While there are numerous opportunities for aspiring doctors, success relies on specialized education and hands-on-training.
A career in medicine is one of the oldest and most respected professions in the world. In this diverse and vast field, one never ceases to learn. And so choosing the right path and specialization is important when pursuing medical education.
BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHLER OF SURGERY – MBBS: –
With rising health concerns, a career as a general medical practitioner is becoming increasingly relevant. “The scope in medicine is growing not only in India but also overseas. An MBBS degree acts as a stepping stone to a career in medicine. The five-and-a- half year course trains students in subjects like anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pathology, microbiology, pharmacology, forensic medicine, medical jurisprudence, toxicology, community medicine, etc.”
Students who complete the course can work as general practitioners with private or government hospitals and non-government organizations (NGOs) or set up an independent practice. “Through an MBBS degree equips you to work as a doctor, students are advised to purse a specialization upon graduation. This will improve their career prospects in the industry.”
BACHELOR OF VETERINARY SCIENCE – BVSC:-
Veterinary medicine focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases among birds, fish and other animals. The field of veterinary medicine also entails the prevention of viruses related to animals and ensuring their well-being. Students who wish to pursue a career in this field can opt for a BVSc at the graduate level.
The UG course, spread across six semesters and three years, trains students in subjects like veterinary anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry, pathology, animal nutrition, genetics and breeding, livestock production and management, veterinary surgery, gynecology and obstetrics, etc.
“Students who complete the undergraduate course can pursue a master’s degree and specialize in a number of areas like animal nutrition, poultry science, veterinary medicine, surgery, pharmacology, etc.
Alternately, they can start practicing as veterinary doctors at hospitals, NGOs, private clinics, etc or pursue teaching and research in the field.”
BACHELOR OF AYURVEDA MEDICINE AND SURGERY — BAMS:-
Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine, deals with maintaining the physical and mental health of a person and preventing a variety of medical disorders. Students who wish to make a career in the field can pursue a BAMS from a recognized university. Spanning five-and-a-half years, the course provides information on Ayurvedic medicine.
“Students must choose their subject of specialization keeping in mind their areas of interest. Those who wish to establish their clinic generally opt for clinical subjects, while those who wish to conduct research tend to select theoretical options.”
Although many students enter college wanting to become doctors, most of them have little or no knowledge of what is involved in the process of becoming a medical practitioner. As a result, take the time to research various specializations and how they will impact your career alongside what life as a doctor might look like before making a choice.
