I refer to the letter Better for doctors to get basic degree here by Poor Doctor.

The issue is not the British government's right to protect their citizens, which is laudable and understandable. The majority of doctors in the UK (including those of British nationality) are displeased with the decision because of the manner in which it has been introduced ie, without substantial consultation and in a sudden and rather stealth-like manner.

How does this affect British-trained Malaysian doctors?

Well, first of all, one must not generalise and assume that everyone who remains in the UK does so for the British pound. If money is all there is to it, you'd see many more individuals sitting for the USMLE and heading for the greener pastures of the States. And it is mentioned that many are working as locum doctors. I'd like to see the source of these statistics.

And I wouldn't mind data on how 'most doctors stay back and do not return as they become permanent residents'. After all, it's very easy to make a statement but one would be more convinced with appropriate evidence at hand.

Now, for the majority of Malaysians who remain in the UK for training purposes, the new immigration rule is a blow because many have remained behind for the sole purpose of obtaining specialist training. And having to leave halfway through a training scheme (which by the way is undergoing such tremendous changes that nobody is quite sure about what's going on) is both demoralising and self-defeating.

It has been suggested by the BMA (with support from various MPs in Parliament) that those already in training be allowed to complete said training, and that the new rules should be introduced in more phased manner. This, I believe, is a move that is fair. It should also exclude the many locums who practice in the UK and should placate those who believe that the UK is being overrun by Malaysian locums.

I agree with the statement that doctors should be sent for sub-specialty stints elsewhere, but I also believe that basic degrees should be obtained from countries besides Malaysia. How can one hope to improve our profession as a whole if it remains under the proverbial 'tempurung' without being exposed to the myriad teaching methods and ethos that is prevalent in other countries?

And yes, we might have 16 medical schools but do they cater for all the needs of the country? There is essentially no difference between a Malaysian-trained and foreign-trained medical student as a whole, but each would have his/her own strengths and the complementary effects of the two would be beneficial for the nation.

It should also be pointed out that taking exams such as the MRCP and MRCS is not equivalent to training in a specialist course. Passing the MRCP does not automatically make one a specialist. In fact, the MRCS was recently discontinued and as mentioned above, further changes are in store. And we all wait with baited breath (those in the medical profession, that is!).