Higher Studies after MBBS: Career Options and Scope

Higher Studies after MBBS: Completing a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) is a major milestone for any aspiring medical professional. However, it is often just the beginning of a long and fulfilling career in medicine. After obtaining an MBBS degree, many doctors choose to pursue higher studies in a specialized field of medicine. This can lead to greater career opportunities, higher salaries, and the ability to make a greater impact on patient care. In this article, we will explore the different options available to those who wish to pursue higher studies after MBBS, and the benefits that come with this further education.

What to expect after MBBS?

After completing an MBBS degree, there are several paths that a medical graduate can choose to follow. One option is to enter the workforce as a general practitioner or a resident doctor in a hospital. Another option is to pursue higher studies in a specialized field of medicine, such as cardiology, neurology, or surgery.

If a medical graduate decides to pursue higher studies, they can expect to undergo rigorous training and education in their chosen field. This may involve completing a postgraduate degree, such as a Master of Science in Medicine or a Doctor of Medicine (MD), or undergoing a residency program. These programs typically last for several years and involve both coursework and practical training.

During higher studies, medical graduates can expect to gain a deeper understanding of their chosen field and develop advanced skills and knowledge. They may also have the opportunity to conduct research and publish academic papers. In addition, higher studies can open up new career opportunities, including roles in academia or research.

Traditional Specialisations after completing MBBS 

When candidates are deciding what to do after completing MBBS, they pursue a certain specialisation in their area of interest and passion. Medicos mostly prefer courses such as an MD/MS or a Diploma in Medicine. When it comes to admission to MD/MS courses in India, it takes place through some common PG entrance exams such as NEET PG and INI CET. Various specialisations available under MD, MS and different diploma programs are stated in the table given below:

PG Specialisations after completing MBBS:

Forthcoming Courses in Medical Science and Technology

One of the most promising and upcoming streams is a Masters in Medical Science and Technology. Under this course, doctors are trained for top-notch medical research in various aspects such as Medical Imaging and Image Analysis, Regenerative Medicine, Biomaterials and Implants, Medical Statistics, Stem Cells, Telemedicine, Early Cancer Detection, Biomedical Instrumentation, Immuno-technology, Clinical Biomarkers, Recombinant DNA Technology, Biosensors, Regenerative Medicine, Biomedical Simulation. 

Options for Studying Abroad

MBBS graduates can also choose to pursue higher studies in various countries but the process of studying medicine abroad is different. For example, if one wishes to study medicine in the UK, they have to appear for the PLAB exam. Similarly, in the USA, there is USMLE for aspiring post-graduation candidates and Australia has the Australia Medical Council which conducts the AMC exams. All these exams will help students begin their post-graduation studies in their respective countries along with job opportunities after the completion of their course. 

MBBS Courses and Career Options:

Also Read:BAMS vs BHMS: Eligibility, Fees, Job Scope and Salary

Other Opportunities After MBBS 

There are many opportunities available for MBBS graduates after completing graduate studies such as:

Working for the Government in Various Health Service Departments

The central and state government recruits MBBS graduates in different government job profiles and the recruitment process is mostly done through the Combined Medical Services (CMS). Through the CMS, UPSC recruits doctors for several central government institutes like Railways, Government hospitals, Municipal corporations, and dispensaries. These are permanent jobs and eventually, candidates are also offered administrative work in different government health services. There are also many state-service exams that open doors to job opportunities for MBBS graduates in different states. 

Also Read: Difference between UPSC CMS and NEET PG

Jobs in Defence Service

Jobs in the defence sector is not limited to engineers and other graduates- doctors are equally in demand for defence services such as the army, navy, and air force. MBBS graduates are recruited by the Indian Defence Ministry who work in the infantry units, and army hospitals, as well as provide emergency services. These medical graduates recruited by the Indian Defence Ministry are also trained in military camps and then appointed to permanent positions. This training is important so that doctors can work in sync with all army personnel, and gauge the emergency situations wherever army and defence personnel are required to step in and rescue people or provide them with relief. 

Jobs in Hospital Chains

There are various hospital chains operating in the private sector where wonderful work opportunities are available for MBBS graduates who are yet to decide what they want to do further in their field of education and career. Some of the topmost hospital chains in this category are Apollo Hospitals, Fortis Hospitals, and Max Hospitals. Doctors working in these private hospitals are always rewarded with a handsome salary. 

Research Opportunities and Academics

MBBS doctors with an inclination and passion for research can find it very satisfying to pursue the same and become a part of the academic community. They will be responsible for training aspiring doctors and medical professionals. Several top pharmaceutical firms offer promising job prospects to medicos in their units of research and development. Many renowned and esteemed medical institutions offer excellent research opportunities such as AIIMS, PGIMER, JIPMER, ICMR, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, and Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), etc. 

Career in Administration or Hospital Management

MBBS graduates with management skills can choose to study Hospital Management and improve their knowledge of medicine along with honing their capability of handling a management role. We are well aware of the fact that if a hospital's day-to-day activities are well-managed, then the services are highly organised and the hospital body becomes immensely functional. There are abundant hospitals that recruit doctors wherever they deem fit for managerial positions. Doctors are equipped with the knowledge of understanding certain problems better than others and they can tackle challenges in a much more efficient way. Such doctors in the health and hospital management industry are highly sought after. In most cases, doctors who have completed their MBBS course and pursued management programs in their post-graduation studies are offered such positions. There are several Masters-level programs namely Health Administration and Hospital Management where doctors are taught to manage multi-specialty hospitals, different special clinics, and insurance companies, to name a few. 

Scope in Biomedical Engineering and Sciences

Candidates who have a flair for technology, machines and how they work can also opt for their higher studies in the specialised field of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences. They will be working on the development of machines and instruments that will be put to use in different healthcare services. These courses require students to acquire engineering skills and strategies in order to make advancements and inventions in the field of medical science which will in return improve the healthcare industry and provide better medical care. 

Self-employed Through Private Clinics and/or Public Health

Many medicos choose to set up a clinic of their own and begin their practise of medicine at a private firm. However, it comes with its own set of challenges. But many MBBS graduates choose this option to gain hands-on experience and earn money at the same time. 

The demand for doctors in the field of public health is also increasing day by day. There are a lot of career opportunities in this field where professionals can become social workers, research consultants, counsellors, entrepreneurs, trainers, and also work in the psychiatric department. Other than that, MBBS graduates who are considering working for NGOs also need to keep in mind that not every job offered by NGOs is unpaid. Some of the prominent NGOs that offer excellent work opportunities are WHO, UNO, and Medecins Sans Frontieres.

NEET Aspirants Talk About Their Future Plans After MBBS - Video

For more focused options on what after MBBS, it is also essential that you choose the right medical colleges and MBBS specialisations carefully. Find out the medical colleges that offer the best courses and ROI for MBBS programmes at CollegeDekho.