Deciding to study medicine is a major commitment that should be made after careful consideration of different career paths and options. Surprisingly, not many medical aspirants know of options apart from MBBS. If you’re passionate about healthcare and wish to make a difference in lives, you need to make the right decision with proper contemplation.
For your understanding, let’s dissect the three major options: MBBS, FMGE, and USMLE and weigh in on their merits and demerits so you can make an informed decision about the path that best aligns with your aim and aspirations.
MBBS:
It’s an abbreviation of Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. A 5-year course with an additional one-year internship at an affiliated hospital, MBBS is the usual choice for several medical aspirants. The curriculum encompasses a wide range, with anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, forensic medicine, community medicine, surgery, medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology, with several other specialties to study. There are clinical rotations in MBBS, meaning that students get first-hand experience as future doctors in several departments, including medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology, to cite a few.
There are several advantages to choosing to pursue an MBBS career. For starters, it offers the medical aspirant a wide range of career opportunities where they could either work as a general practitioner or choose to specialize in cardiology, ophthalmology, oncology, neurology, etc. They could also contribute to the academic section through medical research and advancements or become faculty members at medical colleges and universities. Additionally, several public health organizations are constantly looking for MBBS doctors to collaborate with them to improve community health. An MBBS doctor may also choose to hold an administrative position in hospitals or healthcare organizations. MBBS is a globally accepted degree recognized worldwide, enabling practice opportunities abroad. One studying and practicing MBBS may be exposed to a diverse range of patients with different health issues, which leads to the maximization of their clinical experience.
The demerits or disadvantages are, however, present despite several benefits. For instance, a specialized MBBS doctor may not fetch the same amount of earnings as a specialized doctor or one practicing in a developed country. The curriculum of MBBS is extensive, requiring extra hours of study and clinical rotations.
FMGE:
The Foreign Medical Graduate Examination, abbreviated as FMGE, is a compulsory licensing exam for citizens of India, restricted to only those who have completed medical education from foreign universities to practice it in their own country. Conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE), it is an examination administered to ensure the competency of foreign medical graduates. The exam format is that of a multiple-choice questionnaire with only a single stage. The subjects that form the syllabus of the exam are anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, pharmacology, microbiology, forensic medicine, community medicine, surgery, medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology.
The advantage of getting selected in FMGE allows the medical practitioner to practice in their home country. The FMGE-qualified doctors are also allowed to opt for government jobs in healthcare institutions in India. The demerit, however, is that the exam is extremely competitive with a high failure rate and has a low earning potential as compared to USMLE graduates or healthcare practitioners in advanced countries.
USMLE:
The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) is a three-series exam devised to assess the knowledge levels and clinical skills of international medical graduates (IMGs) wishing to be doctors in the United States. The exam is known to be rigorous and competitive, requiring dedication and preparation from the candidate. Similar to FMGE, it has a multiple-choice exam format but consists of three exams or stages, unlike one. The advantage of choosing USMLE is that it offers a high earning potential to the practitioner and opens several opportunities for prestigious residency and fellowship programs. It also is recognized globally.
In addition to being competitive, the disadvantage of USMLE is that it is financially burdensome and proves challenging for cultural adjustment. The VISA process, licensing requirements, and more might also feel like a hassle when applying for the exam.
Whatever your choice, deciding on the right medical career is a significant milestone in your life. Important factors to consider here are personal aspirations, financial resources, and desired lifestyle. Keeping in mind the factors and information, choose a path that aligns closest to your dream of becoming a doctor. For additional queries, contact MedMonk to ease your decision-making process and more.
