MD or Doctor of Medicine
About MD or Doctor of Medicine
MD or Doctor of Medicine is a postgraduate specialised course, which can be pursued after completing MBBS. It enables the pursuer to acquire in-depth knowledge and hands-on training on a variety of subjects including Anatomy, Radiotherapy, General Medicine, etc. It helps in accurate diagnosis
Eligibility criteria for MD
MD is one of the most sought after courses that requires rigorous study and training of many years. After completing MBBS and an internship from a recognised medical college the candidates can pursue M.D. It is a specialized course of 3 years duration. However, to seek admission in this coveted course, the candidate would require to sit for NEET PG, the national level entrance test. Some renowned medical colleges like AIIMS, JIPMER, and Medical Colleges under Delhi University conduct their own entrance tests. To secure a berth in AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences), the candidate would have to clear AIIMS PG. Similarly, to get into JIPMER (Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research), they need to qualify JIPMER PG or DUMET for Medical Colleges under Delhi University. However, in all the medical institutions, admission is granted on the basis of merit. Some institutions may take an interview of the candidate before granting final admission. The area of MD specializations are as follows:
- MD in Cardiology
- MD in Clinical Haematology
- MD in Clinical Pharmacology
- MD in Endocrinology
- MD in Gastroenterology
- MD in Medical Gastroenterology
- MD in Medical Oncology
- MD in Neonatology
- MD in Neurology
- MD in Neurology
- MD in Neuro-Radiology
- MD in Pulmonary Medicine
- MD in Rheumatology
Skills required to be an MD
In-depth theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the field are the foremost factors to work successfully as an MD The job of an MD demands responsibility, sincerity, self-confidence and distinct skills and only by perfecting and honing those skills in everyday work, one can establish oneself as a successful medical practitioner. The vital skills required to be a successful MD are listed below:
Diagnosis Skill | Ability to diagnose disease on the basis of its symptoms |
Interpersonal Skill | Ability to develop a relationship with the patients, and build their faith and trust |
Communication Skill | Strong verbal and listening skill to communicate with the patient and his family |
Time Management Skill | Punctuality, ability to work for long hours and handle the pressure |
Perseverance and Endurance | Possess patience to listen and devote hours to the patients |
Team Working Skill | Ability to work in a team along with other physicians, experts and technicians |
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skill | Ability to handle a critical case and apply the remedial measure to provide relief to the patient |
Use of modern treatment techniques | Must be acquainted with the modern treatment techniques and medical innovations |
Career Options and Job ProspectsMD Course Structure
The duration of the MD course is of 3 years. The entire course is divided into 6 semesters with 2 semesters in a year. The entire course lays emphasis on lectures, practical work, seminars, research and thesis work, oral examination, group discussions, etc. The would-be doctors acquire in-depth knowledge of the subject along with exposure to practical work in the hospitals. They all work in the hospitals as ‘Senior Residents’. Here is a glimpse of the semester wise curriculum for the MD course :
Semester 1 | Semester 2 |
Applied basic science knowledge | Biostatistics and clinical epidemiology |
Diseases with reference to General Medicine | Diagnostic investigation and procedures |
Recent advances in Medicine |
Semester 3 | Semester 4 |
Monitoring seriously ill patients | Ability to carry out research |
Counselling patients and relatives | Ward patient management |
Ability to teach undergraduate students | OPD patient management |
Semester 5 | Semester 6 |
Long and short topic presentations | Journal conferences |
Ward rounds, case presentations and discussions | PG case presentation skills |
Clinico-radiological and Clinico-pathological conferences | Research review |
To pass the MD Examination, a candidate must secure 50% marks in each subject. If he fails to secure the minimum qualifying marks in any of the subjects, he would have to re-take the test.
Job and Career Opportunities for MD
There are ample job opportunities for MD. Such doctors possess clinical expertise and they are always in demand. After the completion of MD, they may begin working in different Government hospitals as well as private hospitals and nursing homes. They may also get into work in the Bio-medical companies. Those who take an interest in teaching can join the medical colleges as lecturers and thesis guide. They may also get involved in research work and publications and authoring chapters for medical textbooks. Here is a list of areas where MD doctors can work:
- Government hospitals
- Private Super Speciality Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Health Centres
- Medical Colleges
- Bio-medical Companies
- Laboratories
- Research Institutes
- Medical Foundation and trust
- Pharmaceuticals and Bio-technology companies
- Poly Clinics
- Non-profit Organizations etc.
A successful MD doctor can also carry on private practice and set up his own clinic and nursing home and treatment planning of diseases.
Average salary of an MD
After years of hard toil, relentless efforts and a rigorous schedule, an MD doctor starts reaping benefits when he begins to practice. No doubt, the earning depends upon his/her experience, dedication and devotion to the job, but the pay package is always lucrative. In government hospitals, the pay scale of an MD doctor is decided by the health department. In private hospitals, the respective governing body determines the salary of the doctor. In determining the pay package, they obviously consider his qualifications, experience, skills and service record. An MD doctor can earn more if he starts a private practice. However, the working area or the location is also a determinant factor in this regard. On average, an MD doctor earns Rs 20 lakhs per annum in a government hospital and Rs. 6 lakhs – Rs 10 lakhs in private hospitals.
