career-pathway-after-mbbs

Introduction
A) Apply for Further Studies
        1.Medical
             a) Post Graduation
                  Study in India
                  Study Abroad
            b) Specialization
                  Research and Development
       2. Non-Clinical
            a) Applied Medical Technology
            b) Legal Medical Services
       3. Management & Administration
               Hospital & Healthcare Management

B) Seek for Job Opportunities
       1. Start Practice
            a) Own Establishment
            b) Hospital Empanelment
       2. Government Service
            a) Civil Services
            b) Common Medical Service
            c) Primary Health Centers

Conclusion

Introduction

• If you are about to complete your MBBS or have you already completed the MBBS
• If you are confused between the options currently you have after MBBS.
  
• If you are from one looking any options after MBBS.

Then you are in the right place.
First of all, completing MBBS in India is a very big challenge and a great achievement by itself. But planning what to do next after MBBS is even more daunting and challenging by nature.
However, nowadays the medical field has evolved and developed so much that it offers a wide range of study programs and job options after MBBS..
Though there are several options people tend to get confused on what to do after MBBS. Major confusion is between two main choices

Study in India

Once the undergraduate course is completed after the study course of 5.5 years including 12 months rotatory internship, thereafter, students who wish to pursue a specialization in a particular branch of medicine, they need to study postgraduate courses (MD/MS, DNB,).
Aspirants need to appear and qualify required postgraduate medical entrance examinations to pursue specialization from the following. List of subjects to do a specialization in MD courses after MBBS.
1.Aerospace Medicine
2.Anatomy
3.Anesthesia
4.Forensic Medicine
5.General Surgery
6.Dermatology
7.Venereology and Leprosy
8.Biochemistry
9.Obstetrics and Gynaecology
10.Orthopedics

Diploma of National Board (DNB)

DNB is not recognized as a degree it’s recognized as a specialty work experience. It is the postgraduate diploma provided by MCI (Medical Council In India) under the Union Ministry of Health, India.
It is awarded by the National Board of Examinations and called the “Diplomate of National Board”. This diploma is offered as Super specialties as approved by the Government of India. It has been compared with other postgraduate and post-doctorate degrees awarded by other Indian Universities by the Government of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The diploma holders are eligible to be considered for specialists post in any Hospital including training/teaching institution.

Advantages of DNB

• Easier entry. Admission in DNB will be a little easier than MD/MS. This is the main reason for someone to choose DNB over MD/MS.
• Inexpensive. Only the yearly stipulated fee which is a very small amount has to be paid.
• Latest procedures, surgical techniques, medical advances, expensive investigations are learnt.
• Most of the countries recognize DNB from India. So if you aim to work abroad, go for a DNB degree.

Disadvantages of DNB

• Only 15 to 20% pass rate. The final exam is considered very tough.
•  Less surgical exposure and independence while working. Especially in surgical branches.
•  There is less recognition among the general public about the DNB degree. So a doctor might face problems in private practice in an early career. However, this is changing very fast.

Study  Abroad

A medical postgraduate degree from abroad is a wonderfully rewarding option. Countries like the USA, UK, Germany offer Post Graduate degree in Medicine/Surgery. These countries have highly advanced health care infrastructure and also are very ahead in research in Medicine and related areas. However to study Post Graduate degree from Abroad one has to opt for a Medical licensing  Test applicable for that country.
The Licensing pathway for Pg Training in UK/USA/Germany follows:

United Kingdom (UK) – PLAB

PLAB (Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board) test is taken from the doctors to ensure that the doctors are qualified for doing a  job or study in the United Kingdom. This test is taken to check the right skills and knowledge in order to carry on practice medicine in the UK.
This test consists of two parts and you need to pass both parts to practice medicine. Part 1 includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) that are 180 in number and 3 hours the time is given to solve this part.
The second part of this test consists of the objective-based clinical exam. This test is made up of 18 different situations that doctors normally face during the day. Eight minutes are given for 1 situation. Once you pass both tests, you can apply for a medical license to practice in the UK.
After passing PLAB 1 & 2, an MBBS holder has to pass MRCP/MRCS to become eligible to apply for PG Training in the UK. After obtaining eligibility, they can apply for Core Specialist Training. The Core Specialist Training application in the UK is highly competitive and application success rates are less than 20%. This makes the UK a very long and uncertain option.

United States of America (US) – USMLE

USMLE stands for The United States Medical Licensing Examination and it is the most important option if you want to settle yourself in the  US. However, it is not easy to pass the test. In fact, many candidates, including many Indians failed in this test after several attempts. This test includes 3 parts and also the costs are too high to follow these procedures. But if you are lucky and intelligent enough to pass the test, then your bright future is waiting in the US for you.  The application success rates for this is less than 15% for Foreign Medical graduates and this makes USA a very big gamble for Indian doctors. Moreover, foreign doctors in USA will usually have to settle for branches like General Medicine, Paediatrics etc.

