Difference Between MD vs DM: Which is Better?

DURATION	3 years
SPECIALIZATIONS / SUBJECTS	Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Physiology, Pharmacology, Physiology, etc.
ENTRANCE EXAMS	NEET PG and INI CET
BOOKS RELATED TO MD	Gary’s Anatomy (39^th edition) Basic Histology Text & Atlas (10^th edition) Medical Embryology Medical Genetics (3^rd edition)
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY IN INDIA	10,00,000 INR

Note that the DM course duration is minimum of three years. However, it can vary for some colleges and specializations.

This course is of 3 years which includes the exam duration. The DM medical abbreviation is different from MD degree in medicine. As you get practical and theoretical knowledge and learn through clinical training and various research methodologies, DM is the highest degree in the field of medicine.

Now this is what is DM in medical field. Now, let us know more about the MD degree in the medical domain.

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What is MD in Medical?

On the other hand, MD full form is Doctor of Medicine. However, despite having similar names, MD vs DM are different.

DURATION	Minimum 3 years
SPECIALIZATIONS / SUBJECTS	Cardiology, Neurology, Medical Oncology, Clinical Hematology, Clinical Pharmacology, etc.
ENTRANCE EXAMS	INI CET, NEET SS, and INI SS
BOOKS RELATED TO DM	Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice by Ronald Hoffman and others Wintrobe’s Clinical Hematology by John P. Greer and others
AVERAGE ANNUAL SALARY IN INDIA	15,00,000 INR

The MD course duration is of 3 years in India and its curriculum is divided into 6 academic terms. It is a professional program done by surgeons and physicians in several nations. Now you know what is MD in medical. This 2-3 year degree is also considered comparable to a PhD. The MD spectrum is broad and covers a variety of specializations.

Now that you know about MD and DM degrees let us explore the differences between the two.

Difference Between MD vs DM

There is a lot of difference between MD and DM. This section will help you understand each one of them through the table below:

Doctor of Medicine (MD)	Doctorate of of Medicine (DM)
This is the primary medical degree which is also classified as the post graduation in medicine.	This is the specialized medical degree. It is also compared to PhD or post doctorate.
You are eligible to pursue MD after completing MBBS or equivalent.	A candidate can pursue DM only after completing MD or an equivalent degree.
This degree can continue for 2 to 4 years.	DM takes a minimum of 3 years to complete.
People with an MD degree get to practice as a physician or get other general roles.	People with an DM degree work as specialized consultants for example, neurology, cardiology, etc.
The areas you can explore with an MD are broader.	The DM degree is for the ones who want to contribute to research and teaching opportunities.
The average annual salary of an MD is 8-10 LPA.	The average annual salary of an DM is 10-15 LPA

This table shows MD vs DM as two related but different programs. Now, let us know about the admission process for both degrees.

Admission Process for DM and MD

In order to pursue degrees like MD and DM, it is vital to match the eligibility criteria for them.

For MD, exams like NEET PG are necessary. The merit list is generated on the basis of candidates' performance. If you are on the list then you can pursue an MD degree in a medical college of your preference. Tier 1 colleges in India often accept these national level exams as a medium to admit great students.

For a DM in medical degree, applicants must pass an entrance exam from INI CET, NEET SS, or INI SS. Moreover, to apply for the program, you must have a minimum score of 50% and an MD course even if you wish to study abroad. For example, to study in USA medical college, you would need to pass these entrance tests.

Also Read: Scholarships in USA for Indian Students!

These are the application processes for MD vs DM degree in medicine. Now, let us discuss the top colleges for MD abroad and its curriculum.

Top Colleges for MD Abroad

These are the top medical colleges to study MD in medical abroad:

McMaster University, Canada
The University of Melbourne, Australia
Queen's University, Canada
Western Sydney University, Australia
The University of Pittsburgh, USA

There are several different entrance tests for studying in these countries. For instance, if you study in Canada, you will have to take the MCCQE Part I.

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Now, take a look at the syllabus or subjects of the MD course:

MD Degree Curriculum

The year wise detailed syllabus of the MD in medical is in the table below:

TIME PERIOD / LEVEL	SUBJECT DETAILS
1 Month Orientation	You learn basic sciences and systematic medicine.
1^st Year Beginner level	You involve into procedural abilities and ward work.
2^nd Year Intermediate level	Students learn specialized procedural skills and emergency with independent duties and procedures. Moreover, you learn about respiratory management abilities and writing thesis.
3^rd year	This is where you work in ICUs and NICUs for casuality calls and other independent duties.

