Who's a Doctor?
We have all been to the doctor at least once in our lives, and the sight of a clinic or a hospital is not alien to us. Whether it’s a sore throat or broken bones, this person in the ‘white coat’ cures it all.
Although you might have a general idea of what a doctor does, the term ‘doctor’ itself is very broad. There are several fields or specialisations like gynaecology (Women’s health), orthopaedics (bone health), cardiology (heart health), etc. There are also different methods through which doctors practice, like surgery, oral medication, physiotherapy, radiology, etc.
What will you do?
Where will you work?
How do you get there?
What skills would you need?
Research
Research is the systematic process of collecting, analysing, and interpreting information to increase understanding of a particular topic or issue. It involves identifying a question or problem, gathering relevant data, and evaluating sources to draw meaningful conclusions. Research can take various forms, including qualitative studies (which explore perceptions and experiences) and quantitative studies (which focus on numerical data and statistics). Strong research skills will enable you to find reliable information, assess the credibility of sources, and synthesise findings to support decision-making or further exploration. This skill is crucial in many fields, such as academia, business, healthcare, and technology, where informed decisions rely on thorough investigation and analysis. build this skill
Scientific Skills
Scientific skills encompass a range of abilities that enable individuals to conduct scientific research, understand scientific concepts, and apply scientific reasoning. Having strong scientific skills is crucial in fields such as healthcare, environmental science, engineering, and research, as they underpin the ability to innovate and solve complex problems. They also foster a deeper understanding of how scientific principles impact everyday life. build this skill
Communication Skills
Communication skills are the ability to clearly express ideas, information, and feelings, both verbally and in writing, so others can easily understand. This includes listening effectively, using the right tone, and being aware of non-verbal cues like body language. These skills help you explain your thoughts clearly, build relationships, and work better in teams. Good communication is important in almost every job, from customer service to leadership roles, because it ensures that tasks are understood and done correctly, and it helps prevent misunderstandings. build this skill
Social Skills
Social skills are the abilities that enable effective communication and interaction with others. They encompass a range of interpersonal competencies, including active listening, empathy, non-verbal communication, conflict resolution, and teamwork. These skills help individuals navigate social situations, build relationships, and collaborate effectively in various settings. Having strong social skills is crucial for personal and professional success. They enhance teamwork, foster positive relationships, and improve communication, which can lead to better collaboration and productivity in the workplace. In many professions, especially those involving direct interaction with others—such as education, healthcare, and sales—strong social skills can significantly impact outcomes and overall effectiveness. build this skill
Time Management
Time management refers to the ability to plan and organise how much time you spend on specific activities. Good time management enables individuals to work smarter rather than harder, helping them prioritise tasks, set goals, and allocate time efficiently. It includes skills such as prioritisation, scheduling, and setting deadlines, allowing individuals to maximise productivity and reduce stress. This skill is especially valuable in fast-paced environments, where the ability to adapt and adjust priorities can significantly impact performance.How do you make it to the top ranks?
Medical Intern
After you have completed your graduation, you can join a hospital or a clinic as a medical intern. This would be your first step as a doctor. You will work under the supervision of senior doctors and learn the basics.
Resident Medical Officer
You would be working as an employee at a hospital or a clinic. Your work would involve conducting basic check-ups and working closely with nurses as well as other departments. You would work under the guidance of senior doctors.
Physician
On the basis of your medical speciality, you will work as a physician offering diagnosis and treatment for minor and major medical problems. You will assist senior physicians in different settings – hospitals, clinics. You could also start your own private practice.
Senior Physician
At this stage, you will oversee the work of the physicians. Depending on your specialisation, your work will majorly include conducting complex surgeries, providing appropriate treatment and care to the patients.
Chief Physician/Head of the Department
You would head a department and be responsible for the day-to-day clinical operations. At this stage, your job would involve more administrative work than clinical. Your main concern will be to provide quality health care to patients.
Hospital Executive Officer
Here, you are captain of the ship. You will be responsible for the overall functioning of the hospital. And work on improving the hospital. You would work closely with the board of directors and plan the betterment of the hospital and its services. You will direct and supervise the governance of the hospital.
