Global medical pathways after Grade 12

A session at the Gulf News Edufair Abu Dhabi 2026, held May 16–17 at Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche, explored how students can pursue medicine abroad after Grade 12. Isha Bhandari, Regional Manager for Middle East and North Africa at GEDU Global Education, challenged the assumption that medical education in countries like the US requires a separate bachelor’s degree and entrance exams. She highlighted integrated US-linked programs that allow students to complete medical training in six years instead of the traditional ten-year path—four years of bachelor’s studies followed by four years of medical school and a gap year for MCAT preparation. Bhandari emphasized that students should prioritize the country over the university when choosing a medical pathway, as licensing and practice opportunities vary significantly. She cautioned against programs claiming automatic US board certification, noting that clinical experience in US hospitals is required for eligibility. For example, students in four-year MD programs may start in the Bahamas before moving to the US for hospital rotations. Parents at the session shared shifting perceptions, with one noting that financial and academic barriers to studying medicine in the UK or US seemed less daunting after learning about newer pathways. Bhandari urged attendees to conduct independent research, including using tools like ChatGPT, to evaluate the best countries for medical practice and program suitability. The discussion also covered postgraduate MD pathways and residency prospects, clarifying the structure of clinical rotations in US-affiliated programs. Bhandari stressed that students should verify program details before enrolling, as misinformation about certification and training requirements could lead to costly mistakes.