PhD Medicine Course - Eligibility, Admission, Syllabus, Institutes, Scope

Mohit Dhulia
Updated on December 29, 2023

A PhD in Medicine is a full-time doctoral program in medicine that lasts 3–5 years. The program requires that you have a post-graduate degree in medicine or an MS/MD degree from a recognized university listed under UGC/AIU with a minimum aggregate of 55 percent and above. Candidates will gain an in-depth understanding of various areas of medicine while also strengthening their core research skills.

At the University of Cambridge, students receive additional training within the department in the form of postgraduate workshops focusing on research techniques, research seminars both on the Addenbrooke’s site and elsewhere in the university, writing a thesis or paper, and postgraduate student seminars dealing with generic skills such as intellectual property rights and entrepreneurship, in addition to the specific research training provided in the laboratory in which they work.

Candidates must have a thorough understanding of the scientific principles and technologies used in various fields of medicine. Those with experience in various fields of medical science, as well as strong analytical and communicative skills, are considered suitable for the course. Applicants with an interest in a variety of fields of medicine, such as pharmacology, neurology, epidemiology, genetics, and so on, will benefit from this course by gaining a broad understanding of the field.

PhD Medicine: An Overview

Level of Course	Doctorate
Duration of Course	2 years
Type of Examination	Semester
Eligibility Criteria	MS/MD in Medicine or MSc in the examination with an aggregate of 50% marks or equivalent marks.
Process of Admission	Merit List, Qualifying the entrance level examination held at state and national level.
Fee for the Course	Up to INR 2 Lacs
Average Annual Salary	Approx. Up to INR 4 to 11 Lacs
Top Hiring Firms	Private and Government Hospitals, Research Centres, Academics,Hospitals, etc.
Positions of Job	Medical Scientist, Geneticist, Biomedical Scientists, Medical Writer, etc.

Relevant Links
Doctorate Of Medicine [DM] (neurology)	Ph.D. (immunology)	Ph.D. (cardiology)
Doctorate Of Medicine [MD] (homoeopathy)	Ph.D. (psychiatry)	Ph.D. (radiology)

PhD in Medicine Eligibility Criteria

The following are the requirements for obtaining a PhD in medicine:

Candidates must have earned an MD/MS degree with a minimum aggregate score of 50% or higher from a university recognized by the Medical Council of India, or a Diploma in National Board (DNB) in any concerned subject.
Candidates who have completed a postgraduate degree in either M.Optometry or M.Sc. in Medical Degree with a minimum aggregate of 50% in Physiology, Anatomy, Pharmacology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, and so on from any recognized University can also apply for admission to the program.
Those who want to pursue a PhD after completing an M.Phil must convince their potential supervisor, the Head of Department, and the Faculty Degree Committee that they have the necessary skills and abilities.

PhD in Medicine: Important Documents Required

Gap certificate (if applicable)
Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)
Passing/Degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination
Documentary proof for date of birth
Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the University last attended)
Research Proposal *
Character certificate (from the head of the Institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree.

Students should be aware that if the aforementioned certificates are not attached to their application, their application will not be taken into account for admission.

PhD in Medicine Admission Procedure

Applicants seeking admission to the PhD in Medicine program must have completed a post-graduate degree in Medicine, or in either M.Optometry or M.Sc. in Medical Degree, with a minimum aggregate of 55 percent for general category and a 5% relief, i.e. 50 percent marks and above for SC/ST category, from a university recognized by the Medical Council of India. Admission to the course is contingent on passing the All India Entrance Examination.

Admissions are made on the basis of a merit list, which is compiled by adding the scores obtained in the entrance exam and the personal interview. The cutoff for each college’s merit list will be different. The application forms for the program must be downloaded from the college’s official websites and submitted online or offline, along with the university’s required documents and a letter of recommendation from the institute’s HOD.

PhD in Medicine Curriculum/Syllabus

Before beginning the actual course, candidates must complete the Pre-PhD course, which lasts six months. The course is divided into a mix of classroom theory sessions and projects that are relevant to the program.

Research Methodology, Application in Medicine, and other topics are covered in depth in PhD in Medicine programs. The program instills in students all of the necessary skills to help them become researchers and complete their thesis at the end of the course.

The following are the subjects covered over the course of a university or college’s program:

Course Subjects
Research Methodology
Application of Medical Science
Hospital Waste and Disposal Management
Advances in Physiology & Microbiology
Stem Cells and Regeneration
Biochemistry and application of DNA Nano biosensor
Advances in Medicines
Advances in Pharmacology
Advances in Anatomy
Research Thesis

PhD in Medicine: Focus Areas

Many medical schools and universities offer a PhD in Medicine in conjunction with a Doctorate of Medicine. The program is specifically designed for those interested in conducting medical research, and it allows students to gain a broader understanding of the subject by covering all of the major areas of medical science in depth. Candidates gain an understanding of the course’s major topics, which will aid them in future research.
The program can last anywhere from three to five years, depending on the college where you apply. Candidates must be passionate about learning about medical science, delving into specific areas of expertise, and gaining a broad understanding of the subject. Candidates must have a thorough understanding of the field and medical sciences, as well as their application in various fields of employment. Candidates gain an advantage in this program by honing their analytical and innovative skills, which they can apply in future research projects.
The syllabus is structured in such a way that, in addition to covering all of the major criteria, the program gradually progresses into conducting research, writing a dissertation, and using the knowledge to construct a thesis. The college will determine the weightage of the marks. The PhD in Medicine degree program covers all major areas of medicine, including neurology, epidemiology, genetics, and clinical and non-clinical streams. After the first two years of classroom study, which includes clinical course work, students have the option to choose their area of specialization in the final year.
Students who want to specialize in research and development can benefit from the program because it helps them develop core competencies. Doctorates can pursue careers in hospitals, research and development, pharmacy, medical pharmacology, biomedical industries, and other fields after successfully completing the program. The course’s goal is to provide students with the communication, analysis, and competence skills they’ll need to complete their research program successfully.