Germany

Unlike UK/US Germany does not require any elaborate tests for licensing. Germany requires you learn the German language up to C1 level and then pass two exams- FSP & KP (Fachsprachprufung&Kenntnisprufung) which are in the form of a Viva in a clinical setting. A hardworking student can learn the language and pass these exams within 24 months. We enjoy 100% application success rates for Indian Doctors in Germany
This Specialist training happens in Hospitals (Public, Private or teaching) monitored and regulated by the Provincial Medical Association. The doctors undergoing Specialist training are employed by these hospitals in the post of “Assistant Doctor”. The first 2 years of training is the common trunk(rotation among all departments) and the remaining years in the specific department of choice. A monthly salary of approx Euro 4500(Gross) is offered during this training period.
The minimum eligibility to apply for Specialist training position is having Registration in the Provincial Medical Association(of the province where the doctor wishes to train) For Indian doctors, A high level of German language skills(C1) and knowledge of Medical terminology in German language is required to pass the two examinations, viz, Medical Terminology exam(FSP) and the Approbation exam-KP (Registration exam)

Once Registration is obtained, one has to apply to hospitals -which have advertised vacancies for Assistant Doctors.
As and when a Hospital offers a Job to the Applicant(Indian Doctor), A work permit application is filed. One can start training(working) upon receiving the work-permit. Candidates are awarded the title of FACHARTZE (Specialist ) on successful training. This is comparable to the Super-Speciality qualifications in India. German SPECIALIST qualification is directly recognized (without any additional tests) in all of the EU(including the UK), Norway, Switzerland, Australia, and New Zealand.

Specialized Medical Training Programs

Doing specialized medical training would be the best option if you are absolutely clear about your future medical practice. There are many countries offer specialized medical training like USA, UK, Germany, Russia, etc . These are hundreds of specialization one can choose.

Here is the list of top 30  Specializations.

• Abdominal Surgery
• Anaesthesia
• Biochemistry
• Cardiac Surgery
• Dermatology/Skin and Venereal diseases
• General Medicine
• General Surgery
• Gynecology and Obstetrics
• Hygiene and Environmental Medicine
• Microbiology, Virology, and Epidemiology of Infections
• Neurology
• Neurosurgery
• Nuclear Medicine
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthopedics and Traumatology Surgery
• Pathology
• Pediatric Surgery
• Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine
• Physiology
• Plastic and Aesthetic- Surgery
• Psychiatry and Psychotherapy
• Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Radiology
• Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery
• Transfusion Medicine
• Vascular Surgery
• Urology

Research and Development

Clinical Research
Clinical Research, a branch of healthcare science that determines and evaluates medications, devices, diagnostic products and treatment practices on the ground of safety and effectiveness intended for human use.
It evaluates the safety and efficacy of medications, devices, diagnostic products and treatment regimens intended for human use.
The continuous research happening by the pharmaceutical and biomedical industry in the drug sector has a direct impact on products/molecules reaching the pharmacy outlets.

After rigorous clinical research on the formulations is done and approval given by the regulatory bodies before reaching any pharmacy outlets.
Clinical research aids this process of development through its activities traversing from the ethics, conduct, management of man and material, data and its analysis and finally the report generation.

Top Courses:  Institute of Clinical Research India (ICRI)https://www.icriindia.com/

Doctorate Degree in Medical Science

There are many ways you can do research in the medical field.
The first option is you get a 3-year post-graduate degree program such as MS/MD and then enroll for Ph.D. so you can continue your research during Ph.D.
You can continue your research for your bright future and you can choose any one course from 45 Ph.D. courses. Unless you have great enthusiasm and passion for research you will find it boring and stagnant. The career prospect in research depends on individual potential as salary and promotion directly depend on hard work.
The duration of the Ph.D. is normally 3 to 5 years post-MD/MS. The other eligibility criteria are to have a 1-year internship certificate from a reputed institute or its equivalent or the candidate should be registered with the state medical council.
The other option is to get admission into those universities or colleges that offer direct research programs based on merit. There are many prominent institutes that offer direct research programs like NIM—HANS (national institute of mental health and neuroscience).

With the external fellowship, following Doctorate Programs are offered by NIMHANS.
1.Ph.D. in Neuro Microbiology
2.Ph.D. in Biophysics
3.Ph.D. in Neurophysiology
4.Ph.D. in Neurovirology
5.Ph.D. in Psychiatry
6.Ph.D. in Neurology
7.Ph.D. in Psychopharmacology
8.DM in Neurology
9.M.Ch. in Neurosurgery

 Non-Clinical > Applied Medical Technology

M.Tech in Biomedical Engineering and Biological Sciences
If the MBBS graduates do not further want to attend the patients and wanted to choose another option, then M.Tech in Biomedical Engineering and Biological Sciences is the best option for them. It is a 2-year full-time postgraduate course.
The responsibilities of a biomedical engineer or scientist are to develop and improve medical machines. They can further design innovative ideas and machines to diagnose, operate and treatment of diseases and other health ailments.
Examples of innovations of biomedical scientists are prosthetics, artificial limbs, imaging machines and many more.

Masters in Medical Science and Technology (MMST)
The duration of this program is three years.  It is a postgraduate medical professional degree course to give training of physician-scientists. The main purpose of this program is to make MBBS graduates capable of handling advanced technology in medical sciences.
The curriculum is designed with all the innovations, techniques, in-depth knowledge, information and activities to handle modern technology and medical equipment. This degree course has both theoretical and practical based curriculums.

