How does the Cambodian medical training system work?

After high school they enrolled into a six year long MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program.

Historical roots are French; the first medical school opened in the 1950s and was rebuilt after the Khmer Rouge period

Years 1-3: Mainly lecture and lab based basic sciences

Years 4-5: core clinical rotations at the main University Health Sciences (UHS) Hospital. At the end of the 5th year you have a Bachelor of Medical Sciences.

Year 6: After rotations they do a one year apprenticeship in teaching settings rotating through general surgery, OB/Gyn, internal medicine and pediatrics. At the end of this they have MBBS and can practice independently. If they don’t complete sixth year they just have Bachelor of Medical Sciences and cannot practice independently.

Subsequent to graduation there are limited residency programs at UHS. Formal specialty training are sparse and do not meet the needs of the Cambodian population.