The Difference Between MD and DM: Choose the Career Path Effectively
MD and DM in medical education are advanced degrees that enable doctors to specialise further. The medical journey follows a path: MBBS MD DM. After completing the MBBS, students can pursue an MD course to specialise in general medicine and advance their careers with a DM course.
This guide will help you to learn the difference between MD and DM, when to choose, the eligibility criteria, and the top colleges offering these courses.
What is MD?
MD or Doctor of Medicine is a postgraduate medical degree that allows doctors to specialise in general medicine after completing their MBBS. MD graduates can choose from a wide range of specialisations, such as Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Radiology, or Dermatology, enabling them to advance their careers as specialists in general medicine or related fields.
What is DM?
DM or Doctorate of Medicine is a super-speciality medical degree pursued after completing an MD (Doctor of Medicine). It is a highly advanced program, typically lasting three years, that focuses on specialised fields such as Cardiology, Neurology, Gastroenterology, or Oncology.
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The Difference Between MD and DM
Below is the table that highlights the difference between MD and DM to help you make an informed decision:
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Top Indian Colleges Offering MD and DM Courses
Multiple colleges in India offer MD and DM courses. Here are the differences between MD and DM and the top-ranked colleges in India.
MD Colleges in India
Here are some of the top colleges/universities in India offering MD courses along with their course fees:
If you are thinking of studying MD or DM in Bangalore, you must have a look into Medical & Dental Colleges in Bangalore. This list will help you find colleges that fit your needs and preferences.
DM Colleges in India
For those who are interested in pursuing DM, below are some of the top DM colleges, along with their course fees:
Top Colleges Abroad Offering MD and DM Courses
Candidates can also explore MD and DM courses outside India. The following table shows the MD and DM difference for top abroad colleges.
Abroad MD Colleges
Abroad DM Colleges
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Difference Between MD and DM: Eligibility Criteria
When starting a career, the candidate must meet the eligibility criteria. Every course has different requirements. Here are the MD and DM differences in terms of eligibility criteria.
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Scope of MD vs DM
An MD prepares candidates for medical practices, while a DM offers advanced specialisation in specific areas. Here is the difference between MD and DM in terms of the scope.
Difference Between MD and DM: Jobs and Salary
The job opportunities and salaries for MD and DM graduates depend on their levels of specialisation. Below is the difference between MD and DM in job roles and salaries.
MD Course: Jobs and Salary
| Job Title | Salary (INR) |
| ICU Doctor | INR 7.29 LPA |
| MBBS Doctor | INR 6.03 LPA |
| Senior Resident Doctor | INR 9.80 LPA |
| IVF Fertility Doctor | INR 4.20 LPA |
| Chief Medical Officer | INR 1.25 LPA |
| Dermatologist | INR 1.20 LPA |
DM Course: Jobs and Salary
Difference Between MD and DM: Specialisations
Both courses offer various specialisation options, allowing candidates to pursue a career in a specific field based on their interests.
MD Specialisation Courses
Here is a list of specialisations available for MD Graduates:
DM Specialisation Course
Here is the list of specialisations available for DM graduates:
MD vs DM: Which One to Choose?
The decision between pursuing MD or DM depends upon the career goal, interest, and level of specialisation within the medical field. Here are some factors to consider:
Choose MD (Doctor of Medicine) if:
- You want to provide general medical care to patients.
- You prefer a shorter duration of education to start practising medicine sooner.
- You seek flexibility in your career path.
- You wish to explore various career options within medicine.
Choose DM (Doctorate of Medicine) if:
- You are interested in a medical speciality, such as cardiology, neurology, or gastroenterology.
- You aim to become an expert in a specific field and provide advanced care.
- You want to achieve a higher level of specialisation in medicine.
- You aspire to conduct research or teach in your chosen speciality.
Understanding the difference between MD and DM is crucial for aspiring medical professionals. This guide equips candidates with the necessary information to make informed decisions about their medical education paths.
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FAQs About Difference Between MD and DM
Is a DM degree better than an MD degree?
This depends on the career goal and interest. MD focuses on general medicine while, DM is the advanced specialisation in a specific medical field.
What is DM and MD full form in medical?
The full form of MD is Doctor of Medicine, and DM is Doctorate of Medicine.
What are the different types of DM after MD?
Types of DM specialisation include Cardiology, Clinical haematology, Clinical care medicine, Gastroenterology, and more.
What is the duration of MD and DM courses?
MD course is three years, while the DM course requires an additional three years after completing MD.
What is the Age Eligibility criteria for the DM course?
The candidate must be between 21 to 37 years of age.
Are DM and PhD the same?
No, a DM is not equivalent to a PhD. A DM in Medical is clinically oriented, with a focus on patient care and the practice of medicine. A PhD is research-oriented and contributes to the body of knowledge in science.
Which degree is higher than MD?
DM - Doctorate of Medicine or DNB - Diplomate of National Board course are considered higher than MD.
How many years is DM after MD?
DM is a three-year super speciality advanced program pursued after completing MD.
Can DM do surgery?
The DM does not perform surgery. Cardiac Surgeons do heart surgery, and Invasive Cardiologists perform procedures such as cardiac catheterisations. However, cardiology in DM is not a speciality of surgery.
What is the difference between MD and DM Cardiology?
The MD in Cardiology focuses on general cardiology practice, while a DM in Cardiology provides advanced specialisation and training in the field.
Can MD Pulmonary Medicine do DM cardiology?
All MD pulmonary graduates are eligible for DM cardiology. They are also eligible for DM (Critical care) and DM (interventional pulmonaryology).
How much does a DM Doctor earn in India?
The average salary of a DM doctor in India is INR 7,11,250 LPA. The entry-level salary is ₹ 400,000 per year, and the salary of experienced workers is up to ₹ 1,500,000 per year.
Who is eligible for DM?
The candidate must have an MBBS degree followed by an MD or equivalent postgraduate degree. They must also have one year of internship experience after their MBBS degree.
What is the full form of MD?
The full form of MD is Doctor of Medicine.
Can I do DM without MD?
No. You must complete an MD or equivalent medical course. Some DM courses require clinical work experience as a practising physician.
Can MD and DM be done together?
It is not possible to pursue both MD and DM at the same time. They are separate courses with different focus and durations. After completing MD, a doctor can pursue DM.
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