A physician, medical practitioner, medical doctor, or simply doctor, is a professional who practises medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining, or restoring health through the study, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments.
Where to study to become a Doctor
Below are the medical schools in South Africa
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
University of Cape Town
University of the Free State
University of KwaZulu-Natal
University of Limpopo
University of Pretoria
University of Stellenbosch
University of the Witwatersrand
Walter Sisulu University
Nelson Mandela University
What does a Medical Doctor do?
- makes patients feel at ease
- diagnoses problem and prescribes treatment for patients
- refers some patients to specialists
- deal with a variety of patients (eg: ages, sexes, races, cultures, religions, etc)
- diagnoses a variety of problems: (eg: rashes, sexual diseases, in-grown toenails, heart problems, bronchitis, diabetes, depression and anxiety, etc)
- makes house calls when necessary
- keeps up to date with new technologies, discoveries, medicines etc
- keeps detailed patient records
- attends conferences and other medical-related workshops
- shares information with other medical professionals
How do I become a Medical Doctor?
STEP 1
You will need to complete a 5 year Bachelor’s degree in Medicine and Surgery
STEP 2
- Work 2 years as a Clinical Intern
STEP 3
- Designation: Awarded by the HPCSA. Only then can you call yourself Medical Doctor and put the title behind your name
STEP 4
- Do 1 year of compulsory community service
How To Practise As A Doctor In South Africa.
To practise as a doctor in South Africa, you need to register with Health Professions Council of South Africa. The Medical and Dental Board registers practitioners falling under the professions of medical, dental, and medical science.
Also an examination is conducted by HPCSA for new Doctors.
How much does it cost to become a doctor in South Africa?
South Africa’s most expensive degree At R64,500, it costs R23,000 more than the first-year medicine degree offered by the University of the Free State. In 2014, the University of Limpopo’s estimated tuition fee for a first-year medicine degree was the least expensive, at around R31,800.
How much do doctors earn per month in South Africa?
A person working in a Doctor / Physician in South Africa typically earns around 72,800 ZAR per month. Salaries range from 32,800 ZAR (lowest average) to 124,000 ZAR (highest average, the actual maximum salary is higher). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits
What Subject Do You Need To Become A Doctor In South Africa?
Below is the general requirement to study medicine in South Africa. Applicants are encouraged to check for all requirements for the particular schools before applying
Write the NBTs
For the National Senior Certificate achieve an aggregate of at least 70%
Mathematics (level 4)
Physical Sciences (level 4)
Life Sciences (level 4)
Afrikaans and English as subjects are strongly recommended