This table shows the brief curriculum of MD. As noted before, the specialized procedures initiate in the second year and students start from the beginning in their first year. These are the details on the MD program syllabus. Now, let us move on to the next section and discuss the DM course similarly.

Top Colleges for DM Abroad

These are some of the best medical colleges in the world for pursuing a DM degree abroad:

The University of Auckland, New Zealand
The University of Melbourne, Australia
National University of Singapore
Harvard University, USA
University of Oxford, UK

To practice medicine abroad, you have to take additional exams. For instance, after your study in UK, you want to work as a doctor there, you have to take the PLAB test.

DM Degree Curriculum

You are now aware of what is DM in medical. As noted before, DM is an advanced medical degree that requires at least 3 years to complete. Moreover, it also requires you to complete your UG and PG medical programs with a great score. However, as DM is a specialized degree, hence, the curriculum of DM is different for every specialization. Thus, there are different subjects and specifications for each one of them.

Now, take a look at the factors that can depend on choosing MD vs DM degrees.

Which One to Choose: MD vs DM?

In most nations, it is not required for a doctor to have a super specialty course to practice medicine. Moreover, there is a great significance of both MD and DM degrees. However, if you aspire to pursue one specialization in medicine further, a Doctorate of Medicine (DM) is the course. However, your performance will be a vital factor in defining your success.

Also Read: Which Country is Best For MBBS?

Furthermore, it is an individual's preference and future aspirations. Thus, the battle of MD vs DM is won by the one that suits your vision and career vision. Let us now learn more about the eligibility criteria of MD and DM.

Eligibility Criteria for DM and MD

The eligibility criteria for MD and DM course can differ in every country and even college. Thus, let us look at the common grounds for both:

Eligibility Criteria for MD

To pursue an MD in medicine, you must have:

A Bachelor's Degree (MBBS or equivalent)
A Good Score in Entrance Exam
LORs
Clear Interview (if any)

Eligibility Criteria for DM

A PG Degree (an MD or equivalent)
Work Experience
A Good Sore in Entrance Exam
Good Academic Records
LORs
Clear Interview (if any)

These are the eligibility criteria which is globally accepted. However, many medical colleges often add on their specifications. Let us now move on to the next section and learn more about the career opportunities for an MD vs DM degree.

Also Read: Study MBBS in Australia

Career Opportunities and Salary after MD and DM

The starting salary for an MD graduate lies between 2 LPA to 5 LPA at entry level positions. However, for a DM, the average salary is between 10 to 12 LPA in India. There is a lot of scope in medicine after MD and DM. However, for every specialization, there is a different pay role:

After MD

JOB PROFILES	AVERAGE SALARY
Neurologist	2 LPA - 23 LPA
Cardiologist	1 LPA - 97 LPA
Dentistry	0.3 LPA - 5 LPA
Psychiatry	1.2 LPA - 22 LPA
Urologist	2.3 LPA - 93 LPA

After DM

JOB PROFILES	AVERAGE SALARY
Clinical Pharmacologist	4.5 LPA
Endocrinologist	7 LPA
Immunologist	6.3 LPA
Cardiologist	15 LPA
Physician	7.2 LPA

These were the various specializations that you can choose from.

To sum up, there are several factors that impact your decision to go with MD vs DM. Yet, the most vital one is your future vision. Thus, it is better and wiser to consider all of your interests and align them with your potential. Therefore, study abroad consultants in Kerala suggest students jot down their interests. Moreover, you can do this even before choosing a course or program to study.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Which is Higher - MD or DM?

The degree of DM (Doctorate of Medicine) is higher than MD (Doctor of Medicine). There is a great difference between MD and DM. MD is compared to the PG degree in medicine whereas, DM is like a PhD degree.

Q2. Is MD Higher Than MBBS?

Yes, an MBBS is like an undergraduate degree in medicine. However, an MD in medical is a PG degree.

Q3. Can an MD Perform Surgery?

In India, doctors can't perform surgery just after an MD course. However, they can perform surgeries after completing a surgeon course of specialization. It can be done right after MBBS as well.