CAREER IN MEDICINE

INTRODUCTION

Medicine as a career has been valued very high because of its power to heal and save life. A doctor’s profession involves a lot of hard work and at the same time, it brings along with it the satisfaction of having cured patients and of having alleviated pain and suffering.

Medicine, the traditionally sought after career, still attracts hordes of hopefuls every year. It offers rewarding career opportunities both in service sector as well as in private practice.

The demand for medical professionals is tremendously increasing with the unfortunate upsurge of diseases and ailments day by day.

Medicine in general encompasses both traditional Indian as well as modern allopathy. Other than Allopathy, medicine also covers different systems like Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani etc. the most famous therapy methods are Allopathy, Homeopathy, and Ayurveda

Allopathy

First of all we will discuss about allopathy. Allopathy is the treatment of symptoms of a disease by unrelated or opposite substances. The method of treating disease by the use of agents that produce effects different from those of the disease treated (opposed to homeopathy). The treatment of disease by conventional means, i.e., with drugs having opposite effects to the symptoms. Some medical dictionaries define the term Allopathy or Allopathic medicine as the treatment of disease using conventional evidence-based medical therapies, as opposed to the use of alternative medical or non-conventional therapies. The term allopathic, an adjective, is used in medicine to distinguish one form of medical practice, medical tradition, or medical profession from another. The term was coined by the founder of homeopathic medicine, and was used through the 19th Century as a derogatory term for the practitioners of orthodox medicine. The meaning and controversy surrounding the term can be traced to its original usage during a heated 19th-century debate between practitioners of homeopathy, and those they derisively referred to as "allopaths."

In allopathic medicine the basic degree of MBBS is followed by a year of rotating internship, which provides hands on training in clinical examination, diagnosis and treatment of different ailments. A doctor’s training and career centers around the hospital. There are many specializations after completing MBBS in this course of medicine. These specializations are:

1.      General Practitioner or Physician: He diagnosis and treats the every day and sundry ailments of the human body. MBBS holders practice as physicians.

2.      General Surgeon: Is one who specialises in surgery for all organs of the body. He can further specialise in specific areas. Duties involve examining the patient to determine the extent and nature of injury, treatment through operation and giving post operative care. Surgery is of various types Orthopaedic, Plastic, Neuro etc.

3.      Anaesthetist or Anaesthesiologists: Administers anesthetics to a patient undergoing surgical operation according to the nature of operation. It is he who makes the surgical procedure as painless as possible. His duties involve examining the patient to determine his capacity to withstand shock of operation and anesthesia. He/she has huge responsibility and has to be present throughout the operation.

4.      Psychiatrist: Diagnoses and treats mental disorders. Psychiatry has two major branches: The first is psychotherapy, the application of psychological techniques to the treatment of mental illnesses. This branch uses non-drug therapies and will not use physical techniques such as drugs or surgery. The second branch is psychiatry, where medical therapies are used. After diagnosing physical and behavioural symptoms, drugs and other means may be used for treatment.

5.      Neurologist: Diagnosis and treats diseases related to brain and nervous system. They also specialise in Neuro-surgery.

6.      Pediatrician: Treats newborn babies and children.

7.      Ophthalmologist or Eye Specialist: Treats diseases and disorders of eyes.

8.      Pathologist: Investigate the cause of various diseases and the possibilities for their prevention. His duties involve conducting chemical, microscopic and bacteriological test in labs and examining blood, tissues, urine etc. to find out the cause for disease.

9.      Cardiologist: Also called as heart specialist. Treats diseases related to heart and circulatory system.

10.  Gynaecologist-Obstetrician: Diagnosis and treats diseases and disorders of human female reproduction system. They care for pregnant women from conception through delivery.

11.  Dermatologist: One who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin problems.

12.  Orthopaedist: Deals with diseases connected to skeletal system. Orthopedics is that branch of medicine that deals with the correction of deformities and prevention of disorders in joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, all bones and bony tissue.

13.  Gastroenterologist: Treats diseases related to liver, pancreas, stomach, intestine, bowels and gall bladder

14.  Radiologist: Diagnosis diseases and disorders by studying X-ray pictures of affected parts and gives treatment such as therapeutic radiation to affected parts of the body.

