To become a surgeon in South Africa, the educational path and required subjects are as follows:
Required Subjects for Entry into Medical School
- Mathematics (core requirement)
- Physical Sciences (core requirement)
- Life Sciences (highly recommended)
- English (language proficiency)
- Two additional subjects to meet university matric requirements
These subjects form the foundation for admission into medical degree programs, and high academic performance in these subjects is essential due to high competition
Medical Degree and Training
- Complete a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) degree, which typically takes 6 years of theoretical and practical training
- The curriculum includes integrated sciences, anatomy, physiology, molecular health, clinical medicine, and public health
- After the MBChB, complete a 1-year internship and 1-year community service in hospitals
Postgraduate Surgical Training
- After initial medical training and registration as a medical practitioner, pursue postgraduate studies such as a Master of Medicine (Surgery) degree, which takes about 4 years
- During postgraduate training, candidates must pass the College of Surgeons of South Africa exams (Primary, Intermediate, and Final) and complete registrar training posts
- Surgical training includes rotations in general surgery and various specialties, trauma care, and research components
Summary
To become a surgeon in South Africa, you need strong matric results in Mathematics, Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and English to gain entry into medical school. Then, complete the MBChB degree, followed by internship and community service. Finally, specialize through postgraduate surgical training and examinations to become a registered specialist surgeon
. This process typically takes around 10 years or more from starting university to becoming a fully qualified surgeon.
