MD vs DM: Difference Between MD and DM

The DM full form in medical is “Doctorate of Medicine”. One needs to be a high-level professional in this medical field. A student completing this course gets a Postgraduate Super Speciality Degree—the course duration is 3 years, including the examination duration. The candidates will get theoretical knowledge, clinical and practical skills, and training for research methodology, as well as develop the right communication attitude during the course.

DM programs are intensive and research-focused, allowing doctors to become leaders in their chosen medical field. For example, they might become a "DM in Cardiology" to specialise in heart-related issues. So, DM is an advanced degree that makes a doctor an expert in a specific area of medicine.

The MD full Form in medical is “Doctor of Medicine.” It is a postgraduate or master’s degree. Only after earning an MBBS degree is a candidate eligible for an MD. In many countries, an MD degree is generally acquired after completing a Bachelor's degree and attending medical school for another four years. During this degree program, students gain comprehensive medical knowledge and practical training.

After obtaining their MD, individuals can practice medicine, diagnose and treat patients, and often choose to specialise in various medical fields through additional training and residencies. MDs are crucial in the healthcare system as primary care physicians, specialists, surgeons, and other healthcare professionals.

Also, Read: DEGREE VS DIPLOMA in Canada 

The main difference between MD and DM is the level of education and specialisation. MD is the foundational medical degree that allows individuals to practice general medicine; however, DM is an advanced, specialised degree that leads to expertise in a specific medical field. The table below will help you differentiate between MD and DM more clearly.

Some other points that you can look into are:

• Although the DM degree is considered higher than the MD, the Medical Council of India awards both.

• Doctors with a DM degree usually get more reputation and salary than doctors with an MD degree.

• MD is a postgraduate degree taken after completing an MBBS, and DM is a super speciality degree taken after completing an MD, MS, or DNB.

The advantages of pursuing an MD vs DM degree in the medical field differ in expertise and specialisation.

1. MD holders typically provide general medical care and tend to work as general practitioners or family physicians.

2. MD programs focus on building a solid foundation in medical knowledge and practice.

3. MD is a primary medical degree that qualifies individuals to become medical doctors.

4. The scope of MD is broad, covering various medical fields, and MDs can work in different areas of medicine.

1. DM programs are highly specialised and research-oriented, requiring additional years of study.

2. DM allows doctors to gain in-depth expertise in a specific medical field, such as cardiology, neurology, or gastroenterology.

3. DM holders often become specialists in their chosen area and may work in advanced medical settings, research, or teaching.

4. DM is an advanced, specialised medical degree earned after completing an MD.

• McMaster University

• The University of Melbourne

• Queen’s University

• Western Sydney University

• University of Pittsburgh

Below are the several MD degrees which are approved by the medical council:

• University Of Auckland

• University Of Melbourne

• National University Of Singapore

• Harvard University

• University Of Oxford

Various DM degrees approved by the medical council are given below.

To pursue an MD degree, candidates must first satisfy the qualifying standards from one of India’s medical universities. These are taken for practically all PG medical courses in India. Further, results from the NEET-PG exams are used to assess eligibility for the program.

Exams like NEET-PG are essential for MD Medicine Counseling meetings, held by the appropriate body across India, and would be the basis for admissions. All students must first take the NEET-PG exam, which is valid for the academic year they are determined to begin the programme. Once the NEET-PG results are declared, the MD admission process will start with accepting the merit list.

Now that we have discussed the eligibility criteria and admission process for MD let us move on to the DM programme. Students for the DM programme must pass an entrance exam, which is conducted by both the medical schools and the state government. A candidate must have an average score of 50% to apply to the program. One student is chosen per year to take the course. Any student interested in pursuing a doctorate in medicine must prepare for tests like the  INI SS, NEET, and INI CET exams.

Also, Read: 1 Year Courses in Canada for International Students

Some eligibility criteria need to be fulfilled to pursue an MD.

• Bachelor's Degree: Before applying to a medical university, you must complete your bachelor's degree program in the applicable area. 

• Medical College Admission Test: To be admitted to a college in the United States, you must take the MCAT.

• GPA: While you pursue your undergraduate course, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is required

• Letter of Recommendation: Generally, medical college applications require a letter of recommendation from professionals or professors to be attested to with the form.

• Interview: various medical colleges interview to determine your preference for the program.

• Medical School: Once approved, you will spend the next four years at a medical university pursuing your MD.

Some eligibility criteria need to be fulfilled to pursue DM.

• Equivalent or MD: You must complete an equivalent or MD medical course.

• Work experience: A few DM courses require clinical work experience as a practising physician.