PhD in Medicine: Top Academic Institutions

Institute Name	Place	Average Fee for the Course
Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences (DMIMS)	Maharashtra	NA
Dr. DY Patil Vidyapeeth	Pune	NA
Gujarat University (GU)	Gujarat	31,041
Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER)	Puducherry	54,900
Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences	Maharashtra	NA
Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (HIMSR)	New Delhi	1,00,000
BLDE University	Karnataka	1,32,500
Sri Venkateswara Institute of Medical Sciences	Andhra Pradesh	42,500
Siksha ‘O’ Anusandhan University	Orissa	91,000
HIHT University	Uttarakhand	NA
Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda	Gujarat	NA
Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences	Maharashtra	NA

PhD in Medicine: Top Job Profiles

Students who have completed a PhD in Medicine are qualified to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. Candidates gain a thorough understanding of the subject throughout the course, and because they are provided with practical on-the-job training, this course is beneficial to students, allowing them to advance their careers.

They can make money in the fields of research and development, biomedical industries, scientific research, and government-sponsored medical health programs. They can work as researchers, medical officers, hospital C.E.Os and C.F.Os, hospital heads, and other positions, in addition to lecturing at universities and institutions.

Following are some of the job options available to graduates upon completion of the course:

Profile of Job	Description of Job	Average Annual Salary
Medical Scientists	Finding new ways to treat patients is a big part of the job. Examine, investigate, and write technical reports based on the specimens.	6 to 7 lakhs
Researchers	To cure diseases and ailments, gather information, analyse, test, and implement newer refined techniques.	6 to 7 lakhs
Professors	Students will be guided, and they will be able to understand the concepts and terminologies associated with the subject.	10 to 12 lakhs
Hospital Administrator	Work entails running all processes smoothly, framing draughts, and making financial and medical policy decisions, among other things.	4 to 6 lakhs
Medical and Health Service Managers	Supervise the work of subordinates and ensure that patients receive prompt service. Coordinating services for hospitals and other hospital departments is also part of the job.	6 to 7 lakhs
Biomedical Scientists	Carry out laboratory testing on a variety of samples, tissues, and fluids in order to assist clinics in diagnosing and treating diseases. Assessing the efficacy of the treatment provided to patients.	2 to 3 lakhs
Medical Writer	Using scientific knowledge and writing skills to effectively communicate with their target audience of hospitals, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical companies.	3.5 to 5 lakhs
Geneticist	Patients can be guided by providing them with information about diseases and disorders, allowing them to make treatment recommendations.	3.5 to 5 lakhs
Vocational Rehab Counselor	Individuals with physical and mental disabilities are counselled, guided, and monitored in order to provide them with the necessary guidance and treatment.	3 to 6 lakhs

PhD in Medicine: Benefits and Scope

A PhD in Medicine in India is an excellent course to pursue if you want to pursue a career as a researcher or a biomedical scientist. To succeed in a specialty of your choice, you must spend three years honing your skills and increasing your mastery in research.
You are more likely to gain international recognition if you complete a PhD after an MS or a PhD after an MD. This means that your career path will broaden and you will be able to work in countries other than India. Hospitals, research centers, pharmaceutical centers, and biomedical organisations are more likely to believe in your abilities once you have completed your PhD in Medical Sciences and entered a specialty of your choice.
During your MD program, you develop clinical skills. Instead of researching, you’ll be better equipped to diagnose patients. PhD, on the other hand, has more to offer. Lab techniques and other skills, such as applying for grant money, are available thanks to research-oriented thinking and knowledge.
Income is one of the sub-aspects of career advancement. In research, an MD is unlikely to earn as much as a PhD candidate in Medicine. When you specialize in a field for three years and gain experience in clinical research, you automatically become more appealing to clinical research centers. When compared to an MD professional, this means that your income increases as well.

FAQs

What does a doctorate in medicine entail?

The MD–PhD is a dual doctoral degree for physician–scientists that combines the professional training of a Doctor of Medicine degree with the research expertise of a Doctor of Philosophy degree.

How do you get a doctoral degree in medicine?

Complete your MD training before moving on to a fellowship program to conduct more in-depth research. Complete your MD training before returning to graduate school to pursue a PhD.

How long does it take to get a doctorate in medicine?

A PhD is typically lab-based and lasts at least three years, whereas an MD lasts two to three years and combines a student’s research findings with clinical practice. At the end of the course, a student must submit a thesis or a portfolio of published work for both qualifications.

Is it possible for a doctor with a doctorate in surgery to perform surgery?

Traditionally, MD or PhD graduates do not enter surgery, and many programs discourage students from doing so, but this does not rule out surgery as a viable career option.

Is a PhD in medicine worth it?

An MD/PhD does not automatically put someone “ahead” of a physician with only an MD rather, an MD/PhD leads to a more research-focused career. As a result, the question isn’t which degree is more valuable, but rather what type of work you want to do as a trained physician.

Is there a minimum age requirement for a PhD?

No, there is no upper age limit for a PhD, but a Junior Research Fellow (J.R.F) must be at least 28 years old.

Is it better to be an M.B.B.S or an MD?

Students in India begin with an M.B.B.S degree. Its completion indicates the level of education required to become a licensed physician. A MD degree is a higher level of post-graduate education in specialty training. Medical graduates with an M.B.B.S degree are the only ones who can pursue an MD degree.