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Blog Summary
Considering postgraduate options after MBBS in India? With numerous pathways like MD/MS, diploma courses, and DNB available, choosing the right specialization is crucial for a fulfilling medical career. While MD/MS offers comprehensive training in various specialities over three years, DNB provides an alternative route with equal recognition. Additionally, aspiring doctors can explore international opportunities through exams like USMLE or PLAB, enhancing their expertise and career prospects in global healthcare. Whether pursuing medicine in India or abroad, thorough research and alignment with personal career goals are essential for making the right choice.
Are you an MBBS graduate? Are you confused about what to do after MBBS in India? With so many options, we don’t blame you. While some start practising medicine right after their MBBS, others choose to specialize in a particular field. I have given below a list of PG medical courses that would help you make the right choice.
In a diverse field like medicine, it is crucial to choose the right specialization for a fulfilling career. You can pursue an MD/MS degree, maybe even a diploma or DNB degree that can aid in your career growth. The course duration for MD/MS is three years. You can opt for a diploma if you want a shorter route, which will earn you a degree in just two years. DNB, on the other hand, takes three years to complete.
It is important to note that one has to clear an entrance exam (NEET PG, PGIMER, JIPMER PG, and AIIMS PG) to be eligible to get a post-graduation (PG) medical seat.
After completing MBBS, you can specialize by clearing exams from the Royal Colleges, UK, recognized by the Medical Council of India as equivalent to an MD/MS degree, offering an alternative path to specialize in your preferred medical field.
PG Courses After MBBS
Here is a list of various after-MBBS MD courses:
- MD in Anatomy
- MD in Anesthesia
- MD in Aerospace Medicine
- MD in Biochemistry
- MD in Dermatology
- MD in ENT
- MD in Forensic Medicine
- MD in Geriatrics
- MD in General Surgery
- MD in Ophthalmology
- MD in Obstetrics & Gynecology
- MD in Orthopedics
If you wish to practice medicine, choose an MD. Many in the medical community consider this route simple yet straightforward. It will help you reach a wide range of patients.
Here are the various MS degrees one can choose after their MBBS:
- MS Pediatric surgery
- MS Plastic surgery
- MS Cardiothoracic surgery
- MS Urology
- MS Cardiac surgery
- MS Cosmetic surgery
- MS ENT
- MS Ophthalmology
- MS Gynecology
- MS Obstetrics
- MS Orthopedics
MS, on the other hand, requires excellent physical and mental attributes, as both disciplines must work in harmony during practice. It is also not for the faint of heart.
Apart from MD/MS, you can also pursue diploma courses. Note that diploma courses don’t command the same recognition from medical institutions that MD/MS and DNB degrees provide.
- Diploma in Clinical Pathology
- Diploma in Anesthesia
- Diploma in Health Education
- Diploma in ENT
- Diploma in DVL
- Diploma in Occupational Health
- Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Diploma in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Diploma in Pulmonary Medicine
- Diploma in Sports Medicine
- Diploma in Hospital Administration
- Diploma in Immunohematology
- Diploma in Microbiology
- Diploma in Pediatrics
- Diploma in Psychiatry
- Diploma in Pathology
- Diploma in Nuclear medicine
- Diploma in Radiotherapy
- Diploma in Sports Medicine
DNB
You can also consider doing a DNB. Diplomate of National Board (DNB) is a program by the central government that offers PG courses on various medical specializations. However, very few actually get through the course as DNB exams are tough to crack.
If you are curious about the bleeding edge of medicine or want something out of the ordinary, you can consider the following fields:
- MBA – MBAs are popular choices for many MBBS graduates who are interested in the management side of the medical field.
- Molecular Imaging and Image Analysis – Molecular imaging and image analysis are rapidly gaining traction in modern times.
- Regenerative Medicine – Many people think of regenerative medicine as something straight out of science fiction. However, it offers a promising future.
- Biomaterials and Implants-Biomaterials and implants involve the implementation and creation of artificial organs that aid those who require them.
- Stem Cells – Stem cells and regenerative medicine have gained a lot of attention in recent times. Regenerative medicine aims to treat the underlying cause of disease.
- Immuno-technology
Immuno-technology is based on the application of cells and molecules in the immune system. It is an essential arm of biotechnology, which helps in industrial-scale implementation of the Immuno vaccine to treat the affected.
- Recombinant DNA Technology – Recombinant DNA Technology is a field dealing with DNA cloning and restructuring.
- Biosensors – With the exponential growth in IoT and connected society, the need for biosensors that can respond to the needs of an individual has great potential.
