OverviewM.D. of Doctor of Medicine is a highly sought after postgraduate medicine course, that candidates generally pursue after completing their M.B.B.S. undergraduate course. M.D. is always pursued in a specific specialization such as Radiology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology etc. This is a 3 year/6 academic term course which also includes a rigorous examination that tests both the theoretical and practical skills of the candidate. This course is highly focused on a practical research-based methodology instead of just theoretical knowledge. Medical Council of India is the singular authority that has the mandate to oversee, approve and recognize all the medical colleges to see if they are fit to provide this degree.Candidates need to be ready for a lot of reading studying if they wish to pursue their M.D. course. It is perhaps one of the most popular courses chosen by M.B.B.S. graduates due to many factors, including the expected remuneration after course completion. EligibilityOnly those candidates who hold an M.B.B.S. degree are eligible to apply for the M.D. courses. In addition to this, the M.B.B.S. degree must be from a university that is recognised by the Medical Council of India. The exact percentage required to apply may vary across institutes. The score rank obtained in the common entrance exam (NEET-PG, AIIMS-PG, JIPMER-PG) forms the criteria for selection admission.SpecialisationsDermatologyRadio-therapyRadio-diagnosisOrthopedicsPathologyGeneral medicineObstetrics and GynaecologyGeneral surgeryOphthalmologyPaediatricsForensic medicinePsychiatryENTPulmonary Medicine/Respiratory MedicineTransfusion Medicine/Immuno-Haematology and Blood TransfusionAnaesthesiologyGeriatricsPharmacologyPreventive and social medicine/community medicineEmergency and critical care/emergency medicineSports medicineFamily medicineBiochemistryCommunity health and administrationHospital administrationAnatomyPhysiologyThesis Requirement(i) 4 x Theory Papers.For M.D. courses in Basic Medical Sciences, the syllabus will be as per the allotted distribution. Each paper will consist of 2 x essay type questions (of 25 marks each) and 5 x short answer questions (of 10 marks each).Model question papers are available for each specialisation.For M.D. courses in Clinical disciplines, Paper-I will consist of Basic Medical Sciences and Paper-IV will consist of topics from Recent Advances in the concerned subjects.Paper-I of all Clinical subjects will have 10 x short answers (of 10 marks each).Paper-II to Paper-IV will have 2 x essay type questions (of 25 marks each) and 5 x short answer questions (of 10 marks each). Model question papers on each specialisation is easily available online.(ii) Basic Medical Sciences(iii) In order to ensure a smooth assessment and evaluation process, the theory examinations are generally held before the clinical/practical examinations.Written ExaminationAt the completion of the course (3 years/6 academic terms) the candidates have to undergo a mandatory written examination, which is organised to evaluate and certify the candidate’s skill, both theoretical and practical.It is common practice that candidates are required to secure a minimum of 50% marks, both in theory and in practical sections separately for passing the examination.Theory Portions(i) 4 x Theory Papers.For M.D. courses in Basic Medical Sciences, the syllabus will be as per the allotted distribution. Each paper will consist of 2 x essay type questions (of 25 marks each) and 5 x short answer questions (of 10 marks each).Model question papers are available for each specialisation.For M.D. courses in Clinical disciplines, Paper-I will consist of Basic Medical Sciences and Paper-IV will consist of topics from Recent Advances in the concerned subjects.Paper-I of all Clinical subjects will have 10 x short answers (of 10 marks each).Paper-II to Paper-IV will have 2 x essay type questions (of 25 marks each) and 5 x short answer questions (of 10 marks each). Model question papers on each specialisation is easily available online.(ii) Basic Medical Sciences(iii) In order to ensure a smooth assessment and evaluation process, the theory examinations are generally held before the clinical/practical examinations.Clinical/Practical and Oral(i)In order to test the candidate’s knowledge and level of competence in the Clinical Sciences subjects, they are required to undergo an examination which contains 1 x long case and 2 x short cases.(ii) To test the candidate’s skill and competence for making valid observations on experiments and laboratory studies they are required to give a practical examination in Basic Medical Sciences .(iii) To test each candidate’s knowledge about the subject and to know their competence in investigative procedures, therapeutic technique and other aspects of the specialisation they are required to undergo an oral examination.Is it suitable for you?Candidates must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills as they would be dealing with a large variety of people.Candidates must stay updated with the improvements in the field of technological advancements medical innovations.Patience physical stamina are key traits to meet the gruelling demands of this profession.Candidates must possess great skill in performing tasks, especially with their hands.Employment opportunitiesBiomedical CompaniesHealth CentresHospitalsLaboratoriesMedical CollegesMedical Foundation/TrustNon-Profit OrganizationsNursing HomesPharmaceutical and Biotechnology CompaniesPolyclinicsPrivate PracticeResearch Institutes Job typesAnaesthetist or AnaesthesiologistBacteriologistCardiologistChief Medical Officer (CMO)ChiropodistClinical Laboratory ScientistDermatologistE.N.T. SpecialistEnterologistGastroenterologistGeneral PractitionerGeneral SurgeonGynaecologistHospital AdministratorMedical Admitting OfficerNeurologistNutritionistObstetricianOrthopaedistPaediatricianPathologistPhysicianPhysiologistPsychiatristRadiologistResident Medical Officer