Doctors

Doctors, commonly known as physicians, are essential healthcare professionals responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and care of patients. They interact with patients, diagnose their problems, and prescribe medicines to restore their physical and mental well-being. Their role extends beyond traditional medical duties and encompasses a variety of responsibilities crucial to maintaining individual and public health.

Types of Doctors

Before moving onto the specific types of doctors, it's crucial to differentiate among the three overarching categories within the medical profession:

Generalists

Generalists, often referred to as PCPs or primary care physicians, serve as the first point of contact for patients. They possess comprehensive knowledge of your medical history, addressing general health concerns and managing ongoing conditions.

Specialists

Specialists, such as surgeons, endocrinologists, cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and pediatricians, undergo additional training to focus on specific medical areas. Patients seek specialists for targeted care, like consulting an OB/GYN during pregnancy or visiting a cardiologist for heart-related issues.

Sub-Specialists

Sub-specialists, including neuro-anesthesiologists, orthopedists, urologists, otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists, neonatologists, and pediatric surgeons, further narrow their expertise within a specific field.

Depending on your interests and the kind of work you hope to do, certain areas of medicine may appeal more to you. Understanding the different types of doctors that exist can help you pursue the speciality you are most passionate about.

Epidemiologist

Epidemiologists identify and analyze potential diseases, focusing on prevention and vaccination efforts for both emerging and existing health threats such as HIV/AIDS and cancer.

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists, as medical doctors, diagnose and treat mental disorders using a combination of psychotherapeutic treatment and medication.

Dentist

Dentists, known as doctors of the mouth, examine and address issues related to oral health, including checking for conditions like bleeding gums and cavities.

Orthodontist

Orthodontists specialize in treating and preventing dental irregularities, using braces and aligners to correct teeth alignment and misaligned bites.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

Oral surgeons perform surgical procedures related to the face, mouth, and jaws, addressing problems with hard and soft tissues.

Prosthodontist

Prosthodontists or implant dentists focus on the appearance of teeth, replacing missing dental structures using molds and prosthetics.

Pathologist

Pathologists, medical doctors, study the causes, indicators, cures, and effects of diseases, specializing in various fields such as anatomical, chemical, clinical, forensic, hematological, immunopathological, and microbiological pathology.

Radiologist

Radiologists use imaging technologies, including X-rays, to diagnose and detect physiological ailments, aiding in the identification of conditions like cancer and fractures.

Cardiologist

Cardiologists focus on treating heart-related issues, assessing patients' family and medical history to determine risk factors and prevent cardiovascular diseases.

Dermatologist

Dermatologists care for skin issues, conducting examinations and treatments for conditions like acne, allergies, moles, and skin cancer risk factors.

Emergency Medicine Physician

Emergency medicine physicians administer urgent care, manage hospital emergencies, and monitor patients during critical situations, such as sudden breathing problems and cardiac arrest.

Endocrinologist

Endocrinologists treat disorders of the endocrine system, focusing on glands producing hormones that regulate body functions, commonly addressing conditions like diabetes or thyroid disease.

Gastroenterologist

Gastroenterologists specialize in digestive organ care, addressing issues with the gallbladder, stomach, bowels, liver, and pancreas, particularly focusing on persistent gastrointestinal problems.

General Practitioner

General practitioners provide basic healthcare for the whole family, conducting routine check-ups, screening tests, and referring patients to specialists when needed.

Geriatric Physician

Geriatric physicians specialize in caring for elderly patients, offering medical services in various settings, including doctors' offices, hospitals, and assisted living centers.

Nephrologist

Nephrologists focus on treating kidney diseases and fluid imbalances linked to kidney-related issues, including hypertension.

Neurologist

Neurologists specialize in caring for the nervous system, addressing conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, brain tumors, epilepsy, and stroke.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician

Obstetrics and gynecology physicians specialize in medical care related to pregnancy, childbirth, and the prevention of diseases related to the reproductive system.

Oncologist

Oncologists care for cancer patients, focusing on treatment, prevention, and collaboration with other specialists, including radiation oncologists and surgeons.

Orthopedist

Orthopedists correct disorders, deformities, or injuries to the skeleton, utilizing interventions such as surgery, bracing, and casting.

Otolaryngologist/ENT Specialist

Otolaryngologists, also known as ENT specialists, address issues related to the ear, nose, and throat, including reconstructive and plastic surgery on the neck and head.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists oversee pharmacy operations, specializing in medications, their uses, interactions, and proper prescription practices.

Plastic Surgeon

Plastic surgeons perform surgical procedures to restore, reconstruct, or alter the human body, often focusing on reconstructive surgery for damaged body parts.

