Doctors are the primary healthcare pillar in any city, town, or village. They are the first responders in case of any emergency. While how to become a doctor is a question, why one should become a doctor is another question. Some for a profession, while others consider it a give-back to the community. As one plans for a career, knowing all about it is the perfect way to ensure going on the right path. A guide comes in handy and helps you learn the best ways a profession can make a significant difference. Know all about it, and everything about becoming a doctor will be open to you!
Why Should One Become a Doctor?
There are a variety of causes why an individual wants to get into the medical domain, and it varies between individuals. The following are the primary reasons why an individual aspires to be a doctor:
- As the field of medicine expands and innovates - the profession of doctors will always be in demand. The career is evergreen.
- How many years does it take to become a doctor is no longer the concern after completion, as the package pays back the investments.
- It is a noble profession that earns you the respect of your peers and society. Your reputation as a doctor will always be high!
- From working in a hospital to a private clinic - the choice of working environment is the choice of the practising individual.
- Working hours are flexible and can alter. It bases itself on the branch of work, time and need, and the place of work.
- The medical field involves innovation and learning that never ends. The role is dynamic and comes with challenges.
- The satisfaction and joy of helping others is unparalleled. One will always be proud of what you give back to the society!
What Are the Duties of a Doctor?
Before you learn how to become a doctor, you must first comprehend what the profession brings to you. Learning about the duties helps you understand if the field is for you. The following are the responsibilities you can never compromise as a doctor:
Patient care
Whether a doctor is out in the field, their first responsibility is towards the patient. They must ensure the health of their patients and treat them without bias. Compassion and effective communication is a part of it.
Diagnosis and treatment
Investigating and diagnosing the patient accurately is another vital task. You must be witty enough to combine your knowledge and training experience to mindmap the best treatment course.
Documentation
A doctor is responsible for maintaining the diagnostic and medical records of the patient. It includes the medical history, ongoing treatments, and future notes that come in handy.
Code of conduct
Learning about how to become a doctor comes with the understanding that it is an exhaustive profession. You must be willing to give it all and must serve the community to keep humanity on top!
Learning and growing
With the changing landscape of medicine, being a doctor comes with the duty of growing every day. Accepting new challenges, adapting to new technologies and techniques, and being open to change is vital!
What Are the Skills Needed to Become a Doctor?
Skills help an individual survive better in the professional world. Although there are many, several skills for a doctor are a must-have. Know them all to excel!
- The ability to retain information and use this knowledge is essential. One must connect the dots quickly and effectively!
- Be accepting towards an exhausting day and night. Doctors must know how to push their limits for their best!
- Good problem-solving skills because not every diagnosis is easy. Apart from that, patience is another virtue that every doctor must have.
- The journey of how to become a doctor needs a reason to strive. Love for learning and saving lives sets some apart from others!
- Good leadership skills help keep a good team and are also vital to training interns and extending experience!
- Effective communication skills for a doctor come into use within the team and with patients. Empathy and clarity are never to be missed!
- Some patients have time, while others do not. Time management and quick and decision making is also a skill in need.
How to become a doctor in India
- The journey to how to become a doctor in India starts with opting for the Biology branch in senior high.
- The NEET (National Eligibility and Entrance Test) after the completion of the Senior Secondary Exams (10+2) provides the base.
- These core subjects of 11th and 12th (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) form the foundation for the medical field.
- A candidate must have at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology to be eligible for the NEET exams
- In India, most medical colleges take admissions based on a candidate’s NEET ranking. Some colleges, such as AIIMS, JIPMER, and Kasturba Medical College, have their entrance examinations.
- You must first shortlist the colleges and plan your studies accordingly. A good NEET ranking ensures admission into the top medical institutes in India.
- The admission procedure continues with applications, counselling, and the grant into the university as per merit.
How Many Years of Study to Become a Doctor
How many years does it take to become a doctor is a common question in the minds of the aspirants. Although an MBBS course lasts for five-and-a-half years in total, the academic aspect of the course lasts for four-and-a-half years. By the end of which, and post which one has to go for clinical. It is often the practical aspect where a student will have an internship before the degree completion. The MBBS course structure is formulated by the Medical Council of India. The entire structure is for healthy and thriving outcomes for a professional individual. If an individual aspires to further study in a branch, it can take another three years.
How to become a doctor after 12th
In India, the first step to medical school is taking the NEET exam. Some medical colleges have their examinations - hence, it is vital to select the school you wish to go to and then check the admission needs. The subjects covered in the NEET exams are Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (Zoology and Botany). There are 200 questions in the NEET exam with a distributed weightage in every subject. The exam lasts for three hours and 20 minutes and only consists of MCQ (multiple choice questions). The breakup of questions makes it evident that the Biology section takes more weight, and candidates should study accordingly.
Here Are a Few Tips to Keep In Mind While Studying for NEET
Expert advice always comes in handy for every aspect of life. Learning how to become a doctor in India requires hard work and never to miss tips. It includes the following:
- Keep a close eye on the topics covered in NCERT for Standards 11 and 12, as they have good study material.
- Look at old NEET exam papers to acquaint yourself with the previous year's questions and the patterns followed.
- Plan study material and seek references from people who have cleared NEET for the best preparation.
- Be aware of the NEET syllabus to make sure nothing goes amiss. The syllabus can change, so ensure you look out for it.
- Make notes and revise repeatedly all aspects of different topics. Know what you learn.
- Along with revision, ensure your health is taken care of. Take frequent breaks and give your mind and eyes a chance to relax.
What Are the Specialisations Available After MBBS?
After the completion of an MBBS degree - three types of specialisations are available:
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
Specialisations within this degree include General Medicine, Family Medicine, and Geriatrics.
- Master of Surgery (MS)
Specialisations within this degree include Orthopaedics, Ophthalmology, and General Surgery.
- Postgraduate Diplomas
These include Allergy & Clinical Immunology, Anesthesiology, and Clinical Pathology. One can go for it via the NEET PG exams.
MBBS Doctor Salary
Just like every other career, it takes time to get a good salary. As for an MBBS doctor in India, doctors who have just completed their graduation may bring in between ₹20,000 - ₹30,000. Experienced doctors can bring in as much as 8-10 lakh a year or more. The salaries also vary with the doctors practising individually, in a private or a government hospital.
