How to Become a Doctor

About Doctor

Doctor as a profession garners respect and trust from the entire community. A doctor treats and interacts with patients on a daily basis. A career as a doctor provides one an opportunity to cure patients, thus bringing happiness into people's lives. To enter this profession, one must have patience, compassion, concentration, emotional strength, quick thinking, and an eye for detail. The job of a doctor is to diagnose and treat illness and injury. Doctors examine patients and arrive upon diagnosis, perform surgeries, prescribe medications, educate patients and their family members, check patients’ records and keep an eye on their recovery.

Doctors often counsel patients on their diet, hygiene, and lifestyle changes that can improve their overall well-being. They may set up their own practices or work for medical corporations, such as in government and private hospitals. They fulfill their duties by relying on the services of other health professionals, such as nurses and diagnostic technicians, and administrative staff. Most importantly, candidates can pursue a Doctor career and earn high compensation for the same. If one truly wants to know about Doctor or how to become a doctor, one can refer to this page for a better understanding.

Doctor in India Highlights

Those who wish to join the medical workforce out of the vast list of doctor professions need to have an overview regarding the same. The table given below will give you more understanding about Doctor.

What Does a Doctor Do?

Doctors are the go-to professionals for every patient who feels sick or uneasy. They are responsible for giving people the right cure. Candidates who wish to pursue a career in the same must know everything about doctors. They must know what does a doctor do. Aspirants must understand why Doctors are revered by people. Given below are some pointers around the same that will help one build a bright doctor career.

This is what a career as a doctor entails:

• Listen carefully to patients' needs and understand the symptoms correctly

• Perform the correct diagnosis to find the cause of any type of illnesses

• Prescribe medication and administer/ suggest treatments based on the diagnosis done

• Practice compassion with every patient

• Offer follow-up treatments or refer patients to other relevant doctors

• Collect and maintain patient's medical records like lab test results and other docs

• Promote positivity and suggest constructive ways to heal from an illness

• Clear health-related misconceptions and educate patients as and when needed

• Provide reassurances as and when needed

• Meet all the criteria set by the government for specific treatments 

• Train resident doctors and guide them all about doctor-related information

• Stay updated with the latest medical technology

Eligibility to become Doctor

Becoming a doctor requires you to commit a great deal of time and study in order to practice medicine. Medical doctors require significant formal education. So, before choosing the doctor's career, make sure that you have the minimum educational qualifications required to pursue a course in medicine.

The academic qualifications required to become a doctor is as follows:

Subject Combination – Science Stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology (PCB) or Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology (PCMB) in class 12th.

Entrance Exam – NEET-UG, NEET- PG, AIIMS Medical entrance exam, JIPMER MBBS, Manipal Medical entrance exam, CMC Vellore entrance exam, Karnataka CET Medical entrance Exam, EAMCET Medical entrance exam, Amrita University MBBS entrance exam, AMU MBBS entrance exam, Delhi University Pre-Medical Test (DPMT), BHU-PMT.

Eligibility Criteria

• For under graduation, candidates must have passed class 12th in the science stream with at least 60% marks from a recognized board of education.
• For postgraduate level studies (M.D/ M.S or M.Sc in Medicine), candidates must have an MBBS degree from an institution recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).
• For the doctoral programme (PhD), candidates must have a master’s degree. However, in some subjects, doing M.Phil is a pre-requisite to start a PhD.

Note: To get admission to a reputed medical institute, it is necessary to appear and crack relevant medical entrance tests like NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, state-wise entrance tests, and institute-wise entrance tests.

Types of Job Roles Doctor

A career as a doctor is very rewarding as it offers a variety of options in various areas of medicine. The job of a doctor promises a high level of job satisfaction. One can choose to become a general practitioner or a specialist in different diseases and parts of the anatomy as a Doctor career. Following are some of the job profiles that will give a sound idea about doctors' roles:

General Physicians:

They conduct regular patient check-ups of patients, diagnose any ailments, prescribe medications, and counsel them on diet, hygiene, and preventive healthcare.

