How is MBBS Different from the American MD?

How is MBBS Different from the American MD?

Being one of the most reputable career paths, an education in medicine is pursued by tens of millions every year all across the globe. Every country focuses on its medical infrastructure as a strong base for its economy and stability. India’s institutional education in the modern medicine is over 100 years old and of the most qualitatively competitive ones in the world. USA on the flip side is a thriving economy, investing millions of dollars every year on its education as well as the quality of life. Since most Indians are articulate in the English language as a consequence of its education system, many students who wish to study outside of the nation’s boundary opt for an English-speaking country like The United States of America. However, the Indian medical education differs quite a little from its American counterpart and it is a wise decision indeed to be aware of thekey differences.

MBBS in India

Right after schooling, students all over India participate in the National Eligibility cum Entrance test (NEET-UG) to enroll themselves into Medical Undergraduate Programs. This program is widely known as MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery), with a vast array of subjects and expertise. To be a licensed doctor in India, a five-year MBBS course is considered a standalone pre-requisite. A student pursuing MBBS in India can either freely practice medicine, or they may strive for more and apply for Masters and Ph.D. programs offered in and out of the country. Although MBBS is the standalone qualifications of doctors in India, it is not solely applicable when applying to jobs in the US. The Indian system is a reflection of its British history, while America follows its own set of rules. To qualify as a doctor in the USA after an MBBS, a practitioner in India must clear a three-level exam called the USMLE (The United States Medical Licensing Exam)and receive an experience certificate from a US-Observer or apply for Post Graduate programmes in the country.

MD in USA

A mandatory pre-requisite to applying for an MD (Doctor of Medicine) is to hold an undergraduate degree or a four-year long basic education post schooling. All international students must have gone through four years of education, post 10+2, in health sciences. This primary education before MD in the US is known as a ‘pre-Med’ education, applicable to both its domestic and international practitioners.
A pre-Med education (unlike MBBS in India) does not grant you the role of doctor, but is a pre-requisite to its major medical education. High competition among the applicants of MD make it a must to have scored a high GPA in the previous undergrad programme.

A Comparison of The Costs

The Indian Medical Education is most popular for its low-cost quality education. India succeeds in providing cost-effective education through heavy government funding and interventions. India also caters to various economical backgrounds where the top students are enrolled in government funded seats, while the rest can either apply to more expensive private institutes. In the former case, students may conveniently complete their education under INR 1-3 lakhs throughout the 5 year course, whereas in the latter, it may fluctuate somewhere between INR 10-50 lakhs. Another reason why India’s education is cost-effective is the country’s low cost living. Accommodation, food, and travel will be slightly more expensive in the major metropolitans with an average of INR 50,000 to 1 lakh per year. The government-funded colleges also have a much low hostel fee, thereby reducing costs.
The United States of America, being a developed country, is a much more expensive option. Most countries offer a higher tuition fee and additional costs to international students and aid learning for their domestic population. From the lowest to the highest, it can cost about INR 3.6 lakhs to 47 lakhs per annum. USA also has a higher cost of living and heavy taxation. The living costs in America could lie anywhere between INR 2-3 lakhs when spent judiciously. Not to discard the fact that a pre-Med is mandatory, one has to go through the costs of a Bachelor’s degree, either in India or any other country, to be eligible for an MD course.

A Scope for Scholarships

Although students selected for government-funded seats primarily do not need scholarships, students in private institutions or those from economically-weaker sections often apply for several scholarships or student loans. Scholarships are offered by each university on merit basis. On the contrary, the government of India as well as private organizations conduct exams or recruit meritorious students to fund their education.

One of the most popular scholarship for MBBS minority students in India is the MOMA Scholarship Programme. Over 20,000 scholarships are granted to Muslims, Sikhs, Buddhists and other minorities. Similarly, LIC offers scholarships to those with an annual income less that 1 lakh in their families. Some other popular scholarships in India include ONGC for SC/ST, North South Foundation for Medical and Engineering students and Swiss Government Excellence Research, among many others.

Almost all universities in the US have scholarship programmes that extend to their international students. One may need to take SAT or ACT tests to be applicable for the same. The Fulbright Program offers full scholarship to the worthy and covers all tuition fee, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend and a health insurance. Many individuals also seek out for students to fund their education out of their own will, whereas sometimes many separate individuals pool in to fund the education of a student in need, when asked for. Part-time jobs are also easily accessible in the US to cover extra costs when a scholarship may grant a waiver only to your tuition fee.

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