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Doctor Physician

Overview, Education, Careers Types, Skills, Career Path, Resources

Doctor Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses, injuries. They provide comprehensive healthcare, order tests, prescribe medication, and counsel patients on maintaining wellness.

Average Salary

₹9,00,000

Growth

high

Satisfaction

high

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Educational Requirements

Educational Path to Becoming a Doctor/Physician

To become a doctor or physician in India, a rigorous educational journey is required. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

  • 10+2 Education:
    • Complete your 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
    • Aim for high scores as these marks are crucial for your medical entrance exams.
  • Undergraduate Degree (MBBS):
    • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): This is the primary undergraduate degree required to become a doctor.
    • Entrance Exams: Qualify for national or state-level entrance exams like NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
    • Duration: The MBBS program is 5.5 years long, including a 1-year compulsory rotating internship.
  • Internship:
    • A 1-year rotating internship is a mandatory part of the MBBS program.
    • This involves working in various departments of a hospital, providing practical experience.
  • Postgraduate Degree (MD/MS):
    • MD (Doctor of Medicine) or MS (Master of Surgery): After completing MBBS, you can pursue a postgraduate degree in a specialized field.
    • Specializations: Choose a specialization such as General Medicine, Surgery, Pediatrics, Gynecology, etc.
    • Entrance Exams: You'll need to clear postgraduate entrance exams like NEET PG.
    • Duration: MD/MS programs are typically 3 years long.
  • Further Specialization (DM/MCh):
    • DM (Doctorate of Medicine) or MCh (Magister Chirurgiae): For super-specialization in fields like Cardiology, Neurology, or Surgical Oncology.
    • Entrance Exams: Requires clearing super-specialty entrance exams.
    • Duration: DM/MCh programs are typically 2-3 years long.

Key Points to Remember:

  • NEET is Crucial: NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is the primary entrance exam for MBBS and postgraduate medical courses in India.
  • Continuous Learning: Medicine is a field that requires continuous learning and staying updated with the latest advancements.
  • Licensing: Obtain a license from the Medical Council of India (MCI) or relevant state medical council to practice medicine.
Study Path
Top Colleges

Top Medical Colleges in India

Choosing the right medical college is crucial for a successful career as a doctor. India boasts several prestigious institutions known for their excellent faculty, infrastructure, and research opportunities. Here are some of the top medical colleges in India:

  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi:
    • Overview: AIIMS Delhi is consistently ranked as the top medical college in India. It offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in various medical disciplines.
    • Courses Offered: MBBS, MD, MS, DM, MCh.
    • Key Features: Renowned faculty, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and extensive research opportunities.
  • Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh:
    • Overview: PGIMER Chandigarh is another leading medical institute known for its high academic standards and research output.
    • Courses Offered: MBBS, MD, MS, DM, MCh.
    • Key Features: Excellent clinical exposure, experienced faculty, and advanced research facilities.
  • Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore:
    • Overview: CMC Vellore is a well-reputed private medical college known for its commitment to providing quality medical education and healthcare.
    • Courses Offered: MBBS, MD, MS, Diploma courses.
    • Key Features: Strong emphasis on ethical medical practice, community health programs, and research.
  • Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi:
    • Overview: MAMC New Delhi is a top-ranked government medical college known for its excellent academic environment and experienced faculty.
    • Courses Offered: MBBS, MD, MS, Diploma courses.
    • Key Features: Affiliated with Lok Nayak Hospital, providing extensive clinical exposure.
  • King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow:
    • Overview: KGMU Lucknow is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical colleges in India.
    • Courses Offered: MBBS, MD, MS, DM, MCh, Diploma courses.
    • Key Features: Rich history, experienced faculty, and a wide range of medical specialties.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Medical College:

  • Accreditation and Recognition: Ensure the college is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
  • Faculty: Look for experienced and qualified faculty members.
  • Infrastructure: Check for well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and hospitals.
  • Clinical Exposure: Consider the availability of clinical training and patient exposure.
  • Research Opportunities: Explore research programs and facilities offered by the college.
Fees

