Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (M.B.B.S)

The Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery are each first professional degrees awarded to candidates upon graduation from a medical school – however, they are both awarded as one degree and treated at one. Those that wish to pursue a professional career in the medical field, or wish to become practicing doctors have to complete this program.

Course Overview:

Recognition: MBBS is recognised in nations that follow the UK model, whereas nations following the United States and Canadian model refer to it as an MD.

Duration: 5 – 6 years, depending on country

Specializations: General Practice, Radiology, Cardiology, Paediatrics, Anaesthetics, etc.

Assessment and Grading: Varies on the basis of institute and country

Global Differences:

The undergraduate program in Medicine varies greatly from country to country, owing to the nature of the medical field.

For instance, in the US and Canada, in order to be able to practice medicine, aspirants must first complete at least 3 years of pre-med courses at the university level, and then move on to four years of medical school at the end of which they are awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

However, in India and other countries that follow the UK model of medical education and certification, an MBBS degree may take anywhere between 4-6 years, along with foundation training and mandatory internships.

Why do a program in Medicine? /Is it Right for me?

The Medicinal profession is a prestigious one that is always bound to be around. However, it is just as exacting on personal and financial resources on candidates owing to its intensive nature of study and competitive entrance criteria. The idea of helping people, albeit noble, must also come with the dedication and preparedness for the intellectual and emotional demands that this profession may exact.

In choosing the degree that is correct for you, ask yourself the following questions

Subjects: What subjects you wish to study?

Curriculum: Review the course content and teaching style thoroughly and ask yourself whether it is what you wish to learn and pursue further in your life.

Career Options: Does the degree put you on a path to realizing your career aspirations? Are you interested in a career in Medicine?

Entry Requirements: Do you have the appropriate entry requirements? E.g. Work experience or appropriate undergraduate degree.

Interests: Do your interests lie in the field of Medicine? Does the practice of medicine and the humanistic aspect of the profession interest you?