Career Prospects:
Medicine is a very noble profession and is considered as the science and art of healing. Medicine is one of the most satisfying career option for those interested in science and dealing with sick people. Over the years, medical study has undergone a lot of change, and new specializations are increasing day by day. As a professional career, medicine has a huge scope. A doctor's profession involves a lot of hard work but it gives satisfaction of curing patients. This profession is more of a responsibility than a privilege. Increasing complications have resulted in variety of ailments.
The major specializations include General Medicine, General surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), Psychiatry and Anesthesiology. There are also super specializations which require a further 3-5 years of study in areas such as Plastic surgery, Neurosurgery, Cardio-thoracic surgery, Genito-urinary surgery, Paediatric surgery, Gastroenterology and Endocrinology . Professionals holding MBBS degree are referred to by the title of ‘doctor’ and use the prefix ‘Dr’.
Today's modernity, lack of exercise, stressful work load, odd eating habits and lifestyle has led to increase in various diseases affecting the population, thereby making the role of a doctor most important in today's context. Those interested in pursuing this field should have good memory and recollection ability, stamina, patience, power of concentration, emotional stability, logical and analytical mind, eagerness to learn all through their career, ability to take timely decisions and should also be self-motivated. A doctor is also expected to possess a strong sense of responsibility as the patient’s life depends entirely on him.
The basic or degree level qualification for a medical profession is MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) which is of 5 1/2 years duration (including 1 year internship). Medicine is one amongst the most rewarding career for those who have concern for mankind and a dream to prosper with success in life. An add on degree of MD or MS, is an added benefit.
The qualification required for entrance is 10+2 or equivalent with science subjects. In the case of private medical colleges, entrance examinations are conducted by the institutes individually. For AIPMT, students must have completed XII standard with subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with at least 50% in PCB. At the post graduate level, there is specialization in Medicine and Surgery. Post graduate programmes (MD or MS) are usually of 3 years duration.
There is a great demand for medical profession because of the boom in this industry. There is an upsurge in disease and ailments everyday. Self employment is the most popular option since it gives freedom of working hours and a good pay package. Though, the hospitals and nursing homes offer lucrative openings, medical professional are opting more for private practice.
Graduate doctors (MBBS) may opt to work for Central Government Health Scheme(CGHS), Employees Insurance Scheme (EIS) Hospital or Primary Health Centres. Doctors can also work for business organizations, industries, schools and embassies as consultants. Salary of the individuals can depend upon the experience and the capability of an individual. The earnings of a doctor through private practice depends on his/her popularity. The doctors who are working in government hospitals are also well paid.
The pay varies for those working with private hospitals. Some of the places where there is job scope for medical professionals are as follows:
Colleges for pursuing a career in Medicine
Note: This information is being summarised from the information provided by institutes offering those courses.