Doctors and Surgeons 2023- Different career paths for this dynamic and rewarding career(Part 2)

Doctors and Surgeons are medical professional who play a very important role in helping us live a healthy life.

Here we are going to discuss career paths related to the profession of Doctors and Surgeons.

1. Geriatric Physician

Geriatric Physician diagnoses and treats a wide range of diseases and conditions that affect people as they grow old. In fact, a geriatric physician is a primary care doctor who specializes in treating adults aged 65 and above. Apart from general health they also treat age-related conditions including dementia, osteoporosis, incontinence, cancer, hearing loss, vision loss, osteoarthritis, and insomnia.They provide integrative care, diagnose a variety of conditions, and help you maintain a high quality of life.

Types of Geriatric Doctors

You can have nine different career paths to become geriatric doctors.

⦁    Geriatric Physician

⦁    Geriatric Social Labor

⦁    Geriatric Nurse

⦁    Geriatric Pharmacist

⦁    Eldercare assistant

⦁    Physician Assistant

⦁    Geriatric Physiotherapist

⦁    Patient Therapist

⦁    Hearing Therapist

How can you become a Geriatric Doctor?

To become a Geriatric Doctor, you must first complete the following steps.

⦁    You must pass your 12th in science with physics. Chemistry and biology.

⦁    You must complete your MBBS which is a five-year course including your internship from a government recognized medical college after passing NEET.

⦁    After completing your MBBS and internship you must now pass NEET PG and get admission to Doctor in Medicine (MD) in geriatrics which is a three-year specialization course.

⦁    After completing their MD in Geriatrics, you can either go into the job market to get a Job or go for Super specialisation course in geriatrics.

Salary of a Geriatric Doctor

You can now earn a salary ranging from Rs 35,000 to Rs 60,000 depending on your seniority and experience.

2. Anaesthesiologist  

An Anaesthetist is a medical professional who specializes in the use and administration of anaesthesia on patients before and during various medical procedures and surgeries. Thus, an anaesthetist is a medical professional who specializes not only in the field of anesthesiology but also in pharmacology, physiology, and other areas that directly relate to administering anaesthesia to patients administering and monitoring anaesthesia to patients.

An Anesthetist must also have knowledge on how to monitor a patient’s blood pressure, airways, and respiration rates, as well as their pulmonary and cardiovascular health throughout a medical procedure.

Types of Anaesthesist

Here are a few of the career paths that you can become after completing your education and training.

⦁    Medical Consultant

⦁    Clinical Associate

⦁    Associate Consultant

⦁    Nurse anaesthetist

⦁    Anaesthesiologist assistant

⦁    Anaesthesia technician

How can you become an Anaesthesiologist?

You must follow these steps to pursue this career path.

Step 1

You must complete your 10+2 in science with physics, chemistry and biology.

Step 2

You must sit and clear the common medical entrance exam National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), to get admission in a medical college for MBBS which is a five-and-a-half-year course including internship. In this program you will learn the basics of anaesthesia technology and techniques in an operation theatre.

Step 3

After completing your MBBS you will have to pursue your post graduate program in anaesthesia. For that you will have to clear the Post graduate exam (NEET-PG). You will now receive hands-on training on different anaesthetic procedures and how to monitor patients during anaesthesia.

Step 4

Now you will begin working as an anaesthetist in a residency program after completing your post-graduation in anaesthetist . These programmes will provide skills and experience on the job.

Step 5

The residency program will help you to undergo specialisation in a particular type of anaesthesia like an expert in working with infants or administering cardiac anaesthesia. You must participate in a training programme at a hospital or clinic to learn a specific skill set to begin your work with or without a speciality.

3. Rheumatologist

Rheumatologists are medical doctors who use their medical knowledge to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal and autoimmune disorders. They assist their patients by evaluating their symptoms and ordering diagnostic imaging.They also make recommendations to prevent the progression of Rheumatic disease.

Rheumatology is a branch of internal medicine and Rheumatologists are also called Internists.

Rheumatologists treat 100 different types of diseases and other conditions that rheumatologists treat.They treat diseases like Osteoarthritis,musculoskeletal pain disorders, osteoporosis,gout, back pain, fibromyalgia, and tendonitis.

Steps to become a Rheumatologist

You will have to follow these steps in order to become a Rheumatologist.

Step 1

You must pass your 10 + 2 in physics,chemistry and biology to be eligible for the medical entrance exam.

Step 2

You will have to clear your medical entrance exam(NEET) to obtain a MBBS degree in a government recognized medical college.It is a five and a half year course that includes internship.

Step 3

After clearing your NEET, you will now have to clear the PG-NEET exam to complete your post graduation or MD in Rheumatology.

Step 4

Aget completing their specialisation or post graduation in Rheumatology you can either go for super-specialization in Rheumatology or apply for a job.

