After finishing an undergraduate degree in medicine, several doctors contemplate the next step in their medical career. They often need to choose between an MD vs MS degree. MS stands for Master of Surgery, whereas MD’s full form is Doctor of Medicine. MS courses focus mostly on surgical skills and expertise, while MD is a non-surgical course.
This guide will highlight MD vs. MS-which is better, including their scopes, course duration, specialisation, etc. So, let’s begin!
Understanding MD and MS
Before knowing the significant difference between MD and MS, you must understand what the courses actually are and what they cover. MD or Doctor of Medicine is mainly a two-year post-graduation medical degree that focuses on a wide range of medical knowledge, skills, and patient care.
It is most suitable for individuals who want to become medical experts in several fields like paediatrics, internal medicine, dermatology, cardiology, etc. So, all in all, MD courses emphasise research, clinical expertise, and patient management.
Now, the MS or Master of Surgery is another post-graduate medical degree that is specifically designed for individuals looking to gain skills in surgical fields. It involves orthopaedics, general surgery, gynaecology, ophthalmology, etc. So, this program emphasises hands-on training, surgical skills, and practical knowledge in the operating room.
Difference Between MD vs MS
If you wish to know MD vs MS-which is better, you must learn about their differences. It will help you decide which you must choose, depending on your preferences.
- Scope
When it comes to career scope, both medical courses offer huge opportunities to advance medical careers. While MD allows doctors to become specialists in several medical fields, the MS concentrates on surgical specialties. It prepares doctors to excel in the surgical medical field.
When you complete your MD degree, you can get several opportunities in multiple medical fields like defence, medicine, and pathology. You can become a General Physician, Cardiologist, Dermatologist, Psychiatrist, Bacteriologist, Radiation Oncologist, etc.
After completing the MS degree, you will also be exposed to multiple career growth scopes. There will be different job opportunities in both government and private sectors. You can become a Cardiac Surgeon, General Surgeon, Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dental Surgeon, Paediatric Surgeon, etc. You can even further take BDS admission in the best college to gain more expertise in the surgical dental field.
- Duration
The MBBS graduates who want to take one step ahead and pursue a post-graduate degree in the medical sector can either go for an MS or MD degree. Both the MS and MD programs will be completed in 3 years. The study cost of an MD degree can go up to INR 15 lakh, and the total fees of an MS degree can go up to INR 10 lakhs.
- Specialisations
The significant difference between MD and MS is their specialisations. Here is the table of a few specialisations of both courses.
| MD Specialisations | MS Specialisations |
| MD General Medicine | MS OBG |
| MD Cardiology | MS ENT |
| MD Paediatrics | MS Orthopaedic |
| MD Radiology | MS Ophthalmology |
| MD Pathology | |
| MD Neurology | |
| MD Dermatology | |
| MD Oncology | |
| MD Gastroenterology | |
| MD Neonatology |
- Earnings
The earnings of both MS and MD degree holders vary depending on their chosen location and specialisation. But, both MS and MD degree holders can earn high salaries.
However, the MS or the surgeons tend to get higher payouts compared to MD degree holders because of the complexities of their work and other related risks. The average salary package of an MD holder ranges from Rs.7,00,000 to Rs.15,00,000 per annum, while the MS degree holder can earn salary packages between 10,00,000 to Rs. 35,00,000.
Why Take a PG Course After MBBS?
There are multiple reasons to pursue a post-graduate degree after completing MBBS. But, whether you wish to become a dental surgeon or general surgeon, you must take up MS or MDS admission in Bangalore from the best college to further study. However, the reasons for taking the PG course are mentioned below:
Specialisation: The post-graduate course allows the doctors to gain specialised skills and knowledge in a specific field, making them highly specialised practitioners.
Improved Patient Care: The specialisation course leads to improved patient care because doctors can become experts in diagnosing and treating specific medical conditions.
Career Advancement: The MS and MD degree opens up several opportunities, including research opportunities, teaching scope, and leadership roles in hospitals.
High Earning: A PG course can help you earn higher because of the specialised expertise.
Conclusion
In your journey from MBBS to the MD or MS degree, doctors will get the chance to make a significant impact on the healthcare sector and shape their careers. However, the choice between the MS and MD degree depends on personal career goals and interests.
But, if you want guidance or wish to be admission to one of the best MBBS colleges in Bangalore, reach out to Guidacent Education Consultancy. They will help you in each step to make a better career.