The study of medical sciences is exploring newer horizons, powered by continuous research in the field of bio- sciences. Development in Human Genome Programmes and Bio-medical Engineering has transformed the process and approach of medical care, today. This has become the age of super specialisations and micro specialisations in medical studies. Alternative method of therapies such as Homoeopathy and Ayurved have also gone under revolutionary changes.

We shall not discuss about the first stage of specialisation after MBBS, broadly covering Obstetrics-gynaecology, Surgery, Medicine, Paediatrics etc. Superspecialised studies are pursued today in the subjects such as experimental Pharmacology, Neonatal/Perinatals, Endocrinology, Paediatic-Neurology, Paediatri-Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Immunology etc. An MD or MS goes for a superspecialisation degree of Doctor of Medicine (DM) or Master of Chirurgie (MCh), offered in premier medical institutions in the country.

Doctors can go for 3-year job based specialisation of Diplomate of the National Board (DNB) in institutes recognised by Indian Medical Council National Board. Some of the leading such institutions are the Apollo Hospital, Chennai, Mahavir Hospital, Hyderabad, Hindu Rao Hospital, New Delhi, Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Bangalore etc. Details about DNB can be obtained from NBE website.www.natboard.nic.in. Websites such as www.aarogya.com provide information about career opportunities in India and abroad.

Super-super specialisations or micro specialisations, any way one puts it, are breath taking new ventures in medical sciences. Interventional Cardiology, Neonatal Surgery, Pediatric Laparoscopy and Antibiotics to check the spread of deadly infections are areas of today’s super-super specialisations.

Selection

There are two categories of Entrance Examinations for the basic MBBS study (1) conducted by the CBSE at the All India level (April) for 15% of total number of seats in the medical colleges of the country except J&K and Andhra Pradesh. (2) Conducted by various states for the state level colleges to admit the domicile students. The basic eligibility for the exam is +2 sciences with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. Again, some of the leading medical colleges in the country conduct independent All India level Entrance Tests to select students for their institutions. Most private medical colleges in the state of AP, Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Maharastra offer 50% seats on self-finance basis.

Some of the premier All India level medical entrance tests for admission to MBBS study are mentioned below. Armed Forces Medical College, Pune-411040, test in May. Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Sevagram, Wardha-442102, test in May. All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, tests in June (www.aiims.ac.in & www.aiims.edu). Institute of Medical Sciences, BHU, test (PMT) in May (www.bhu.ac.in). Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed Univ.), Pune, test (MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS) in April. Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, test (MBBS/BDS) in May. MAHE Manipal (MBBS/BDS) & Sikkim-Manipal University, test in May.

(Also, refer to the list at the end of the chapter)

Students, who have pursued a medical course abroad, will have to clear the National Board of Examination (NBE) test to practise as a licensed doctor in India. Medical students who want to pursue fellowship programmes in the US have to clear a 3-step assessment programme USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination).

Career avenues

Apart from government jobs in state level medical services, All India Medical Services (conducted by UPSC), Indian Railways Medical Services and Army Medical Corporation, medical specialists and super specialists can find career opportunities in private corporate hospitals, polyclinics, nursing homes, research labs or practise independently.

Combined Medical Services Examination

Every year, the Union Public Services Commission conducts an examination to recruit medicos for a variety of Central Government services. The exam is generally notified in the month of October and held in March.

Homoeopathy

Most states have homoeopathy colleges which admit students through entrance examinations. In an age when alternative methods of healthcare are becoming popular, homoeopathy has emerged as a strong alternative to other kinds of medicines for acute as well as chronic health problems. Homoeopathy has gone through a lot of revolutionary Research and Development processes and has branched out. Electro-homoeopathy and bio-chemic formulations for key disease symptoms have been widely accepted all over the world. Candidates have to complete the mandatory 5-year BHMS course to be eligible to practise as a homoeopathy doctor. The 5-years BHMS course also includes surgery which enables a practitioner to perform basic surgeries.

