If you are exploring different education and career paths for your future, MBBS is one of them. MBBS program equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become doctors. In this Abroadin article, we explore the critical aspects of the MBBS degree, compare it to the MD degree, and shed some light on the opportunities it presents.
In this guide:
- What is MBBS Degree?
- What are the Subjects in MBBS Degree?
- What are the MBBS Admission Eligibility Requirements?
- What are the Specialties Available to MBBS Graduates?
- MBBS vs MD: What Sets Them Apart?
- What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of MBBS Abroad?
- Conclusion
What is MBBS Degree?
The MBBS degree, which stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Science, is commonly offered in commonwealth countries like UK and India.
The MBBS is typically a five-year undergraduate program, although some institutions may require an additional year to earn a Bachelor of Science (BSc) as part of the training.
Students interested in pursuing the MBBS degree are expected to have a solid foundation in foundational science courses during their secondary education.
The program structure of an MBBS degree generally entails a progressive approach to education, combining classroom-based theoretical learning with practical clinical training.
The initial years focus on understanding patients’ health needs and the fundamentals of providing care.
Key themes covered throughout the program include:
- Basic medical sciences,
- Patients and populations,
- Life cycle and Life support,
- Population health,
- Professionalism and ethics,
- Professional skills,
- and communication principles for adequate healthcare.
After completing the MBBS degree, graduates are certified as junior physicians capable of caring for patients but without any specialized training.
To enhance their expertise, graduates are required to undergo two years of additional training, known as the Foundation Programme in the UK.
During this period, they rotate through different specialties, identifying their areas of interest before applying for further training, ranging from three to eight years.
What are the Subjects in MBBS Degree?
Within the MBBS curriculum, aspiring doctors gain comprehensive knowledge of the clinical and healthcare industry and develop a deep understanding of ethical principles, which are crucial for their involvement in hospitals and voluntary initiatives.
The list below provides an overview of the subjects the MBBS course covers, encompassing a wide range of essential topics.
- Life systems,
- Dermatology and Venereology,
- Natural Chemistry,
- Medication,
- Physiology,
- Obstetrics and Gynecology,
- Scientific Medicine and Toxicology,
- Ophthalmology,
- Microbiology,
- Muscular health,
- Pathology,
- Otorhinolaryngology,
- Pharmacology,
- Pediatrics,
- Anesthesiology,
- Psychiatry,
- Local area Medicine,
- And Medical procedure.
What are the MBBS Admission Eligibility Requirements?
Obtaining admission into a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (BMBS) or MBBS degree program requires meeting specific eligibility criteria.
Aspiring medical students should familiarize themselves with the fundamental requirements necessary to embark on a journey toward a career in medicine and surgery.
One of the primary eligibility criteria is the minimum marks requirement, which may vary. General applicants should have at least 50 percent on their intermediate test.
Additionally, a minimum age requirement is 17 years to register for the MBBS program. The maximum age limit for applying to the MBBS program is 25 years.
Applicants must pass the entrance examination for admissions. This exam is crucial for securing a seat in reputable universities offering the MBBS degree.
Moreover, candidates must have completed at least 10+2 education with mandatory subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
The undergraduate students are typically expected to pass the Class XII or equivalent higher secondary examination with science subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, and either Zoology or Botany. English is often considered a primary subject for qualifying exams too.
It is important to note that eligibility criteria may differ for candidates from reserved categories, where the minimum percentage required for eligibility is often 40 percent.
Candidates should also be aware that regulatory authorities might set additional qualification conditions.
By meeting the necessary criteria and preparing well for entrance examinations, individuals can take significant steps toward realizing their dream of becoming skilled doctors and contributing to medicine.
What are the Specialties Available to MBBS Graduates?
Upon obtaining the MBBS degree and completing the necessary additional training, individuals can pursue a career as a general practitioner or specialize in a specific area of medicine.
