Being a medical student, are you confused about which medical career option to choose? Let’s evaluate top medical career options.
The Indian medical profession encompasses many healthcare professionals dedicated to providing medical care, promoting wellness, and advancing healthcare research and education.
The Indian medical profession plays a vital role in the well-being of the nation’s population, addressing a wide range of medical needs and contributing to the overall development of healthcare services in the country.
Besides, choosing career options depends on your interests, educational background, and professional goals apart from pay scale, incentives and opportunities.
Before deciding, it is important to research the educational path required to pursue a medical career.
Understand the entry requirements, study duration, and commitment level needed for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Consider if you are ready to invest the time and effort required to complete the training.
Further, explore the various medical specializations available and consider which areas align with your interests and goals. Different specialities have unique demands, work environments, and patient populations. Consider the long-term prospects and opportunities in your chosen specialization.
Additionally, assess how a medical career aligns with your values and desired lifestyle. Consider factors such as the impact on personal relationships, family life, and overall well-being.
Furthermore, reflect on whether the demands and sacrifices required by a medical career are in line with your values and priorities.
Before selecting the best healthcare career, keep this thing clear after passing 12th with PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) or PCBM (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics); one needs to crack NEET.
After passing NEET, one needs to pursue an MBBS. The MBBS degree is the basic qualification required to become a medical doctor and practice medicine in India and many other countries.
Indeed in India, the MBBS program typically lasts five and a half years, including theoretical and internship.
The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in medical sciences, clinical skills, and patient care. Upon completing the MBBS program and the internship, students can be awarded the MBBS degree.
Besides, this degree allows graduates to register with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or the respective State Medical Council to practice medicine as a medical doctor.
Many graduates may pursue postgraduate specialization through MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery) programs in various medical career options.
Let’s get the details about some of the best medical options in India.
A physician is a highly trained healthcare professional who diagnoses, treats and manages various medical conditions and illnesses.
Physicians provide comprehensive medical care to patients, ranging from routine check-ups and preventive care to diagnosing and treating complex diseases.
After MBBS, one can pursue advanced education to become MD and MS, the chief degree to be a general physician.
The average monthly salary of a general physician in India ranges between ₹ 0.9 Lakhs to ₹ 21.3 Lakhs, with an average annual salary of ₹ 7.2 Lakhs.
Undoubtedly, an anesthesiologist is one of the pioneer members of the Medical field as he bridges a gap between surgeons, psychiatric, gynaecologists, child surgeons, and so on.
The role of an Anaesthesiologist is such that without him, major medical professionals cannot fulfil their treatments.
Usually, An anesthesiologist plays a critical role in ensuring patient safety and comfort during surgical procedures and other medical procedures that require anaesthesia.
They are responsible for administering anaesthesia and monitoring the patient’s vital signs throughout the procedure, and they are also responsible for managing any complications that may arise.
They may also be involved in pre-operative evaluations, pain management, and post-operative care.
Overall, the job of an anesthesiologist is incredibly important, as they are responsible for ensuring that patients are safe and comfortable during potentially life-saving procedures.
As per Medscape’s “Anesthesiologist Compensation Report” report for 2023, Twenty-nine per cent of anesthesiologists said having to work long hours is the hardest part of their job.
After finishing an MBBS degree, one must appear in the NEET PG entrance exam. This exam will score will make you eligible for an MD degree.
If you have selected Anaesthesiologist as your medical career option, you need to pursue MD in Anaesthesiologist 2-year degree course followed by a year compulsory internship.
Besides, one can also opt Diploma offered by DNB in Anaesthesiologist to become an Anaesthesiologist.
Generally, The average anesthesiologist salary in India is ₹ 1,455,000 per year or ₹ 583 per hour. Entry-level positions start at ₹ 350,000 per year, while most experienced workers make up to ₹ 2,750,000 per year.
Here in the below image, salary based on the role of an anesthesiologist is given.
Image source: CollegeDuniya
According to the report of the Indian Census 2021, the birth rate is 19.3/10000 per day in India. Broadly, in India, around 73,787 births per day.
Besides, Nation Health Mission has undertaken various programmes to reduce mortality and childcare development. So there is a large demand and scope for a paediatrician in India.
Generally, a paediatrician is a medical doctor specialising in caring for infants, children, and adolescents. Paediatricians focus on young patients’ physical, emotional, and developmental well-being.
After finishing an MBBS degree, one must prepare for the NEET PG examination. This result will make you eligible for an MD degree or specialisation course. Here are courses to do if you have selected a paediatrician as your career option.
Here is an image of the average salary of a paediatrician in India.
Image source: Salary Explorer
Usually, an ophthalmologist is a medical doctor specialising in diagnosing, treating, and managing eye-related conditions and disorders.
Ophthalmologists play a crucial role in maintaining and improving vision and addressing a wide range of eye health issues, from routine eye exams to complex surgeries.
