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Career as Physician

Physician

A physician is a healthcare professional who has completed extensive education and training to diagnose and treat various medical conditions in individuals. Also known as doctors or medical practitioners, physicians are the front liners in healthcare, dedicated to promoting and maintaining their patients' well-being.

 

Physicians utilize their expertise to evaluate patients' symptoms, perform physical examinations, order diagnostic tests, analyze medical records, and arrive at accurate diagnoses. They develop comprehensive treatment plans, prescribe medications, perform medical procedures, and emphasize preventive care. Collaboration with other healthcare professionals is common to ensure a holistic approach to patient management.

 

Becoming a physician involves obtaining a medical degree, typically an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), followed by specialized training in a specific field of medicine. Residency training allows physicians to gain practical experience under the guidance of experienced doctors.

 

Physicians work in diverse healthcare settings such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, and research institutions. They may choose to specialize in areas like General Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or pursue sub-specialties within these fields. Some physicians also engage in academic and research pursuits to contribute to medical advancements.

 

Beyond medical knowledge and clinical skills, effective communication and interpersonal skills are crucial for physicians. They must establish trust and rapport with patients, address their concerns, and communicate diagnoses, treatments, and potential outcomes clearly and compassionately.

 

Physicians hold the responsibility of providing high-quality healthcare, upholding ethical standards, and safeguarding patient confidentiality. They remain committed to continuous learning, staying abreast of the latest medical advancements, research, and best practices.

 

In essence, physicians are skilled and empathetic healthcare professionals who diagnose, treat, and care for patients, striving to improve their health and overall well-being. Their expertise and dedication make a significant impact in the healthcare system, benefiting individuals and communities alike.

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Eligibility Criteria

To pursue a career as a physician in India, certain eligibility criteria must be fulfilled. Here are the key requirements:

  • Age Limit: The minimum age limit to practice as a physician is 17 years.
  • Educational Qualification: Aspiring physicians need to pass their 10+2 or equivalent examination from a recognized board in the Science stream with at least 50 percent. They should have studied Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as core subjects.
  • Medical Entrance Exams: Candidates must appear for medical entrance exams conducted by the state or central government. Some popular entrance exams include NEET (National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test-UG), AIIMS entrance exam, PGIMER, JIPMER, AFMC, and state-wise CETs. These exams evaluate the candidate's knowledge and aptitude for medical studies.
  • MBBS Degree: After clearing the entrance exams, candidates can pursue the Bachelor of Med...

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Skills required for Course
  • Emotional Intelligence
  • Analytical Thinking
  • Problem solving skills
  • Anatomy
  • Time Management
  • Attention to detail
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Types of Job Roles

Physicians in India have a range of responsibilities aimed at providing optimal healthcare to their patients. Here are some key responsibilities:

 

  • Diagnosis and Treatment: Physicians are responsible for identifying symptoms, evaluating medical histories, and making accurate diagnoses. Based on their assessments, they create personalized treatment plans to address patients' medical conditions effectively.
  • Ordering and Analyzing Tests: Physicians order diagnostic tests such as blood tests, imaging scans, or biopsies to gather further information about a patient's health. They carefully analyze the results to aid in accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment decisions.
  • Referring to Specialists: When necessary, physicians refer patients to specialists for further evaluation and specialized care. They ensure appropriate coordination and collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
  • Medication and Treatment Explanation: Physicians inform patients about prescribed medications, including potential side effects, interactions, and precautions. They explain treatment options, including the benefits and risks, empowering patients to make informed decisions about their healthcare.
  • Basic Medical Procedures: Physicians perform basic medical procedures such as wound suturing, injections, or minor surgical interventions. These procedures are conducted with precision and adherence to medical guidelines.
  • Medical History Recording: Maintaining accurate and comprehensive medical records is essential. Physicians record medical histories, including details of illnesses, treatments, allergies, and surgeries. This ensures continuity of care and facilitates effective communication with other healthcare providers. Physicians play a crucial role in educating patients about their health conditions, preventive measures, and lifestyle modifications. They provide guidance on managing chronic conditions, promoting healthy habits, and addressing patient concerns.
  • Health Improvement Advice: Physicians offer advice and recommendations to improve patient health. This may include suggestions for diet, exercise, stress management, and preventive screenings to support overall well-being.
  • Continual Professional Development: Physicians engage in ongoing learning and professional development to stay updated with medical advancements, research findings, and best practices. They attend conferences, participate in medical workshops, and read scientific literature to enhance their knowledge and skills.

 

These responsibilities reflect the dedication of physicians to provide accurate diagnoses, effective treatments, and comprehensive care to their patients while promoting overall health and well-being.

