Graduating from medical school is a monumental achievement marking the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. However, the journey to becoming a fully-fledged doctor doesn’t end with earning a medical degree. The next critical step is housemanship, a period of hands-on training that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. 

During this phase, students will rotate through various medical specialities, gaining invaluable experience and honing the skills necessary to excel in their medical careers. Let’s explore what to expect and how to navigate this pivotal stage in a doctor’s professional journey.

What is Housemanship Training?

Medical students doing CPR training on a dummy in a hospital.Housemanship (also known as medical internship) is a typically 1-2 year period of practical medical training under the close supervision of senior doctors. All newly graduated medical students must undergo this training at an accredited health facility before becoming a doctor.

This training is structured to provide hands-on experience across various medical specialities, allowing graduates to develop essential clinical skills and confidence in patient care.

Housemanship Placements

Medical graduates will complete their housemanship at accredited teaching hospitals and medical centres. These institutions offer structured training programmes that include rotations in various medical specialties such as surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology, and emergency medicine. 

Training is conducted in a variety of government hospitals spread across different states and regions, ensuring a diverse training experience for medical graduates. Major teaching hospitals like Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and Hospital Pulau Pinang are popular choices due to their large patient load and advanced medical facilities. 

Additionally, hospitals in less urbanised areas such as Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah in Terengganu or Hospital Queen Elizabeth in Sabah provide unique learning opportunities, exposing housemen to different patient demographics and healthcare challenges. 

These placements are strategically assigned by the Ministry of Health to ensure an equitable distribution of medical services across the country and provide housemen with a well-rounded exposure to various medical conditions and practices.

Medical Housemanship in Malaysia

In Malaysia, housemanship training is governed by the Medical Act 1971, which requires every medical graduate to complete at least one year of this training. The programme involves rotations through five major departments: medicine, gynaecology, obstetrics, orthopaedics, and paediatrics. 

In addition to these core postings, trainees undergo one alternative posting in one of the following departments: psychiatry, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, or primary care.

The Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), regulates and oversees housemanship programs. The MMC sets the guidelines for the structure, duration, and assessment of these programs, ensuring they align with national healthcare needs. 

As of writing, there are 50 hospitals throughout Malaysia accredited as housemanship training hospitals. This includes 46 Ministry of Health hospitals, 3 university hospitals, and 1 military hospital. Some notable examples include:

  • Hospital Kuala Lumpur
  • Hospital Sungai Buloh
  • Hospital Pulau Pinang

Four medical students in lab coats standing in the RUMC campus.Preparing for Housemanship

Preparing for a housemanship internship involves several key steps to ensure a smooth transition from medical school to practical training:

  1. Gather all necessary documentation required by the interviewer, including academic transcripts, medical degrees, and identification documents. 
  2. Register with the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) as soon as you complete your degree. 
  3. Refresh your medical knowledge by reviewing key subjects and clinical guidelines. 
  4. Plan your logistics such as accommodation and transportation, and establish a support network with mentors and peers for guidance and encouragement.
  5. Mentally and physically prepare yourself for the demanding work hours and stress by developing self-care routines and stress management strategies. 

Student Support Services

At RUMC, we offer extensive student support services to ensure the well-being and success of our students. These services include academic and career counselling to guide students through their educational and professional journeys. Mental health and well-being resources are also available to help students manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Additionally, RUMC encourages participation in extracurricular activities and student organizations, providing opportunities for personal growth, leadership development, and networking.

Conclusion

The housemanship program is a crucial step in a doctor’s journey, and RUMC’s unique medical training and comprehensive support system are designed to prepare you thoroughly for this next phase. 

If you’re aspiring to become a doctor and seeking an exceptional educational foundation, explore our medical undergraduate program at RUMC. This programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in your housemanship and beyond.

Embark on your medical journey with RUMC and become part of a legacy of excellence in medical education. Good luck, future doctors!

FAQ

1. How much does someone undergoing housemanship earn in Malaysia?

Housemanship salaries in Malaysia vary by hospital and region but typically range from RM 3,000 to RM 4,000 per month.

2. Can I Be a Medical Trainee in a private hospital in Malaysia?

Generally, housemanship vacancies are in public hospitals. However, some private hospitals may offer housemanship programs accredited by the MMC.

3. Which public hospital can I do my housemanship?

Housemanship trainings in Malaysia are usually completed at accredited public hospitals, including Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), Hospital Selayang, Hospital Tengku Ampuan Rahimah (HTAR) in Klang, Hospital Pulau Pinang, and Hospital Seberang Jaya.

4. Can housemanship be done in Ireland, and the UK as RUMC graduates or alumni? 

Housemanship can be done in Ireland or the UK with our NUI degree. However, as a non-Irish or non-European Union passport holder, the opportunity is highly dependent on the student’s academic performance. We will help in the process if you require assistance.