How to Become a Ayurvedic Doctor

About Ayurvedic Doctor

A career as an Ayurvedic Doctor: Ayurveda or the Science of Life is a medicinal practice of natural healthcare system that originated in India. It is being practiced for the past two millennia. Candidates who study this form of medicine and are licenced to practice it professionally are called Ayurvedic Doctors. 
On this page, we will discuss about how to become an Ayurvedic doctors, there responsibilities, key skills, salary package, employment opportunities, pros and cons of the profession.

Eligibility to become Ayurvedic Doctor

Candidates who are wondering ‘How to become an Ayurvedic Doctor?’ must check out the eligibility criteria mentioned below. 

• It is important for candidates to hold at least a BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurveda Medical and Surgery) degree to become an Ayurvedic Doctor. 

• Some candidates also pursue PG courses which help them become better at their profession. 

Here two different paths that candidates can follow to achieve the desired goal. 

Path I

Class X (with Sanskrit) ⇒ Pre Ayurvedic Certificate Course ⇒ BAMS Entrance Exam (NEET-UG) ⇒ BAMS Programme ⇒ Ayurvedic Doctor

Path II

Class XII (with Biology) ⇒ BAMS Entrance Exam (NEET-UG) ⇒ BAMS Course ⇒ PG in Ayurvedic Medicine (personal preference) ⇒ Ayurvedic Doctor

Key Skills Required to Become an Ayurvedic Doctor

There are a certain set of skills that one must possess or be able to develop to become a successful Ayurvedic Doctor. The skills are mentioned below. 

• Thinking skills

• Empathy

• Interest in Indigenous Forms of Medicine

• Patience

• Interpretation and Assimilation

• Observation

• Interest in Curative Property of Herbs

• Knowledge of the relevant field  

Employment Sector/Industry for Ayurvedic Doctor

For those wondering ‘What does an Ayurvedic Doctor do?’, here are the tasks and responsibilities that one deals with during her/ his professional life. 

• To diagnose ailments and prescribe medication to patients

• Examining individuals with any health problem by feeling pulse rate, interrogation and checking physical condition. 

• To prescribe medication for general health improvement and disease prevention. 

• Specialising in treating disorders and diseases like tuberculosis, diabetes, mental or nervous disorders, diseases that are peculiar to children, women or men.

• Evaluating and monitoring implications of treatments.

• Preparing and selling patents, tonics and indigenous medicines like bhasms, etc. 

Employment Opportunities for an Ayurvedic Doctor

Ayurvedic Doctors can find career or employment opportunities in the following areas:

• State Research Centre

• Dispensaries

• Government Hospitals

• General Hospitals with Indigenous Medicine Department

• Centre Research Centres i.e., CCRAS

• Ayurveda Pharmaceuticals

• Ayurveda hospitals

• Ayurveda Colleges or Universities

• Ayurveda Health Centres

• Pancha Karma Centres

• Resorts

• Spas 

They can also explore career options in:

• Union  Public Service Commission (UPSC),

• Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC), etc

Top Recruiters

Some of the top companies that hire Ayurveda doctors include:

• Patanjali
• Dabur
• Herbals
• Himalaya
• Baidyanath

Pay Scale/Salary of Ayurvedic Doctor

The salary package of an Ayurvedic Doctor incrases with experience. 

Books & Study Material to Become Ayurvedic Doctor

• Practical Prescriber for Ayurvedic Pysicians - by  DR. Abrar Multani 
• Hand Book of Ayurvedic Medicines with Formulations (a Complete Hand Book of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicines) - Publisher: Engineers India Research In
• A Guide to Ayurvedic Clinical Practice - by Vaidya Vasant Patil
• Clinical Diagnosis in Ayurveda (A Practical book of Ayurvedic Diagnosis in the Light of Modern Medial Science) - by M. Srinivasulu
• Practice of Ayurvedic Medicine (KAYACHIKITSA) - by Arun Kumari Tripathi

Pros of becoming a Ayurvedic Doctor

• Job Security: This is one of the few professions where a professional would always be in demand irrespective of the economic situation of a country as there will always be the demand for doctors. 

• Remuneration: The income of Ayurvedic doctors is really high and it increases with more experience. 

• Getting Opportunity to Help Others: The profession of a doctor is considered very highly due to the service they provide. Doctors offer a meaningful service through which they get to help others. 

• Prestige: It goes without saying that an Ayurvedic doctor gains a lot of respect in community. 

Cons of becoming a Ayurvedic Doctor

• Long Training Route: It takes at least 7 years of higher education in the specialised area for one to become an Ayurvedic doctor. The entire process is very long and may make one to lose interest. 

• Longer Establishing Period: Since Ayurveda is not as widely known as the other kind of medicine, it is growing slowly. The demand for it in the market is increasing at a slow pace. 

• High Fees: The BAMS degree takes 5 years to complete. After that candidates are required to also pursue a postgraduate degree. This may cost some students studying in private institutions fortune. 

• Long Working Hours: The job of a doctor is demanding and working hours may extend without any prior notice. This may cause physical and mental fatique to professionals at work.