Pursuing Medicine: A few pointers
Medicine is an ever-growing field. A lifelong process in research, diagnosis, and treatment makes the medical profession one of the most challenging and sought after fields of employment. Aspiring doctors commonly pursue a Bachelor in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS). The course is a confluence of the two specializations and spans seven-and-a-half years.
This period entails four-and-a-half years of classroom study, which consists of three phases – pre-clinical, para-clinical and clinical – wherein students study, among others, subjects such as anatomy, biochemistry, forensic medicine, pharmacology, psychiatry, dermatology and surgery. The remaining two years are spent on rotating internships and a year of rural posting.
Over the years, the medical profession has evolved to envelope within its fold several specializations, all of which are now taught at leading universities. Whether it’s traditional systems of medicine such as unani and ayurveda, or more recently introduced fields such as occupational therapy and everything else in between – dentistry, nursing, and pharmacy – the space is as diverse as it is rewarding.
A study showed that interns predominantly chose clinical specialties like medicine, surgery, and paediatrics, while very few chose to specialize in pre-clinical and para-clinical subjects. Research and general practice were among the less preferred options too. Choice of specialty was influenced by factors such as income and future career prospects. Knowing these factors may help in modifying policy in a way that would encourage junior doctors to pursue fields that are under-represented, yet essential for medical colleges and for the community.
Eligibility
10+2 education with 60 per cent and Common Entrance Test (CET) scores. For any kind of job in medicine, the MBBS degree is the basic requirement and only after acquiring the degree can a candidate proceed further in the field of medicine. Also, specialization in subject areas in which the candidate wants to pursue a career is necessary. However, there are some jobs in which only the medical degree would be considered adequate for eligibility.
Fee structure
Depending on the institute, pursuing medicine can cost you anything between Rs 1,00000 to 11 lakh per annum.
Top Colleges
Top 5 institutes that offer medicine to medical students in India are as follows:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi www.aiims.edu
- Armed Forces Medical College, Pune www.afmc.nic.in
- Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi www.mamc.ac.in
- Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore www.cmch-vellore.edu
- JIPMER College, Pondicherry jipmer.edu.in
Career prospects
A graduate may undertake clinical practice. Salaries range between Rs 30,000 to 5 lakh per month. The sky is the limit as far as the job prospects for a professional in medicine is concerned. The professional can also take up jobs not only in the hospital but in various corporate environments where there is a need for medical officers. Besides, they can also work for NGOs and Governmental organizations.
Job Description and Lifestyle
Conducting diagnoses and extending treatment is one of the most significant jobs of a medical doctor. But over and above the clinical treatment, the communication and behavior with the patients, the support and encouragement offered by the position is of great significance. Apart from the clinical treatment, the medical professional is also involved in the maintenance and management of the hospital, though the job is usually assigned to a designated person who works in collaboration with the Medical professionals.
You can also read about a career in engineering here.
