1. What is a Medical Doctor?

A medical doctor is a highly trained healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats, and prevents illnesses while promoting wellness. Doctors play a central role in healthcare delivery across hospitals, clinics, academic institutions, and research centers. They also educate patients and support communities in adopting healthier lifestyles.

2. Education and Training Pathway

To become a doctor in Rwanda, you must complete a six-year medical degree at the University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS). After graduation, a one-year internship and registration with the Rwanda Medical and Dental Council are required.
Following this, you have the opportunity to pursue specialization through residency programs. Further sub-specialization is also possible by undertaking a fellowship after completing a residency.

Step 1: Undergraduate Medical Degree : Complete a 6-year Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree at either:

• the University of Rwanda - College of Medicine and Health Sciences (UR-CMHS) Link to website
• the University of Global Health Equity (UGHE) Link to website
• the Adventist School of Medicine of East-Central Africa (ASOME) Link to website

Step 2: One-Year Internship

After graduating, all medical students are required to complete a 12-month supervised internship in key medical specialties. This is a mandatory step before becoming fully licensed.

Step 3: Licensing

Upon successful completion of the internship, graduates must register with the Rwanda Medical and Dental Council (RMDC) to practice as General Practitioners (GPs).

Step 4: Specialization (Residency Program)

Doctors who wish to specialize may enter a residency program (also known as Master of Medicine or MMed). These postgraduate training programs provide advanced clinical training in a specific medical field.

Step 5: Fellowship Programs

Doctors who complete a residency may choose to further specialize by enrolling in a fellowship program, which provides in-depth expertise in a sub-specialty (e.g., endocrinology, nephrology, etc.).

3. Admission Requirements to Medical School

• A-level subject combinations: PCB, MCB, BCG, or Associate Nurse
• Principal passes: Biology & Chemistry (Grades D)
• Subsidiary pass: Mathematics, Physics, Geography, or Fundamentals of Nursing
• Foreign qualifications: Equivalency must be obtained from NESA
• Institutions may have additional requirements

4. What Do Doctors Do?

• Diagnose and treat illnesses
• Prescribe medications
• Perform procedures and surgeries
• Provide health education and counseling
• Conduct research and innovation
• Lead community and public health programs
• Mentor students and junior healthcare providers
• Contribute to health policy development

5. Key Skills

• Critical thinking
• Problem-solving
• Communication and empathy
• Empathy
• Attention to detail
• Decision-making
• Ethical decision-making
• Time management
• Emotional resilience
• Curiosity

6. Job Market in Rwanda

HWMS : apply fr jobs

MIFOTRA : e-recruitement for public services

7. Studying Medicine Abroad: Key Considerations

• University recognition by the Rwanda Higher Education Council (HEC) is mandatory.
• Must meet local A-level criteria (two principal passes in Biology and Chemistry).
• Must register with RMDC and obtain an index number for recognition as a Rwandan medical student.

There is a high demand for doctors in Rwanda, with the country actively working to increase the number of medical professionals to improve healthcare access across all regions.