15.  ENT specialist: Treats disorders of ear, nose and throat Tuberculosis Specialist: Treats ailments due to infection by tubercular disease

16.  Venereologist: Treats venereal or sexual diseases. Bacteriologist: Also called Microbiologist. Conducts research and laboratory experiments on occurrence, growth, development, control and utilization of bacteria and other micro-organisms.

17.  Physiologist: Studies normal functioning of different organs and tissues of human body and investigates effects of physical environments such as variations in altitude, speed, temperature etc on its vital functions.

18.  Nutritionist: Gives instructions regarding food values and utilization of foods in human body to keep it healthy and control diseases. He prescribes diet for various diseases. Chiropodist: Also called pedicurist, treats foot diseases and abnormalities. He treats corns, blisters etc using surgical instruments.

Homeopathy

Homeopathy is totally a different concept of medical treatment. It was born in Germany, developed in America and is flourishing not only in India but world over.

Homeopathy is a popular alternative medicine that is controversial because of its lack of scientific plausibility and confirmation. Homeopaths contend that remedies for diseases can be created by taking substances which cause symptoms similar to that disease and repeatedly diluting and shaking them hard between each dilution. According to homeopaths the 'therapeutic powers' of the substance are retained by the diluent (water, sugar, or alcohol), but that the dilution removes any toxic effects. The end product is so diluted that it is indistinguishable from pure water, sugar or alcohol by laboratory tests but is still claimed to have an effect on consumers. Standard science labels this a placebo effect. Homeopathy was created by Samuel Hahnemann in the late 18th century. The therapeutic applications of the remedies used in homeopathy are recorded in homeopathic materia medica, and practitioners select treatments according to a patient consultation that explores both the physical and psychological state of the patient.

Ayurveda

Ayurveda or Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient system of health care that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is presently in daily use by millions of people in India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, and it was a major influence on the development of Unani, Chinese and Tibetan Medicine. The word "Ayurveda" is a tatpurusha compound of the word āyus meaning "life", "life principle", or "long life" and the word veda, which refers to a system of "knowledge". Thus "Ayurveda" roughly translates as the "knowledge of life", or "knowledge of a long life". According to Charaka Samhita, "life" itself is defined as the "combination of the body, sense organs, mind and soul, the factor responsible for preventing decay and death, which sustains the body over time, and guides the processes of rebirth". According to this perspective, Ayurveda is concerned with measures to protect "ayus", which includes healthy living along with therapeutic measures that relate to physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. Ayurveda is also one among the few traditional systems of medicine to contain a sophisticated system of surgery (which is referred to as "salya-chikitsa").

Ayurvedic Medicine is totally a different concept of medical treatment, different from Allopathic and Homeopathic. It is as old as civilization. Even in “Rigveda”, Ayurvedic Medicine is found mentioned. It is considered to be the only indigenous system of medical treatment and believed to cure the root cause of every disease. It is a fast growing field of medicine and the companies like Dabur, Baidyanath etc. have popularised its use in every household.

NATURE OF WORK

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. 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. The increasing complicated lifestyles giving birth to a variety of ailments have made it impossible for General Physicians with an MBBS degree to handle all ailments. It is here that specialisation in a particular branch of medicine becomes a necessity.

CONDITIONS OF WORK

The working conditions of a doctor typically include hospital or clinic settings. They are commonly stressful situations that can involve emergency scenarios at a moment's notice. They also include long hours, and doctors may be required to work any shift on weekdays or weekends. Doctors often work very long and unsocial hours, including weekends, evenings and nights (usually on a rota basis), although working hours vary according to specialty. 

EARNINGS

The doctors who are working in government hospitals or in private hospitals Entry-level salary in government hospitals ranges between Rs. 20,000 to 30,000. It may vary in private hospitals from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000.

The earnings of a doctor through private practice depends on his/her popularity.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Allopathy

Entrance examination for admission to the MBBS course subjects of Physics, Chemistry and Biology at the senior secondary (+2) level.

Selection for MBBS is through an All India Entrance Examination (AIEE). The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) conducts an All-India entrance examination for admission to the MBBS course against 15 percent of the total seats in all medical colleges run by the Union of India, State Governments and other Local bodies except in Andhra Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir.

In the case of private medical colleges entrance examinations are conducted by the institutes individually.

The advertisement for the above examination appears in all leading National Dailies and also in Employment News during the month of January/February. The Entrance Examination is held during the month of May every year. In case of private colleges, the selection is through internal exams.