Pediatricians:

They examine children regularly to assess their growth and development. Pediatricians provide a wide range of services, from preventative health (e.g. immunizations and health screenings) to the diagnosis, assessment, and treatment of serious illnesses and diseases.

General Surgeon:

They treat patients with acute problems in different body areas, such as the digestive tract, skin or abdomen. Some surgeons specialize in specific areas of medicine, like oncology, pediatrics, organ transplant, orthopedics, and trauma. They treat patients with injuries, such as broken bones; and diseases such as cancerous tumors or deformities.

Cardiologist:

Cardiologists are the doctors that prevent, diagnose and treat conditions of the cardiovascular system, which includes the heart and the body's blood vessels. They assess the medical and family history of patients to determine the potential risk for certain cardiovascular diseases and take action to prevent them.

Dentist:

Dentists diagnose and treat problems related with patient’s teeth, gums, and other related parts of the mouth. They promote good dental health and the prevention of dental diseases.

Dermatologists:

Dermatologists treat conditions related to the skin. They study skin and the structures, functions, and diseases related to it. They may also treat disorders related to the hair and nails.

Gynecologist:

A gynecologist treats the overall health of their female patients, treating problems and diseases of the female reproductive system. They are also sometimes certified as obstetricians, who monitor the health of the mother and the fetus during a pregnancy.

ENT Specialist:

ENT Specialists focus on areas related to ear, nose, and throat, and sometimes even ailments related to the neck or the head.

How to Become a Doctor in India - Different Paths

Apart from the standard way of becoming a doctor, candidates can pursue doctor career and studies in the following ways.

How to Become a Doctor in India after 10th 

After class 10th, candidates need to opt for Science course and Biology subject mandatorily in college. Studying Chemistry, Physics, and Biology together is crucial as well as compulsory to pursue the dream of becoming a Doctor. Candidates need to study 10+2 and secure high marks in order to appear for the NEET exam, which is a gateway to the Indian medical school (MBBS).

How to Become a Doctor in India after Graduation

In order to learn more about Doctor, let's take a step further. If an individual wishes to pursue Doctor studies after completion of their graduation in another Science-related field, then they have to study the 5-year MBBS programme mandatorily. Students have to take PCM classes in class 12th and must have scored at least 50% in exams.

How to Become a Doctor After 12th?

Thousands of students every year dream of becoming a doctor and serving the welfare of people. Aspirants study day in and out to make their dreams come true and achieve a fulfilling doctor career. The rewards and stakes are high as Doctors are revered in the community. In order to give students a sound understanding of the process, here are the steps to learn all about Doctors.

1. Complete your 12th studies with Flying Colors

The first and foremost step in answering the question of how to become a doctor is to study 10+2 in the science stream. Candidates must compulsorily opt for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology subjects to be eligible for pursuing a Doctor degree. One must aim to score as high as possible in the 10+2 studies and strengthen their fundamentals.

2. Clear the MBBS Entrance Examination

In order to secure admission in top medical colleges after the 12th and pursue a Doctor career, candidates need to clear the MBBS entrance exam. NEET is the most popular entrance test held pan India for candidates. Most renowned colleges accept NEET scores for admission. Once aspirants pass the entrance test, they are granted a seat at the desired medical colleges. This is a crucial part in becoming a Doctor.

3. Complete 1-Year Internship

While pursing studies for an MBBS degree, aspirants have to mandatorily intern for 1 year at a hospital/ organization. During the course of the internship, one gets to not only work under the supervision of senior doctors but also work with patients who require different types of treatments. Students need to demonstrate a satisfactory level of knowledge and skills to prove that they are ready to become a Doctor.

4. Register for the Doctor Practice

If one wishes to start their own practice, they need a certificate from the Indian Medical Register. One has to register for the same. Possessing an MBBS degree is the primary eligibility criterion if candidates wish to pursue a Doctor career.

