How to become a Siddha Practitioner

One among the oldest medical systems documented in human history, Siddha medicine, along with the other two important forms of alternative medicine documented as Ayurveda and Unani, has been initiated in South India. The idea of Siddha medicine is to some extent different from Ayurveda, though the two systems are almost identical in nature. The Siddha treatment process attaches significance to the role played by diet and lifestyle in preserving a person's health.

Siddha medicine is gaining popularity both within and outside the country due to its broader acceptance as an alternative medicine method and due to its lesser side effects when compared with conventional medicine.

Job description, Profiles, Roles and Duties:

• Tackling disease prevention and treatment
• Treat conditions with herbal formulas that contain several natural substances
• Reply to medical problems of patients by studying their history, treatment, diagnosis, counselling and referral, where needed
• Request laboratory tests and interprets the findings
• Preserve confidentiality and neutrality at all times
• Gather, record and preserve sensitive information about patients, like test results, history and reports
• Describe processes or recommended treatments to patients
• Network with community and hospital medical practitioners
• Promoting health awareness in combination with other health practitioners
• Conduct minor surgeries
• Meet government-set targets for specific treatments, for example, childhood immunization
• Confer and analyse novel pharmaceutical products with pharmaceutical representatives
• Stay up to date with the medical, diagnosis, and drug innovations.
• Monitor and evaluate the work of trainee physicians and medical students
• Supervises medical assistants to make sure that all relevant rules are met
• Assess the effectiveness of existing treatment practices and strategies and recommend changes

In addition to medical school graduation and certification, Unani doctors do require basic soft skills to excel in this profession. An Unani doctor must wish to help. While some options in this arena don't include working one-on-one with patients, most research is motivated by a desire to serve people.

Upon determining the symptoms of a patient and reaching a diagnosis, doctors must choose a suitable treatment. To do this you would need problem-solving and critical thinking abilities to relate options available.

Excellent listening skills assist the doctors to better gauge the symptoms and worries of their patients. You require developed verbal communication abilities to clarify diagnosis to patients and their families and provide nurses and other staff with guidance and updates on treatment.

Unani Doctors need to be careful about and reply suitably to fluctuations in the patient’s condition. These can involve everything from long-term changes in daily patients to short-term changes in healing patients from a particular treatment or illness.

Siddha medicine is a traditional medical system originating in Tamil Nadu, and practitioners may work in government institutions, private clinics or run their practices.

• Minimum Monthly Salary: For newly graduated Siddha practitioners or those with limited experience, the monthly salary might be around INR 15,000 to INR 30,000.
• Maximum Monthly Salary: Highly experienced Siddha practitioners working in reputable private clinics or those with successful private practices may earn a maximum monthly salary ranging from INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000.
• Minimum Annual Salary: For entry-level Siddha Practitioners, the minimum annual salary could be approximately INR 1,80,000 to INR 3,60,000 per year. Experienced and successful Siddha practitioners may earn a maximum annual salary ranging from INR 6,00,000 to INR 18,00,000 or more.
• Highest Paying Jobs and Scope: The highest paying job for a Siddha Practitioner in India would typically be an established private practice with a significant patient base and a reputation for successful treatments. Experienced Siddha practitioners with expertise and specialization in specific health conditions or therapies may also have high earning potential.

While there is no centralized entrance exam for Siddha medicine, some states or universities may conduct their entrance exams for admission to BSMS courses. For example, Tamil Nadu conducts an entrance exam called "Tamil Nadu Siddha Medical Entrance Test" (TN BSMS CET) for admission to Siddha medical colleges in the state.

Siddha practitioners can find opportunities in various industries and settings related to healthcare, research, education, and wellness. Here are some industries and settings where Siddha practitioners can explore career opportunities:

• Healthcare Institutions: Siddha practitioners can work in government and private hospitals, clinics, and healthcare centers that offer Siddha medicine services to patients.
• Research Institutes: Siddha practitioners passionate about research can work in institutions focusing on traditional medicine and alternative therapies.
• Ayurveda and Natural Medicine Centers: Some wellness centers or Ayurvedic resorts may incorporate Siddha treatments and other traditional healing practices.
• Wellness and Spa Industry: Siddha practitioners can provide specialized treatments and therapies in wellness centers, spas, and retreats.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: Siddha practitioners with expertise in herbal medicine can contribute to herbal product development in pharmaceutical companies.
• Educational Institutions: Siddha practitioners can become educators and faculty members in institutions offering courses in traditional medicine and alternative therapies.
• Government Health Departments: Siddha practitioners may find opportunities in government health departments to work on policies related to traditional medicine.
• Integrative Medicine Centers: Some healthcare centers and hospitals integrate traditional and modern medical practices, offering Siddha treatments alongside allopathic medicine.
• Non-profit Organizations: Siddha practitioners may work with non-profit organizations that promote traditional medicine and healthcare in rural or underserved areas.
• Tourism and Hospitality: In tourist destinations, Siddha practitioners can provide healing and wellness services to visitors interested in traditional Indian therapies.
• Private Practice: Some Siddha practitioners establish private clinics or wellness centers to offer personalized treatments to patients.