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Why Is MBBS Called Bachelor of Medicine If It’s Not One Subject?

Pratyasha Chaturvedi
Dec 11, 2025, 20:58 IST

Because of its historical roots in British medical education, MBBS is known as the ‘Bachelor of Medicine.’ Due to international academic recognition, legal consistency, and the structure of licensing systems, the program’s nomenclature has not altered, even if it currently offers dozens of disciplines.

Why Is MBBS Called Bachelor of Medicine If It’s Not One Subject ?
Why Is MBBS Called Bachelor of Medicine If It’s Not One Subject ?

Students often are surprised when they learn the phrase MBBS, which stands for Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery. Many students also question why the degree is termed a ‘Bachelor of Medicine’, given that medical studies obviously cover a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, microbiology, pathology, biochemistry, surgery, paediatrics, and many more.

In reality, MBBS is an organised academic curriculum consisting of over 19 major disciplines, clinical rotations, real-world experiences, and practical training. In reality, the title ‘Bachelor of Medicine’ is a reflection of centuries-old academic classifications that predate the existence of contemporary medical specialisation. Learning about this makes it easier to understand why the name is still used in medical schools today in nations that use the British educational model.

Why Is MBBS Called Bachelor of Medicine If It’s Not One Subject?

Because of the Latin origins, Medicinae Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae, which translates to ‘Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery,’ MBBS is a combined degree that covers both general medical practice and surgical training, even though it is a single integrated course. It represents training in both the practical abilities of treating illnesses (surgery) and the art of healing (medicine).

Historical Roots of the MBBS Degree

Latin was used for medical degrees in medieval Europe since it was the language of academia. According to the report, surgery (Baccalaureus Chirurgiae) and medicine (Medicine Baccalaureus)  were previously separate degrees. Combining medicine (Internal treatments) and surgery (manual interventions), the degree offers thorough instruction in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of human ailments.

Why did the MBBS title remain the Same?

Since the roots of the MBBS title are centuries-old academic, legal, and international medical traditions, which are difficult to change without causing significant upheavals, the MBBS title has stayed unchanged. Medicine and surgery were originally regarded as the two fundamental pillars of medical practice in the British medical education system, which is where the degree name, Medicine Baccalaureus, Baccalaureus Chirurgiae, originated.

Given below are some of the reasons why the MBBS title has remained the same:-

  • Different Fields:- In the past, surgery was typically seen as a trade, similar to that of barbers and medicine was practised by physicians with university degrees were different fields with their own qualifications.

  • Naming in Latin:- Latin was the global language of knowledge when various disciplines were integrated into a single academic degree. Medicinae Baccalaureus and Baccalaureus Chirurgiae(Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) was the name of the degree.

  • Logic of Abbreviations:- In contrast to the English translation order of ‘BMBS’, the acronym ‘MBBS’places Medicinae Baccalaureus first, making the sequence reasonable from its Latin roots.

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