13 Aug
Passing a medical licensing exam in the United Arab Emirates is one of the biggest steps that a healthcare professional can attain in his or her career. This represents the end of the years-long toil of studying and training. However, getting through this exam is the real starting point for your career in the UAE’s healthcare sector. There are so many important steps that you need to take to transition into the practice of medicine smoothly. Therefore, this blog shall act as your guide in accomplishing these steps that have been collated to help you do just that—a detailed overview of what happens after passing the UAE Medical License Exam.
How UAE Medical Licensing Works
In case you successfully pass the UAE Medical License Exam, the next step would be getting your medical license. Some health authorities in the UAE are DHA, DOH, and MOHAP. Each of these authorities has its own licensing process, and one has to apply to the right authority depending on where one intends to practice.
Step 1: Document Gathering
Make an application for your medical license by gathering all your documents. Requirements usually include the following:
- Valid passport and UAE visa
- Educational Certificates: Your attested medical degree and other qualifications in the field.
- Exam Results: Passing proof of the UAE Medical License Exam.
- Work Experience Certificates: It means showing proof of your past work experience in the field of medicine.
- Good Standing Certificate: That certificate obtained from your country of origin’s Medical Council or Licensing Authority, indicating that you are in good standing.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: Information about your physical and mental fitness to practice medicine.
Ensure all documents are up-to-date and attested for this to be helpful in fast-tracking the processing of your application.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
You can then apply through the relevant health authority’s online application portal. Every authority has a different portal, so ensure that you are applying through the right one:
- DHA: [DHA Sheryan]
- DOH: [DOH Licensing System]
- MOHAP: [MOHAP E-Services]
This will prompt you to fill in your personal information, upload documents, and pay the application fee. Ensure that all information is correct to avoid delays.
The best way is to let medical recruitment consultancies like Wizejob handle all these procedures as it gives you the time to focus on other tasks. Medical licensing service providers like Wizejob also speed up the process of getting your medical license hassle-free.
Step 3: Application Review and Approval
After submitting your application, this will then be subjected to a review process by the appropriate Health Authority. This could take some weeks, and your documents will be verified while looking at your qualifications and experience assessment. You may be contacted in case there are any anomalies or if there is a need for clarification of information.
In case of a successful application, you will be notified about the approval. Normally, this approval is provisional and would require further steps such as interviews or additional assessments.
As mentioned above, Wizejob can really cut down such waiting time and assist you in getting the medical license easily thus offering a seamless experience.
Completion of Credentialing
Credentialing is the process of verification that you have qualifications and experience to practice as a doctor in the UAE. It is a vital process in ensuring that all healthcare providers meet the high standards of UAE.
Step 4: Primary Source Verification (PSV)
Primary Source Verification is a step where your qualifications and experience are verified directly from the source. The UAE used to do this through the DataFlow Group, including:
- Submission of Documents: Upload all documents on the portal available on DataFlow.
- Payment of Fees: The fees for PSV get successfully paid according to the number of documents and the difficulty in verification.
- Verification Process: The DataFlow team shall contact your educational institutions, past employers, and licensing authorities for verification of your documents.
- PSV Report: After completion of verification, a report is sent to the relevant UAE health authority.
Step 5: Oral Assessment or Interview
In rare cases, you may be asked to go for an oral assessment or interview. This is more so for specialists and consultants. The truth of the matter is that the interview was set to see how well you possess clinical knowledge and whether you can express yourselves fluently. The suitability of the candidate for the applied job is always put into consideration.
Step 6: Medical License Issuance
After credentialing and other assessments, if cleared of any observations, you shall be issued a medical license. Licenses allow one to practice legally within the United Arab Emirates. Note that licenses are usually valid for one to three years and need renewal intermittently.
Preparing for Employment
With a medical license in your hand, the next thing to do would be to look for a job. In that sense, the UAE presents a dynamic and competitive healthcare job market with numerous opportunities – both public and private.
Step 7: Searching for Jobs and Application
Personalize your CV and cover letter to highlight your qualifications, experience, and what an employer can benefit from you. Ensure your application documents are professional and free of errors.
