The medical field has no shortage of programs; after all, research is needed in every possible field. This is definitely a good thing, but it also has a major flaw, and it’s called Confusion. All these courses, like MBBS and BAMS, have a successful future, but the same can be said about BDS and BHMS too. So, which one to choose from? Which medical course is made for me? Well, don’t worry; we have a surefire solution for all of your confusion.
In this article, we will explore various aspects of those four courses, and by the end of it, you'll know exactly which one to go for. So without any further ado, let's begin with our comparison.
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
Anyone aiming to become a doctor always goes for this specific program. It lasts for 5.5 years, with one year of compulsory internship, and aims to provide sufficient knowledge to become a general practitioner in India. There are two major paths from here on out, and let's discuss both of them:
Doctor of Medicine (MD)
You can either try to become a surgical doctor, who performs operations to cure illness. Or, if you are against surgical procedures or cannot fathom doing it on your own, then you can also go for the safer route, aka Doctor of Medicine. There will be zero surgical processes throughout this program, and it only aims to produce experts in medicine of all sorts. For example, a homeopathic doctor degree can be achieved through MD, and the same goes for MBBS in Ayurveda. Here's a small list of popular roles in this field:
- Internal Medicine
- Dermatology
- Radiology
- Anesthesiology
- Emergency Medicine
Master of Surgery (MS)
Just like the name says, this particular program aims to provide full and detailed guidance on various surgical operations. It is much, much more difficult than MBBS and MD combined, so only a few daring human beings attempt it, and if they succeed, they become the god with the power to save lives with modern science.
- General Surgery
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Plastic Surgery
- Otolaryngology (ENT) Surgery
- Vascular Surgery
Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS)
This is an exclusive program offered in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. The origin of this system comes from ancient India, where Yogis used natural elements like leaves, flowers, roots, and so on to cure simple to critical diseases. The popularity is undeniably high because poor-class families often choose to visit a Homeopathy doctor or an Ayurvedic doctor. Their medicines cost much less and provide a side-effect-free experience. Regardless, the actual program is nowhere near like that; you are expected to dish out a good amount of money while the journey to BAMS continues.
So should you assume that BAMS is equal to MBBS? On the basis of training and stuff, yeah, they are the same. However, MBBS has a wider career path when compared to BAMS. Some people also wonder, is BAMS equivalent to MBBS? The answer will be the same in both cases; they have value, but on a personal level, BAMS may give you more freedom to open up your own Ayurvedic shop and start a life out of it. As for MBBS, well, you have to learn more and pick a suitable career. Otherwise, all you can do is stay General Practitioner forever. Anyways, here's what BAMS offers in terms of fields:
- Ayurvedic Doctor or Practitioner
- Private Practitioner
- Health Supervisor or Therapist
- Lecturer
- Ayurvedic Consultant
Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS)
Dentists have it rough just like MBBS students. The entire program lasts for 5 years, including one year of integrated internship that may or may not be a paid one. Regardless, the dentist line of work is a popular alternative for those who don't want to work in any of the above lines of work. Regardless, BDS meaning in medicine is basically related to teeth. You remove the faulty ones, replace them, or just cure them. There are many technical ways a dentist sees them, but as far as the basic understanding goes, that will be it.
So, is BDS better than MBBS? Again, the answer is highly subjective and depends on who is asking it. If you have a passion for massacring tooth germs, sure, BDS is the one for you. Meanwhile, MBBS has the cure for virtually all other forms of illness. As far as the BDS vs MBBS salary goes, both have a similar average pay of ₹50000. Remember that this is just an undergraduate program, so you have to go for a postgraduate one if you want a seriously paying job.
- General Dental Practice
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Endodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS)
Hold up, didn't MD cover this part already? Well yes, but remember that any serious student should go for this first, instead of MBBS. Because MBBS doesn't have a dedicated field for Homeopathy. It's mostly fixed, and you'll be wasting 5 years learning about doctors and surgery, while you could go for BHMS and learn about homeopathy from the get-go. Afterwards, apply for the same program in MD, and you are good to go.
Remember one thing: MD is meant to be a non-surgical line, but BHMS can do surgery if they want to. They will definitely require additional degrees from the MS side. But the point is, yeah, they can do surgical operations if the conditions reach critical. Also, a lot of students think BAMS and BHMS are the same, but in reality, they are not.
The fundamental difference between BHMS and BAMS is their ways of medicinal uses. Homeopathy uses roots; meanwhile, Ayurveda uses roots and a lot of things. Homeopathy also has closer ties with modern science and is widely used across the globe. Meanwhile, Ayurveda can be considered a pride and joy of India. Although many Ayurvedic medicines have been approved globally, and their research is used in pharmaceutical drugs all the time.
- Anatomy
- Physiology
- Microbiology
- Materia medica
- Repertory
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the difference between BAMS and MBBS?
Ans. MBBS is basically the condensed version of all scientific-related cures that takes full advantage of human biology and chemistry. Meanwhile, BAMS is geared towards the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda.
Q2. BAMS or BHMS which is better?
Ans. It's like comparing Ayurveda with Homeopathy. Both take full and utmost advantage of nature. However, the career paths from the perspective of BAMS are limited. Meanwhile, BHMS has a much wider array of jobs, including international markets. So, there is no perfect answer about which one is better.
Q3. Can a BAMS doctor become Gynecologist?
Ans. Yes, if it's related to Ayurvedic gynecological practices. If the question is about an allopathic way, no, they cannot without proper education.
Q4. Is NEET required for Homeopathy?
Ans. Yes, passion for NEET is a mandatory step towards Homeopathy or BHMS. All of the programs discussed here have entrance exams.
Q5. BDS or BAMS, which is better in India?
Ans. BAMS would be more preferable in India because of its popularity. An Ayurvedic doctor can easily create his empire on the basis of trust and the deep roots of Ayurveda in Indian culture.