Salary of a Rheumatologist

Rheumatologist salary in a government sector is about Rs 35,000 per month depending on his experience and expertise. He is al;so entitled for other benefits like free accommodation, medical coverage, pension,paid vacation,sick day leave etc. Those who are employed in the private sector can earn upto Rs 60,000 per month.Those who have their own clinic can earn much more.

4. Pediatrician

A Pediatrician is a medical specialist who treats physical,developmental and behavioural conditions of the patients who are under 18. These include newborns,infants,toddlers,children,adolescents, and young adults.They diagnose, prevent and treat infections, diseases and behavioural conditions that may affect kids and adolescents.

Pediatricians also monitor the growth and development of foetuses throughout pregnancy.They also offer counseling guidance to parents and guardians who manage their children’s health and condition.

Types of Pediatricians

Paediatricians’ subspecialities include the following types.

⦁    Adolescent medicine specialists

⦁    Child abuse pediatricians

⦁    Critical care pediatricians

⦁    Developmental behavioural pediatricians

⦁    Neonatal-perinatal pediatricians

⦁    Pediatric Cardiologists

⦁    Pediatric Endocrinologists

⦁    Pediatric heart surgeons

⦁    Pediatric Gastroenterologists

⦁    Pediatric Nephrologists

⦁    Pediatric Neurologists

⦁    Pediatric Oncologists

⦁    Pediatric Pulmonologists

⦁    Pediatric Rheumatologists

How to become a Pediatrician?

To become a Pediatrician in India you must follow these steps.

Step 1

Applicants must complete their 10+2 in science with physics,chemistry and biology.

Step 2

After completing their 10+2, they must now appear for the medical entrance exam (NEET) in India. After qualifying NEET they must get admission in a recognized medical college to complete their MBBS which is a five and a half year course.

Step 3

After completing their MBBS with minimum 55% the candidates will have to get admission in Post graduate course(MD) in pediatrics for further specialisation.

Step 4

The candidates now have the option either to go for a job as a paediatrician in a hospital or can go for further specialisation in paediatrics by taking a Ph.D.

Salary of Paediatrician

The annual salary of the Paediatrician with 10-20 years of experience is about Rs20 lacs. The paediatrician in his mid career i.e. with 4 to 9 years of experience earns Rs 13 lacs per year.

5. Ophthalmologists

An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specialises in treating,diagnosing and researching various eye and vision diseases.Opthalmologists diagnose and treat eye diseases like glaucoma, perform eye examinations,conduct cataract surgery,help patients to perform eye-exercises, perform reconstructive surgery and research different neurological diseases that affect the part of brain controlling your vision.They also prescribe abd correctional procedures to patients.

Types of Opthalmologist

There are different types of Ophthalmologists with different sub-specialists. Some of them are given below.

⦁    Cataract ophthalmologist

⦁    Oculoplastic ophthalmologist

⦁    Ocular ophthalmologist

⦁    Cornea ophthalmologist

⦁    Neuro- ophthalmologist

⦁    Pediatric ophthalmologist

How to become an Ophthalmologist?

Here are the steps for you to follow in your career-path to become an ophthalmologist.

Step 1

You must complete your high school in science with physics, chemistry and biology to be eligible for the medical entrance exam (NEET)

Step 2

Once you have cleared your NEET you will have to get admission in a government recognized medical college for your MBBS course which is for five and a half years including one year compulsory internship internship.

Step 3

After completing your MBBS degree you must now pursue your specialisation in opthalmology.You must get aminimum 60% in your NEET-PG which is a qualifying exam for Post-graduation.For that you must complete either complete your MS in Opthalmology which is a two years postgraduate course that offers post graduation or your MD which is a three years specialisation course.

Step 4

Now you must pursue a sub-speciality that focuses on a particular condition or region of the eye. The specialisation in these sub-specialization will help you pursue what type of opthalmologist you will become later in your career.

Step 5

Once you have completed your specialisation program and chosen your sub-speciality, you can apply for jobs in hospitals and research centers in both the private and government sector.

Salary of an Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists in India can get a salary upto Rs 97,000 per month.It varies whether you are working in a government or private sector, your experience, your location of work and many other factors.

6. An Obstetrician – Gynecologist

An obstetrician is a doctor who provides care during childbirth,including preconception,delivery, and postnatal care.A Gynecologist specializes in providing treatment and solutions for women’s reproductive health issues.

An Obstetrician- Gynecologist is a medical professional who specializes in both obstetrics and gynecologist.They help patients in various issues, such as female reproduction and sexual health pregnancy and the delivery process.They perform surgical procedures such as uterine fibroid resections and caesarean sections.These specialists also provide family planning services to their patients.

How to become an OB-GYN specialist in India?

In case you want to become an OB-GYN specialist in India you must take the following steps.