• Entrance examination: You may need to pass an entrance exam depending on the university and country-specific to your chosen speciality.

• Academic Record: To be admitted to the DM program, you must score well in the MD.

• Letter of Recommendation: This document is required in the medical field.

• Interview: It is necessary to attend an interview as a part of the selection process.

MD Salary

The minimum salary of an MD graduate is approximately INR 8 lakhs. However, it depends on your specialisation in the MD, your experiences, skills, and what you are working as.

DM Salary

DM courses have a very high value, and the return on investment can prove very fruitful, too. However, DM graduates can earn a salary starting from INR 1.4 lakhs and going up to INR 30 lakhs. It is based on your DM speciality, experience, and job profile.

It entirely depends on what to choose based on your interests, level of specialisation, and career goals you wish to pursue in the medical field. Below are some factors you can consider while opting for the course to study abroad.

• If you are interested in various medical fields and want flexibility in the career path you wish to pursue MD

• If you're going to provide general medical care to a broad range of patients.

• If you wish to gain a solid medical foundation and decide on a specialisation later.

• If you prefer a shorter duration of education and want to start practising medicine sooner. 

• To gain a higher level of specialisation, you must dedicate a few more years to your education.

• If you are interested in the medical speciality field, like neurology, cardiology, or gastroenterology.

• If you aspire to work in specialised medical settings, research, or teach in your chosen field.

• If you are committed to becoming an expert in a specific field and providing advanced care.

After graduating, one should only concentrate on and worry about the speciality courses, not the super-speciality courses. In most nations, one does not typically need a doctorate or a master’s to practise medicine. Pursuing the profession just increases value and knowledge. Hence, it is entirely up to the student to decide whether to continue studying or practising.

Both surgeons and doctors have an equal range of practice. They choose their professions independently. Choosing which career is best suited for them may take some time because all courses and careers have different challenges. Moreover, graduates can work for a while after getting their MBBS degree to gain more knowledge and real-world experience.

The opportunities and roles available to every student with an MD degree and those with a DM degree differ significantly due to the various levels of education and specialisation. Here's a comparison of what you can do after each of these degrees:

MD is the foundational medical degree that allows individuals to practice general medicine, while DM is an advanced, specialised degree that leads to expertise in a specific medical field. The choice between MD and DM depends on career goals and the desired level of specialisation within the medical profession. Choosing between an MD and a DM degree can be a pivotal decision on your path in the medical field. Both are esteemed qualifications, but they lead to different destinations in the world of healthcare.

We hope the complete guide shared in the blog regarding MD vs DM: Difference between MD and DM has provided you with valuable insights. However, if you are seeking more information on this topic or on how to study in Canada, contact our expert country counsellors at any branch of Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). They’ll help you in every step of your study abroad journey. Visit our website for free online counselling, or contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011 for personalised support.

1. What is the complete form of DM and MD?

DM stands for Doctorate of Medicine, done after 3 years of MD, whereas MD stands for Doctor of Medicine, and it can be pursued after MBBS in the medical field.

2. What is the difference between DM vs MD?

DM is a post-doctoral course. To pursue a DM course, one must first earn an MD degree; however, an MD program is a postgraduate medical degree course.

3. How long is the duration of DM and MD?

The duration of the courses to pursue MD is 3 years, and DM after MD is also for 3 years.

4. What are the eligibility criteria for DM and MD?

The eligibility criteria for DM and MD differ depending on the course you choose, depending on what you want to study.

5. Which is better, DM or MD?

It entirely depends on what to choose based on your interests, level of specialisation, and career goals you wish to pursue in the medical field. 

6. What is MD's salary?

The minimum salary of an MD graduate is approximately INR 8 lakhs. However, it depends on your specialisation in the MD, your experiences, skills, and what you are working as.

7. What is DM's salary?

DM courses have a very high value, and the return on investment can prove very fruitful, too. However, DM graduates can earn a salary starting from INR 1.4 lakhs and going up to INR 30 lakhs. It is based on your DM speciality, experience, and job profile.

8. What are the best colleges where MDs can study overseas?

Some of the best colleges for MDs to study overseas are McMaster University, The University of Melbourne, Queen’s University, Western Sydney University and the University of Pittsburgh.

9. What are the best colleges for DM to study abroad?

Some of the best colleges for DM to study abroad are the University Of Auckland, the University Of Melbourne, the National University Of Singapore, Harvard University and the University Of Oxford.

10. What is the minimum score required by a candidate to pursue DM?

Generally, candidates must score at least 50%, and SC, OBC, or ST candidates must score 40% to pursue DM.