Dr Charles Nhungo is an accomplished urologic surgeon currently practicing in Tanzania. He has a long-term dream to specialize in kidney transplants, driven by his passion to save lives.
But Dr Nhungo knows achieving that dream requires international exposure and specialized training. And that’s why he looked to the OET Test, which is widely accepted across Canada for doctors, to help him land a surgical fellowship in Canada.
Building a career in Africa before looking abroad
Dr Nhungo began his journey in healthcare as a general practitioner. He gained valuable experience in diagnosing and managing a wide range of medical conditions. Over time, he developed a deep interest in urology. He was particularly interested in research that would help improve treatment for urological diseases in settings where resources were limited.
Dr Nhungo continued his clinical practice to meaningfully contribute to patient care. But he also wanted to support the healthcare community in which he works. He began mentoring junior doctors to share his perspectives and skills. He also participated in peer-reviews for international medical journals.
Commitment to his field and considering new opportunities
It is clear Dr Nhungo is passionate about caring for his patients. That passion is what inspired his commitment to advancing urological healthcare in Tanzania and beyond.
To further contribute to a specialized medical field like urological healthcare, he knew he’d have to further his career in a new country. To do that, he’d have to prove his English skills on an English test.
“As a medical professional, I knew I had to choose the OET Test. It focuses on healthcare-specific language skills, and that makes it highly relevant for me. But I knew this wasn’t just another exam—it was my gateway to fulfilling a lifelong ambition.”
Preparing for the OET Test, with help from teachers
To prepare for the OET Test, Dr Nhungo decided to take a break from work. He began a period of intense study, from morning until evening.
During this time, he explored OET.com. This helped him better understand the OET Test structure and access useful practice materials.
He also sought support from English schools, including Benchmark Education and Swoosh English. Dr Nhungo says having a clear study strategy and receiving feedback from these schools were key to his preparation.
“My strategy included using reliable resources, like the OET website, to ensure I was well-prepared. To stay motivated, I kept reminding myself of the bigger goal—a surgical fellowship in Canada.”
With dedication and the right resources, Dr Nhungo passed the OET Test with outstanding results.
He says that preparing for the test also increased his understanding of providing quality patient care in multicultural settings. This strengthened his readiness to practice in an international healthcare environment.
With his eyes on Canada, Dr Nhungo has advice for fellow test-takers
Dr Nhungo says passing the OET Test was a defining moment in his professional journey. Success on the test opened the doors to achieving his long-held dream of becoming a transplant surgeon.
Now, he is thrilled to be starting his kidney transplant fellowship at Alberta University Hospital in Canada in July 2025.
As Dr Nhungo embarks on his journey abroad, he has this advice for fellow dreamers:
“To anyone preparing for the OET Test, especially my colleagues in Tanzania and across Africa, know that success is within your reach. Your hard work and determination will open doors to incredible opportunities. Believe in yourself, and don’t give up on your dreams. If I can do it, so can you!”
For international medical professionals like Dr Nhungo who want to further their medical training or get licensed to work, the OET Test for Medicine is widely accepted across Canada.