How to Become a Doctor Abroad?

Want to pursue Doctor career abroad? Here's how to become a doctor abroad in different countries.

How to Become a Doctor in Canada?

• Indian candidates must appear for the NEET and MCAT exam to be deemed eligible for admission to medical colleges in Canada.
• The tuition fees for MBBS in Canada is anywhere between 26,000 CAD to 96,000 CAD per year.

Top Colleges offering a Bright Career as a Doctor in Canada

How to Become a Doctor in the United Kingdom (UK)?

• Indian aspirants must be at least 18 years old with a 50 percentile in the NEET exam
• One must have an 80% score in class 10+2 with Biology and Chemistry as major subjects.
• Students need to clear UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT), GAMSAT test, or the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT).
• An IELTS score of 6.5 or above is needed to demonstrate proficiency in English in order to be deemed eligible for admissions in top UK universities.

Top Colleges offering a Bright Career as a Doctor in UK

How to Become a Doctor in the USA?

• Candidates need to possess a BS degree from a USA university in order to apply for MBBS in the USA. 
• For Indian candidates to pursue MBBS in the USA, a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry, biology, or medicine-related field counts as a pre-medical course.
• Students also need to have valid NEET and MCAT test scores along with a Proof of English proficiency via TOEFL or IELTS.

Top Colleges offering a Bright Career as a Doctor in USA

How to Become a Doctor in Australia?

To build a career as a doctor in Australia, students must follow these footsteps.

• MBBS in Australia is taught as a 4-year Doctor of Medicine (MD) as compared to a 5-6 year UG degree. It is equivalent in nature.
• Aspirants have to pass 12th class with English, Chemistry, Biology, or Maths to be considered eligible to apply for MBBS course in Australia.
• Aspirants comprising a bachelor's degree are able to directly apply for MD programme in Australia. However, topmost/ renowned Australian universities request students to submit GAMSAT or MCAT scores for admission to MD programme. 
• Candidates are also needed to demonstrate proficiency in the English language by securing an IELTS score anywhere between 6.5 to 7.0 or a TOEFL (iBT) score anywhere between 80 to 100.

Top Colleges offering a Bright Career as a Doctor in Australia

These are the basics that students must know about doctor if they want to study medicine abroad.

Roles and Responsibilities of Doctor

To grasp the real importance about Doctor and their contribution to the society, one needs to look past the surface. Let's take a deeper look at the roles and responsibilities of becoming a Doctor.

Diagnosis

A doctor is the professional who is responsible for diagnosing, scanning, and identifying diseases, disorders, illnesses, or injuries sustained by patients. It is a job that not many can ace. One has to muster up the courage and serve patients dilligently.

Treating Patients

Once a diagnosis has been, a doctor has to prescribe adequate medicine dosage as well as therapies to patients. A doctor advises patients on lifestyle as well as dietary changes for early recovery. Students who choose Doctor career not only gain respect from the community but also get appreciation.

Offering Timely Assistance

Apart from general duties, doctors also provide assistance to other medical professionals dealing with complex cases. The more experience a Doctor has, the better their diagnosis and suggestion of the disease is.

Conducting Surgery

This is probably the most tricky part that we know about Doctor. They not only have to perform surgeries but also reassure patients with hope. It’s physically and mentally taxing for them yet they have to come through for their patients.

These are the key roles that one must know about Doctor before pursuing relevant studies.

Skills Needed to Become a Doctor

To those wondering, “how to become a doctor?” One must possess a certain skillset to tackle an array of tough situations. Without these skills, it will be difficult for graduates to build a successful doctor career.

