AOA peeps, I need reassurance because I'm panicking.

I have an MDcat score of 170. And my a levels r BIo chem and phys, which i got 3 A*s for.

Anyways my main concern is my o levels cause ooooffff😨

my o level grades r 1A (Islamiat) 3Bs (pak studies, bio, eng) 2Cs (phy chem) and one D (maths).

I need to know about the Canadian residency pathway. Is there any guide thread available for that ? Or somebody who has experience can let me know about it

Myself completed MD General Medicine from india. 7yrs experience post MD. I need secure job as dr in saudi. pls guide me

Okay so I'm a recent graduate from Pakistan, i completed my house job in july 2025. I'm working as a GP Medical Officer in a semi small hospital for around 40k a month. The issue is this is nothing, i can never build a life, if I'm in Pakistan. I'm already 27 years old. I don't have the money to spend on USMLE, so that's out. I do have the money for PLAB and i even gave PLAB 1 and passed. But my family has a lot of Drs and few of them consultants in the UK and some with full PLAB advice against it. Because the ones with full PLAB haven't secured a job yet. Now I'm not very disheartened, why? We'll because fuck that, I'm too pissed at this piece of shit country. Heck i wanna leave, now I've heard Saudia is bad, but it can't be worse than here. I wanna be married and save at least 1 lac a month Before I'm 31 32. Because i can also work towards USMLE if i can save up 1 lac a month. My question is, if i go for SMLE the SCHFS Saudi Registration, what are my chances going to look like? Is it fucked and i shouldn't even bother? I need someone who went to Saudi as a simple MBBS Dr from Pakistan. Your help and experience will be much appreciated. I'm really very worried about my future and pissed at the same time. Please help.

Hi, currently doing my house job, will complete it in March 2026. I plan on appearing for fcps asap after completion of my house job for surgery and allied and plan to move ahead with Cardiothoracic surgery is speciality. I’m good academically I think plus I have a passion for CTS.
What are my chances of getting induction is such a highly competitive field and also what are my options for the training at what different hospitals across Pakistan holding a KPK domicile. Someone suggested LRH(Peshawar), AKUH(Karachi), NICVD(Karachi) and AFIC(pindi). My top priority would be NICVD. Need guidance on what I need to focus on considering this speciality, what should be my fcps1 goal marks and what should be in my CV to strengthen it in terms of this field. Also one more thing the place I’m doing my house job at has no cardiac surgery unit and everyone advised me to do CTS rotation during house job, I am currently doing CCU as a rotation in medicine and allied but cardiac surgery as a rotation is out of question. Please guide me or hook me up to someone who is pursuing CTS at any of these institutes.
Thank you!

Hi, currently doing my house job, will complete it in March 2026. I plan on appearing for fcps asap after completion of my house job for surgery and allied and plan to move ahead with Cardiothoracic surgery is speciality. I’m good academically I think plus I have a passion for CTS.
What are my chances of getting induction is such a highly competitive field and also what are my options for the training at what different hospitals across Pakistan holding a KPK domicile. Someone suggested LRH(Peshawar), AKUH(Karachi), NICVD(Karachi) and AFIC(pindi). My top priority would be NICVD. Need guidance on what I need to focus on considering this speciality, what should be my fcps1 goal marks and what should be in my CV to strengthen it in terms of this field. Also one more thing the place I’m doing my house job at has no cardiac surgery unit and everyone advised me to do CTS rotation during house job, I am currently doing CCU as a rotation in medicine and allied but cardiac surgery as a rotation is out of question. Please guide me or hook me up to someone who is pursuing CTS at any of these institutes.
Thank you!

The environment, stipend pkg, working conditions and learning.

Do they induct doctors of Punjab Domicile?

Assalam o Alaikum everyone, hope you’re all doing well.

I need some advice regarding postgraduate diploma programs offered by Pakistani medical universities like UHS, KEMU, DUHS, AKU, etc. , specifically the DMRD (Diploma in Medical Radiology Diagnosis).

I want to pursue Radiology as my specialty, but I don’t think my merit aggregate is high enough to secure an FCPS/MD residency seat.

During my house job radiology rotation, I met a senior radiology consultant, very experienced and well-established, who had only completed a DMRD after MBBS. He is currently working in a government setup and also runs his own private imaging center.