The duration of specialization training varies based on the chosen program, with general practitioner training typically taking three years in the UK and other specialties requiring five to eight years.
The range of medical specialties available to MBBS graduates is diverse and caters to various interests. Common specialties include:
- Allergy and Immunology,
- Cardiology,
- Emergency medicine,
- Internal medicine,
- Neurology,
- Obstetrics and gynecology,
- Pediatrics,
- and pulmonology.
Pursuing further education in Medical science opens up various opportunities for MBBS degree holders, extending beyond traditional clinical practice.
Alongside their medical expertise, these professionals can actively engage in research, working as research assistants or associates.
Furthermore, MBBS graduates can always appear for the Combined Medical Services Examination, which allows them to secure employment with central government organizations such as hospitals, defense sectors, railways, and local/state governments.
This broad range of employment avenues ensures that MBBS-degree holders can explore diverse career paths and contribute their skills and knowledge in various healthcare settings.
MBBS vs MD: What Sets Them Apart?
While the MBBS and MD degrees differ in nomenclature, they share similarities in terms of the qualification attained and the subsequent journey to becoming practicing doctors. Let’s compare MBBS vs MD.
MBBS graduates are considered qualified doctors who can handle essential health matters while continuing to acquire additional training.
In the United States, MD graduates are expected to complete a three-year residency program after graduating from medical school.
The path to becoming a doctor in the US often begins at the undergraduate level. Students may choose a medical major or a natural sciences field to build solid foundational knowledge before applying to medical school.
Additionally, they are required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as part of the application process.
The journey to an MD degree in the US typically spans four years of medical school, followed by a three-year residency program at teaching universities and hospitals nationwide.
Upon being matched with a program, graduates take their state’s licensing exam to embark on their medical practice during the residency program.
What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of MBBS Abroad?
Many international students aspire to pursue MBBS degree abroad for various reasons.
Whether it is the opportunity to study medicine in top-ranked countries, the prospect of practicing in a foreign land, or eventually settling down abroad, the motivations behind this choice are diverse.
Below are the advantages of studying MBBS abroad. It is important to note that the student experience can differ from person to person.
Studying MBBS Degree in Excellent Universities
Universities and institutions abroad provide students with state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring a comprehensive and modern education experience.
These universities boast exceptional faculty and offer internationally recognized degrees, empowering students to make their mark in the global medical field.
Moreover, universities and colleges abroad prioritize student safety and provide the necessary support for students to feel at home in a foreign land.
Here are some information about Exchange Student Programs
English Language Proficiency
Many universities and colleges abroad use English as the primary language of instruction and communication in medical programs to attract international students.
It serves as an advantage in attracting international. However, it is worth noting that familiarity with the local language can be a bonus.
Better Return on Investment with MBBS Degree Abroad
The cost of pursuing an MBBS degree abroad May be comparable to or even lower than that of private colleges in our countries.
Upon completing their courses, students can practice in the host country, earning a substantial income and achieving a better return on their investment in the long run.
Greater Number of Seats
International universities have been able to address the issue of the low number of seats by keeping their tuition fees affordable, maintaining high educational standards, and most importantly, offering a more significant number of seats.
While there are several advantages to studying MBBS abroad, students need to consider the disadvantages carefully.
Factors such as cultural adjustments, being away from family and familiar surroundings, and the need to adapt to a new healthcare system should be considered before making a decision.
Ultimately, it is crucial for aspiring medical students to thoroughly research their options, consider their circumstances, and make an informed choice when pursuing MBBS degrees abroad.
Conclusion
The MBBS degree presents an alternative route for aspiring doctors. This five-year undergraduate program, equivalent to the MD degree in the US, equips students with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to embark on a medical career.
Now it is your turn! Are you on a path to a medical career? What do you think about MBBS vs MD? Where do you like to take an MBBS degree?
Sources:
https://www.careers360.com/courses/mbbs-bachelor-of-medicine-bachelor-of-surgery
No comment yet, add your voice below!