Technical skills

• Physically examining patiens

• Administering injections as and when required

• Diagnosing illnesses and prescribing the right medicine

• Assessing symptoms and interpreting laboratory results

• Offering follow-up care and checking up on patients

Soft skills

• Problem-solving skills

• Attention to details

• Excellent communication skills

• Professionalism

• Leadership skills

Employment Opportunities for a Doctor

The industry of healthcare as a whole is booming all over the world. Aspirants must know all they can about doctors. On the employment front, many corporate hospitals have come up and they have driven the growth in the industry. In India, doctors have employment opportunities in both the government and private sector. Some of the top sectors where one can pursue a successful Doctor career are:

• Multi-specialist Hospitals and Nursing homes

• Business organizations

• Industries

• Primary Health Centers

• Schools and embassies as consultants

• Armed Forces

• Railways

• NGOs

• Teaching

• Hospitals (Private and Government)

• Research Areas

• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Companies

Fees to Become a Doctor in India

Those who wonder, how to become a doctor will want to know the tuition fees of the same. Here’s the average cost of becoming a doctor in India -

• Government-funded MBBS courses have Doctor fees anywhere between INR 25,000 to INR 75,000 per year. 

• Government institutions provide 48,012 seats for admission.

• Pursuing Doctor career course at a private college will cost anywhere between INR 15,00,000 to INR 40,00,000 per year.

• Management quota seats receive admission can go as high as INR 80,00,000.

• Aspirants need to prepare well before taking any form of admission exam to become a doctor.

Top Recruiting Hospitals for a Doctor

Few of the leading recruiting hospitals where a doctor can find employment opportunities are listed below:

• AIIMS (All India Institute of Medical Sciences)
• Apollo
• Fortis
• Max
• BLK Super Speciality Hospital
• Columbia Asia Referral Hospital
• Manipal Hospital
• Lilavati Hospital (Mumbai)

Employment Sector/Industry for Doctor

This is what a career as a doctor entails:

1. Diagnosis: A doctor's primary role is to diagnose illnesses and medical conditions. This involves evaluating symptoms, ordering and interpreting medical tests, and making a diagnosis based on the available information.
2. Treatment: Once a diagnosis has been made, doctors develop and implement treatment plans to help their patients recover. This may involve prescribing medications, recommending lifestyle changes, or referring patients to specialists for further treatment.
3. Preventive care: In addition to treating illnesses, doctors also play an important role in preventing disease. They may provide advice on healthy lifestyles, recommend vaccinations, and screen patients for conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
4. Collaboration: Doctors often work with other healthcare professionals, such as nurses, pharmacists, and specialists, to provide comprehensive care to their patients. This may involve consulting with colleagues to develop treatment plans or coordinating care with other providers.
5. Education: Doctors also educate patients on their medical conditions and treatment options. This may involve explaining test results, discussing the pros and cons of different treatments, or providing advice on how to manage symptoms.
6. Record-keeping: Doctors are responsible for maintaining accurate medical records for their patients. This includes keeping track of test results, treatment plans, and any other relevant medical information.
7. Ethics: Doctors are held to high ethical and legal standards. They must ensure that they provide the best possible care to their patients while respecting their rights and privacy.
8. Communication: Effective communication is critical in the role of a doctor. Doctors must be able to communicate clearly and compassionately with their patients, as well as with other healthcare professionals involved in a patient's care.

Workplace Environment of a Doctor

A career as a doctor can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. The workplace or work environment of a doctor can vary depending on their specialty, the type of healthcare facility they work in, and their individual preferences. However, some common characteristics of a doctor's workplace include:

1. Medical facilities: Doctors typically work in medical facilities such as hospitals, clinics, private practices, and nursing homes.
2. Long hours: Doctors often work long hours and may be on call overnight or on weekends to attend to emergencies.
3. Fast-paced: The work environment of a doctor can be fast-paced, with a high volume of patients and a need to quickly assess and treat medical conditions.
4. Team-oriented: Doctors often work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive care to their patients.
5. Technologically advanced: Medical facilities are often equipped with advanced medical technologies such as diagnostic imaging equipment, electronic medical records systems, and telemedicine technology.
6. Physically demanding: Depending on their specialty, doctors may be required to perform physically demanding tasks such as standing for long periods of time during surgeries or lifting heavy equipment.
7. Emotionally taxing: Dealing with sick or injured patients and their families can be emotionally taxing for doctors, particularly in cases of terminal illness or traumatic injuries.
8. High stress: The high stakes nature of healthcare and the need to make critical decisions quickly can contribute to a high-stress work environment for doctors.

