Many Korean doctors in the fields of aesthetics, dermatology, dentistry, and emergency medicine have come to Vietnam this year to find work.
On October 18, newspaper Chosun Daily reported that Korean health officials confirmed that many doctors in this country are applying to work at medical facilities in Vietnam. More than 30 doctors came to Ho Chi Minh City for a health check at the end of September, and are now preparing for the English exam to be held at Ho Chi Minh City University of Medicine and Pharmacy in the next two months.
According to Chosun, Vietnam does not require doctors from countries with high medical qualifications to submit professional qualifications test scores, but only requires a certified practice license from the host country. However, they still have to take an English exam and a health check. This process has resumed after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The increasing demand for Korean doctors to practice in Vietnam has created conditions for service companies to support procedures and translations to develop. A company representative said that in addition to the popular cosmetic surgery and dermatology specialties, many emergency and dental specialists are also interested in the Vietnamese market.
Medical staff working at a university-affiliated hospital in Seoul. Image: Chosun
This year, the number of Korean resident doctors looking for opportunities in Vietnam also increased. Some resident doctors, after practicing at private clinics in the country, are dissatisfied with working conditions and decide to look for opportunities abroad.
According to Chosun, a private hospital in Vietnam proposes its own policies for Korean doctors, such as a 44-hour work week, a monthly salary of 30 million won (22,000 USD) and 800 USD in support. housing.
While tensions between the medical community and the Korean government over increasing medical school enrollment quotas continue, doctors in this country show great interest in job opportunities abroad.
Last August, the Korean Society of Emergency Medicine held a regular academic conference, with lectures such as “Becoming a Doctor in Canada with a Korean License” or “Becoming an American Doctor” . The conference received registration applications from 400 people, including resident doctors and emergency physicians.