How to become a Doctor

Doctors are highly skilled and qualified professionals with medical licenses dedicated to enhancing life expectancy and social welfare. Survivors of severe illnesses like cancer, heart attacks, strokes, or kidney failures owe their recovery to the knowledge and commitment of these doctors. India's Doctor: Patient ratio falls short of the WHO-recommended ratio, with nearly 15000 students aspiring to become doctors each year, making it a challenging career path.

Aspiring candidates can become doctors after 12th grade by pursuing Science and then undertaking the MBBS program, lasting five years. Admission to MBBS is through a Medical Entrance Exam like NEET 2023, held annually. Students can pursue various Undergraduate and Postgraduate medical courses in top medical colleges nationwide. To specialize in a particular field, doctors must complete a 4-year undergraduate degree, four years of medical school, and 3-7 years of residency training. In total, it takes 10 to 12 years to become a licensed Doctor.

In addition to MBBS, candidates can pursue BPT or BAMS to specialize as doctors after completing their 12th grade. After completing MBBS, MD, and MS degrees, doctors can work in various settings, including primary health centers, hospitals, and nursing homes, or even start their practice after obtaining their license. Aspiring doctors should carefully choose their subjects, prepare for entrance exams, and aim for admission to top colleges.

Considering the total study duration for MBBS and obtaining the necessary medical license, the time required to become a doctor is typically around five years and six months. For those who do not opt for NEET, you can also become a doctor without NEET. Alternative Undergraduate and Postgraduate courses are available, such as Pharmacy, Paramedical, and Nursing.

Popular specializations among doctors include Dermatology, Ophthalmology, Cardiology, and Radiology. After completing MBBS, doctors can start their careers with an average starting salary of INR 6 LPA, which can increase up to INR 10 LPA with experience. The highest earning potential for doctors can reach up to INR 37 LPA or even higher in certain cases.

Different Types of Doctors:

Various specialized doctors offer their expertise in Science and Medicine, focusing on specific organs and diseases. Below are some types of doctors and their respective specializations:

1. General Physician: General Physicians are commonly found in hospitals and clinics, providing initial diagnosis and treatment. They refer patients to specialized doctors when necessary. To become a General Physician, candidates can pursue MD in General Medicine from top colleges in India. The average annual salary for General Physicians is around INR 7.10 LPA.
2. ENT Specialist (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist): ENT Specialists diagnose and treat ear, nose, and throat issues. They also address speech and hearing deformities in children. Aspiring ENT Specialists can pursue courses like MS ENT from top colleges in the country. The average annual salary for ENT Specialists is approximately INR 9.6 LPA.
3. Dentist: Dentists specialize in treating dental issues, such as cavities, tooth extractions, and root canal treatments. They diagnose and treat dental and gum problems. Aspiring Dentists can pursue BDS or MDS courses from top dental colleges in India. The average annual salary for Dentists is around INR 7.7 LPA.
4. Cardiologist: Cardiologists focus on cardiac cases, analyzing heart conditions through tests like ECG, TMT, and Eco-Cardio. They treat heart conditions to prevent cardiac arrest. Candidates aiming to become Cardiologists can pursue MD Cardiology from top colleges in India. The average annual salary for Cardiologists is approximately INR 14.70 LPA.
5. Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists specialize in mental health, diagnosing and treating mental issues through understanding human psychology. Aspiring Psychiatrists can pursue MD Psychiatry from top Psychiatry colleges in India. The average annual salary for Psychiatrists is around INR 15.51 LPA.
6. Paediatrician: Pediatricians focus on providing primary health care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults. To become a Pediatrician, candidates can pursue MD Pediatrics courses from top Pediatrics colleges in India. The average annual salary for Pediatricians is approximately INR 9.60 LPA.
7. Oncologist: Oncologists specialize in treating cancer patients and providing medical care to those diagnosed with cancer. Aspiring Oncologists can pursue DM Oncology courses from top Oncology colleges in the country. The average annual salary for Oncologists is around INR 9.45 LPA.
8. Neurologist: Neurologists deal with nervous system disorders and care for nervous system-related issues. To become a Neurologist, candidates can pursue DM Neurology from top DM Neurology colleges in India. The average annual salary for Neurologists is approximately INR 11.64 LPA.

How to Become a Medical Doctor?

