How to Find Out About the Differences Between an MBBS and MD?

The terminology in the education of medicine may be overwhelming to many. There are different types and stages within a country whereas different countries have different labelling for the same education. The most common confusion that arises between aspirants is that of MBBS and MD. To be able to tell apart and the differentiate the two, each one needs to be looked at individually and elaborately.

What is MBBS?

MBBS stands for Bachelor of Medicine-Bachelor of Surgery. The name is a clear representation that MBBS is an undergraduate degree that is pursued by students after finishing their 10+2 education. To pursue MBBS, one must have a background in the Science stream including Botany/Zoology from their schooling years.

MBBS is the first level of education in the field of medicine. A student pursuing this undergraduate program is taught a vast array of subjects with the intent to train students in all fields of medicine. The course often includes Human Anatomy, Human Physiology, Paediatrics, General Surgery, Dermatology, Biochemistry and many more. The purpose of this course is to make the student adept enough to perform on patients.

An MBBS course in India has a duration of 5 years. This number may fluctuate slightly from country to country but roughly remains the same. Students must also gain hands-on, practical knowledge at the end of this course before obtaining the degree. In most countries, a Bachelors in medicine in adequate to take on the profession right after and be a licensed doctor. However, some countries are exceptions, such as the US, that consider a Bachelors as Pre-med education and one must pass their licensing exam or take up further education to practice their profession.

What is MD?

The abbreviation MD refers to Doctor of Medicine. MD differs from MBBS in the hierarchal structure of medicinal education. While MBBS is a Bachelors’ degree, MD is a Masters’ degree. This implies that a student pursuing MD must have prior knowledge, experience and certification from their Bachelors’ in medicine. A student is eligible for applying to MD after having attained their MBBS. Some countries also consider an equivalent to a Doctorate or a research degree similar to Ph.D.

The curriculum of MD is more specialized as compared to an MBBS. While MBBS is generalized where students are taught a vast array of subjects, a student in MD opts for a specific field and gains in-depth knowledge of the same. The student may have options among Paediatrics, Gynaecology, Obstetrics, Ophthalmology, Dentistry and others, but the student gets to opt only one.

An MD course in India has a duration of 3 years, where the curriculum is divided into 6 terms. Most other countries have a duration of 2 years. The purpose of an MD is to produce specialists in the industry to take it forward. The student must be adept in the required theoretical and practical knowledge, often tested via exams. Some universities make it mandatory to submit a dissertation and thesis to obtain the degree as a part of their education program.

Why MD?

In countries like the US, an MD is considered the first professional degree in the field of medicine. A Bachelors’ such as MBBS does not permit you to practice medicine freely without an MD. An MD in the US is 4-year long and graduates must have successfully passed the Medical College Admission Test. The education in the field of medicine has been made to be a gruelling task so that each student becomes adept to deal with the stress and exhaustion that comes with being a professional doctor.

In India and the United Kingdom, MD is not a pre-requisite to practicing medicine as a professional and be a licensed doctor. An MD in these countries is an advanced academic degree, not necessarily but further adds value to your profession, knowledge and practice. It is a second stage of professional degree, a higher post-graduate, used for speciality training. MD students here have specialized fields of working and are often higher medical authorities in those.

In either cases, whether mandatory or not, seeking an MD often adds more professional value to the holder and is sought-after by many. It also opens up the future possibility of doctors moving to other countries and practicing their profession without licensing problems or different educational laws. It widens the scope of the practitioner whether they have or have not plans of international exposure. Nonetheless, the competition in the field of medicine is tough. The higher experience, knowledge and background a person has, the better off they are in the field.

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