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Family Physician

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

Family physicians provide comprehensive healthcare for individuals and families. They diagnose, treat illnesses, and offer preventive care, promoting overall well-being.

Average Salary

₹8,00,000

Growth

medium

Satisfaction

high

Educational Requirements

Education Requirements for Becoming a Family Physician

To become a family physician in India, a structured educational path must be followed. Here's a detailed breakdown:

  • 10+2 (Science Stream):
    • Complete your 10+2 education with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology as compulsory subjects.
    • A strong foundation in these subjects is crucial for understanding medical concepts.
  • MBBS Degree:
    • Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS): This is the primary undergraduate degree required to become a doctor.
    • The MBBS program is typically 5.5 years long, including a one-year compulsory rotating internship.
  • Internship:
    • A one-year rotating internship is a mandatory part of the MBBS program.
    • This involves working in various departments of a hospital, providing practical experience in different medical fields.
  • Postgraduate Degree (MD in Family Medicine):
    • Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Family Medicine: This is a postgraduate degree specializing in family medicine.
    • The MD program is typically three years long and focuses on providing comprehensive primary healthcare to individuals and families.
  • Licensure:
    • Obtain a medical license from the Medical Council of India (MCI) or State Medical Council.
    • This license is essential to practice medicine legally in India.

Key Skills Required

  • Strong foundation in medical sciences
  • Excellent diagnostic and problem-solving skills
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills
  • Empathy and compassion
  • **Ability to work under pressure **
Study Path
Top Colleges

To pursue a career as a Family Physician in India, several top medical colleges offer excellent programs. Here are some of the best institutions for MBBS and MD in Family Medicine:

  • All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi:
    • AIIMS Delhi is consistently ranked as one of the top medical colleges in India.
    • It offers both MBBS and MD in Family Medicine programs with excellent faculty and infrastructure.
  • Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore:
    • CMC Vellore is renowned for its medical education and healthcare services.
    • It provides high-quality MBBS and MD programs with a focus on community health.
  • Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC), Pune:
    • AFMC Pune is a premier medical college that trains medical professionals for the armed forces.
    • It offers MBBS and postgraduate programs with a strong emphasis on discipline and service.
  • Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC), New Delhi:
    • MAMC New Delhi is a well-reputed medical college affiliated with Delhi University.
    • It offers comprehensive MBBS and MD programs with experienced faculty.
  • King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow:
    • KGMU Lucknow is one of the oldest and most prestigious medical colleges in India.
    • It offers a wide range of medical courses, including MBBS and MD in Family Medicine.
  • Grant Medical College, Mumbai:
    • Grant Medical College is a historic institution known for its medical education and research.
    • It provides MBBS and postgraduate programs with a focus on clinical skills.
Fees

The fee structure for courses to become a Family Physician in India varies depending on the type of institution (government, private, or deemed university) and the location. Here’s a detailed overview:

  • MBBS Course Fees:
    • Government Medical Colleges:
      • ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 per year
    • Private Medical Colleges:
      • ₹8,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 per year
    • Deemed Universities:
      • ₹12,00,000 to ₹25,00,000 per year
  • MD in Family Medicine Course Fees:
    • Government Medical Colleges:
      • ₹30,000 to ₹60,000 per year
    • Private Medical Colleges:
      • ₹5,00,000 to ₹15,00,000 per year
    • Deemed Universities:
      • ₹8,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 per year

Additional Costs

  • Hostel Fees:
    • ₹20,000 to ₹1,50,000 per year (depending on the college and facilities)
  • Examination Fees:
    • ₹5,000 to ₹20,000 per year
  • Books and Study Material:
    • ₹10,000 to ₹30,000 per year

To become a Family Physician in India, several entrance exams and licensing procedures need to be cleared. Here’s a detailed description:

  • National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG):
    • This is the primary entrance exam for undergraduate medical courses (MBBS) in India.
    • NEET-UG is conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).
    • It assesses candidates on Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Botany and Zoology).
  • MBBS Examinations:
    • Throughout the 5.5-year MBBS program, students undergo regular examinations.
    • These exams cover various subjects, including anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, pharmacology, pathology, microbiology, forensic medicine, and community medicine.
  • National Exit Test (NExT):
    • NExT is a proposed exit exam for MBBS students in India.
    • It aims to standardize the quality of medical graduates and will serve as a licensing exam and entrance exam for postgraduate courses.
  • National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate (NEET-PG):
    • This is the entrance exam for postgraduate medical courses (MD/MS) in India.
    • NEET-PG is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE).
    • It assesses candidates on the MBBS curriculum.
  • DNB-CET (Diplomate of National Board Centralized Entrance Test):
    • This exam is for admission to Diplomate of National Board (DNB) courses.
    • DNB is equivalent to MD/MS degrees and is offered by the National Board of Examinations.
Exam NameExam Date
Course NameAverage Fee
MBBS logo
MBBS
15,00,000
BASLP logo
BASLP
2,00,000
BDS logo
BDS
4,00,000
MD Forensic Medicine and Toxicology logo
MD Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
7,00,000
MD Microbiology logo
MD Microbiology
3,00,000
MD Paediatrics logo
MD Paediatrics
8,00,000
MD Pathology logo
MD Pathology
6,00,000
MD Pharmacology logo
MD Pharmacology
3,50,000
MD Physiology logo
MD Physiology
7,00,000
MD Psychiatry logo
MD Psychiatry
6,00,000
MD Radiodiagnosis logo
MD Radiodiagnosis
8,00,000
MD Respiratory Medicine logo
MD Respiratory Medicine
6,00,000
MD Social and Preventive Medicine logo
MD Social and Preventive Medicine
6,00,000
MD Anaesthesiology logo
MD Anaesthesiology
8,00,000
MD Anatomy logo
MD Anatomy
3,00,000
MD Biochemistry logo
MD Biochemistry
7,00,000
MD Community Medicine logo
MD Community Medicine
6,00,000
MD Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy logo
MD Dermatology Venereology and Leprosy
6,00,000
null logo
MD Emergency Medicine logo
MD Emergency Medicine
6,00,000
Pros And Cons

Pros

  1. High demand for primary care physicians.
  2. Opportunity to build long-term patient relationships.
  3. Varied and challenging work.
  4. Make a significant impact on community health.
  5. Good earning potential and job security.
  6. Flexible work hours and locations.
  7. Continuous learning and professional development.
  8. Respect and recognition in the community.
  9. Opportunity to teach and mentor.
  10. Personal satisfaction from helping others.

Cons

  1. Long and demanding work hours.
  2. High levels of stress and responsibility.
  3. Emotional toll of dealing with sick patients.
  4. Administrative burdens and paperwork.
  5. Keeping up with medical advancements.
  6. Risk of burnout.
  7. Dealing with difficult patients and families.
  8. Ethical dilemmas and legal issues.
  9. Limited specialization options.
  10. Exposure to infectious diseases.