Here are the simple steps you can follow to fulfill your dream of becoming a doctor:

Step 1: Finish your senior secondary education 

Begin by completing your senior secondary education, ensuring that you achieve the required marks in all subjects. To pursue a career in medicine and become a doctor, it is crucial to select core science subjects such as physics, chemistry, and biology during your secondary level of education. These subjects are essential for admission into MBBS and for qualifying medical entrance exams like NEET, AIIMS, or JPIMER. Acquiring in-depth knowledge of these subjects will greatly enhance your chances of securing a favorable rank in the entrance examination and gaining admission to your preferred medical school.

Step 2: Participate in an Entrance Examination for MBBS Admission

Once you have completed your 12th-grade examinations, it is time to sit for the MBBS entrance exam, which is necessary for admission to a medical college. In India, the widely recognized National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) is commonly accepted by most medical colleges for admissions. However, some colleges such as JPIMER, AIIMS, Kasturba Medical College, and others may have their own entrance examinations. Upon successfully completing the entrance exam, you will need to pay the specified fees and submit the required documents to finalize your admission to the medical college.

Step 3: Attain your MBBS Degree

After concluding your 12th grade, you can apply for the MBBS program, which is the initial degree in medical sciences required to become a doctor. Although many candidates pursue MBBS immediately after graduation, you can apply for the program until the age of 25. It is advisable to enroll in medical school within two years of completing your class 12th board exams. The minimum age for MBBS admission is 17 years, and the overall duration of the program to become a doctor after grade 12 is approximately five years and six months.Upon completion of the MBBS degree, you will be eligible to practice medicine. Furthermore, you may choose to specialize in a particular field to enhance your skills and expertise before entering the workforce.

Step 4: Pursue a Pre-Medical Degree 

Before applying to medical school, it is common for aspiring doctors to complete a pre-medical degree. This degree, such as a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Pre-Medical Sciences, provides a strong foundation in subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics. It prepares students for the rigor of medical education and ensures they have the necessary prerequisites for admission to medical school.

Step 5: Fulfill the Internship Requirement

During your MBBS program, you will typically need to complete a mandatory internship lasting one year. This internship provides practical experience working under the supervision of senior doctors and treating patients with various medical conditions. Successfully demonstrating your knowledge and skills during this internship is a requirement for obtaining the MBBS degree. Some medical colleges have their own hospitals where you can complete the internship, while others may require you to do so at specified hospitals.

Step 6: Enrollment in the Indian Medical Register

To practice as a doctor in India, it is necessary to register with a state medical council. Registration with any state medical council typically leads to eligibility for registration under the Indian Medical Register. To achieve eligibility, you must complete your MBBS degree and internship from a recognized institute approved by the Medical Council of India. After registering with the Indian Medical Register, you can embark on your career and begin practicing medicine in India.

Step 7. Embark on a Medical Practice Journey

Following completion of your MBBS degree, you have the option to pursue further education, such as a master's degree or even a Ph.D., to expand your knowledge in the medical field. Many doctors choose to start practicing after completing their MBBS and obtaining a master's degree in medical science. When it comes to practice, there are two common paths to consider. One involves working as an employed doctor in a healthcare institution, such as a multi-specialty hospital. The other option is to establish an independent practice in your own clinic or work under the guidance of a senior doctor.

How to Pursue a Medical Career in India

Becoming a doctor in India is a rigorous process that demands dedication and merit. Aspiring doctors should start preparing from class 10 onwards, selecting the right subjects and focusing on their goals. To become a doctor, students have various pathways, including pursuing MBBS or specialized courses like BSc, BAMS, or BPT.

Steps to Become a Doctor after Class 10th:

1. Choose Science with Biology as a core subject during classes 11 and 12.
2. For general category students, score at least 55% aggregate in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology).
3. Prepare for the national-level entrance exam, NEET, and aim to score at least 600 marks to secure admission to a reputable Medical College.
4. Early preparation from class 10 is recommended for a successful journey to becoming a doctor in India.

Steps to Become a Doctor after Class 12th:

1. Choose the Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (with or without Maths) during classes 11 and 12.
2. Opt for Biology in class 12 to pursue MBBS.
3. Start preparing for NEET from class 11 and seek guidance from institutes that offer NEET preparation courses.
4. Clear the NEET entrance exam, which qualifies students for admission to MBBS or other medical courses.

The Path to Medical Graduation:

1. Clear NEET and secure admission to a 5-year MBBS course after completing class 12.
2. After graduation, complete a compulsory internship for a year.
3. The upper age limit of 25 years for NEET has been removed, allowing graduates to apply for the exam.
4. Students must have PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) or PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) subjects in class 12 with a minimum of 50% marks in the board exam.

Post-Graduation Opportunities:

1. After completing MBBS and the internship, doctors can pursue further education in specialized fields to become MD or MS, the highest medical degree.
2. Doctor of Medicine (MD) and Master of Science (MS) degrees can be pursued after obtaining an MBBS qualification.

