Medicine is often the first branch most MBBS students think of—but it’s also the one they hesitate about the most. Long ward rounds, complex cases, endless reading, and lifelong learning. Internal Medicine isn’t an easy choice, but it’s a deeply rewarding one for those who truly enjoy clinical thinking.
If you’re considering Medicine after MBBS, the first question is usually simple: What postgraduate degrees are available, and what does life look like after them? Let’s go through this clearly and honestly.
MD (Doctor of Medicine) in General Medicine
MD – Doctor of Medicine in General Medicine is the most traditional and widely recognised postgraduate degree in Medicine in India. It is a three-year program offered by medical colleges recognised by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
During MD Medicine, you don’t just study diseases—you learn how to think like a physician. From common infections to rare systemic disorders, from emergency admissions to long-term chronic care, everything comes under your scope.
Your days are usually spent in:
- Busy medicine wards
- Outpatient departments (OPDs)
- Emergency rooms and ICUs
The learning curve is steep, especially in the first year, but that’s what shapes you into a confident clinician.
Scope After MD (Doctor of Medicine) General Medicine
After completing MD General Medicine, doctors commonly:
- Work as Consultant Physicians in hospitals or clinics
- Join teaching hospitals after senior residency
- Practice as primary care or internal medicine specialists
- Pursue super-specialisation in medical branches
MD Medicine offers long-term respect, strong patient trust, and wide clinical authority.
DNB (Diplomate of National Board) in General Medicine
DNB – Diplomate of National Board in General Medicine is awarded by the National Board of Examinations (NBE). Like MD, it is a three-year postgraduate course and is considered equivalent for most clinical roles.
DNB Medicine training usually takes place in large hospitals with heavy patient loads. This often means intense exposure to real-world medicine—busy OPDs, packed wards, and emergency cases that force you to think on your feet.
Many DNB Medicine residents develop strong clinical confidence because of this hands-on environment.
Scope After DNB (Diplomate of National Board) General Medicine
After DNB General Medicine, doctors can:
- Work as consultant physicians
- Practice in private hospitals and multispecialty setups
- Enter academics after fulfilling the eligibility criteria
- Pursue super-speciality medical courses
In practical terms, patients and hospitals care far more about your clinical ability than whether your degree says MD or DNB.
Diploma Courses in Medicine: Current Scenario
Earlier, diploma courses such as DCP (Diploma in Clinical Pathology) or DCH (Diploma in Child Health) existed in related fields, but pure diploma options in General Medicine are now largely phased out.
For those serious about Internal Medicine today, MD or DNB is the clear and preferred path.
Super-Specialisation After Medicine
One of the biggest reasons students choose Medicine is the wide range of super-specialities available after postgraduate training. Common options include:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Neurology
- Nephrology
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
These are usually pursued through DM (Doctor of Medicine) or FNB (Fellow of National Board) programs.
Final Thoughts:
Choosing between MD (Doctor of Medicine) General Medicine and DNB (Diplomate of National Board) General Medicine is important, but choosing Medicine itself is a much bigger commitment. It’s a lifelong learning process—demanding, sometimes exhausting, but deeply fulfilling.
If you enjoy understanding diseases at their core and guiding patients through long journeys of care, Medicine remains one of the most powerful and respected careers in Indian healthcare.
