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| MEDICINE |  | The medical profession as we know it today has not developed suddenly in the last few centuries but has evolved over thousands of years beginning from pre-historic times. Archaeologists and anthropologists believe that in pre historic societies, there were special individuals both men and women, who were looked upon as 'healers' and were responsible for preventing and curing illnesses. These 'medicine men' were a combination of healers, magicians, priests and rulers and probably knew how to treat bone fractures with splints and even performed brain surgeries by 'trephination' - drilling through the skull with stone implements! During the Egyptian civilisation, healers treated different parts of the body as separate entities, as they believed that different parts of the body were governed by different Gods. They started the system of maintaining case histories by defining a variety of diseases, identifying symptoms, suggesting specific therapies and describing how to develop a prognosis. |
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There is a general tendency to view the medical profession as a very lucrative career. But though monetary benefits are attractive, for a doctor, the real money starts to come in generally after 35, a gestation period fairly long when compared to other professionals. Not only that, the money is directly proportional to professional qualification, competence and recognition and the amount of time one is able to devote to the profession, For instance, a qualified MBBS doctor will earn far less than a specialist (MD), more so if the latter is a qualified surgeon as well. It makes sense therefore to specialise in any one of the innumerable areas of medical knowledge and then establish domain expertise in area. Recognition comes faster this way, and monetary benefits follow close behind. QualificationThe general eligibility for all India entrance tests for admission for the MBBS and BDS course is as follows :
- Completing 17 years on 31st December of the year of admission.
- Must have passed State level/Senior Secondary/ISC or any other exam equivalent to 10+2 exam after a 12 year period of study.
- The Plus Two-course content should include physics, chemistry, Biology and English.
- Should have obtained at least 50% marks taken together in physics, chemistry, biology (40%in case of SC/ST candidates).
- Students of Indian nationality but educated abroad should have secured 50% marks at the 12th standard level in the subjects of physics, chemistry, biology and English.
- Those appearing for the qualifying exam, prior to the competitive test, may also apply, subject to their fulfilling the conditions later, before the last date fixed for admission to MBBS/BDS.
Courses Offered : The field of Medicine offers various choices under a broad spectrum of Health Sciences. It should be understood that doctors who have qualified to treat patients through the allopathic (MBBS) course represent only one branch of Health Science. There are other forms of medical practice such as Homeopathy. Ayurveda etc, which are older and more traditional but enjoy acceptance in varying degrees. The practice of medicine also depends heavily on a number of other healthcare related professionals such as nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, and bio-medical technologists. MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) Ø This is the most preferred course of medical study leading to the title of a Doctor at the end of 51/2 - 6 years (including internship). - The MBBS course is designed as a Bachelor's degree in general medicine and does not amount to specialisation in any particular discipline of medicine.
- For specialisation one has to go in for post graduation (MD) in any particular branch viz, pediatrics, pathology, or orthopedics which involves higher domain knowledge and exposure to latest techniques.
BDS (Bachelor of Dentistry) : - The Bachelor's Degree in Dentistry (BDS) is a four year course leading to the practice of Dental medicine.
- Dentists, depending o their area of specialisation, take care of different aspects of human teeth and gums. Ø Dentistry is looked upon as a most lucrative profession and at the same time offers equally challenging opportunities as the other branches of medicine.
Alternative Medicine Homeopathy : - This is a healing method that has evolved from the German tradition.
- It is a system that treats ailments by analysing the personality as well as symptoms of the patient.
- Homeopathy is an established and fairly popular form of medical treatment and some forms of chronic illness have been found to respond better to Homeopathic rather than allopathic medicines.
- For a Bachelor's Degree in Homeopathy, one has to complete 10+2 in the Science Stream (with Phy, Chem, Bio and Maths).
- For entry into certificate/ Diploma Course (available in some universities and specialist institutes), one must complete 10+2 in science (Phy, Chem, Bio and Maths).