We at Wizejob can help you find the right medical hospitals, hospice care, and healthcare centers. Over the years, we have built good relationships with major hospitals in the UAE and can help employers and employees find the right candidate and the right job respectively.
Step 8 Job Interviews
Once you secure job interviews, do some preparation by researching the healthcare facility, getting to know their values and culture, and going through the commonly asked questions in an interview. You will most likely be asked about your clinical experience, problem-solving, or how to manage difficult situations. We will guide you at every step such as preparing you with mock interviews and building up self-confidence so you are always ready for the actual interview.
Step 9: Employment Contract and Visa Sponsorship
Any offer of employment would require you to sign up for an employment contract which you will be expected to go through. Ensure clarity on all the terms of engagement that spell out your relationship with the employer relating to salary, benefits, working hours, among other employment-related matters. Upon accepting his offer, your employer would handle the logistical issue of sponsoring your work visa and assist in the paperwork involved.
Settling in and Continuing Professional Development
Starting a new job in another country may be exciting and challenging at the same time. Here are some steps toward settling down and continuing professional development.
Step 10: Orientation and Onboarding
Most healthcare facilities offer orientation to their new staff. The program is planned to let you know the policies, procedures, and work environment of the facility. Pay close attention during the facility’s orientation because this information will be very important for your success in your new job.
Step 11: Building Professional Relationships
Establish good professional relationships with fellow colleagues. Communication and teamwork are very important in healthcare. Make an effort to know your colleagues, ask questions, and ask for advice.
Step 12: Continuing Medical Education (CME)
The UAE believes in continuous professional development. Therefore, there is a need to engage in continuing medical education to update knowledge on the latest developments in medicine to keep one’s license of practicing medicine valid. This may include attending conferences, workshops, and seminars, and participating in professional associations of interest related to your specialization.
Step 13: Performance Evaluation
Your employer will periodically review your performance. Such reviews include very useful feedback about your strengths and areas where improvement in your work is needed. Work on those feedbacks to develop skills and build up your career.
Overcoming Challenges, Welcoming Opportunities
Migration to a different country and adjusting to a different health system does come with challenges. However, if you set your mind right and make proper preparations, then you will not only be able to overcome those challenges but also flourish in your new surroundings.
Step 14: Cultural Adjustment
The UAE is a multicultural environment with much diversity. It will pay to have some time to understand and respect the cultural norms, traditions, and practices of your patients and colleagues. Cultural sensitivity is important when it involves the delivery of qualitative care and the establishment of strong professional relationships.
Step 15: Work-Life Balance
Keep a proper balance between work and life. It is essential to sustain your well-being and job satisfaction. The UAE ensures a high quality of life with a lot of recreational activities. Make time for hobbies, socializing, and relaxation to reboot to avoid burnout.
Step 16: Long-Term Career Planning
Reflect on your long-term career aspirations and what you will do toward their realization. UAE is full of opportunities meant for the growth of professionals, including leadership opportunities, specialization, and research. Develop clear goals and mentorship, striving for excellence always in the profession.
Conclusion
While this does certainly mean you passed the UAE Medical License Examination, it is never the end of your journey in the UAE healthcare sector. Such post-examination steps will lead a candidate through the licensing process, secure employment, and shape his/her medical career in the UAE. Embrace the opportunities, surmount the challenges, and be part of the high standards of health care in the UAE.
Wizejob is one of the most effective decision-making platforms for healthcare professionals who are looking for opportunities in the UAE and are looking to acquire or renew Healthcare Licenses in the Middle East. We not only specialise in medical recruitment, putting candidates in front of top-tier healthcare employers but also provide full support in obtaining and further renewing medical licenses. Our experience in maneuvering through the complexities of the UAE licensing process allows each candidate to focus on their career while we work through the bureaucratic red tape seamlessly and efficiently on their way to practice medicine in the UAE. Call us at +971 4 344 1604, +971 52 767 6282 or +971 50 722 5784, or email us at [email protected].