Life after completing MBBS can take different turns and open you up to different career prospects, but you want to pursue a Master’s degree, and that too in the USA? Is it a good idea to get an MD in the USA? How hard is it? What is the eligibility criteria? If you are looking for answers to these questions, you are on the right page!
No wonder, earning an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree in the United States can open up a variety of career opportunities in the field of medicine. From becoming a primary care physician to specializing in a particular area of medicine, an MD degree can provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your career.
Do you know?
Most MD programs in the United States are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME).
One of the major benefits of studying for an MD in the United States is the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and internships. This practical experience is essential for building your confidence and skills as a medical professional.
All set? Come along…
Topics covered
What all is covered in this post?
To make it easier for you, we have created a quick guide to everything you need to know about MD in the USA.
Why pursue MD in the USA?
The full form of MD in the USA is Doctor of Medicine. There are several reasons why someone might consider pursuing an MD in the United States:
Top-ranked medical schools
The United States is home to some of the top medical schools in the world, offering a wide range of MD programs to choose from.
Hands-on experience
Many MD programs in the United States offer clinical rotations and internships, providing students with hands-on experience and the opportunity to build their skills and confidence as medical professionals.
Research opportunities
The United States is home to a number of leading research institutions, and many medical schools have partnerships with these organizations. This can be a great opportunity for students interested in pursuing a career in academia or research.
A wide range of specializations
MD programs in the United States offer a wide range of specializations, including primary care, surgery, pediatrics, and many others. This allows students to focus on the area of medicine that most interest them.
Strong job prospects
Graduates of MD programs in the United States are in high demand, with strong job prospects in the field of medicine.
High salaries
Medical professionals, including doctors with an MD degree, tend to earn high salaries compared to other occupations.
Note: To understand everything about the education system in USA and education there, read our USA Education System and Study in USA blog!
Eligibility to study MD in the USA
In order to be eligible to apply to an MD program in the United States, you must meet the following requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree: Most MD programs require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree. While there is no specific major required, you must have completed specific premedical coursework, such as biology, chemistry, and physics.
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT): Most MD programs require applicants to take the MCAT, a standardized exam that assesses your knowledge of the natural, behavioral, and social sciences, as well as your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Letters of recommendation: MD programs typically require letters of recommendation. It is to be drafted by professors or other individuals who can speak to your academic and personal qualifications.
- Personal statement: Many MD programs require applicants to submit a personal statement. In this, you can discuss their motivations for pursuing a career in medicine and any other relevant experiences or qualifications.
- Interview: Some MD programs require applicants to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process.
It’s important to note that the specific eligibility requirements for MD programs may vary from school to school. Do check with the schools you’re interested in to get a better understanding of their specific requirements.
How to pursue MD in the USA after MBBS in India?
If you have completed an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) degree in India and are interested in pursuing an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree in the United States, there are a few steps you can follow:
Check the eligibility requirements
You must have a bachelor’s degree and have completed specific premedical coursework, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. You may also be required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
Research MD programs
There are many MD programs in the United States to choose from, so it’s a good idea to research your options to find the program that best fits your goals and interests. Consider factors such as location, cost, curriculum, and specialty options.
Gather application materials
To apply to an MD program in the United States, you will need to gather a range of materials, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. You may also need to participate in an interview as part of the admissions process.
Apply to MD programs
Once you have gathered all the necessary materials, you can start the application process. Make sure to carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each program you are interested in.
Obtain a visa
If you are accepted to an MD program in the United States, you will need to obtain a USA student visa in order to study in the country. The specific visa requirements will depend on your country of origin and the length of your program.
Best universities to study MD in the USA
Medical universities in the United States are among the best higher education institutions in the world. The skills and experience of American doctors are almost unmatched anywhere on earth, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon. There are many top universities in the USA.
According to a recent survey, the following list of ten medical universities was ranked among the best-in-class medical schools based on dean count, residency programs, research activity, funding, and acceptance rate.
- Columbia University, New York, NY
- Duke University, Durham, NC
- Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
- University of Chicago (Pritzker)
- University of Michigan—Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Pennsylvania (Perelman), Philadelphia, PA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Cost of studying MD in the USA
In this section, we will discuss the fees for MD degrees in the USA for Indian students.
The cost of medical school in the US is relatively low compared to other countries in the world. The average cost of medical school for an international student studying in the United States is approximately $48,500 per year. This price includes fees, tuition, health insurance, and room and board. Fortunately, many colleges and universities in the US offer very affordable rates for students from India.