- The Central Council of Homeopathy, Homeopathy Anusadhan Bhavan 61-65, Institutional Area, opposite D-Block, Janakpuri, New Delhi 110058), provides a list of registered colleges offering recognised courses in Homeopathy in India.
Ayurveda : - This system of medicine has evolved from ancient Indian traditions and aims to arrive at a holistic understanding of human beings and the diseases affecting them.
- Ayurvedic concepts do not always fit into the scientific framework of modern medical thought as spelt out in the west.
- However, Ayurveda's emphasis on natural cures for human ailments is gaining in popularity and offers strong career possibilities.
- For entry into Bachelor's degree in Ayurveda, one must complete 10+2 in Science (with Phy, Chem, Bio and Maths).
Job Opportunity
For an MBBS, doctor openings lie in government and private hospitals, nursing homes and private clinics and as medical officers in various private and public sector organisations. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts a Combined Medical Services Examination for recruitment to Central Government departments. The Armed Forces also recruit through their own selection procedure. Those with an academic bent of mind have the option of taking up a position of doctor-teacher, for which specialisation in any branch of medicine is mandatory. For those with interest in medical research there are endless opportunities to become part of medical teams engaged in particular areas of medical interest viz - AIDS research, Cancer Research, Genetic research, Embryology, Immunological research etc. Monetary Benefits
There is a general tendency to view the medical profession as a very lucrative career. But though monetary benefits are attractive, for a doctor, the real money starts to come in generally after 35, a gestation period fairly long when compared to other professionals. Not only that, the money is directly proportional to professional qualification, competence and recognition and the amount of time one is able to devote to the profession, For instance, a qualified MBBS doctor will earn far less than a specialist (MD), more so if the latter is a qualified surgeon as well. It makes sense therefore to specialise in any one of the innumerable areas of medical knowledge and then establish domain expertise in area. Recognition comes faster this way, and monetary benefits follow close behind. Self Employment
The Medical profession, perhaps more than any other offers opportunities for self employment that are as respectable as they are remunerative. Any qualified doctor with a professional degree from a recognised Medical Institute can set up his/ her private practice offering specialised services in his/her own area of medical specialisation or general diagnostic medicine, as the case may be. The scale of service many vary from a small start up such as a one room clinic to a full scale privately owned hospital or nursing home. Whatever the size, the amenities have to be commensurate with the scale of operations, otherwise, the patients will have reason to feel aggrieved. It is also common for a team of doctors to start a multi-specialist clinic where patients can avail of the services of wide range of medical specialists. Many nationalised as well as private sector banks nowadays offer loans schemes for doctors to start up their own private practice. Some established doctors also provide consultancy services at large, well known hospitals in his/her specialised area of work.
In most cases students already make up their minds as to what specialty they will pursue at the time of beginning a medical course. But there are many who are unsure about what will suit them and are prone to change their minds often. It is best to have a thorough understanding of what each branch of medicine entails before committing oneself to a career that is after all going to be a life's commitment. For those with steady nerves and a desire to offer quick solutions to people with problems, surgery is a good option.
General/ Family/ Internal Medicine, Paediatrics and Psychiatry offers scope for building lasting relationships with patients. For those who are technically minded pathology and radiology offers challenging opportunities Anesthesiologists generally work behind the scenes and are especially active in operating and emergency rooms. There is limited patient contact as their work gets over quickly. The greatest challenges however lie in the fields of Cardiology (heart problems), Gastroenterology, (liver, pancreas, stomach, intestinal and gall bladder problems), gynecology (women's disorders), nephrology and urology (kidney and urinary diseases) and neurology (brain related problems). Ophthalmology is also a specialised discipline that calls for eye-hand dexterity and technical skill.
Whatever decision a student arrives at should be based upon conclusions drawn from a close examination of the different disciplines, the working hours and conditions, the anticipated demands of the various specialties and lastly the prospects of monetary benefit and future prospects. |
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