What do a Doctor and an Engineer do?
In a typical reunion setting with your relatives, like with your uncles and aunties, you will surely be getting such questions – Ah Boy/ Ah Girl, what do you want to be in the future? Doctor, Engineer, or Lawyer?
Does this sound very familiar to you? In a typical Asian family setting, the above 3 professions are the most respectable and honourable professions that one should pursue to bring honour to the family. (Anything beyond these 3 is dishonour to the family, just joking! Don’t take me so seriously as all jobs are special in their way)
So in today’s article, let us talk about 2 of the professions here – Doctor and Engineer; which one is better. Before we go into the debate of which one you should pursue, let’s find out what a Doctor and an Engineer do and what their education pathways are.
A Doctor is a highly skilled medical practitioner that is responsible for diagnosing and treating a series of illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions of their patients. Their work generally focuses on providing holistic medical solutions for their patients from all walks of life and combining with their knowledge and expertise to support them on the road to recovery.
To be a Doctor, one typically needs to complete undergraduate programmes in Medicine and then followed by housemanship, and then only be qualified as a registered Doctor.
While on the other hand, Engineers are experts in using scientific and mathematical methodologies to approach new product developments – ranging from real estate, infrastructure, and more to improve one’s living standards. Engineers work in all sorts of fields, ranging from civil, mechanical, and electrical, to aerospace engineering, and they use their skills and knowledge to build something out of nothing.
In terms of the pathway to be an Engineer, one must obtain a qualification in engineering and complete an internship to gain practical experience. Once this is completed, a licence from the country’s engineering regulatory board is required for you to perform any of the aforementioned tasks.
The above is just a general outline of the difference between these two professions. To help you make an informed decision on which one best suits you, read on to find out more!
Difference between Doctors and Engineers
Doctors and Engineers are two very different professions with distinctive roles and responsibilities.
Doctors are medical experts who diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries and provide medical care to patients. They study medicine and undergo a series of extensive training to gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform at their best in a medical setting. They will use their knowledge to care for, maintain, and restore the patient’s health.
In Malaysia, Doctors are regulated by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC) and are required to have a medical degree from an accredited institution and pass the licencing examination to practise medicine. The whole process, from studying to housemanship, typically takes up to 8 years for one to be recognised as a registered Doctor.
Engineers, on the other hand, are skilled individuals who design, develop, and maintain systems, products, and infrastructures to meet the evolving needs of society. Engineers apply the different principles of science and mathematics to discover solutions to problems in various areas, such as construction, manufacturing, and technology.
As for Engineers in Malaysia, Engineers are regulated by the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and are required to have a recognised qualification in engineering from an accredited institution and pass the relevant certification exams to practise engineering.
In summary, while Doctors specialise in providing medical care to patients, Engineers focus on developing products, systems, and infrastructures to meet societal needs. Both professions require specialised education and training to become licenced professionals in Malaysia, and both are equally reputable and honourable.
Just a quick tip from me, if you like dealing with people and helping them restore their lives, becoming a Doctor would be a great choice for you. If you like putting things together like Lego and seeing how it creates positive impacts in someone’s life, then becoming an Engineer will be a great fit for you.
Pathway for Doctors and Engineers in Malaysia
In Malaysia, the pathway to becoming a Doctor or an Engineer is quite different, as these two professions require different qualifications and entry requirements. For a start, both professions must first complete Pre-university or Foundation studies, or any equivalent courses that are relevant to the pathway that they want to pursue in the future.
To become a Doctor in Malaysia, after completing the pre-requisite, one must pursue a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree that is recognised by the Malaysian Medical Council (MMC), which usually takes around 5 – 6 years. The graduate must then apply for the Provisional Registration with the MMC before general clinical training, which is what is commonly known as Housemanship at a government hospital for 2 years. Once this is done, the doctor can proceed to apply for Full Registration with the MMC.
If you are considering pursuing a specific area after completing the housemanship, you will need to go through another 2 – 4 years of supervised training to become a specialist.
On the other hand, to become an Engineer in Malaysia, one can further their study in a variety of paths such as civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, and more. Many Engineering roles in the market require a degree in Engineering, which takes approximately up to 4 years to complete. After that, the students are required to undergo an internship, and thereafter, they can choose to pursue further qualifications and training to enhance their skills and expertise. In Malaysia, Engineers are required to be registered with the Board of Engineers Malaysia (BEM) and to get the Professional Engineer (PE), which allows them to take on greater roles and responsibilities in their respective fields.
In short, the pathways to becoming a Doctor and an Engineer in Malaysia are very distinctive. While Doctors require extensive medical training and government service, Engineers on the other hand need to obtain relevant qualifications to advance their careers. Both paths offer rewarding and fulfilling careers for those with a passion for healthcare or technology.
Doctor and Engineer skills are required
With the specific skills needed for Doctors and Engineers, here are 5 some common skills that are crucial for both professions:
1. Analytical thinking
Both Doctors and Engineers need to demonstrate the ability to understand and analyse complex problems, discover the root cause, and find the best solutions. For example, Doctors will be needed to deal with emergency cases and such situations, and they need to think critically and analytically to ease the ongoing tension of the patients and their families.
2. Attention to detail
As simple as it may seem, both Doctors and Engineers must have an eye for everything. They need to be meticulous in their work to ensure the overall project progress or the patients’ wellbeing. They need to make sure everything is calculated correctly before executing it, hence, having a high level of attention to detail is much needed for these professions.
