How To Become An ER Doctor In South Africa

An ER doctor treats the physical injuries and sicknesses of patients who are admitted to the emergency room, usually with acute (severe or critical) medical problems. 

Where can I study emergency medicine in South Africa?

Department of Emergency Medical Care (EMC) at the University of Johannesburg offers various programmes in the field of emergency care.

Do ER doctors perform surgery?

While emergency medicine physicians do not perform surgery, they do perform some procedures that require making incisions in the body in an emergency situation, such as inserting chest tubes and performing thoracotomies. Emergency medicine physicians also put in central lines and intubate patients when necessary.

Below are steps to Become An ER Doctor In South Africa

Earn a college degree. You must have a bachelor’s degree before you can enter medical school. A four-year bachelor’s degree in a medical-related field (e.g. chemistry, biology, etc.) is best, although some medical schools accept any bachelor’s degree.

Get some practical medical experience by volunteering in a medical facility or by taking an EMT course. You can do this while pursuing your bachelor’s degree. [source: ER Doctor Career]

Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Test scores are automatically submitted to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), where medical schools can access them for evaluation [source: MCAT Scores].

Apply to medical school. Complete the necessary coursework for an MD degree. The course can take from two to six years [source: ER Doctor Educational Requirements].

Start applying for a job during your last year in medical school.

Begin your residency after graduating from medical school. Residencies can take several years. Part of your residency will be in the ER.

Apply for a state license after you have completed your residency. This entails passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).

Consider entering a fellowship program. This will be necessary if you want to specialize in a particular area of medicine. Keep in mind that fellowships often take a few years to complete.

Is it hard to get into emergency medicine?

Well, yes and no. Emergency Medicine has a reputation for being a very competitive specialty that’s hard to get into, and admittedly, it has gotten worse recently. Yes, emergency medicine has a very high fill rate each year, and in recent years there were few if any slots left for the scramble/SOAP.

How many years does it take to become a doctor in South Africa?

To become a doctor in South Africa you have to study for 6 years (5 years at UFS) or 7 years if you are on the extended programme provided you do not fail any year.

How long does it take to study emergency medicine in South Africa?

The two-year Diploma in Emergency Medical Care is a mid-level qualification that will lead to registration as a Paramedic (ANT) with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. This qualification will develop graduates who can demonstrate focused knowledge and skills in Emergency Medical Care.

How competitive is emergency medicine for IMGs?

This adds up to some sobering news for the international applicant; only 5% of available EM positions were filled by South Africa -IMGs, and 1% by non-U.S. citizen IMGs. This left 30% of independent applicants unmatched among those who listed EM as their only specialty.

Is emergency medicine a good specialty?

The specialty of Emergency Medicine (EM) is a great career choice for medical students and interns. EM deals with patients of both genders and all ages. The variety of cases seen by EM is probably greater than that of any other specialty, and this aspect is part of what makes EM so interesting and stimulating.

How much do medical students get paid in South Africa?

Once approved for a bursary, a medical student will be paid R10 000.00 in January and the remaining R10 000 in August as stated above in the Policy.

What is a doctor salary in South Africa?

R63,896 (ZAR)/yr.