Career Guide for Medicine Studies

Medicine is rated as the most demanding and gratifying career for those interested in science with a sense of service. In India, medical science has made tremendous development, over the past few decades providing a respite to the increasing number of casualties caused by intricate and fast lifestyle. Hard work, dedication, logical and analytical mind, decision making ability, patience and above all, zeal to cure the patients are a sine qua non for this job. To be in this profession is more a responsibility than a privilege. It is more of what you can give the community than what you can get from it. Getting into medical school is not a cake-walk. One has to be really fortified in academics with willingness to learn through experience. The various areas of specialization include general medicine, general surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Orthopedics, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), Paediatrics, cardiology, Anesthesiology, etc.

Courses & eligibility:

• Courses in medical science are offered at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate levels.
• At the undergraduate level, an MBBS degree is awarded in allopathic system of medical science, whereas in Ayurvedic, Homeopathic and Unani System of Medical science, BAMS, BHMS and BUMS degree are awarded, respectively.
• A BDS degree is awarded at the undergraduate level in dental science while a B. Sc degree is awarded for veterinary science,.
• For pursuing any of the aforementioned courses, one has to pass the intermediate exam with physics, chemistry and biology as compulsory subjects, from a recognized Board.
• For pursuing Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree is required and for doctoral programme, one has to be a postgraduate in the field of medical science.
• The admission procedure for the above mentioned courses is very strict, as a candidate is subjected to go through highly competitive entrance exams held at state or national levels.
• Medical students are comprehensively taught about the various fields of medical science, through theoretical and practical knowledge.
• MBBS undergraduates are assigned compulsory internship at the end of the curriculum, when they have to work as doctors in medical colleges.

Career Prospects:

• Specialists have extensive job opportunities in Hospitals, polyclinics, diagnostic laboratories, dental and ophthalmic clinics in the government and private sector.
• They can also take up research and development work in institutional laboratories or with pharmaceutical companies.
• Besides hospitals and clinics, physiotherapists can be employed in health clubs or fitness centers.
• Orthotic and prosthetic engineers can also work in private surgical firms which are involved in manufacturing artificial limbs and other such appliances.
• There will always be a demand for doctors and paramedics in the rural and urban areas of the country, and abroad.
• Doctors could not just find employment in the government or private hospitals, but also find employment in research institutes and medical colleges, as researchers.
• They could also do private practice or work in nursing homes, clinics or health care centers.

Remuneration:

• Experienced doctors are well paid both in government and private hospitals.
• The entry level salary of doctors may vary from Rs 10,000 – Rs 15,000 per month.
• However, the remuneration of doctors also depends upon their experience and popularity. Dentists earn around Rs 8 – Rs 10, 000 at the entry level, which increases with experience.