Career in Medicine
Medicine is one of the most sort out and rewarding careers for those interested in the field of Science. This profession gives you an opportunity to serve people and make a difference. Doctors make a valuable contribution to their society's well being.
Over the years, the field of medical studies has undergone a rapid change. It has become so vast that specializations within are increasing day by day. The demand for medical professionals is tremendously increasing with the unfortunate upsurge of diseases and ailments day by day.
Today the number of ailment is so high that it is impossible for General Physicians with an MBBS degree to handle all ailments. It is here that specialization in a particular branch of medicine becomes a necessity. The major Specializations include General Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, ENT, Psychiatry and Anesthesiology.
A doctor's profession involves a lot of hard work and at the same time, it gives the satisfaction of curing patients at times even saving lives. It is a very demanding profession. 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.
Qualifications
The basic or degree level qualification for a medical profession is MBBS, which is of 4 1/2 years duration followed by 1-year internship.
After MBBS candidates can go for postgraduate level studies (MD or MS), which is usually of 3 years duration. The major Specializations include General Medicine, General Surgery, Pediatrics, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat), Psychiatry and Anesthesiology.
Those with Post Graduation (MD or MS) can further opt for super-specialization. i.e. they can go for Ph.D in any specialized area of medicine.
For practicing as a physician or surgeon, one needs to have completed the MBBS course from a recognized medical college and must possess a license from the State Medical Council to practice.
Skills
Doctors should have good memory and recollection ability, power of concentration, logical and analytical mind, willingness to learn throughout their career, ability to take timely decisions, self –motivation, emotional stability, service mentality, patience, etc. A doctor is also expected to possess a strong sense of responsibility as the patient's life depends entirely on him.
In addition those who take up surgery must possess high concentration, manual and finger dexterity and stamina, and the ability to stand on their feet continuously for several hours while dealing with life and death.
Career Options
Few fields offer a wider variety of opportunities. They can find employment
- In Government or private hospitals
- In Nursing homes/clinics/health departments
- In medical services of the army, navy and air force, under the Ministry of Defense
- In charitable institutions
- Private practice/ self employment
But physicians also do many other things. Physician researchers are at work today developing exciting new treatments for cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases like AIDS. Academic physicians share their skills and wisdom by teaching medical students and residents. Others work with health maintenance organizations, pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, health insurance companies, or in corporations directing health and safety programs. People with medical skills are in demand everywhere.
Remuneration
Medicine has many rewards—personally, intellectually, and financially. The earnings of a doctor can vary depending on where physicians live and what type of medical specialty they practice. The earnings of a doctor through private practice depend on his/her popularity. The doctors who are working in government hospitals are paid between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.
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