Podiatrist

Podiatrists care for issues affecting the feet or ankles, addressing conditions such as calluses, nail disorders, athlete's foot, and other foot infections or injuries.

Rheumatologist

Rheumatologists diagnose and treat allergies and autoimmune diseases, specializing in joint and tissue disorders related to the immune system.

Surgeon

Surgeons perform a variety of surgeries within different specialties, including neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, oral surgery, ENT surgery, and general surgery.

Urologist

Urologists care for issues related to the urinary tract, treating conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, male reproductive organs, and adrenal glands.

Anesthesiologist

Anesthesiologists administer drugs to numb pain or sedate patients during surgery, monitoring vital signs and managing emergency situations.

Neonatologist

Neonatologists focus on the care of newborn premature infants or critically ill infants, often working in neonatal intensive care units.

Pediatrician

Pediatricians provide comprehensive healthcare for children from birth to adolescence, treating a range of health issues and creating child-friendly consultation environments.

Responsibilities of a Doctor

If you are considering a career in health care, you may ask yourself, "What does a doctor do?". Doctors diagnose disease, provide treatment, counsel patients with injuries, diseases or illnesses. The specific duties depend upon the speciality you pursue in your MBBS. Some doctors work in cardiology, whereas others may work in surgery, neurology, pulmonology or rheumatology.

Here are some common responsibilities of a doctor:

Listen to patients carefully to understand the disease symptoms
Perform a diagnosis to find the cause of illness
Prescribe medication and administer treatments based on the diagnosis
Perform general examination and order blood tests and procedures to understand a patient's ailment or illness
Provide follow-up treatments or refer patients to other doctors
Collect, record and maintain patient's medical records such as lab test results and other documents
Collaborate with other medical professionals to provide the best patient care
Promote health education in patients
Meet targets set by the government for specific treatments such as adult or child immunisation
Evaluate new drugs and medicines offered by medical representatives
Train resident doctors on various surgery or diagnosis techniques
Stay up-to-date with the latest medical technology
Convey patient's status to their family members

A Day in the Life of a Doctor

A typical day in a doctor's life often kicks off with hospital rounds, where they visit and manage patients under their care across multiple affiliated hospitals. Addressing emergencies takes precedence during this period, providing immediate attention to critical cases.

Following the hospital rounds, doctors transition to their office hours, a segment lasting six to ten hours each day. During this time, they attend to sick patients, offer medical advice, and prescribe necessary medications for disease prevention. However, this routine is far from straightforward, as doctors frequently contend with interruptions, receiving phone calls from hospital physicians discussing ongoing patient care. In private hospital settings, additional challenges arise, such as managing messages and alerts from patients regarding last-minute appointment changes and cancellations.

Once the official work hours conclude, doctors often face a barrage of "call-backs." Individuals reach out seeking consultations on family members' health concerns or to discuss reports and lab results. In some instances, concerned relatives may visit the clinic during after-hours, seeking updates on loved ones hospitalized.

A typical workday for a doctor can easily extend to 10 hours, with the added prospect of working on Saturdays in many clinics and hospitals. Despite the demanding schedules and apparent lack of work-life balance, doctors persist in their roles because of a simple yet profound reason—they love what they do. The driving force behind their commitment is the desire to make a positive impact on the lives of their patients.

Benefits of Becoming a Doctor

No matter the type of doctor you are, having this profession comes with several advantages. Understanding the benefits of this job can help you determine whether you want to pursue a career in this field.

Personal Satisfaction

Doctors spend long hours saving lives, diagnosing diseases and prescribing their patients with the proper medications to address their health concerns. When a doctor sees their patients get better and recover, they may feel personal satisfaction knowing they were able to make a difference in their patients' lives. While the job of a doctor may be challenging, receiving the gratification of a recovering patient may motivate the physician to continue striving for excellence in their work.

Diverse Specializations and Knowledge

A primary benefit of working as a doctor is that you can pursue a diverse range of specializations and fields of knowledge, such as the ones mentioned in the previous

Diverse Workdays & Continuous Learning

Doctors often have diverse workdays, which can include meeting new patients, treating existing patients and addressing time-sensitive emergencies. Because of this diversity, doctors can continue learning and expanding their skill set every day.

Diverse Work Environments

Because there are many types of doctors and specialist physicians, these professionals can work in a diverse range of environments such as public or private offices, hospitals or other medical centers. Some doctors can work for organizations, schools and institutions, while others may open their own private practice. There are also government doctors and those who focus more on the academic aspects of the field, contributing their research and knowledge to the development of modern medicine.

