Alternate careers for medical graduates and house officers in Malaysia

Amaramalar Selvi Naicker; Vinoshini Devi A/p Kailaivasan; Brenda Saria Yuliawiratman; Arvindran Alaga; Kevin Ng Wei Shan; Manimalar Selvi Naicker; Ohnmar Htwe

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Alternate careers for medical graduates and house officers in Malaysia

Author: Amaramalar Selvi Naicker ^{1
,

2} ; Vinoshini Devi A/P Kailaivasan ³ ; Brenda Saria Yuliawiratman ^{1
,

2} ; Arvindran Alaga ⁴ ; Kevin Ng Wei Shan ⁵ ; Manimalar Selvi Naicker ⁶ ; Ohnmar Htwe ^{1
,

2}
Author Information

1. Rehabilitation Medicine Unit, Department of Orthopedics &
2. Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia/ Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz
3. Hospital Teluk Intan, Perak
4. Hospital Sultanah Bahiyah in Alor Setar, Kedah
5. Department of Anaesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya
6. Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya
Publication Type:Journal Article
Keywords: Alternative careers; medical graduates; house officers; career transition
From: The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2021;76(2):183-189
CountryMalaysia
Language:English
Abstract: Introduction: In recent years, many unresolved issues pertaining to house officers in Malaysia have led to a longer waiting time and a ‘glut’ of medical graduates with a surprising 20% dropout amongst those who join the housemanship programme. This appears to reflect the changing times, mindsets and work expectations of millennials who comprise this cohort reflecting a need to consider possibilities of career shifts especially so in these uncertain times. This study explores the perceptions, awareness and interest in alternative career options amongst recent graduates and house officers. Materials and Methods: This was a study done between 2018 and 2019 using a questionnaire which was shared on various social platforms. Data analysis was done using Excel spreadsheet. Results: A total of 450 house officers and 657 medical graduates responded. Expectedly 66.8% claimed lifelong passion whilst another 12.1% claimed family influence as their reason to do medicine. Most were aware of their career challenges and 40% of them were keen to consider career change and reskilling indicating a possible shift from traditional expectations of a medical career. Conclusion: Whilst medicine is often considered a true calling, current challenges will require mental and emotional flexibility to explore other career opportunities. Thus, engagement programmes should be directed at medical graduates and house officers to identify and support those open to career transitions. This will help address current issues of internship bottleneck and rising dropout rates amongst internees. Early career change engagements will give them insight into their true career goals whilst opening up opportunities for those who wish to change.