Some disciplines of MMST are listed below:
1.Tissue Engineering
2.Biomaterials
3.Herbal Medicines
4.Medical Imaging and Image Analysis
5.Reproductive Health
6.Health care information management system
7.Telemedicine and Tele Surgery
8.Oncology
9.Rehabilitation Engineering
10.Instrumentations

The students must have an MBBS degree with 55% marks to take admission in this program. And after the completion of this course, you have the following career opportunities.
1.Senior Technician
2.Associate Scientist
3.Professor
4.Lecturer
5.Pharmacy Researcher
6.Doctor, Surgeon
7.Junior Research Fellow
8.Technical Consultant
9.Biological Scientist

Legal Medical Services
Being a medical lawyer is another career option for MBBS Graduates. The medical law is a broad discipline that covers many aspects of healthcare such as the practice of personal injury, medical malpractice, and health care law. They deal with cases such as violations of patient confidentiality, medical negligence, or criminal activity or patient abuse and misuse of prescription drugs.

Management & Administration

MBA (Master of Business Administration)
In many hospitals and pharmaceutical companies, there is a demand for doctors with an MBA degree. That is why many colleges are offering this diploma now. MBA after MBBS gives you opportunities to new and exciting paths. If you want to do MBA after your MBBS then here is the list of some specific programs that you can study after the planning.
1.MBA in Health Care Management
2.MBA in Healthcare
3.MBA in Hospital Administrator
4.MBA in both Hospital and Health care management

When you will complete your MBA degree after MBBS then you can get a chance to do a job in the following departments.
1.Hospital Administrator
2.Health Information Manages
3.Health care licenses’ consultant
4.Medical Manager
5.Health care consultant
6.Medical Director
7.Pharmaceutical Project Manager

Seek for Job Opportunities > Start Practice

Own Establishment OR Hospital Empanelment
You can start your own nursing home or hospitals depending upon the budget, workforce and skill set you have. It is one of the good options for any MBBS graduates for those who don’t want to pursue any higher studies but want to set up their clinics.
It not only promises both financial freedoms and provides the space to work at your own pace.

Government Service

Civil Services
There are many benefits of clearing the IAS exam conducted by the UPSC for MBBS graduates.
In the medical field, An MBBS is not deemed enough. A postgraduate degree is highly required and the entrance exam is extremely difficult with the limited number of seats for MD and MCH. Nowadays, even after PG, you would require super-specialization which is time and money consuming tasks.

As compared to a Civil Servant; a doctors’ life is very demanding. Sometimes the salary for most doctors is lower than in many other professions.

Common Medical Service
The CMS test is conducted by UPSC to recruit the MBBS doctors across the nation. On clearing it, you will be posted to any branch of Indian Govt. like the Railways, or as General Duty Doctors and at many other posts. CMS guarantees you a permanent job and you will be posted as a medical officer, unlike any junior resident who is just a JR and not a MO.
It would be just like any other typical Government Job which comes with a lot of perks. You get a decent salary however on time; just the allowances may vary based on location. You can expect to live a comfortable and contented life and possibly even a lucrative career later on, with a lot of perks.
The only drawback is that you will not be allowed to go for a private practice whatsoever. While working you will also get a study leave in case you opt for higher studies like any PG entrance examination.
No doubt it is the best option for those who want to do a permanent job after MBBS.

Primary Health Centers
It is basic and structural health unit of public services in most developing countries.  It is also the option available for MBBS graduates after their degree. Most of the MBBS graduates get posting in many rural areas and practice there. The graduates who want to help people living in rural areas may choose this option after MBBS.
You don’t need to worry now because the medical field is developing day by day and there are lots of options available after MBBS study. You don’t need to think about what to do after MBBS Study.

Non-Clinical  Jobs> Administration

Hospital Management
You can get a degree in Hospital Administration (MHA) after your MBBS. This degree will lead you towards a fast-developing field. Demands are always high and increasing day by day for a professional Hospital Administrator.  Your degree will be highly valued in the following companies
1.Health Insurance Companies
2.Health care centers
3.Mental health organizations
4.National and international healthcare management
5.Laboratories
6.Clinic
7.Government hospitals
8.Private hospitals
9.Medical colleges and universities
10.Rehabilitation centers
11.Public Health departments
12.Hospital consulting firms
13.Medical software companies
14.Nursing homes

Conclusion
No matter what you choose; your choice has to be based on your real interest and your long term future aspirations.
Its absolutely not necessary every medical student must end up doing the medical practice. You may also choose some promising for Non-Medical careers as well.
If you plan to study further and advance in medical career Post Graduation or Specialization Training is the best available option.
Study abroad is the most suitable and preferred option for MD/MS or Specialization Training for Medical Graduates.

Though across the world many countries offer MD/MS or Post Graduate Specialization Training; most students select Germany over other countries as their preferred choice for Medical PG Training.

See: Why Study Post Graduate Specialization Training in Germany?