If you wish to pursue your higher education abroad, you will have to clear the respective entrance exams. If one chooses to pursue PG medical courses in the USA, he/she will have to pass the USMLE exam. For the UK, it is PLAB, while Australia requires PG medicine aspirants to clear AMC.
You can also go a step above and plan for your super-specialization if you are so inclined.
MD holders have the following options to pursue their super-specialization:
- DM – Doctor of Medicine
- DM – Cardiology
- DM – Neurology
- DM – Nephrology
MS holders, on the other hand, have the following options for their super-specialization:
- M.Ch. – Master of Chirurgical
- M.Ch. – Neurosurgery
- M.Ch. – Plastic Surgery
- M.Ch. – Urology
- MCh in Trauma and Orthopaedics
You can also consider enrolling yourself in fellowships; this will allow you to practice and learn at the same time. Some of the popular short-term medical courses are as follows:
- Fellowship in Neonatology
- Fellowship in GI Endoscopy
- Fellowship in Andrology
- Fellowship in Diabetes Management
- Fellowship in Ultrasonography in OBG
Interested in exploring more options for your medical career? Don’t miss our blog, “Next Steps After MBBS,” for a comprehensive guide to postgraduate opportunities.
Royal College Exams: Alternation Options to Get Specialized
Besides pursuing a medical course after MBBS, you can choose to take up exams at the Royal Colleges, UK, to get specialized in a medical speciality. The Medical Council of India also recognizes the membership of Royal Colleges that is considered as equivalent to the MD/MS degree in India. Clearing the exams of Royal Colleges is an alternative option for MBBS graduates to get specialized in their favourite medical specialty.
- Royal College of Anaesthetists (RCoA)
- Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM)
- Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP)
- Royal College of Occupational Therapists (RCOT)
- Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG)
- Royal College of Ophthalmologists (RCOphth)
- Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)
- Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath)
- Royal College of Physicians (RCP)
- Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCPsych)
- Royal College of Radiologists (RCR)
- Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT)
- Royal College of Surgeons (RCS)
- Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS)
Even though it is the easiest path, clearing the exams of Royal Colleges is not a cakewalk. It demands quality time and intensive training to clear as it is considered one of the world’s toughest exams. Upon clearing the exams, you will gain membership in the respective Royal College, UK, and can start practising as a specialist in India.
Training for Royal College Exams
It is mandatory to take up training to clear the exams of Royal Colleges. If you are choosing to specialise as a physician, surgeon, paediatrician, gynaecologist, or radiologist, you can register to appear for the exams of RCP, RCS, RCPCH, RCOG, or RCR, respectively. Medical universities like Texila American University offer exclusive training to clear the Royal College exams.
- Training to Clear RCP Exam
Texila offers a structured training program to clear the exam and secure Membership in the RCP (MRCP). The MRCP exam comprises two parts: Part 1 and Part 2, Written and Clinical (PACES).
- Training to Clear RCS Exam
Texila’s training for the RCS exam will provide you with the knowledge and skills to clear Part A (written examination) and Part B (practical examination) with ease.
- Training to Clear RCPCH Exam
The training given by Texila for clearing the two parts of the RCPCH exam helps you get specialized in paediatrics.
- Training to Clear RCOG Exam
Texila is also giving training for you to clear the below RCOG exams:
- Part 1 (Written examination to evaluate basic and clinical sciences)
- Part 2 (Written examination to assess the candidates’ ability to apply their knowledge)
- Part 3 (A stand-alone clinical skills)
- Training to Clear RCR Exam
With the exclusive training from RCR exam, you can clear all the following steps with ease:
- Step 1: First – Two modules: Anatomy
- Step 2: Final Part A – Two MCQ-Based Written Papers
- Step 3: Final Part B – Oral Examination and Rapid Reporting
You can consider the following regular and online PG medical courses in India:
- Fellowship (MMSc, Blended)
- Fellowship in Clinical Cardiology
- Master of Medicine/Master of Surgery (Blended)
Here are some short-term courses which would add value to your medical career:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Post-Graduation Certificate Course in Emergency Service
- Post-Graduate Certificate Course in Critical Care
- Diabetes Management
- Training in Occupational Health
- PGDCC (Post-Graduate Diploma in Clinical Cardiology)
- Basic Life Support
While you make your decision, it is crucial to research the respective field and gather advice from first-hand sources before you commit. It is also vital that you choose an area that is in line with your passion and curiosity. This will prove to be satisfying in the long run.