AGE : 17 to 25 Years.

Post Graduate Studies

After MBBS, candidates can go for post graduate level studies (MD or MS) through another entrance. At the post graduate level, there is specialisation in Medicine and Surgery. Post Graduate Programmes (MD or MS) is usually of 3 years duration.

Homeopathy

There are two main courses in Homeopathy.

• Diploma in Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery
• Bachelor’s degree course

Eligibility for both is 10+2 with science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology). Admission to Bachelor in Homeopathic Medicine & Surgery (BHMS) is based on merit. In several states there is a joint entrance examination along with MBBS & Bachelor Degree in Dental Surgery (BDS) selection.

Ayurveda

Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) is of 5½ to 4½ years duration including internship. Eligibility is 10+2 or equivalent examination with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Some institutes require knowledge of Sanskirt up to class-X. Notification for admission is issued any time between June to August. Most institutes admit students according to their performance in the entrance examination or on the basis of marks obtained at the10+2 level.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES REQUIRED

• Good memory and recollection ability
• Service mentality
• Stamina
• Patience
• Power of concentration
• Emotional stability
• Logical and analytical mind
• Willingness to learn throughout their career
• Ability to take timely decisions
• Self -motivation etc.

A doctor is also expected to possess a strong sense of responsibility as the patient’s life depends entirely on him.

METHODS OF ENTERING THE JOB

For practicing as a physician or surgeon, one needs to have completed the MBBS course from a recognised medical college and must possess a license from the State Medical Council to practice.

After obtaining a BAMS degree, it is compulsory for students to get registered at the respective state councils (under Indian Medical Central Council Act). If they want to practise across the country, the registration under Central Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM) is a must. 

TYPICAL PLACES OF EMPLOYMENT/SELF EMPLOYMENT

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 Defence, In charitable institutions, In medical colleges and training institutes as teachers, In research institutes and medical colleges as researchers, In the industrial sector Private practice/ self employment

Graduates of Homeopathy find employment in Government Medical Services i.e. Central Government Hospitals, State dispensaries, Autonomous/Local bodies, Voluntary Organizations or in private practice and teaching.

Graduates of Ayurvedic Medicine find employment in Govt. Medical Services i.e. Central Govt. Hospitals, State dispensaries, autonomous/local bodies, voluntary organisations or in private practice and teaching. They can find recruitment in Government/ private hospitals, dispensaries, colleges, research institutes, ayurveda health centres, spas, resorts, pharmaceutical companies.

SOME COLLEGES

There are more than 120 Medical Colleges all over the country with a total admission capacity of about 12,000 students approx. Though most of them are affiliated to state universities, some colleges admit a number of students on the basis of an all India test. They are:

1.            All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi.

2.            Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi.

3.            St. Johns Medical College, Bangalore.

4.            Armed Forces Medical College, Pune.

5.            Christian Medical College, Ludhiana and Vellore.

6.            Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry.

7.            Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi.

8.            Mahatma Gandhi Institute of medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha.

9.            Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Medical College, Meerut

10.        Chhatrapati Shahuji Maharaj Medical University, Lucknow 

11.        Lala Lajpat Rai Memorial Medical College, Meerut (Govt.)

12.        Santosh Medical college, Ghaziabad

13.        Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Subharti Medical college, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh

The Medical Colleges falling under the purview of Universities, run and managed by the different state Governments admit students to the entrance examination on the basis of state domicile.

The All India Institutes conduct separate entrance examinations for admission to their courses.

There are more than 115 recognized Homeopathic Medical Colleges in the country which offer Bacheor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) courses.

There are more than 130 recognized Ayurvedic Medical Colleges in the country. Some of them are:

• Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University,
• Ayurveda & Tibbia College,
• Gujrat Ayurveda University,
• Government Ayurveda Colleges in Kerala;
• Podar Ayurved College, Maharashtra 

SOURCES OF FURTHER INFORMATION

Employment news paper

CIRTES

http://www.sciforums.com/showthread.php?77292-What-is-the-difference-between-Allopathy-Homeopathy-and-Ayurvedic-medicens

http://mannclassicalhomoeopathy.webs.com/apps/blog/entries/show/7301288-what-is-allopathy-

http://www.ask.com/question/what-are-the-working-conditions-of-a-doctor

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_medical_colleges_in_India

http://www.nih.nic.in/