PG in USA after MBBS

After completing the MBBS program in India many of the physicians plan to pursue Doctor of Medicine or MD in the USA. MD is a postgraduate program in the USA. Students seeking to get admission in MD course might have completed a medical degree before admission. As per American Association of Medical Colleges, A shortage in the national physicians is 46,000 to 90,000 in America. Aspiring physicians seeking to pursue MD course in America can check all the details about MD Course in USA, Fee structure, admission process, and other details from here. 

What is MD?

MD represents ‘Doctor of Medicine’, which is a Postgraduate Program in USA with 2-years course duration. The program is mainly focused on research, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for adult disorders.

Why Pursue MD in the USA After MBBS?

Prestigious institutions: The United States is home to numerous prestigious medical schools and universities that have a long-standing reputation for excellence in medical education. These institutions often have strong affiliations with renowned hospitals, research centers, and medical facilities.

Global recognition: A medical degree from the United States is highly regarded internationally. Graduates from U.S. medical schools often find it easier to pursue postgraduate training, residency programs, or medical careers in other countries.

Advanced technology and research: Medical schools in the United States have access to state-of-the-art facilities, advanced medical equipment, and innovative technology. This allows students to gain hands-on experience with the latest medical advancements and research breakthroughs.

Clinical experience: The United States provides a diverse patient population and a wide range of clinical settings, offering students exposure to various medical cases and healthcare practices. This breadth of experience can enhance their clinical skills and broaden their understanding of healthcare delivery.

Collaborative opportunities: Many medical schools in the United States foster collaborations with other leading institutions worldwide. This enables students to engage in research collaborations, attend conferences, and work with internationally recognized experts in their respective fields.

Eligibility to Study MD in the USA

• Applicants must have completed their classes 10 and 12.
• Must have pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biology, or another field closely connected to medicine is required as a “pre-medical course.”
• Must have scored MCAT and NEET exams with 6.5 to 7.0 and IELTS and TOEFL with 90 to 100 score. 

Cost of MD in USA

MD Course in the USA costs approximately between – 50,000 USD to 75,000 USD per year [36,56,525 INR-54,84,787 INR]. Check the top most colleges list for MD Courses, fee structure, and duration information from the following. 

Top Colleges Offering MD Course [Along With Fee Structure]

How to Study MD in USA?

Pre-Medical Degree:

Initially, applicants must have completed their undergraduate degree in the stream of science with Biology, Chemistry or Physical Science as one of the main subjects. 

MCAT Score:  

• Applicants must have cleared the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with stipulated score. 
• Candidates also required to clear an English-language proficiency test like IELTS or TOEFL
• Submit an SOP and LORs
• Get a good GRE Score.

Complete the 4-Year Medical School

Candidates must have completed the Graduate degree course with 4-years from any recognized university. 

Pass Parts 1 and 2 of USMLE

To become a practicing physician in the USA, aspiring doctors need to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). The USMLE is a three-part examination that assesses medical knowledge and clinical skills. The first two parts of the exam are typically taken before the third and fourth years of medical school, respectively. Part 1 covers basic medical principles learned in the early years of medical education, while Part 2 focuses on clinical diagnosis and disease development.

Finding Residency with Niche

After completing medical school, students must apply for residency programs in their desired specialty. Residency applications are carefully reviewed, and students are matched to their respective residency positions based on their qualifications and preferences. The residency period provides hands-on training and specialization in a specific area of medicine.

What is a Residency? 

A residency is 3 to 11 years training program. In Residency program medical school students will be trained to become a skilled and experienced physician. 

Pass Part 3 of USMLE and Finish Residency

Students must have completed the Part 3 of the USMLE program and must have completed their residency program. This improves the ability and efficiency of the medical practitioners. 

Earn Board Certification

After completing the residency, candidates can select any specialization out of 24 specializations. 

• General medicine
• Anatomy
• Anaesthesia
• Geriatric medicine
• Forensic medicine
• Physiology
• Pharmacology
• Psychiatry

Get a State License

After completing the training and board certification, A State License will be approved for the candidates. This license will be used to practice in the USA after the MD course. 

Top Medical Universities in USA

• Johns Hopkins University Medical School
• Harvard University Medical School
• University of Pennsylvania (Perelman) Medical School 
• Mayo Clinic School of Medicine (Alix)
• Columbia University Medical School 
• New York University (Grossman) Medical School 
• Washington University in St. Louis Medical School

Alternatives to Pursuing MD in USA after MBBS

Yes, pursuing a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) in the USA can be an alternative pathway for MBBS graduates who are considering a career in the medical field but may not want to go through the lengthy process of USMLE exams and residency. Opting for an MPH program provides students with a student visa, allowing them to stay in the USA for a longer period of time compared to other visa options.

By enrolling in an MPH program, students can use this period to prepare for their clinical exams, including the USMLE Step 2 CK (Clinical Knowledge) and CS (Clinical Skills) exams. Upon successful completion of the required exams and clinical rotations, students can earn both a clinical degree (MD) and a non-clinical degree (MPH) or diploma in Public Health.

The cost of pursuing an MPH program in the USA can vary depending on the university and location. Generally, you can expect the cost to be around $50,000 USD (approximately 37,44,000 INR) for the program, including the three months of clinical rotation or clerkship. It’s important to note that this cost estimate may not include additional expenses such as living expenses, textbooks, and other miscellaneous fees.

Keep in mind that the specific requirements and processes may vary for each individual, and it’s recommended to research and consult with universities and relevant authorities to get accurate and up-to-date information about the programs, visa regulations, and costs involved.

Some of the advantages are, 

Students can take a break for one semester after completing the first year program in MPH. Within this break period, students can complete clerkship for their MD course. 

Obtaining a 5-year student visa to study in the United States will facilitate your journey towards successfully clearing the USMLE-3 and pursuing a residency program. 

If you experience any challenges during the process of securing residency for an MD in the USA, having a public health degree can offer several benefits. Not only will it allow you to explore alternative career prospects, but it can also serve as a means to support your living expenses.

MD in USA Duration

The duration of an MBBS program is four years, while an MD program takes an additional three years to complete. In the USA, the MD program consists of a four-year curriculum, and the undergraduate pre-med course lasts for four years. Aspiring doctors in the USA progress through various levels of specialization to become Osteopathic Doctors, commonly referred to as DOs (Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine). Allopathic doctors are those who have obtained an MD degree exclusively. To become a DO, an additional 200 hours of training are required.

Scholarships for MD Courses in the USA

Jobs after MD in the USA

After completing the MD Course in various specializations like Radiology, Pediatrics, Anesthesia, Oncology, Internal Medicine, etc. they can start practicing hospitals and health organizations with a great pay.