Advantages of Becoming a Doctor:

1. Making a Difference: As a doctor, you can positively impact people's lives by providing medical care, improving health outcomes, and saving lives.
2. Respect and Gratitude: Doctors are highly respected in society for their knowledge, skills, and service. Patients and their families often express gratitude for the care they receive.
3. Job Stability and Demand: The demand for doctors is consistently high, ensuring excellent job stability and career prospects in the healthcare industry.
4. Intellectual Challenges: Medicine presents complex and diverse challenges, stimulating continuous learning and problem-solving, making each day in the profession intellectually rewarding.
5. Financial Reward: Doctors typically earn competitive salaries, reflecting the years of education, training, and expertise they invest in their profession.
6. Diverse Specializations: Medicine offers a wide range of specializations, allowing doctors to focus on specific areas of interest, from surgery to pediatrics to cardiology.
7. Global Opportunities: Medical qualifications are recognized worldwide, providing opportunities for doctors to work in various countries and experience different healthcare systems.
8. Teamwork and Collaboration: Doctors collaborate with diverse healthcare professionals, fostering a collaborative work environment and enriching professional relationships.
9. Continued Learning: Medicine is an ever-evolving field with ongoing research and technological advancements, encouraging doctors to stay updated and continue learning throughout their careers.
10. Personal Fulfillment: The sense of fulfillment and purpose derived from helping others, alleviating suffering, and contributing to the well-being of individuals and communities is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a doctor.

The roles and responsibilities include:

• They must be the ones to assess symptoms for the clients.
• They also diagnose health conditions the clients are facing.
• They are the ones to administer and prescribe treatment.
• They provide follow-up care after the treatment of the patients and interpret reports that bring out the test results.
• They must collaborate with physician assistants, nurses, health professionals to seek help while they are into the process of diagnosis and treatment.
• They are also expected to prescribe appropriate medication for treatment process. 
• They need to stay updated on research and medical technology to provide better treatment plans.
• They will also need to educate the new members.

Doctors must possess more than just medical knowledge to be successful in their profession. Some other abilities are as follows: Excellent problem-solving abilities Medical school gives the technical information necessary to become a doctor, but the ability to dissect situations and apply that knowledge is a finely honed talent that can only be acquired via experience and hard effort in the field. Because medical difficulties are not always immediately apparent, physicians must use the creative part of their brain in conjunction with their taught information to attempt to develop solutions.

Effective decision-making abilities Prospective physicians must grow used to accepting responsibility and making difficult choices to provide the best possible care to their patients. A doctor's ability to stay cool, confident, and professional under pressure is essential for everything from choosing a low-risk treatment plan to making life-or-death choices at the moment. Capabilities as a leader After a while, every doctor finds himself or herself as the first person to be contacted in an emergency. To get directions, answers, and comfort, patients and colleagues go to physicians. More senior physicians are often partnered with newer doctors and medical students, thus exhibiting leadership will be critical in this situation.

Exceptional communication abilities The ability to communicate effectively is critical in the early diagnostic process. It is important for a doctor to ask the proper questions, assess the patient's replies, and then clearly express to the patient what they believe is wrong with them and what actions they should take or avoid throughout the patient's rehabilitation.

Essential Skills for Becoming a Doctor:

1. Problem-solving mindset: Being able to think critically and find solutions is crucial for doctors when diagnosing and treating patients.
2. Hands-on treatment: Doctors should be able to administer physical treatments and procedures effectively.
3. Critical analysis: The ability to analyze medical information and make informed decisions is vital for optimal care.
4. Teamwork skills: Collaboration and effective communication with colleagues, nurses, and other healthcare professionals contribute to efficient patient care.
5. Accurate medication prescribing: Doctors should have expertise in prescribing medications accurately, considering factors such as dosage, interactions, and patient-specific needs.
6. Disease identification: The capability to recognize and diagnose various diseases accurately is fundamental for providing appropriate medical interventions.
7. Emotional intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions for oneself and patients enables doctors to provide compassionate care and build strong doctor-patient relationships.
8. Symptom identification: Recognizing and interpreting symptoms aids in accurate diagnosis and timely treatment.
9. Staying updated with medical research: Keeping abreast of the latest advancements and research in the medical field is crucial for providing evidence-based and up-to-date care.
10. Post-procedure care: Doctors should be able to provide comprehensive care and guidance to patients after medical procedures or surgeries.
11. Active listening: Listening to patients helps doctors gather crucial information, understand concerns, and provide appropriate care.
12. Ability to offer advice: Doctors should be capable of providing guidance and advice to patients regarding lifestyle changes, preventive measures, and treatment plans.
13. Patience and empathy: Displaying patience, empathy, and understanding towards patients contributes to building trust and creating a positive doctor-patient relationship.
14. Attention to detail and time management: Having a keen eye for detail ensures accuracy in diagnoses and treatment plans, while effective time management ensures efficient patient care.

