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1.
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Is English Proficiency Test required for foreign-trained doctors?
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Any foreign-trained doctor who possesses a basic medical degree from a medical school where the medium of instruction is not in the English Language must submit evidence of proficiency in English Language. Such evidence in the form of either the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or Occupational English Test (OET) before the SMC considers the doctor's application for medical registration, including an application to extend period of registration. The doctor must achieve the following minimum score:
• IELTS - at least 7 for EACH component (Listening, Reading, Writing AND Speaking)
• TOEFL - 250 marks for computer-based test or 600 marks for paper-based test or 100 marks for internet-based test
• OET - Grade B and above
Doctors who apply for temporary registration (as Clinical Observers) for training attachment do not need to submit English test results. However, the doctor will NOT be allowed to:
• be involved in primary management of patients; and
• prescribe treatment.
Clinical Observers are only allowed to perform procedures under the direct supervision of the appointed supervisor only.
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2.
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What is the processing time required for an application for medical registration?
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Provided all documentation required by the SMC is submitted, the average processing time required for processing an application for medical registration is about 3 - 4 weeks.
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3.
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What must I do to add a higher qualification or title to my name in SMC's register?
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You can apply to include your postgraduate qualification in the register by submitting the following:
(a) Completed application form for Approval for Display of Additional Titles/Qualification. The application form is available under "Download Forms" from SMC's website at www.smc.gov.sg.
(b)Photocopy of the postgraduate qualification. The original certificate has to be produced for verification by the Secretariat's staff as part of the registration process. The applicant must arrange for the letter of verification for such qualification to be sent to the SMC directly by the awarding institution;
(c) Payment of prescribed fees per postgraduate qualification;
(d) If the postgraduate qualification has not been registered by SMC before, you are required to produce information on the course details, structure, duration and whether it is examination-based.
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4.
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How do I know if SMC is the right place for me to lodge my complaint?
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The SMC deals with any
complaint of the conduct of a registered medical practitioner in his professional capacity or of his improper act or conduct which brings disrepute to his profession;
information on the conviction of a registered medical practitioner of any offence implying a defect in character which makes him unfit for his profession; or
information touching upon the physical or mental fitness to practise of a registered medical practitioner.
If you want an apology, explanation or a review of your treatment, you should first contact the place where you received care. Most complaints about doctors can be settled quickly by the doctors' employers.
You may wish to refer to the Inquiries and Complaints Guide available in the Ministry of Health's website.
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5.
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What outcomes can I expect from my complaint?
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Complaints against medical practitioners are dealt with under Section 40 of the Medical Registration Act (Cap 174). The Complaints Committee will conduct a preliminary investigation into the complaint. Upon the completion of its inquiry, the Complaints Committee, if it is of the view that no formal inquiry is necessary, can:
(i) order that the doctor be issued with a letter of advice;
(ii) order that the doctor be warned;
(iii) order that the complaint be dismissed; or
(iv) make such other order as it thinks fit.
If the Complaints Committee is of the view that a formal inquiry is necessary, it shall order that the inquiry be held by a Disciplinary Committee or the Health Committee if the complaint touches upon the physical or mental fitness of the doctor to practise.
Do note that the SMC cannot:
give you a detailed explanation of what happened to you - this can only come from the doctor or the healthcare organisation;
order a doctor to provide the treatment you want;
help you with a claim for compensation;
order a doctor to give you access to your records; or
make a doctor apologise to you.
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