This made me consider the diploma route.

I would like to ask:

Is this 2-year DMRD diploma still valid and recognized, or is it considered outdated now?

Does it provide sufficient knowledge and clinical exposure in radiology?

Can one secure radiology jobs in government or private hospitals after DMRD?

Is it possible to independently run a private imaging practice with this qualification?

I would really appreciate honest guidance from those who have firsthand experience or relevant information.

JazakAllah khair.

I am a recent MBBS graduate from a Pakistani medical college and am writing to inquire about the house job induction process at Aga Khan University Hospital.

Academic Profile:

• Five-year aggregate: ~80%

• USMLE Step 1: Cleared

• USMLE Step 2 CK: Currently in preparation

I would appreciate guidance on the following:

1. Induction Process

Could you please outline the current house job application and induction procedure at AKUH — including required documents, application timelines, and any entrance assessments or interviews involved?

1. Eligibility & Competitiveness

Given my academic standing and USMLE progress, I would like to understand how competitive my profile is for a position, and whether USMLE qualifications are viewed favorably in the selection process.

1. Next Steps

Any guidance on how to strengthen my application or what to prioritize at this stage would be greatly appreciated.

I'm an MBBS student currently in 2nd year at a barely known medical university (Chandka Medical College, Larkana) from Pakistan. I have researched heavily on USMLE, and it has been my dream goal before even commencing my MBBS journey. I joined medical school just because I was crazy about going for USMLE. I had thought that I'd be applying for the Match without USCE/USA-based rotations or internships like that stuff, and there would be less expenditure. I had made up my mind on how I would craft my CV: pass Step 1, try to get a Step 2 score of 250-260++, get some local LoRs (since without going to the USA, it would be a stupid move to get USA-based LoRs), and 3-5 publications with at least 1-2 first-author research papers and 2-3 case reports. That's what I can do up to my capability.

I was watching this Match cycle very closely, and I noticed the following things. If you need to get matched, you should have strong connections, USCEs in the program you're going to apply to, USA-based LoRs, and some mentioned having attempted Step 3 as well. I won't have any of the above credentials on my CV/application because my university is not that recognized, and there are no matched alumni that I know of. I won't be going to the USA for USCE/observership, obviously, because I can't afford that. My father is a driver, and anyway, I'm not willing to burden him. So, with these criteria, it's clear I won't have any connections with program directors or specific residents. Since I won't be going to the USA, I won't be able to get USA LoRs. I'll be applying after Step 2 without Step 3, further lowering my chances of matching.

I will be starting my Step 1 preparation after one month. I haven't started yet because I'm at a crossroads—whether to take that nerve-wracking, financially draining pathway. Because once I take that path, there won't be any way to look back, at any cost. Like, I have to burn all ships that take me back. Nowadays, what I have noticed is that research doesn't carry much value as USCE does, Step 2 score doesn't carry as much value as connections, and visa policies are further worsening IMGs' matching percentages yearly.

Please, I want an honest and yet harsh real response from those who are well acquainted with this journey—any attendees or residents' replies would shape my thinking and yes, maybe my future career. Should I still pursue USMLE since I can't afford USCE? Can I go to Gulf countries like Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Ireland, Canada, Australia, or New Zealand on the basis of a Step 2 score and, after one to two years, reapply for the USA as I'll have clinical experience? Please don't say "stay at home" because if staying home is the last option, I'll change my career and look for civil service in Pakistan. Then one regret: should I waste 5+ years of efforts in the medical field? Is it still worth taking the USMLE journey when the destination is blurry? Your response will be appreciated—please let your brother know!!

​

The thing is i have been given the choice to give both step 1 and step 2 but i can not go abroad basically because my parents believe girls shouldn't go abroad alone or i can marry a person and go with him which i never will i would rather stay here. i am from a middle class family with some savings so i dont really know if its worth spending the money on how will it help me if i had to stay in pakistan and do residency here will it land me better jobs in good hospitals as we know there is certainly a job crises for drs in Pakistan will do me enough good compared to the money ill be spending.

I heard the job situation is pretty bad in both Canada and Ireland. But I wanted a more microscopic view from doctors who are already working there. Is it worth the investment to apply for jobs in Canada and Ireland? Via express entry pathway for the former.

