Edufair Abu Dhabi session explores overseas medical study options for students after Grade 12.
Choosing the right medical pathway after Grade 12 requires more than ambition and a clear understanding of how global medical education works beyond brochures and common misconceptions.
That was one of the key messages shared during a spotlight session on “Choosing the right medical pathways after Grade 12” featuring Isha Bhandari at the Edufair Abu Dhabi 2026, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Resort, Abu Dhabi Corniche from May 16 to 17.
Speaking to students and parents considering studying medicine abroad, Isha Bhandari challenged the common belief that medical education in countries such as the United States is difficult to access directly after Grade 12, noting that newer integrated pathways are changing international entry routes into medicine.
She said that while many non-medical streams allow direct admission based on Grade 12 results, medical aspirants have traditionally faced additional entrance exam pressures. However, she explained that in some programmes, no separate entrance exam is required beyond strong performance in Grade 12 biology and chemistry.
The session also highlighted emerging international pathways, particularly integrated US-linked medical programmes that allow students to begin medical studies directly after school, rather than following the traditional US route of completing an undergraduate degree before entering medical school.
Isha Bhandari explained that the traditional US medical education pathway can take nearly a decade to complete. She said the typical route involves four years of undergraduate study followed by four years of medical school, with many students also taking an additional gap year to prepare for the MCAT exam.
She noted that newer integrated programmes aim to streamline this process, allowing students to complete medical training in about six years.
Bhandari also advised students to carefully consider where they intend to practise medicine in the future, emphasising that the country of study can matter more than the university itself. She cautioned against assuming that all international medical degrees automatically lead to US board certification, urging students to thoroughly evaluate accreditation and career pathways before making decisions.
Isha Bhandari cautioned that some medical pathways—such as those beginning in the UK or in Caribbean MD programmes—may be presented to students as routes to US board certification. She clarified that becoming a US board-certified doctor requires completing clinical experience and core clerkships in the United States, as hands-on training in US hospitals is an essential part of the professional portfolio.
Parents attending the session also reflected on shifting perceptions about studying medicine abroad. One parent said his family had previously assumed that entry into UK or US medical universities was both financially and academically out of reach, though the session helped clarify that some pathways may be more accessible than commonly believed.
Bhandari repeatedly encouraged students to independently research and carefully evaluate all available options before committing to any medical programme abroad.
Isha Bhandari encouraged students to thoroughly research their options before choosing a medical pathway abroad, advising them to use available tools such as ChatGPT or Google to better understand the best country for practising medicine. She added that while institutions may present opportunities, students should independently evaluate their decisions before enrolling.
The session also discussed postgraduate MD pathways, residency opportunities, and the structure of clinical rotations in US-affiliated programmes. Bhandari explained that students enrolled in certain four-year MD programmes begin their studies in the Bahamas before progressing to the United States for hospital rotations and clinical training.