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Admission

To become a physician, the admission process in India typically involves the following steps:

  • Complete 10+2 Education: Candidates must have completed their secondary education, usually 10+2 or an equivalent examination, from a recognized educational board.
  • Meet Eligibility Criteria: Candidates need to fulfill the eligibility criteria set by the respective medical authorities, which generally include minimum age requirements and specific academic qualifications, such as having studied Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in their 10+2 education.
  • Entrance Examination: Candidates are required to appear for entrance examinations conducted at the national or state level. The most common entrance exam in India for undergraduate medical courses is the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG). Other exams include AIIMS entrance, JIPMER entrance, and state-wise Common Entrance Tests (CETs).
  • Apply and Qualify: Candidates must apply for the entrance examination within the specified timeline and undergo the selection process. The selection is based on the candidate's performance in the entrance examination, which includes multiple-choice questions covering subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and sometimes also includes a section on General Knowledge.
  • Counseling and Seat Allotment: After the entrance examination results are announced, candidates who have qualified are called for counseling sessions. During counseling, candidates can select their preferred medical colleges based on their rank and availability of seats. Seat allotment is done based on merit and preferences, and candidates must complete the admission formalities at the allocated college.
  • Medical Education: Once admitted to a medical college, candidates pursue the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program, which typically has a duration of five and a half years. The curriculum includes both theoretical and practical training, including clinical rotations in various departments.

 

It is important to note that specific admission processes and criteria may vary among different states and institutions in India. Candidates are advised to check the official websites of the relevant medical authorities and colleges for detailed information and updates regarding the admission process.

Exam

NEET UG,NEET PG
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Subjects

To become a physician, the subjects studied may vary slightly depending on the specific medical curriculum and institution. However, here is a list of commonly studied subjects during the MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) program in India:

  • Anatomy: The study of the structure of the human body, including organs, tissues, and systems.
  • Physiology: The study of the functions and mechanisms of the human body, including how organs and systems work together.
  • Biochemistry: The study of the chemical processes and compounds in living organisms, focusing on their structure, function, and metabolism.
  • Pharmacology: The study of drugs, including their interactions with the body, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic uses.
  • Pathology: The study of diseases, their causes, development, and effects on the body's organs and tissues.
  • Microbiology: The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their roles in infectious diseases.
  • Forensic Medicine: The study of legal aspects of medicine, including the application of medical knowledge in the investigation of crimes and identification of human remains.
  • Community Medicine: The study of public health, including preventive medicine, epidemiology, health promotion, and healthcare delivery at the community level.
  • Medicine: The study of general medicine, including the diagnosis, treatment, and management of various medical conditions.
  • Surgery: The study of surgical techniques, procedures, and interventions for treating diseases, injuries, and deformities.
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology: The study of pregnancy, childbirth, and women's reproductive health.
  • Pediatrics: The study of medical care for infants, children, and adolescents.

 

These subjects provide a comprehensive foundation in medical science and clinical knowledge necessary for a physician's practice. Additionally, clinical rotations and practical training in various specialties are also part of the curriculum to gain hands-on experience and develop clinical skills.

Prep Books

Here are some commonly recommended prep books for aspiring physicians:

  • "First Aid for the USMLE Step 1" by Tao Le and Vikas Bhushan
  • "Rapid Review Pathology" by Edward F. Goljan
  • "Clinical Microbiology Made Ridiculously Simple" by Mark Gladwin and William Trattler
  • "BRS Physiology" by Linda S. Costanzo
  • "Netter's Anatomy Flash Cards" by John T. Hansen
  • "Clinical Anatomy Made Ridiculously Simple" by Stephen Goldberg
  • "Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease" by Vinay Kumar, Abul Abbas, and Jon Aster
  • "Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology" by John E. Hall
  • "Clinical Neuroanatomy Made Ridiculously Simple" by Stephen Goldberg
  • "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine" edited by Dennis L. Kasper, Anthony S. Fauci, et al. etc

FAQ's

Are there opportunities for research and academic careers in the field of medicine?

Yes, there are ample opportunities for research and academic careers in medicine. Doctors can pursue research fellowships, work as faculty members in medical colleges, engage in clinical research, and contribute to medical advancements through their expertise and publications.

How can one practice as a physician in India?

After completing the MBBS degree and the mandatory internship, doctors need to register with the state medical council or the Medical Council of India (MCI) to obtain a license to practice medicine in India.

What are the popular specialties in the field of medicine in India?

Some popular specialties in India include General Medicine, Pediatrics, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Orthopedics, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, among others.

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