Step 1

You must complete your 10+2 in science with physics,chemistry and biology to be eligible for medical entrance test(NEET)

Step 2

After clearing NEET you must take admission in a government recognized college to complete your MBBS and Internship which lasts for 5 and a half years.

Step 3

After completing your MBBS and Internship you now clear the Post-graduate medical entrance exam NEET-PG to get admission in a 3 years specialisation course in OB-GYN.You must complete your MD or MS in OB-GYN.

Step 4

Now you can complete your senior fellowship to become an assistant professor. Or you can practise your OB-GYN in a hospital by taking up a job.

Salary of an OB-GYN in India

The average salary of an OB-GYN in India ranges from Rs 8.5 lacs  Rs 24 lacs per year.The entry level gets a salary of Rs 300,000 per year and it increases rapidly with experience.

7. Plastic Surgeons

A plastic surgeon is a licensed medical professional who performs cosmetic surgeries such as facelifts,nose jobs. They also perform reconstructive surgeries for patients with facial and abnormalities caused by burns, injury,birth defects, disease or ageing.

Plastic surgeons generally serve high profile clients or patients recovering from illness or accidents.

Types of Plastic Surgeons

Plastic surgeons are divided as per their expertise.You must choose wisely on what type of plastic surgeon you want to become. Here are four types of plastic surgeon for you to choose.

1. Facial Procedures Plastic Surgeon
2. Body Contouring Plastic Surgeon
3. Implant Specialist Plastic Surgeon
4. Non- Surgical Procedures

How can you become a Plastic Surgeon?

Here are the steps for you to follow to become a plastic surgeon in India.

Step 1

You must complete your high school in science with physics, chemistry and biology with minimum 50% to be eligible for NEET.

Step 2

The candidate must now get admission for MBBS in a government recognized college after passing NEET. It is a five and a half year course including your internship.

Step 3

Now you must complete your specialization in Plastic surgery by completing your post graduation (M.S.) in plastic surgery.

Step 4

Now you can apply for a job in a government or private hospital as a plastic surgeon.

Salary of a Plastic Surgeon

The average salary of a Plastic Surgeon in India is Rs 18 lakhs per annum.It ranges from Rs lakhs per month to Rs 1 crores per year at the entry level to Rs 1 crores per year.

8. Emergency Medicine Physician

Emergency medicine physicians are doctors who treat patients having life-threatening conditions and are in critical situation.They job is to resuscitate and stabilise a patient’s breathing and heart rate and take care of them until they reach an appropriate care facility like an intensive care unit of a hospital or another hospital.

How to become an Emergency Medicine Physician?

Here are the steps you must follow to become an Emergency Medicine Physician.

Step 1

You must complete your 10+2 in science with physics, chemistry and biology with minimum 50% to be eligible for NEET.

Step 2

You must complete your MBBS from a recognized medical college after clearing your NEET.

Step 3

You must complete your post graduation to specialise in Emergency Medicine.

Step 4

You can now apply for a job as an Emergency Medicine Physician in a hospital or can go for a doctorate(MD) in Emergency Medicine.

Salary of a Emergency Medicine Physician

The salary of the Emergency Medicine Consultant ranges from Rs 2 lacs per year at the entry level to Rs 30 lacs per year at the senior level.The average annual salary of the physician is Rs 18 lacs per month.

9. Psychiatrist

A Psychiatrist specialises in diagnosing,treating, and preventing mental health disorders.They do this by assessing their patient’s psychological,emotional adn behavioural symptoms using various techniques.Some of these techniques are interviews,observations,and diagnostic tests.They also develop and prescribe treatment plans that may include psychotherapy, medication management, lifestyle recommendations and even hospitalisation in extreme cases.

How to become a Psychiatrist?

To become a psychiatrist you require specific skills, education and experiences. Here are a few steps that will guide you to your career as a Psychiatrist.

Step 1

You must complete your higher secondary education in science with physics, chemistry and biology to be eligible for the medical entrance exam NEET-UG.

Step 2

After clearing your NEET-UG you must get admission in a Government recognized medical college for MBBS which is a five and a half years course including internship.

Step 3

Once you have cleared your MBBS, you will now have to take and clear NEET-PG which is the entrance exam for your post graduation in psychiatry for further specialization.

Step 4

After you have completed your Post graduation in Psychiatry you can pursue further specialization by enrolling for Doctorate in Medicine(MD) program in psychiatry . It is a three years program and will provide you with in-depth knowledge of Psychiatry. Or you can take a job in a private or government hospital as a psychiatrist.

Types of Psychiatrists

A Psychiatrist has a particular area of expertise which determines their type of work. Here are a few types of Psychiatrist for you to choose as a career.

1. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
2. Young Adult Psychiatry
3. Perinatal Psychiatry
4. Addiction Psychiatry
5.  Forensic Psychiatry

   Salary of a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists in India earn a salary that ranges from Rs 1 lac to Rs 20 lacs with an average annual salary of 9.5 lacs.