Career Growth Opportunities

Doctors who wish to pursue growth opportunities can undertake additional professional education opportunities like certifications. They can also pursue volunteer or professional organization involvement. They also have access to a diverse range of job opportunities as well and if they have a specialization, there may be a high demand to fill positions A skilled doctor with years of experience may be able to negotiate and choose between multiple jobs, giving them to the flexibility to influence their base pay.

Work Environments

A doctor can work in a wide range of work environments, from government hospitals, private medical facilities to nursing homes and medical colleges.

Some of the common workplace of a doctor are:

Hospitals:

A doctor can work in a consulting room providing outpatient department (OPD) consultation in a hospital environment. Any ill patient can visit a doctor during their OPD hours to seek consultation. Many doctors working in government or private hospitals provide OPD consultation based on their specialised medicine segment. After their OPD hours, doctors can work in the emergency room or visit hospitalised patients. In hospital wards, a doctor ensures that their treatment plan works and the patient's health shows improvement. Doctors, especially surgeons, work in the operating theatre (OT) to conduct life-saving or illness related operations.

Medical Colleges:

Apart from practising as a doctor in a hospital or medical facility, a doctor may work full time or part-time as a professor in a medical college. Based on their speciality, a doctor teaches the relevant subject to medical students. For instance, a medical college may hire a cardiologist to teach students about functioning. Many doctors work as visiting faculty in medical colleges meaning that they treat patients and also teach students in their free time.

Drawbacks of Becoming a Doctor

While being a doctor comes with several enticing advantages, you also need to consider the drawbacks of this profession. If these drawbacks don't outweigh the cons, this may be a suitable career for you.

Long Training & Academic Period

Becoming a doctor takes an extensive amount of time and dedication to complete. It can take more than 10 years to earn the necessary academic qualifications. You'll need to complete a doctorate degree and residency before you can get your medical license to work as a physician. There might also be additional certifications or licenses that you're required to obtain as well, especially if you're a doctor with a specialization. Completing all these prerequisites requires commitment.

High Stress + Pressure

Doctors work in stressful environments where there is a lot of risk involved for their patients. These professionals have a substantial amount of pressure to support good patient outcomes, sometimes in time-sensitive situations. Whether they work in a hospital or private setting, these professionals need to maintain their own mental and emotional health so they can continue helping others. Some medical organizations provide access to in-house counselors and psychologists that doctors can meet with to manage their stress.

Expensive Education

The educational cost needed to become a doctor is high. Despite these high costs, there are several factors that can affect a person's academic expenses, such as their personal financial contributions, scholarships, financial aid and grants. Before someone can pursue the path of a doctor, it's crucial that they understand the financial obligations of the occupation and devise an action plan to help achieve these goals.

Long Hours & Unpredictable Schedules

While this doesn't apply to every type of doctor, many have long working hours. Doctors in hospitals often work over eight hours a day and some have unpredictable schedules that may include nights, weekends and holidays. Some doctors have few off days and may work on-call to help treat a critical patient. Because of this, some doctors may not have a good work-life balance or may have to schedule their personal lives around their jobs.

Challenging Patients

Doctors interact with recurring and new patients regularly. This means they encounter challenging patients and patient families who openly display their stress. In these situations, it's essential that a doctor demonstrates professionalism by remaining polite, but direct when delivering sensitive information. Doctors often serve as an advocate for their patients, providing them with the necessary knowledge and information so become more informed about what's going on and how to address it appropriately.

Unsafe Exposure

Depending on the type of work environment that a doctor works in, they may become exposed to a variety of different diseases and infections. If there is an illness that spreads within a hospital or clinic, then a doctor has to take the necessary steps to protect themselves, their patients and their colleagues.

Recommended High School Classes

If you have a strong aspiration to become a doctor, it's crucial to prepare for your future success as early as possible. Enrolling in high school courses that offer foundational knowledge and essential skills required for medical school can significantly streamline your path towards becoming a successful doctor.

Biology:

Understanding fundamental biological concepts, including cellular structure, genetics, and ecosystems, is essential for grasping the complexities of human biology and medical science.

Chemistry:

A strong foundation in general chemistry provides the necessary knowledge to comprehend the chemical processes within the human body, drug interactions, and biochemical reactions.

Physics:

Physics principles are relevant in understanding physiological processes, medical imaging technologies, and biomechanics, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences.

Mathematics:

Proficiency in math, particularly through pre-calculus or calculus, is crucial for data analysis, statistical interpretation, and solving quantitative problems encountered in medical research and practice.

English and Literature:

Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are vital for interacting with patients, conveying medical information, and collaborating with fellow healthcare professionals.

Anatomy and Physiology:

Courses in anatomy and physiology provide an early introduction to the structure and function of the human body, laying the groundwork for more in-depth studies in medical school.

