DNB and MD/MS- An Overview
A post graduate degree Diplomate in National Board (DNB) is awarded by the National Board of Examinations under the Union Ministry of Health, India. DNB candidates are trained at big private hospitals, while the MD/MS candidates are trained at Medical Colleges. DNB residency positions are available in 54 specialties.
Admission
MD/MS:
Getting admission in a government institution is a difficult job especially getting your choice of institution/branch. To enroll in MD/MS you need to clear tough nationwide entrance exam (Thus, specialized coaching centers have come into existence to train for these entrance exams).
You have to pay a large amount of capitation fees for getting admission in most private institutions which is unaccounted.
DNB:
Comparatively, it is quite easy to get admission in DNB. There is a reasonable chance of getting institution/branch of your choice. For enrolling in DNB program, you need to clear NBE common entrance test which is relatively easy compared to MD/MS exams followed by interview at the institution of your choice.
DNB and MD/MS- Course
MD/MS:
There are two scenarios depending on the patient load and type of equipments available as most of the government institutions have a very high patient load but a little time for academics – didactics, presentations, research etc. So in this case one will be working in the specialty and learn on the job and at the end of the course, the candidate will be prepared and confident to practice independently.
However, many private institutions have less patient load but they emphasize more on academics. In this scenario one will be good in theory and to an extent in practice too. But one will require extra training before becoming independent.
DNB:
One major advantage of private DNB institutions is exposure to latest equipment and practices like in corporate hospitals. Institutions vary widely according to their patient load and also within an institution between specialties. Academics however is average as there is not much time to spare.
Clearing the final exam
Clearing the final Examination is almost a guarantee in one or more attempts in the case of MD/ MS if one gets admission in it. However in DNB there is no such guarantee and the pass rate is also abysmal.
DNB vs MD/MS-Career:
Most of the government institutions considers DNB. Some medical colleges insist on some extra work experience to consider DNB. Thus there is no big difference in getting a job.
Though in private practice, DNB might face difficulty initially due to the perception among the general public but can be recognized to be considered on