Fee Structure for Medical Courses in India

The cost of pursuing a medical degree in India can vary significantly depending on the type of institution, whether it's a government or private college, and the specific course. Here’s a detailed overview of the fee structures for different medical courses:

  • MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery):
    • Government Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹20,000 to ₹75,000 per year.
      • Total Course Fees: ₹1,00,000 to ₹3,75,000 for the entire 5.5-year course.
    • Private Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹8,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 per year.
      • Total Course Fees: ₹40,00,000 to ₹1,25,00,000 for the entire course.
    • Deemed Universities:
      • Annual Fees: ₹12,00,000 to ₹30,00,000 per year.
      • Total Course Fees: ₹60,00,000 to ₹1,50,00,000 for the entire course.
  • MD/MS (Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery):
    • Government Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹30,000 to ₹1,00,000 per year.
      • Total Course Fees: ₹90,000 to ₹3,00,000 for the 3-year course.
    • Private Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹5,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 per year.
      • Total Course Fees: ₹15,00,000 to ₹60,00,000 for the 3-year course.
  • DM/MCh (Doctorate of Medicine/Magister Chirurgiae):
    • Government Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹50,000 to ₹2,00,000 per year.
    • Private Medical Colleges:
      • Annual Fees: ₹10,00,000 to ₹35,00,000 per year.

Additional Costs:

  • Hostel Fees: ₹20,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year.
  • Books and Study Material: ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year.
  • Exam Fees: ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per exam.
Related Exams

Entrance Exams for Aspiring Doctors in India

To embark on a medical career in India, several competitive entrance exams must be cleared. These exams serve as gateways to prestigious medical colleges and specialized programs. Here’s a detailed overview:

  • NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test):
    • Purpose: NEET is the primary entrance exam for MBBS, BDS (Bachelor of Dental Surgery), and other undergraduate medical courses in India.
    • Conducting Body: Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
    • Eligibility: Candidates must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.
    • Exam Pattern: It includes multiple-choice questions from Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology).
    • Significance: NEET scores are accepted by all medical colleges in India, including AIIMS and JIPMER.
  • NEET PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate Courses):
    • Purpose: NEET PG is for admission to MD (Doctor of Medicine), MS (Master of Surgery), and other postgraduate medical courses.
    • Eligibility: Candidates must have completed their MBBS degree.
    • Exam Pattern: It includes multiple-choice questions covering pre-clinical, clinical, and para-clinical subjects.
    • Significance: NEET PG scores are essential for securing a postgraduate seat in top medical colleges.
  • INI-CET (Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test):
    • Purpose: INI-CET is conducted for admission to postgraduate courses like MD, MS, DM (Doctorate of Medicine), MCh (Magister Chirurgiae), and MDS (Master of Dental Surgery) in AIIMS, JIPMER, PGIMER, and other Institutes of National Importance.
    • Eligibility: Candidates must have an MBBS degree.
    • Exam Pattern: Includes multiple-choice questions covering various medical subjects.
    • Significance: It is a highly competitive exam for specialized courses in top institutions.

Key Strategies for Exam Preparation:

  • Comprehensive Study: Cover the entire syllabus thoroughly.
  • Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to assess your preparation level.
  • Previous Years' Papers: Solve previous years' question papers to understand the exam pattern.
  • Time Management: Practice effective time management during the exam.
  • Conceptual Clarity: Focus on understanding the fundamental concepts.
Exam NameExam Date
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. High job satisfaction from helping people.
  2. Stable and respected career.
  3. Opportunity for continuous learning and growth.
  4. Diverse career paths and specializations.
  5. Potential for high income.
  6. Intellectual stimulation and challenges.
  7. Making a significant impact on community health.
  8. Opportunities for research and innovation.
  9. Personal growth and resilience.
  10. Global career opportunities.

Cons

  1. Long and demanding education path.
  2. High levels of stress and pressure.
  3. Exposure to infectious diseases.
  4. Irregular working hours and on-call duties.
  5. Emotional toll from dealing with patients.
  6. High responsibility and potential for errors.
  7. Significant financial investment in education.
  8. Bureaucracy and administrative tasks.
  9. Risk of burnout.
  10. Ethical dilemmas and legal liabilities.