SS
← Back to Medical Doctor

How to become a Medical Doctor in South Africa

Diagnoses and treats illness in public or private practice.

Step-by-step path

  1. STEP 1
    Education
    MBChB (6 years) + internship + community service
    1–6 yrs
  2. STEP 2
    Entry job
    First role: Intern
    0–2 yrs
  3. STEP 3
    Mid-level growth
    Move into: Medical Officer
    3–6 yrs
  4. STEP 4
    Senior transition
    Reach: Registrar
    7+ yrs

Time estimate

Total typical time to senior level
~ 7–10 years
Education mbchb (6 years) + internship + community service, then practical experience.

Salary growth timeline

Year 1
R48 000
/month
Year 5
R90 000
/month
Year 10
R150 000
/month

Required skills by stage

FOUNDATIONAL
  • Specialisation (e.g. Surgery)High
  • DiagnosticsHigh
MID-CAREER
  • DiagnosticsHigh
  • Patient communicationMedium
SENIOR
  • Patient communicationMedium

Compare this career

Compare salaries
Medical Doctor vs Registered Nurse
Compare salaries
Medical Doctor vs Pharmacist
Compare salaries
Medical Doctor vs Dentist
Compare salaries
Medical Doctor vs Physiotherapist
Compare careersSee higher paying jobs