A female obstetrics doctor checking a pregnant woman

How to Be an Obstetrics Doctor in Malaysia: A Step-by-Step Career Guide

Dreaming of becoming an obstetrics doctor in Malaysia? Whether you’re a student mapping out your medical journey or someone already in the field considering a specialization, understanding the roadmap is crucial. Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN) is a noble and rewarding specialty focused on women’s reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to become an obstetrics doctor in Malaysia—from education to training to career opportunities.

1. Complete Your SPM or Equivalent Qualification

The journey begins at the secondary school level. To qualify for a medical degree program, students must first perform well in SPM (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) or equivalent examinations.

Subjects to Focus On:

  • Biology

  • Chemistry

  • Physics

  • Mathematics

  • English

Most medical universities require a strong science background, especially in Biology and Chemistry. Aim for straight A’s or a minimum of 5 credits, particularly in science subjects, to be eligible for pre-medical studies.

2. Pursue a Pre-University Program (STPM, A-Levels, Foundation in Science)

After SPM, students must enroll in a pre-university program that qualifies them for a medical degree. Popular options include:

  • STPM (Form 6)

  • A-Levels

  • Matriculation Programme

  • Foundation in Science

Pro Tip:

Choose a program with recognized accreditation and subjects tailored toward medical school requirements. Programs must include Biology, Chemistry, and Physics or Mathematics.

3. Get Your MBBS or Equivalent Medical Degree

Once pre-university is complete, the next big step is enrolling in a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program. This degree typically takes 5 years and is offered by both public and private universities in Malaysia.

Top Institutions Offering MBBS in Malaysia:

  • Universiti Malaya (UM)

  • Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)

  • International Medical University (IMU)

  • Monash University Malaysia

  • MAHSA University

During your MBBS, you’ll go through both pre-clinical (theoretical) and clinical training in hospitals. Toward the end of the program, your interest in obstetrics may develop further through clinical rotations in OB-GYN wards.

4. Complete Your Housemanship (Internship) Training

After getting your MBBS degree, you must undergo housemanship, a mandatory 2-year internship at a government hospital recognized by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).

Housemanship Includes Rotations In:

  • General Medicine

  • Surgery

  • Pediatrics

  • Orthopedics

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Emergency Medicine

You’ll spend 4 months in each department, including OB-GYN, giving you hands-on experience in maternal care, deliveries, and women’s health.

5. Specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology

This is where you formally become an obstetrics doctor. After housemanship, you may:

  • Serve in public hospitals as a Medical Officer for a few years

  • Apply for a Master’s in Obstetrics and Gynecology through public universities (e.g., UKM, UM, USM)

The Master’s program typically spans 4 years and includes:

  • Advanced clinical training

  • Exams and assessments

  • Research projects

  • On-call duties in OB-GYN departments

After completing your Master’s, you are officially recognized as an OB-GYN specialist.

6. Register and Get Certified

You must register with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) to practice as a specialist. Additionally:

  • Join the National Specialist Register (NSR)

  • Consider joining professional bodies like the Obstetrical and Gynaecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM)

7. Continue Professional Development

Becoming an OB-GYN doesn’t stop at getting certified. You’ll need to:

  • Attend workshops

  • Present case studies

  • Engage in continuous professional development (CPD)

  • Keep up with medical research and technologies

Career Opportunities as an Obstetrics Doctor in Malaysia

You can work in:

  • Public hospitals

  • Private clinics

  • Women’s wellness centers

  • Fertility clinics

  • Academic institutions (as a lecturer or researcher)

There are also opportunities to sub-specialize in areas like:

  • Maternal-Fetal Medicine

  • Reproductive Endocrinology

  • Gynecologic Oncology

  • Urogynecology

FAQs

1. How long does becoming an obstetrics doctor in Malaysia take?

Becoming a fully certified OB-GYN specialist typically takes around 12 to 15 years from SPM. This includes pre-university, medical school, internship, and postgraduate specialization.

2. Is it hard to specialize in obstetrics in Malaysia?

Yes, it’s competitive. You need excellent academic records, good clinical performance, and relevant experience. Entry into postgraduate OB-GYN programs is limited and based on merit and interviews.

3. Can I study medicine abroad and still become an OB-GYN in Malaysia?

Yes, as long as your medical degree is recognized by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC). You’ll still need to complete housemanship and register locally.

4. Do obstetrics doctors in Malaysia earn well?

Yes, OB-GYN specialists generally earn a high income, especially in private practice. Salaries vary based on experience, location, and whether you work in public or private healthcare.

5. Is there a high demand for obstetricians in Malaysia?

Yes. Malaysia has an increasing demand for women’s health services, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. More OB-GYNs are needed for both public healthcare and private facilities.