact institutions to determine specific requirements for research Internships.
Australia
Australian health care supports foreign medical graduates, making it possible for foreign medical graduates to complete an internship abroad to complete their medical education.
- Research and Observerships
Some medical schools and research centers in Australia accept international medical graduates for research projects or clinical observerships. Many of these internationally accepted medical graduates are from tropical medicine, rural health care, or other specific disciplines.
- Required documents
Most medical positions will require applicants to have their medical qualifications verified, provide proof of English proficiency (via either the IELTS or OET test), and, in some cases, complete limited registration with the Medical Board of Australia.
European Countries
Some of the countries in Europe that may have internship opportunities for international Medical Graduates (IMGs) are
Germany—Due to physician shortages in parts of Germany, international Medical Graduates (IMGs) may have an internship opportunity available in Germany. Usually, learning the language is beneficial, but there are some internship opportunities in Germany for a highly motivated individual who is willing to learn the language.
- Netherlands, Switzerland, and Sweden
These three countries have provided Research opportunities and/or Observerships at their Specialty Medical Centers to International Medical Graduates (IMGs) with good academic credentials. Therefore, if you have a good academic background, you may have the opportunity to obtain a Research Intern position/Observership in one of these countries.
Many factors determine eligibility to intern in any of the above-mentioned countries for international Medical Graduates (IMGs), including
- language requirements,
- Credential Verification, and
- Examination requirements of each.
Developing Countries and Volunteer Programs
Many Graduates may be wondering if they can perform an international internship after receiving their Medical Degree (MBBS) with a desire to help underserved communities. There are many places to volunteer abroad, but especially in developing countries.
Medical Volunteer Agencies such as Doctors Without Borders, Project HOPE, and other agencies around the world are looking for Medical Volunteers to help provide Medical Care to patients in Africa, Latin America, Southeast Asia, & Underserved areas. Typically, these positions provide direct, hands-on clinical experience, and the Medical Volunteers will often do more direct patient interaction than the Medical Observers, who are trained to do Clinical Observation only in developed countries (e.g., USA, Canada, UK).
Many International Health Organizations also have Internships that are specifically designed in the area of Global Health, such as Public Health, Epidemiology, and Clinical Care (i.e., doing Clinical Research) within low-resource countries. The Internship experiences will provide valuable training to Medical Graduates who want to pursue careers in the Global Health field.
To become a Medical Volunteer in these areas, you will generally need a Valid Medical Degree and Medical BLS certification, in addition to meeting the required Immunization & Health Clearance for the country where you would like to assist. In addition, there are Language requirements that vary depending on the Region you are going to assist with your Medical Volunteer Experiences.
Requirements and Eligibility: Can You Do an Internship Abroad After MBBS?
Being aware of the requirements for completing an internship abroad after receiving your MBBS is very important when deciding if you are eligible for an international internship. While some of these requirements differ from country to country and from program to program, some of the same requirements include
- Valid Medical School Degree
You must have graduated from a recognized medical school with an MBBS. Typically, they are graduates from an NMC-approved Indian Medical College, or have graduated from a WHO recognized International University, and have completed a recognized MBBS degree.
- Medical License or Eligibility
Most nations require that you provide proof of licensure as a medical doctor in your home nation or that you be eligible for licensure. This requirement is typically fulfilled by completing a compulsory rotating internship in India and automatically registering with your State Medical Council.
- Language Proficiency
In English-speaking countries, English language competence can be shown by presenting IELTS, TOEFL, or OET certifications. Non-English-speaking countries may require that you demonstrate mastery of the country’s native language, such as German for German, French for French, and so forth.
- Credential Verification
In general, most foreign country internship programs require a verification of your credentials via an organization such as ECFMG for the United States, GMC for the United Kingdom, or the medical council in your home country. This process can take up to several months, so plan.
- Exams
In some countries, you are required to pass an examination to be placed in an internship/observership position. For example, most US observerships prefer candidates who have passed USMLE Step 1; this is the same for the UK, with PLAB testing for certain positions.
- Prof Indemnity Insurance
Many internship programs and observerships require that you have medical malpractice insurance that covers you when providing direct patient care while you are in the internship.
At EOCL India
EOCL India’s vision is to address the numerous difficulties faced by Indian students who go abroad to complete their MBBS studies. We want to eliminate this stress, and we have already done so. We provide stress-free MBBS abroad admission.