Pursuing your career locally VS abroad
If you plan to establish your practice here, pursue medicine in India. This is because studying in India would help you understand the need here and help you build a network. India boasts of well-known medical institutes that offer good practical as well as theoretical knowledge. You can study medicine at colleges such as AIIMS Delhi, KGMU Lucknow, MAMC Delhi, Sharda University, SRM University and others. To secure a seat in a government-run medical college, it is important for you to secure good marks in the NEET exam. Pursuing a career in medicine from a government-run medical college would cost you anywhere between INR 1,00,000 to 2,00,000. Whereas, studying medicine from a private institution would cost you INR 5,00,000 to INR 50,00,000. In India, pursuing medicine would also give you an opportunity to receive live practice sessions and deal with rushed patients. Studying medicine in India would take up to 4-5 years.
To study medicine overseas, it is important for you to clear the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). This is a screening test that helps universities examine your capability to cope with medical education. Russia and China are the top destinations for Indian medical aspirants looking to study at a foreign university. Top foreign universities offering good MBBS courses are Saint Petersburg Medical University, Volgograd Medical University and Tver State Medical Academy. Pursuing medicine overseas would give you good exposure and help you build a strong international network. A medical degree from a foreign university would cost you anywhere between INR 25,00,000- INR 60,00,000 per year, depending on the university you opt for. The courses vary from 4-7 years. If you don’t intend to move abroad, then you can opt for an online medical certification course offered by various US and UK universities. If you plan to study abroad, then you can look for a job there. You can also pick up a specialisation and carve your own niche to attract better job opportunities. However, if you have an MBBS degree from a foreign university and are looking to work in India then you would have to appear for the Foreign Medical Graduates Examination (FMGE), a screening test held by the Indian Medical Council to determine whether you are qualified for practice and further study in the country.
How much would you get paid?
The exact number of your salary will depend on your skills, qualifications, work experience, and the organisation you’re working for. However, we can give you a general idea of what doctors make.
What are your career options?
Audiologist
An audiologist specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss and balance disorders in adults and children. The primary job of an audiologist is to conduct hearing exams, adjust and maintain hearing aids. An audiologist possesses comprehensive knowledge of human auditory and vestibular systems. These doctors typically work in hospitals or have their own clinics.
Cardiologist
These doctors specialise in heart-related issues. A cardiologist focuses on the treatment of the heart and its blood vessels. While the primary job of a cardiologist is to treat heart patients, they also deal with patients showing symptoms that could affect the well-being and functions of the heart.
Dermatologist
A dermatologist especially focuses on the diagnosis of conditions associated with skin, hair and nails. This specialisation also involves conducting various procedures such as botox, and laser treatments.
Endocrinologist
This kind of specialisation involves the study of illnesses and issues related to the endocrine system and the glands. The endocrine system is responsible for secreting and regulating the hormone levels in the body. Further specialisation in Endocrinologist involves behavioural endocrinology and comparative endocrinology.
Gastroenterologist
A gastroenterologist focuses on diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive tract. This includes the stomach, small intestine, large intestine and the pancreas. They perform various medical procedures such as colonoscopy, endoscopy, ERCP, liver biopsy and others.
Nephrologist
The study of Nephrology is related to the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. A nephrologist is trained to conduct kidney biopsy, dialysis and offer treatment for chronic kidney diseases.
Ophthalmologist
Ophthalmologists deal with the study and treatment of diseases and disorders of the eyes. They specialise in treating conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and others. They recommend medications for eye diseases and also implement laser therapy and perform surgeries when required.
Neurologist
A neurologist deals with the study of the human brain and in determining the causes and treatment of conditions such as Alzheimers, Parkinsons, and Dementia. Neurologists also study the nervous system and are trained in the treatment of diseases related to it.
Radiologist
A radiologist is a physician trained in interpreting diagnostic tests. They specialise in conducting medical imaging that helps in diagnosing and treating diseases within the body. Their job mainly involves performing X-ray radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), nuclear medicine including positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Otolaryngologists
More commonly known as ENT specialist. They deal with the diagnosis and treatment of ailments related to the ear, nose and throat. Otolaryngologists specialise in offering surgical and medical management of disorders related to ear, nose, throat, neck and head.
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