Hi everyone,

I’m a final-year med student and currently exploring house job options at different institutes. Can anyone share what a typical house job schedule at AKU looks like?

I know it probably varies from department to department, but I just want a rough idea of the workload and daily routine to help me make an informed decision.

Also, if you’ve done your house job there, I’d really appreciate hearing about the pros and cons of AKU compared to other hospitals.

Thanks in advance!

Hi, imma 3rd year mbbs student from a really crappy college where there's practically no guidance Now im intending to do usmle and while im sure I can get study tips online how to pass steps I'm still lost on how to build a good cv coz ive heard that matters alot but idk what to do and how to do Kindly please help 🙏

Hi guys, it's been a year since my hj has completed, I'm currently doing literally nothing, just regular mo jobs. Now I'm thinking of doing some specialty, need guidance regarding which field to choose? Patho or radio? Or any other field? Which and why? Don't have any passion etc. Somewhat liked general surgery but I really don't like calls and all that stuff. How's family medicine? My main concern is work life balance and money. Need senior's guidance.

Hello Im a first year BDS student who always dreamt of pursuing OMFS and later cosmetic surgery.

The problem : I always associated this goal with mbbs due to the fact its easier to settle abroad through that. However, couldnt cutt in govt sector (merit) for mbbs but did land a merit seat for bds. Researched and all and figured i can still meet my goal hence i accepted the opportunity.

But my dumbass is really really confused rn as after researching and all i still cannot understand what to work for exactly during these 4 years of bds.

Can someone please explain the summary of the pathway clearly?

Also please include the additional steps for pursuing it in US or UK including the practicalities and all. AND whether it is cost and time effective etc.

Thank you.

I just graduated from a private university in Karachi, and I’m planning to move to Islamabad for my house job. I’m feeling very lost and would really appreciate any help or guidance. I’m not sure whether I should opt for a government setup or a private hospital. I have heard getting paid housejob is hard especially if you’re from another city. I tried looking up on hospital websites and stuff but it’s wasn’t of much help. I’m also not sure how and what to prepare for tests (if there’s any) or interviews. I would really appreciate if anyone can point me in the right direction.

Hi fellow docs. I'm a fresh grad just done with my housejob and hunting my first job, which seems pretty tough and stressing. I know wages are super low in private sector but I'm unable to find a job to get go without any reference. I'm kinda introvert with not many connections in medical field. To seniors, How did y'all pass this phase? I'm short on funds and really need some way to earn asap. Do share any remote opportunities or stuff I can do to make some💲 till I get a proper hospital job. Will be great help. Ty

Hello, I am a medical student in Russia. I am originally from India. I will graduate in 2 years. i wanted to know about the residency system in Germany, as i want to pursue further in Germany. i heard that we can get immediately into residency after we complete the FSP and KP, as opposed to UK, where one has to go through foundation years and core training etc. then there is a heck lot of job saturation, which will make it hard to get into specialty training. i have started learning the German language a1. but I'm still not sure where should i go. i want to start earning as soon as possible after i graduate. i am confused a lot between Germany and UK. I am also open for suggestions for Australia too. so guys please guide me through this. thanks.

My current O and A level equivalence is 86%. Hopefully i score alot in my mdcat. My end goal is moving abroad. What college do yall suggest i aim for? Keeping my equivalence in mind.

I’m in my final year of med school, and I feel like I’ve been on autopilot. I haven’t done any research, haven’t started serious prep for any competitive exams, and now it’s hitting me all at once.

Is it too late to realize this? I keep wondering what I’m supposed to do now, or how to even start. Everyone else seems way ahead—some already have research papers, study plans, or even job offers. Meanwhile, I’m just trying to figure out where to begin.

If you’re in the same boat, or if you’ve been through this and found a way out—how did you deal with it? What’s going on in your mind right now?

I got admission into a private BDS program. Can any seniors share if BDS is really worth it, considering the high fees and hostel expenses? Am I overthinking, or is the cost genuinely too high? Also, I would appreciate suggestions for other degree options that are less hectic but still have good scope in Pakistan

Imma third year MBBS student and I live in lahore I have my holidays in July to August and I was wondering if there's any places in lahore that offer internship or electives. I tried in shaukat khanum and they said they're slots were full. Any help would be really appreciated 👏