In India, a doctor's salary can vary based on various factors. On average, a doctor's starting salary is approximately INR 5.40 LPA. However, as doctors gain experience and knowledge, their earnings can significantly increase, reaching up to INR 1.17 Crore per annum. Qualifications, specialization, and work setting influence the salary.

Doctors working in private hospitals may earn up to INR 5 Lakh per month. Specialization is also crucial in determining a doctor's salary, as shown in the tabulated breakdown below. Remember that these figures are provided for reference and may vary based on individual circumstances and market conditions.

Name of Specialization	Specialization	Average Salary
General Physician	Provides general medical care and treatment	INR 7.10 LPA to INR 20 LPA
ENT Specialist (Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialist)	Diagnoses and treats disorders related to the ear, nose, and throat.	INR 9.6 LPA to INR 20 LPA
Dentist	Focuses on dental care, treating issues related to teeth and gums	INR 7.7 LPA to INR 15 LPA
Cardiologist	Deals with heart-related issues and cardiac care	INR 14.70 LPA to INR 40 LPA
Psychiatrist	Specializes in mental health and treats psychological disorders	INR 15.51 LPA to INR 30 LPA
Pediatrician	Provides medical care to infants, children, adolescents, and young adults	INR 9.60 LPA to INR 25 LPA
Oncologist	Focuses on the study and treatment of cancer	9.45 LPA to INR 30 LPA
Neurologist	Deals with disorders related to the nervous system	INR 11.64 LPA to INR 35 LPA
Orthopedic Surgeon	Specializes in treating musculoskeletal issues and surgeries	INR 15 LPA to INR 40 LPA
Anesthesiologist	Administers anesthesia and manages pain during surgeries	INR 10 LPA to INR 30 LPA
Gynecologist/Obstetrician	Focuses on women's reproductive health and pregnancy care	INR 10 LPA to INR 30 LPA
Gastroenterologist	Deals with gastrointestinal disorders and diseases	INR 20 LPA to INR 50 LPA

1. NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test): NEET is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA). It is the primary entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical (MBBS) and dental (BDS) courses in government and private medical colleges across India.
2. AIIMS MBBS Entrance Exam: AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences) conducts its entrance exam for admission to its prestigious MBBS program. AIIMS MBBS Entrance Exam is considered one of India's most competitive medical entrance exams.

Apart from these, various states and private medical colleges may conduct their entrance exams for admission to medical courses. Additionally, there are entrance exams for postgraduate medical courses like MD/MS (Doctor of Medicine/Master of Surgery), which vary depending on the institution or university.

1. Healthcare Institutions: This includes hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and medical centres where doctors provide direct patient care, diagnosis, treatment, and medical advice.
2. Pharmaceutical Industry: Doctors can work in pharmaceutical companies, contributing to medical research and development, drug safety monitoring, clinical trials, medical affairs, and providing medical expertise.
3. Research and Academia: Doctors can pursue careers in research institutions, universities, and medical schools, conducting medical research, teaching medical students, and mentoring future doctors.
4. Public Health: Doctors can work in public health organizations, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, health policy, epidemiology, and community health.
5. Medical Technology: With advancements in technology, doctors can contribute to the development and implementation of medical devices, telemedicine, health informatics, and digital health solutions.
6. Military and Defense: Doctors can serve in the armed forces, providing medical care to military personnel, veterans, and their families, as well as contributing to military research and healthcare management.
7. Consulting and Healthcare Management: Doctors with business and management skills can work in healthcare consulting firms, healthcare management organizations, and health insurance companies, providing strategic guidance, quality improvement, and healthcare administration expertise.
8. Global Health and Humanitarian Organizations: Doctors can work with international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors Without Borders, or UNICEF, providing medical care and healthcare services in underserved regions or during humanitarian crises.
9. Sports Medicine: Doctors can specialize in sports medicine and work with sports teams, athletes, and fitness organizations, providing medical support, injury prevention, and rehabilitation.
10. Occupational Health: Doctors can work in companies or occupational health clinics, ensuring the health and safety of employees, conducting pre-employment screenings, and managing work-related health issues.