CAREERS IN MEDICINE

ntroduction
Medicine is one of the most sought after and rewarding hi3s for those interested in science and dealing with sick people. Over the years, the field of medical studies has undergone various stages of development; it has become so vast that specializations within it are increasing day by day. There is great scope for medicine as a professional hi3. Medicine is the science and art of healing. It encompasses a variety of health care practices evolved to maintain and restore health by the prevention and treatment of illness. Contemporary medicine applies health science, biomedical research, and medical technology to diagnose and treat injury and disease, typically through medication, surgery, or some other form of therapy.

Nature of work
Medical doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries and perform an important function in looking after the well-being of the community.
Thorough knowledge of diseases and their symptoms are required for diagnosis and treatment. Medical doctor use several techniques and apparatus in their examinations in order to form an image of the disease or injury. It is important that all factors are taken into consideration before a diagnosis is made. Treatment can be medical, surgical and therapeutic. Medical doctors sometimes refer a patient for further diagnosis and special treatment. A diagnosis follows certain steps.
Firstly the doctor takes into account the medical history of specific cases of illness or problems mentioned by the patient together with information regarding his/her previous illness and any illness of relatives. Then they keep the patient under close vigil during the course of treatment, conduct regular checkups and examine the patient’s physical status using clinical skills and order or perform laboratory tests, X-rays and other diagnostic procedures; assess the findings and finally make a diagnosis. Based on their findings they recommend suitable treatment of the
patient, which may involve recommendations on life style changes prescribing medicine or giving medication, vaccinating against infections or contagious diseases, or in the case of injuries or otherwise closing wounds, removing foreign bodies or setting broken limbs. Part of their work also includes giving counseling to patients on diet, exercise, avoidance of detrimental habits such as smoking and consumption of alcohol, and overall health maintenance. Specific nature of work depends upon the specialization areas.

Specializations
Specializations in a particular branch of Medicine have become a necessity. Advanced Specializations include plastic surgery, neurosurgery, cardio – thoracic surgery, canitourinary surgery, pediatric surgery, gastroenterology, endocrinology and clinical hematology. The major areas of specializations include the following:

Personal attributes
Prospective medical doctors must love working with people and have an interest in their well being. They must be emotionally balanced, patient, tactful and calm. They must be able to work fast, accurately, make quick decisions, carry responsibility and work under a great deal of pressure. They must also be physically fit, since they often work long and irregular hours. In no other profession, a high level of mental ability, scientific temper, technical and human skills are so thoroughly integrated as in healthcare profession. The job demands good memory, the ability to integrate knowledge from various sources, keen observation and quick interpretation. The ability to take crucial decisions, self-motivation, amiable and sympathetic temperament are also essential. A doctor is also expected to possess a strong sense of responsibility as the patient’s life depends entirely on him.
In addition those who take up surgery must possess high concentration, manual and finger dexterity and stamina, and the ability to stand on their feet continuously for several hours.

Employment opportunities
There is no dearth of jobs or opportunities for a medical practitioner. No matter how the job market fluctuations are the need for medical health cuts across all boundaries, Medical professionals are absorbed in both private and government hospitals, clinics and prevention centre. Schools and organizations, both public and private sectors, keeps a panel of doctors for their employees well being. Doctors can also associate themselves with many hospitals as visiting professionals. Many of them also prefer to have their own private practice in their clinics.

How to enter
A student having qualified in 10+2 with PCB can go for undergraduate studies in Medical Sciences where he can do Bachelor’s degree programme in Medicine and Surgery (MBBS). The duration of the course is 51/2 yrs including internship.

Major Entrance Tests

List of Some Institutions