Ophthalmologists significantly impact patients’ quality of life by preserving and enhancing their vision.
The field of ophthalmology continues to evolve with advancements in technology and medical knowledge, providing opportunities for professionals to contribute to improving eye care.
Eye health is a significant aspect of overall well-being, and people seek ophthalmologists for routine eye exams, prescription eyewear, treatment of eye diseases, and surgeries. Ophthalmologists are particularly needed in regions with limited access to eye care services.
After completing an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) program and then pursuing a postgraduate degree in ophthalmology, such as an MS (Master of Surgery) or an MD (Doctor of Medicine). Here is a list of courses one can opt to be an ophthalmologist:
As a fresh graduate completing the ophthalmology residency, the salary can range from ₹8 to ₹15 lakhs per annum. With a few years of experience, the salary can increase to around ₹15 to ₹30 lakhs per annum.
Ophthalmologists with specialized training in areas like retina, cornea, glaucoma, or pediatric ophthalmology can earn higher salaries, often exceeding ₹40 lakhs per annum.
An obstetrician and gynaecologist (OB/GYN) is a medical doctor specialising in women’s reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and various gynaecological conditions.
These professionals provide various medical services, from routine check-ups and preventive care to complex surgeries and pregnancy management.
Becoming an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist involves completing a medical degree (MBBS or equivalent), followed by specialized training through a residency program in obstetrics and gynaecology.
After earning an MBBS degree, an aspirant candidate has to appear in the entrance test of NEET PG to opt an admission for MD/MS in Obstetrician and Gynaecologist.
Generally, the average gynaecologist salary in India is ₹ 1,750,000 per year or ₹ 701 per hour. Entry-level positions start at ₹ 315,625 per year, while most experienced workers make up to ₹ 2,750,000 per year.
However, salaries at the Government of India can range from ₹6,39,132-₹33,89,365.
Generally, A plastic surgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in performing procedures to reconstruct, restore, or enhance the appearance and function of various body parts.
Further, Plastic surgery involves a combination of medical expertise, surgical skill, and artistic sensibility to achieve desired patient outcomes.
Besides, Plastic surgeons address various issues, from cosmetic enhancements to reconstructive procedures for patients with congenital deformities, injuries, or medical conditions.
Generally, it takes about 13-14 years of medical education to be a plastic surgeon. An aspirant has to complete MBBS, MS and DNB degree. Only then they can work as Plastic surgeons.
Usually, Plastic surgeons need a deep understanding of anatomy, surgical techniques, and patient communication skills to provide the best possible outcomes for reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.
Plastic surgery is a lucrative medical speciality, and those who practice it earn much better than general surgeons. Some of them opt to be paid on a per-case basis, meaning they get paid every time they perform cosmetic surgery, and the amount they receive is also significant.
As per the Ambitionbox data, A mid-career Plastic Surgeon with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹25.5 Lakhs per year, while an experienced Plastic Surgeon with 10-20 years of experience earns an average salary of ₹167.4 Lakhs per year.
Usually, a psychiatrist is a medical doctor specialising in diagnosing, treating, and preventing mental illnesses and disorders. These professionals are trained to understand the complex interplay between psychological, emotional, and biological factors contributing to mental health conditions.
Psychiatrists employ medical, psychological, and therapeutic approaches to help individuals manage their mental health challenges. Generally, they carefully select and monitor medications to achieve the best possible outcomes while minimizing potential side effects.
Besides, Psychiatrists not only treat mental health disorders but also focus on prevention. They help patients identify and manage stressors, develop coping strategies, and make lifestyle changes to promote better mental well-being.
On the other hand, as per the report of NIH (National Institute of Health), India has 0.75 Psychiatrists per 100,000 population, while the desirable number is anything above 3 Psychiatrists per 100,000.
The data shows a huge demand-supply gap in these medical career options. If you are a skilled psychiatrist, you can boost your career and nation simultaneously.
Firstly, one can begin by completing an MBBS to gain a broad understanding of medical sciences. After finishing MBBS, one must clear the NEET PG entrance exam to get admission for MD/ DNB in psychiatry. Here is a list of courses to be a psychiatrist in India.
Here are a few diploma courses you may consider:
Here are a few master’s degree courses to consider:
Here are a few doctoral courses you may pursue:
As per the Ambitionbox data, a Psychiatrist’s salary in India with less than one year of experience to 11 years ranges from ₹ 1 Lakhs to ₹ 21.8 Lakhs with an average annual salary of ₹ 8 Lakhs.
Besides the scope, role and growth of different medical career options, you must select a career that aligns with your interests.
On the other hand, one needs to assess your academic strengths, problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and communication skills, as Medical professions require a solid foundation in sciences, critical thinking, and effective communication with patients and colleagues.
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