Ayurved

Ayurved method of healthcare follows the pattern of detoxification, diet, exercise and medicines to cure health problems. Major work areas for doctors of this discipline are in public and private Ayurvedic hospitals and medical colleges, pharma companies, R & D and lifestyle health centres. As ayurved propagates leading a healthy and positive lifestyle rather than curing disease conditions, self-enterprise in setting up ayurvedic health management clinics has a bright future.

In India, you could explore postgraduation courses in Ayurveda in Govt Ayurvedic College, Patna- 800 003, R.A. Podar (Ayurveda) Medical College, Worli, Mumbai 400 018, Institute for Post Graduate Teaching & Research in Ayurveda, Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar – 361 008 (M.D/ M.Sc. Medicinal Plants) (www.ayurvedauniversity.com), Banaras Hindu University, Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi – 221 005, offers MD (Ay)/MS (Ay), selection through All India Written test for admission in June and University of Delhi, Faculty of Ayurvedic & Unani Medicines, Delhi – 110 007 (Screening test in August, applications invited in July). Many other colleges in the country also offer Master’s degree courses. Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth, National Academy of Ayurveda, Dhanwantari Bhawan, Road No. 66, Punjabi Bagh (West), New Delhi – 110 026, Certificate of Rashtriya Ayurveda Vidyapeeth (CRAV) as a one year course for candidates who hold a graduate degree in Ayurveda. It involves training in the clinical practices of Ayurveda. Notification in January.

Pharmaceutical Sciences

A minor headache can give rise to the fear of Meningitis, but thankfully we have the medicine makers who are there with their drug discoveries to save our lives. They are professionals who have studied Pharma Science and have done research in Pharma colleges/research institutes on specific diseases to find new cures/inventions for those. According to Ernst and Young’s Global Pharma report 2002, the Indian Pharma industry is the world’s 5th largest drug manufacturer.

Pharmaceutical Science comprises an integrated knowledge of chemistry, biology, mathematics and computer sciences with the knowledge of diseases and therapeutics to optimise drug therapy. A Pharma scientist designs, develops and stipulates the use of medications for the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Aptitudes that help

Since a pharma scientist is dealing with one’s life, that is curing diseases by discoveries, there is need for complete involvement and attentiveness in designing the dosage forms to regulate the impurities level of the drugs and finally, to market/sale the same. Logical thinking, problem-solving attitude and patience are qualities which help one excel in this career field.

How to start with?

Students must be Bachelors in Pharmacy (B Pharm) which is a 4-year degree course with a combination of Physics, Chemistry, Biology or Mathematics at +2 level. But, looking at the nature of demand in the industry a degree in M Pharm is mostly required. To get into a good Tech School or Pharma College for a Master’s degree one must have very good scores at B Pharm/ B Sc (Chem) level or secure a GATE score.

Chemistry skills are indispensable in this industry. Selection to B Pharm courses are usually made through national and state level entrance tests.

After M Pharm, one may opt for a PhD Pharm to get into research in one’s chosen field or one may go for an MBA in Pharmaceutical Management/ Marketing/Finance to get into the exciting field of Pharma Sale/Marketing.

Career avenues

The diverse stages in the process of drug making and ultimately the product marketing provide an array of professional opportunities for one who has studied Pharmaceutical science.
One with higher degrees in Pharma Science may opt for a career in Research and Development in private drug manufacturing companies and in the labs of universities and governmental research organisations as a scientist. A Doctorate degree in the subject enables one to enter the field at a higher position.

Then there are other important work areas of clinical research, quality control during the manufacturing process, product marketing, sale, consultancy, finances and HR training. One can choose one’s work area armed with a degree in MPharm or BPharm/PhD Pharm. Additional degrees in MBA and Law expands one’s career prospects in the industry. In whichever segment you work a job in Pharma industry promises career growth.

More so, because India of late, has emergedas the preferred off-shore center for Pharma research and development in the world. Leading global Pharma companies are increasingly off-shoring jobs for contract research, clinical testing/research and select drug manufacturing to Indian Pharma companies and research labs. Apart from over 1000 Pharma Cos, India, with its large pool of well-equipped government and privately-run (including non-profit research organisations) research labs provides stable and promising career options in Pharmaceutical industries today.