Pay Scale/Salary of Doctor

The field of medicine is very competitive, however, it is one of the highest-paying occupations in the country. If one wants to know how to become a doctor, they should also be well aware of the compensation awarded. The salary of a doctor depends on numerous factors such as the doctor's earning potential, including specialization, education, and location.

Following are some relative salary figures for different job profiles of a doctor career:

Note: The above figures are an estimate and may vary from individual to individual and company to company.

Career Path Progression as a Doctor

Once a candidate becomes a Doctor, numerous specializations open up where graduates can hone their skills. Students can either go on to become general physicians and practice medicine or specialize in the treatment of organs, diseases, body fluids, and other related aspects. Students can refer to the career path progression given below after becoming a Doctor.

General Physician: A general physician is known widely as a doctor. It is an entry-level medical career that students can explore if need be. After an aspirant completes an M.B.B.S. and residency programme, they can opt for this role. A general physician is required for restoring patients' health back to normal via non-surgical procedures. One is responsible for diagnosing different medical conditions of patients as well as prescribing their medicines. 

Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist is deemed as a specialized doctor. They possess an M.D. degree in endocrinology. Endocrinology is considered the study of hormones secreted inside the human body as well as the organs associated with hormone secretion. Endocrinologists usually treat thyroid patients in general. Patients suffering from other hormonal problems also require to visit an endocrinologist. 

Surgeon:  A surgeon is a specialized professional doctor who has an M.S. degree (Master of Surgery) - post-graduate degree. Either aspiring candidates can opt for general surgery or they can specialize in surgery of specific organs such as cardiology, neurology, or orthopaedic. A specialized surgeon in neurology is widely renowned as a neurosurgeon while a specialized cariology surgeon is widely known as a cardiac surgeon. 

Neurologist: A neurologist is considered to be a clinical professional who possesses an M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) postgraduate degree in neurology. Candidates learn how to study, diagnose, and provide medical care for diseases related to the nervous system. Basis the diagnosis, they offer treatment methodoligies to restore the medical condition of patients back to normal. 

Internships and Certificates that are Helpful in Becoming Doctor?

In today’s world, every professional is upskilling to hone their skills. Similarly, a doctor can also further polish their skills and learn something new from certificate courses and internships. For those who are pursuing the course, they can refer to these programmes as well to know all about doctor.

Books & Study Material to Become Doctor

For every aspiring medical student, books are one of the most important components for their medical exam preparation. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose the right study material or books for exam preparation. Here is the list of some common books for Biology, Chemistry, and Physics which medical aspirants can follow to excel in various medical entrance exams.

• Trueman’s Biology Volume 1 & 2

• Objective Biology by Dinesh

• Pradeep Publication’s Biology

• H C Verma for Physics

• NCERT- Physics Part 1 & 2

• Modern ABC of Chemistry for Class 11 & 12 (Volume 1 & 2)

• Arihant Organic Chemistry

• Morrison and Boyd Organic Chemistry

Pros of becoming a Doctor

• It is a matter of immense pride and honor for anyone to be a successful doctor.
• The career as a doctor brings with it monetary benefits as well as job satisfaction.
• There are diverse job opportunities available for doctors. One can join private hospitals, government hospitals, clinics as well as NGOs.

Cons of becoming a Doctor

• As a hospital doctor, you are expected to work long hours, including weekends and night shifts.
• Patients’ life and safety rests in doctors hands. So, there can be no room for error, when it comes to this profession (depending upon the specialty/specialization).
• It is difficult to maintain a work-life balance

We hope candidates learned about how to become a doctor and several key aspects around the same from this page. Keep visiting CollegeDekho for more medical-related coverage!