3. Technical knowledge
With the ever changing world landscape, Doctors and Engineers need to be able to adapt to new technologies in their respective fields. By doing so, Doctors and Engineers can stay up-to-date with the latest developments, and hence, they are able to deliver better work quality in a shorter time frame.
4. Interpersonal communication
Working closely with different stakeholders is something that both Doctors and Engineers cannot run away from. To establish a positive relationship with the stakeholders, they need to know how to talk and angle their story with different stakeholders, such as by breaking down complex issues into layman terms.
5. Time management
Both Doctors and Engineers work in fast-paced environments with strict deadlines, so effective time management skills are essential to ensure tasks are completed on time. Time management involves prioritising tasks, scheduling work activities, and allocating resources effectively to ensure that deadlines are met.
Universities to study Engineering and Medicine in Malaysia
Below are a few prominent universities that you may want to consider to pursue higher education and gain expertise in the fields of medicine or engineering.
1. International Medical University (IMU)
The International Medical University (IMU) is a medical-focus university that is well known for students who wish to further their study in medical related courses such as medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, health sciences, and complementary and alternative medicine. IMU puts great emphasis on innovative teaching and learning approaches, and on producing high-quality medical graduates who are committed to delivering groundbreaking breakthroughs in the medical industry.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) | 5 Years | February, September | Local Students: RM528,000 International Students: RM575,500 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
2. Taylor’s University
Taylor’s University is a private university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in various areas, such as business, law, hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, engineering, medicine, and more. The university prides itself on itsstrong industry partnerships, which provide their students with direct access to opportunities for internships, placements, and practical experience. Taylor’s University is committed to providing quality education and preparing its graduates to succeed in their chosen fields. It has received numerous awards and accolades for its academic excellence and student outcomes.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Bachelor Degree in Medicine, Bachelor Degree in Surgery (MBBS) | 5 Years | March, September | Local Students: RM409,690 International Students: USD107,732 |
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, March, September | Local Students: RM151,962 International Students: USD42,825 |
Bachelor of Electrical & Electronic Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, March, September | Local Students: RM151,962 International Students: USD42,825 |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, March, September | Local Students: RM151,962 International Students: USD42,825 |
Bachelor of Robotic Design and Development (Honours) | 3 Years | January, March, September | Local Students: RM117,014 International Students: USD33,513 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
3. SEGi University
Established in 1997 as Systematic College, SEGi University is a private university located in Kota Damansara, Selangor gained its university college status in 2004, and finally to university status in 2012. SEGi University offers a wide range of academic programmes in different disciplines, including business, accounting, law, medicine, engineering, and more. The university has a reputation for academic excellence and is famous for its strong focus on employability, with many of its graduates being highly recruited by employers. SEGi University is equipped with top-tier facilities, including modern classrooms, laboratories, and libraries, to support the learning and research needs of its students.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.,B.S.) | 5 Years | May, September | Local Students: RM356,850 International Students: RM371,300 |
Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM97,950 International Students: RM106,525 |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM97,950 International Students: RM106,525 |
Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM97,950 International Students: RM106,525 |
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, May, August | Local Students: RM97,950 International Students: RM106,525 |
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
Do note that the above programmes are only made available at SEGi University’s main campus at Kota Damansara. For other campuses, please contact us for more information.
4. UCSI University
UCSI University is known for its academic excellence, innovative teaching methodologies, and state-of-the-art facilities. With a diverse student population from over 110 countries and partnerships with renowned universities around the world, UCSI University provides students with a truly international learning experience that prepares them for a global career in various fields of study, including business, engineering, architecture, medicine, and more.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 5 Years | September | Local Students: RM351,310 International Students: RM429,500 |
Bachelor of Civil Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM85,930 International Students: RM112,935 |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM88,390 International Students: RM106,780 |
Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM90,090 International Students: RM106,505 |
Bachelor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering with Honours | 4 Years | January, May, September | Local Students: RM92,070 International Students: RM111,470 |
These are some of the general Engineering programmes that are made available to you. To explore more options, do reach out to us.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
5. Monash University Malaysia
Monash University Malaysia is a private higher education institution and a branch campus of Monash University, one of Australia’s top universities. The campus is equipped with world-class facilities, including a 24-hour library, research laboratories, lecture halls, and student accommodations. The university is committed to providing students with global educational support and opportunities for personal and professional development. With a diverse student population from over 70 countries, Monash University Malaysia offers a multicultural and inclusive learning environment.
Programme Offered | Duration | Intake | Indicative Fees (2023) |
Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine | 5 Years | February | Local Students: RM537,500 International Students: RM617,500 |
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | 4 Years | February, July, October | Local Students: RM202,000 International Students: RM230,000 |
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours) | 4 Years | February, July, October | Local Students: RM202,000 International Students: RM230,000 |
Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (Honours) | 4 Years | February, July, October | Local Students: RM202,000 International Students: RM230,000 |
Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering (Honours) | 4 Years | February, July, October | Local Students: RM202,000 International Students: RM230,000 |
Bachelor of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering (Honours) | 4 Years | February, July, October | Local Students: RM202,000 International Students: RM230,000 |
These are some of the general Engineering programmes that are made available to you. To explore more options, do reach out to us.
Contact us right now for a free consultation if you’d like more details about the costs, the format of the programme, and the entry requirements!
For more information regarding the university, programs offered, entry requirements and fees, contact Excel Education.
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About The Author
Eric Chooi
A passionate and inquisitive writer, always looking for new ways to write. If you don’t see him writing, maybe he is hunting for some good food!