Medical Transcription

Medical Transcription is one of the fastest growing IT-enabled industries in India which demands for skilled manpower. This service sector has, primarily, emerged to cater to the needs of the health related administrative compulsions in the U.S.

Medical Transcription is transcribing the findings of the medical experts that has been processed and put in voice forms. The work needs competence in English language, good typing and accurate listening skills. A comprehensive learning of the American English and accent, and a thorough knowledge of medical terminologies, diseases, drugs and dosage help a medical transcriptionist to make out the half-spoken or less-audible monosyllables uttered by doctors in the US and record it in a correct and coherent manner.

The MT centres provide dignified work environs, especially for women. Plenty of training institutes are open across the country imparting training to the MTs selected by various companies. A career in MT has the unique option of working at home and provision for part-time work. Max Healthcare is one of the leading companies which provides this facility along with the same perks and incentives given to the office-workers. Online training courses are also available and one can arrange clients from any part of the globe by sitting at his own home PC and internet.

Starting with a trainee Medical Transcriptionist one can rise in the ladder and become an Editor/ a Quality Analyst/ a Team Leader in various companies.

Nursing

Nursing is that domain of work which is almost entirely dominated by women. This profession demands a caring and compassionate nature and devotion to the sick.

As the volume of medical care is growing fast, the demand for capable and skilled nurses is high around the globe. Since the nurses have to do routine medical and surgical duties, they have to make up their mind to work for seriously ill patients and they also need to have a cheerful and pleasant disposition with a helping attitude. An ability to organise things well, a sympathetic nature, interest in medicine and patience to cope with difficult situations are qualities required to enjoy a career in nursing.

Students having a combination of Physics, Chemistry and Biology in +2 Sciences can go for a 4-year B Sc nursing training course or a 3-year Diploma course in the subject.
One may go for a Master’s Degree Course (2- year) in Nursing if interested in pursuing a career in academics. There are a number of colleges affiliated to medical colleges which admit students through all India level entrance tests.

Many specialist courses in nursing are also available either as part of the Master’s Degree or a Post-Diploma course in the areas like Medical Surgical Nursing, Paediatric Nursing, Psychiatric Nursing, Obstetrical and Gynaecological Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Rehabilitation Techniques and likes. Candidates having B Sc Nursing degrees can take up hospital administration courses like the 1 year part time course offered by TISS, Deonar, Mumbai or Post Diploma in Nursing Education and Administration there.

Of late, demand for trained Indian nurses has increased in many western countries.

Nursing in Defence Services

Nursing is a significant part of the Defence Services sector. The B Sc. Nursing programme at the Armed Forces Nursing School is offered exclusively to girls who have qualified in +2 Sc. (PCB), with 50% marks. The selection process involves a written test followed by an interview.
The exam is notified during September-October, and held in January. The interview is held in March. A strict medical fitness test confirms the final selection. The candidates get free training at the APMC, and after completion of the training they are bestowed with the rank of Lieutenant in the Military Nursing (OMNS). A monthly stipend, free ration, accommodation and uniform allowance are provided to the candidates during the training period.

Paramedical Sciences

The paramedical technology is giving way to innumerable employment opportunities these days. Huge growths in the number of private hospitals, nursing homes and diagnostic centers and upgradation of medical technologies have created a steady demand for Paramedical personnel.
Perhaps the most advance course in MLT is offered by the IIT, Kharagpur at its School of Medical Science & Technology. But the 3-year Master’s in Medical Science and Technology is meant for only MBBS graduates. For details about the selections you may visit: www.iitkgp.ernet.in.

Specialised training are offered by the paramedical training institutes in the areas of Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT), X-Ray and Radiology, Ophthalmic Technology or Optometry, Cardiovascular Technology, Audiology and Speech Therapy, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Prosthetic and Orthodox Engineering and Clinical Child Development etc.

A minimum of +2 Sc (PCB) qualifications is required to opt for a number of B Sc/ Diploma/ Certificate courses of various durations in Paramedical Technologies. A qualified MLT can avail job opportunities both in the private and the public hospitals, nursing homes, psychiatric clinics, rehabilitation centers, poly clinics and diagnostic clinics, R ad D wings of pharmaceuticals companies and institutional labs.