Ayurveda Doctor
Who Is An Ayurveda Doctor?
An Ayurvedic doctor is a physician who specialises in providing medical care as well as ayurvedic surgical support to people using herbal remedies and tinctures and as per the recommendations of the traditional Hindu system of medicine – Ayurveda.
As an Ayurvedic doctor, you will be using herbal medicines and dietary practices along with therapies like touch therapy, colour therapy, aromatherapy, and sound therapy to heal your patients. There are medical subspecialty areas in which Ayurveda is actively used, such as internal medicine, surgery, psychiatry, ENT, gynaecology, sexual vitality, toxicology, obstetrics and paediatrics etc.
Roles & Responsibilities
Consulting visiting patients. The primary task of an Ayurvedic doctor is to examine patients. You will go ahead with a particular line of treatment or refer the patient to a super-speciality doctor if the disease is found to be outside the purview of Ayurveda. For example, if you suspect cancer in your patient, you should suggest sufficient oncological (study and treatment of tumours) support along with Ayurvedic treatment.
Obtaining consent from the patient. As an Ayurvedic doctor, you will have to obtain the consent of the patient before undertaking any surgical procedure. Similarly, you will also have to notify the presence of communicable disease in the patient and consent to proceed further.
Avoiding negligence and experimentation. Ayurvedic treatment might not cover all types of diseases. Therefore it is your duty not to neglect the need for advanced care or emergency medical attention. Besides, you should avoid experimentation on your patient as it can potentially risk the healing process. If you don’t find any solution to a particular ailment, you should not resort to “hit and trial” methods, rather you should refer the patient to a specialist instead.
Providing adequate guidance to patients. It is the duty of the Ayurvedic physician to give the patient all necessary instruction and information so that he/she gets a better understanding of the ailments. For example, as an Ayurvedic doctor, you will inform the patient about the treatment required and respect his/her right to get a second opinion as well as the right to seek alternative forms of treatment.
Keeping track and record of the health of patients. Patients treated may require regular meetings with the Ayurvedic doctor. Say you are treating someone who is suffering from a chronic stomach ailment. The patient might have to visit you multiple times for consultation. You will be expected to maintain a record of the treatment plan until its conclusion.
What Skills Will I Need To Have To Do This Job Well?
As exciting as this sounds, there are some things you’ll need to learn to do the job right:
KNOWLEDGE OF AYURVEDA
Knowledge of Ayurveda is the basic requirement to practice Ayurveda. This is gained through B.A.M.S. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) and M.D. in Rasa Shastra, but more importantly, through a long-term interest, devotion, and sincerity towards this science and art of healing.
A deep understanding of Vedic philosophy will also help in gaining a better understanding of Ayurveda.
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
Ayurvedic doctors treat patients suffering from various ailments. As a doctor specialising in this discipline, you should be a good communicator and be able to explain the treatment plan and the approach to a patient. Being an alternative form of treatment, sound communication skills are very important so that a patient is convinced about the authenticity and ability of the treatment.
SOFT SKILLS
As an Ayurvedic doctor, you will need to be patient and must show empathy and be well-behaved with patients. Ayurvedic treatment isn’t about instant relief. Therefore patience both on the part of the doctor as well as the patient is very important. Good behaviour by the doctor will foster a long-term relationship with the patient and also present Ayurvedic treatment in a positive light.
ENTERPRISING ABILITY
As an Ayurvedic doctor, you should be enthusiastic about sharing knowledge, participate in workshops and training, impart education and spread the awareness of Ayurveda.
In order to increase the knowledge of Ayurveda as well as awareness among people towards alternative treatment and your practice, your presentation and branding skills are very crucial.
RESEARCH SKILLS
As an Ayurvedic doctor, you will undertake Ayurveda-based research as well as develop case studies and contents. You should be passionate about researching improved Ayurvedic solutions to various ailments and presenting the same in various forums. Apart from research, you should be willing to share your findings through training and teaching sessions and Ayurveda camps.
Take the Mentoria career assessment test, to find out how well-suited you are as an Ayurveda Doctor.
What Will My Workplace Look Like?
Ayurvedic doctors can start their own practice or work in hospitals in Ayurveda and/or alternative medicine departments. Employment opportunities can also be found in academics and drug manufacturing companies.
As an Ayurvedic doctor, you are unlikely to be working at odd or extended work hours or respond to on-call duties. You may have to coordinate with other healthcare professionals and undertake activities like teaching.
Emergency situations, compared to many other medical specialities might not be as common. You can hope for improved research opportunities in the days to come.
What Is My Scope For Career Growth As An Ayurveda Doctor?
Career opportunities of Ayurvedic doctors, in the past, were limited to private practice, but opportunities have now opened up in government agencies, hospitals, academic institutions, drug manufacturing and research. This opens up a lot of opportunities for aspiring Ayurvedic doctors.
The importance of Ayurveda is increasing in the medical world, particularly in ailments related to skin, spinal disorders, ophthalmologic conditions, anorectal diseases etc.
Thinking of a career as an Ayurveda Doctor? Take the Mentoria assessment test & talk to our career counsellors to get personalized step-by-step guidance for your future career path.
How Much Will I Get Paid?
The exact number will depend on the reputation and expertise in the profession, but we can give you a general idea.
Ayurvedic doctors earn around INR 300,000 per annum in India at the beginning of their career. This will only increase with experience and expertise. The earnings in private practice will depend a lot on your reputation as an Ayurvedic Doctor.
Okay, I'm sold. This is amazing
STEP 1: Class XI-XII/Junior College
To embark on your journey in Ayurveda, you have to first clear the higher secondary level of studies in Science stream.
STEP 2: Graduation
You have to qualify through national entrance tests like NEET-UG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) or state equivalent tests. B.A.M.S. is a five-and-a-half-year long programme with a compulsory year of internship.
Ayurveda is a vast discipline that will require rigorous study and hard work. Make sure that you are very interested in Ayurveda when you choose to pursue this career.
STEP 3: Post Graduation
After B.A.M.S., register yourself as a practitioner of Ayurveda. The “Vaidyar” (Ayurvedic doctor) can pursue MD in Rasa Shastra, which is an entrance-based two-year programme. Alternately, you can also pursue non-ayurvedic postgraduate courses and diplomas.
STEP 4: Land a Job
B.A.M.S. degree makes you a qualified Ayurvedic doctor and you can choose a private practice or seek employment in a healthcare institute.
Congratulations, you are now officially an Ayurvedic doctor!
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