BMBCh vs. MBBS vs. MD answers and friendly advice?

[tako99]

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Hello! I am a US citizen who already has a BA (psych) and is finishing an MS in microbiology/epidemiology/ID. I am eventually med school bound and plan to apply to US allopathic schools; however, I am also planning to look into applying to a few UK schools (I like the cirriculum and would love to return to europe to study). I've done some research on entrance exams,etc. and looked through the forums. I realize that the MBBS and MD are essentially equivalent, but I was wondering what the difference is between the MBBS and BMBCh? Also, from my research it seems as though with my degrees I should probably apply to the graduate-entrance (4yr) programs, but I see that some 5yr programs are also offered. What is more advisable in my case? I am open to any and all suggestions, comments, feedback! Thanks!

-t0dd

 

[Purifyer]

Hello! I am a US citizen who already has a BA (psych) and is finishing an MS in microbiology/epidemiology/ID. I am eventually med school bound and plan to apply to US allopathic schools; however, I am also planning to look into applying to a few UK schools (I like the cirriculum and would love to return to europe to study). I've done some research on entrance exams,etc. and looked through the forums. I realize that the MBBS and MD are essentially equivalent, but I was wondering what the difference is between the MBBS and BMBCh? Also, from my research it seems as though with my degrees I should probably apply to the graduate-entrance (4yr) programs, but I see that some 5yr programs are also offered. What is more advisable in my case? I am open to any and all suggestions, comments, feedback! Thanks!

-t0dd

Die thread, die!

Seriously though there is no difference between the MBBS and BMBCh... one degree is 'spelt' in latin and the other in english.

With regards to 4 vs 5 year programmes, choose where you want to go and if you are prepared to essentially waste an extra year to go to a programme you love. I do not believe graduates of 4 year programmes are 80% of a doctor 😉

 

[tako99]

Die thread, die!

Seriously though there is no difference between the MBBS and BMBCh... one degree is 'spelt' in latin and the other in english.

With regards to 4 vs 5 year programmes, choose where you want to go and if you are prepared to essentially waste an extra year to go to a programme you love. I do not believe graduates of 4 year programmes are 80% of a doctor 😉

Hey thanks for the reply. Just to clarify.....are you saying that the for year programmes are sub-par when compared to 5 yr programmes or?

 

[Purifyer]

Hey thanks for the reply. Just to clarify.....are you saying that the for year programmes are sub-par when compared to 5 yr programmes or?

No I'm saying that I don't believe there is any real difference. Having said that I'm from a country where only six year programmes exist so I have no-one to really compare with.

Good luck

 

[john182]

Hey thanks for the reply. Just to clarify.....are you saying that the for year programmes are sub-par when compared to 5 yr programmes or?

Do it in whatever time you can I would say, esp. if it's the same qualification at the end. I think Prague (Charles University?) has a 5 year degree, so theoretically you could have a full qualification at age 23 if you started at 18!

 

[leorl]

See if the 5 year programs offer 3 clinical years (I think most would). So if you get graduate entry (which I'm thinking you should...) essentially what happens is you'd be skipping the 1st pre-clinical year, then having 2 pre-clinical years and 3 clinical years. Unless the program has found a way to bring patient contact into all 5 years. If you have 3 clinical years, it might be worth your while to do a 5 yr. course, the information is spread out in a little more time so you avoid the mass cramming. The four year programs might essentially work the same as a US program, but I'm not too sure about that.

if I were in your case, I'd probably do a 5 year program. With your degree(s), although you've got micro, you wouldn't have much experience in some of the more basic sciences like biochem / clinical biochem, anatomy or physiology experience...it's better to get everything really solid if you intend to take the USMLE.