While many top SPM students dream of becoming doctors, one Malaysian surgeon has offered a dose of reality, urging them to think twice before choosing medicine as a career path.
In a TikTok video that has since gone viral, Bariatric Surgeon Dr Abdul Gafoor Mubarak said that pursuing medicine might not be the best option unless one is truly passionate—or simply wants to meet their parents’ expectations.
Even if you get straight As, don’t take up medicine this year,” he said, citing a saturated job market and long, uncertain pathways to becoming a specialist.
Poor career prospects, long wait to specialise
Dr Gafoor explained that Malaysia already has a high number of doctors, making job prospects limited.
Climbing up to specialist level, he added, is even more difficult—and without that, income potential remains low.
“In a few years, Malaysia will have too many doctors. It’ll be hard to get a job, and even harder to become a specialist. If you don’t become a specialist, it usually means lower income,” he said.
Smart students can succeed in other fields
He also urged high achievers not to box themselves into medicine just because it’s traditionally seen as prestigious.
“If you got straight As, it means you’re either smart, hardworking, or both.”
Use that intelligence wisely. If your values are to become wealthy, choose something that can make you rich quickly. If you want time to enjoy life and travel, do something that gives you that freedom.” he said.
Dr Gafoor encouraged exploring fields like Computer Science, Accounting, or Financial Management, which may offer faster growth and better work-life balance.
‘Do it for passion, not pressure’
He ended with a stark message: “Choose medicine only if you want to fulfil your parents’ wishes, if you don’t value personal time, or if you’re not aiming for an easy life.”
Many agreed in the comments, offering their own suggestions for in-demand careers like therapy, accounting, and IT.
‘Even doctors are saying this. Youths should take note. Not becoming a doctor doesn’t mean you’re not successful. Besides being a doctor, younger students can also consider options like becoming an X-ray technician, pharmacist, or child psychologist. There are many good alternatives.’
‘I agree with this opinion. I won’t allow my child to take medicine either. I prefer accounting.’
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