The medicinal field is a large, demanding, and dynamic field that engages candidates most interested in the sciences. The supply of medicinal professionals in India is high, by virtue of the large number of institutes for the purpose and the general favorability of the career by most adults, relatives, teachers, etc. However, the demand in the public sector of health remains high as most graduates opt to practice in private hospitals and pharmacies. Candidates interested in medicine should understand the pros and cons of working in private or public medical centers. The field rewards professionals with the following benefits:
- Personal Satisfaction: The ability to aid sick patients in their most difficult times empowers most medical professionals with a sense of positive impact and contentment.
- High Pay: On average, a physician in India will earn between Rs. 3,00,000 and Rs. 20,00,000 per month (PayScale, ‘Doctor Of Medicine (MD) Degree Salary, Average Salaries’), while a physician in the US will earn around $175,000 (PayScale, ‘Physician Salaries – Average Physician Salary’).
- Respect: The professional medicinal domain, for its altruistic, service-based operation, is a well-respected career.
- Medicinal Innovations: The study of the human body is a versatile field. It offers prospective professionals the ability to continue learning about new, dynamic methods to combat sickness throughout their career.
Students interested in pursuing medicine must also keep in mind the following setbacks:
- High Cost and Duration of Studying: Students pursuing medicine in India are likely to pursue 5 years of undergraduate studies, 1 year of internship, and then 2-3 years of specialization. The greater burden is on students in the US, who are expected to spend 4 years in undergraduate studies, 4 years in graduate studies, and an additional 3 – 7 years for specialization.
- High Pressure and Responsibility: Being held accountable for a patient’s health and wellbeing may leave medical professionals with high liabilities and stress.
The long but rewarding path towards a career in medicine is likely to progress as follows:
- Candidates pursue their +2 curriculum with physics, chemistry, and biology exams.
- After passing the final +2 exams, candidates write competitive Medical Entrance Examinations. The list of available examinations for different specializations is available here.
- Many candidates will opt for the M.B.B.S. (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) studies, which is a 5.5-year program ending with a compulsory internship. This is followed by a 3-year postgraduate program in either M.S. (Master of Surgery) or M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degrees.
- Super specialty courses are available to candidates willing to study for an additional 2 years. The entry requirement is an M.D. or M.S. degree.
The most reputed schools for studying to become a medical professional are listed below:
In India:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Ansari Nagar, Delhi.
- Christian Medical College (CMC) in Vellore, Tamil Nadu.
- Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) in Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, Delhi.
- Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Sholapur, Pune.
- Kasturba Medical College (KMC) in Manipal, Karnataka.
Worldwide: