Doctor
Summary
Doctors, the unsung heroes of society, hold the paramount responsibility of safeguarding and restoring health. This noble profession demands unwavering dedication and rigorous training, making it both rewarding and challenging. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the multifaceted role of a doctor, the requisite skills, specialized domains, work environment, and career opportunities.
Roles & Responsibilities
A medical doctor, through various treatment modalities such as medication, immunotherapy, or surgery, addresses disorders, diseases, and allergies. Specialized doctors may perform intricate surgeries and focus on specific organ systems.
#1
Diagnosing: (a) Identifying disorders, diseases, and injuries through examinations.
(b) Managing surgical and medical conditions in both adult and pediatric patients.
#2
Treatment: (a) Prescribing medications and therapies.
(b) Advising on dietary and lifestyle changes for holistic recovery.
#3
Providing Assistance: (a) Collaborating with medical professionals in complex cases.
(b) Specializing in areas such as neurology, endocrinology, or cardiology.
#4
Performing Surgery: (a) Conducting surgeries when medication alone is insufficient.
(b) Scheduling operations and prescribing necessary precautions.
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Career Opportunities in Doctor
Beyond the general physician, various specialists cater to specific organs or systems in the body. Here are some examples:
| Specialty | Description |
|---|---|
| Optometrist | Specializes in eye health, diagnosing and treating vision-related issues. |
| ENT Specialist | Focuses on ear, nose, throat, sinus, and neck issues. |
| Cardiologist | Specializes in the cardiovascular system, treating heart-related conditions. |
| Pulmonologist | Deals with diseases and disorders of the respiratory system. |
| Psychiatrist | Specializes in mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. |
How To Pursue A Career In Doctor
| Path | Stream | After Graduation | After Post Graduation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Clear Class XII with Science Stream with Biology | Pursue MBBS for 5.5 years (including a 1-year internship) | Pursue MD in Select Specialization for 2 years, followed by a PhD in Select Specialization |
Important Facts
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Most colleges require a minimum of 50% aggregate marks in Class XII, with some demanding a minimum of 60%. -
Class 12th or senior secondary examination with at least 50% marks, including English, is a must. -
Some exams may require a JEE score as a minimum eligibility criterion. -
Certain colleges/universities have age limits. -
Mechanical & Automobile Engineering is offered in select colleges, with specializations available in some.
Leading Institutes
Top Medical Institutes in India
| College | Location | Website |
|---|---|---|
| AIIMS | Multiple Locations |
www.aiims.edu |
| Armed Force College | Pune |
http://www.afmc.nic.in |
| Maulana Azad Medical College | Delhi |
www.mamc.ac.in |
| Lady Hardinge Medical College | Delhi |
www.hardinge.org |
| Christian Medical College | Vellore |
www.cmch-vellore.edu |
| Kasturba Medical College | Manipal |
manipal.edu/kmc-manipal.html |
| Government Medical College | Chandigarh |
www.gmc.edu.in |
| Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University | Aligarh |
http://amu.ac.in/principal.jsp?did=10146 |
| Medical College | Kolkata |
http://www.medicalcollegekolkata.org/ |
Top Medical Institutes in Abroad
| College | Location | Website | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard Medical School, Harvard University | Cambridge, Massachusetts, US |
http://www.harvard.edu/ |
|
| University of Cambridge | Cambridge |
https://www.cam.ac.uk/ |
|
| Yale University | New Haven, US |
http://www.yale.edu/ |
|
| Oxford Medicine, Oxford University | Oxford |
http://www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/courses-listing/medicine |
|
| Princeton University | Princeton, US |
http://www.princeton.edu/main/ |
|
| Stanford University | Stanford, US |
|
|
| Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore, Maryland, US |
https://www.jhu.edu/ |
|
| University College London | London , U.K. |
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/ |
|
| The University of Melbourne | The University of Melbourne | Melbourne, Australia |
http://www.unimelb.edu.au/ |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Entrance Exams
Undergraduate
| College | Tentative Date | Important Elements | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| NEET-NATIONAL ELIGIBILTY CUM ENTRANCE TEST | May – June | Physics, chemistry and biology (class xi and xii) | http://aipmt.nic.in/aipmt/Welcome.aspx |
Postgraduate
| College | Tentative Date | Important Elements | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) | January – May | Physics, chemistry and biology. | http://jipmer.edu.in/ |
Work Description
-
Provide diagnoses and treatment for a variety of illnesses across multiple domains, including skin, heart, brain, eyes, bones, etc. -
Analyze and interpret various tests and reports to form logical conclusions regarding patients’ conditions. -
Prescribe medications and, when necessary, perform surgeries to effectively treat diseases. -
Educate and promote healthcare practices and hygiene to both patients and the general public. -
Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in medical science to better address various illnesses. -
Communicate with clients with empathy and compassion, ensuring their concerns are addressed. -
Supervise and guide staff members as needed to ensure quality patient care. -
Maintain accurate case histories and patient accounts for effective management of healthcare records.
Skills And Qualities Required
Communication Skills
Essential for understanding patient symptoms and prescribing appropriate treatments.
Organizing Skills
Crucial for managing multiple patient cases and scheduling appointments.
Teamwork
Vital for effective collaboration with other medical professionals, especially during surgeries.
Work Environment
A doctor typically works in hospitals, clinical labs, or healthcare facilities, diagnosing, prescribing treatments, and providing clinical support to patients.
Geographical Presence
Varies from semi-urban to urban areas, with certain cities like New Delhi and Bengaluru offering higher salary prospects.
Time Pressure
Involves frequent time pressure due to the meticulous nature of diagnosis and treatment.
Employment Shifts
Full time, hourly basis, and on-call shifts, depending on the healthcare facility.
Employment Nature
Opportunities on both contractual and permanent bases.
Pros & Cons of a Career As Doctor
Pros
-
Service to Others: Fulfilling the noble duty of helping others. -
Job Security: A recession-resistant profession. -
Money and Prestige: Respect and relatively high income.
Cons
-
Long Training: Extensive education and internship periods. -
High College Fees: Expensive medical education. -
Long Hours and Stress: Demanding physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Career as a doctor is a calling that demands resilience, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. Despite the challenges, the intrinsic rewards of healing and service make it a revered and indispensable profession in society.
Job Descriptions and Salaries
The actual figure depends on your academic background, the company employing you, and your skills. We can give you a general idea.
Junior Doctor
-
Monthly Salary: Average of 33,000 INR -
Job Description: Assessing symptoms, diagnosing illnesses, and planning treatment.
Senior Doctor
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Monthly Salary: Average of 47,000 INR -
Job Description: Providing diagnosis, treatment, surgeries, and health education.
Job Outlook
Competitive entry with exams like NEET; post-graduation and specialization offer diverse career paths. Doctor-to-patient ratio in India is 1.34 per 1000, with WHO considering the norm as 1:1000.