So, if you are planning to study abroad as an Indian student, check out the following table of universities and their fees:
| University | Location | Fees (Full-time) |
| Columbia University | New York, NY | $66,816 |
| Duke University | Durham, NC | $63,310 |
| Harvard University | Boston, MA | $66,284 |
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, MD | $58,000 |
| New York University | New York, NY | $52,655 |
| Stanford University | Stanford, CA | $63,747 |
| University of California | San Francisco, CA | $49,301 |
| University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia, PA | $61,586 |
| University of Washington | Seattle, WA | $70,569 |
| Yale University | New Haven, CT | $66,160 |
Salary of MD doctor in the USA
The salary of an MD (Doctor of Medicine) in the United States can vary depending on a number of factors, including specialty, location, and experience. According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for physicians and surgeons (including those with an MD degree) was $208,000 as of May 2020.
Here are some examples of average salaries for some common specialties:
- Internal medicine: $220,380
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology: $235,240
- Paediatrics: $202,160
- Surgery: $409,665
It’s important to note that these figures are just estimates, and actual salaries can vary widely. Factors such as location and the specific employer can also have a significant impact on an MD’s salary. In general, however, doctors with an MD degree tend to earn higher salaries compared to other occupations.
It’s also worth noting that the cost of living in the United States can vary significantly depending on the location, so it’s important to consider this factor when evaluating your potential income as an MD.
Bonus: What is fellowship after MD medicine in the USA?
A fellowship is a type of advanced training program that allows doctors who have already completed an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree to specialize in a particular area of medicine. Fellowships in the United States are typically organized through academic medical centers and are designed to provide doctors with additional training and expertise in a specific field.
To apply for a fellowship in the United States, you must have completed an MD degree and be licensed to practice medicine in the United States. You may also be required to have completed a residency program in a related specialty.
Fellowships can be a great way for doctors to gain additional expertise and experience in a particular area of medicine. Many doctors who complete fellowships go on to work in academic or research settings, or to hold leadership positions in their field.
List of fellowships available
Here is a list of some common fellowships available for doctors with an MD (Doctor of Medicine) degree in the United States:
- Cardiology fellowship: Provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of heart conditions.
- Gastroenterology fellowship: Provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive disorders.
- Haematology fellowship: Provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders.
- Oncology fellowship: Provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
- Nephrology fellowship: Provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney conditions.
- Pulmonary/critical care fellowship: Provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of lung conditions and critical care medicine.
- Rheumatology fellowship: Provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune and rheumatic disorders.
- Endocrinology fellowship: Provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of hormonal disorders.
- Neurology Fellowship: Provides advanced training in the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions.
This is just a small sampling of the many fellowships available in the United States. There are many other specialty areas to choose from, and the specific fellowships available may vary from institution to institution.
In conclusion,
Doctors earn some of the highest salaries of any profession, and an MD degree opens up a variety of career options. In the United States, there has been a significant increase in the number of students earning a doctorate in medicine. The American healthcare system offers some of the best opportunities for all recognized physicians. These range from traditional clinical practice to research or training opportunities. It is best to choose any specialty: family medicine, pediatrics, internal medicine, psychiatry, or surgery. After completing your MD degree, you can also move abroad as this degree is globally recognized and opens many doors for you internationally.
The education and experience of a medical degree can also help you start your journey as an entrepreneur and eventually become a successful business owner if that is what you are aiming for.
iDreamCareer is one of the leading educational consultants in the world with versatile expert professionals ready to help you with any questions you may have. Contact us so we can help you on your way to making your dreams come true.
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FAQs
Most MD programs in the United States take four years to complete.
In order to be eligible to apply to an MD program in the United States, you must have a bachelor’s degree and have completed specific premedical coursework, such as biology, chemistry, and physics. You may also be required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
The USMLE is a standardized exam that assesses a doctor’s knowledge of the basic and clinical sciences and ability to apply this knowledge to the practice of medicine. After completing an MD program in the United States, graduates must pass the USMLE in order to become licensed to practice medicine in the country.
Yes, international students are welcome to apply to MD programs in the United States. However, they will need to meet the same eligibility requirements as domestic students and may need to obtain a student visa in order to study in the country.
Some common specialties for MDs in the United States include primary care, surgery, pediatrics, and many others. MDs can also pursue additional training through fellowships in a particular area of interest.
Anushree has 4+ years of experience in the career counseling industry as a Content Writer. She has also worked as a Social Media Marketing Expert for a startup and Content Quality Analyst for Publishing and E-learning Industry. She has done her Master’s in Commerce and PGDM in Finance & Trade and Marketing & HR, but she is currently following her passion for writing.