Psychology and Sociology:

Understanding human behavior, social dynamics, and cultural factors is essential for delivering patient-centered care and addressing the psychological aspects of health and illness.

Foreign Language:

Proficiency in a second language can facilitate effective communication with diverse patient populations, fostering a more inclusive and culturally competent medical practice.

Health Sciences or Medical Exploration Courses:

These courses offer insights into the healthcare industry, medical ethics, and various healthcare professions, helping students confirm their interest in pursuing a career in medicine.

Research and Laboratory Courses:

Engaging in research and laboratory work provides hands-on experience in scientific inquiry, fostering critical thinking skills and familiarity with the research process in medical sciences.

It's essential to note that while these subjects are recommended, if you have a particular specialization in mind that you're passionate about, you can opt for classes that align with that specialization. Your enthusiasm and commitment to your chosen path will play a pivotal role in your journey toward becoming a successful doctor.

Skillsets of Doctors

Problem Solving

A medical degree gives you the knowledge to treat patients, but implementing that knowledge is a desirable skill for this role. Doctors use their problem-solving skills to assess patients and find solutions to their illnesses. Most illnesses may not be clear during the diagnosis, so these professionals use their skills and learned knowledge to find potential solutions to the ailment.

Best Extracurriculars for Medical School

Extracurricular activities serve as a crucial component in shaping a well-rounded medical school application, offering a glimpse into your character, motivations, and interests beyond academic achievements.

Here are some key extracurriculars that add a great deal to your resume:

Clinical Experience:
- Why: Provides essential skills and insight into the medical profession, allowing you to test your motivations.
- Options:
  - Medical scribe
  - Certified nursing assistant
  - Medical assistant
  - EMT
  - Volunteer experiences, including shadowing
Research:
- Why: Demonstrates critical thinking, problem-solving, and curiosity—qualities highly valued by medical schools.
- Options:
  - Paid or unpaid research assistant positions
  - Collaboration with professors on ongoing projects
Teaching/Tutoring:
- Why: Strengthens communication skills, a crucial aspect of effective medical practice.
- Options:
  - Teaching or tutoring positions
  - Mentoring roles or teaching assistant positions
Community Service:
- Why: Reflects dedication to helping others, a fundamental attribute for medical professionals.
- Considerations:
  - Volunteer in areas aligned with your interests and goals
  - Showcase a commitment to meaningful community engagement
Hobbies:
- Why: Offers a glimpse into your personality, passions, and ability to manage stress.
- Considerations:
  - Include hobbies that hold personal significance and contribute to personal growth
  - Illustrate how hobbies develop qualities like determination, motivation, and leadership

Crafting Your Medical School / College Application:

While building your medical school application, focus on experiences that align with your genuine interests and values. A thoughtful selection of extracurriculars enhances your candidacy, demonstrating not only academic prowess but also a holistic commitment to the principles and values of the medical profession. Choose activities that resonate with you, allowing admissions committees to see the unique qualities and attributes you bring to the medical field.

Best Countries to Study Medicine in

Keep in mind that when choosing a college to apply to, the ideal college for you doesn't necessarily have to be the most prestigious one. It's important to take into account your personal needs and life goals, rather than solely focusing on its reputation.

United States of America (USA):

Reasons:
- Top-Notch Medical Schools
- World-Class Hospitals
- Various Learning Opportunities
- Progressive Research
- Expert Faculty
Overview:
- The US is home to some of the world's best medical schools, including Harvard, Stanford, Johns Hopkins, and more.
- Emphasis on research and development of skilled clinicians with strong research capabilities.
- Access to top training hospitals such as the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic.

United Kingdom (UK):

Reasons:
- Prominent Medical Schools
- Advanced Hospitals
- Shorter Program Duration
- Emphasis on Research
Overview:
- Renowned medical schools like the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge.
- Three-year undergraduate course followed by three years of medical school.
- Training in world-class hospitals, including St. Thomas Hospital and University College Hospital.

Australia:

Reasons:
- Reputable Medical Schools
- Shorter Medical Programs
- Innovative Medical Treatments
Overview:
- Renowned medical schools like the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and Monash University.
- Five to six-year programs, including the ultra-competitive MBBS program.
- Opportunities for international students with a focus on outstanding medical education.

India:

Reasons:
- Wide Array of Medical Schools
- Shorter Program Duration
- Affordable Tuition
Overview:
- Over 1,700 foreign nationals enrolled in Indian medical schools.
- 542 medical colleges offering affordable education.
- Completion of MBBS in 5.5 years with relatively low tuition fees.

Canada:

Reasons:
- Prominent Medical Schools
- Dual Programs
- Excellent Hospitals
- Emphasis on Research
Overview:
- Seventeen medical schools with a unique curriculum, including two years of pre-clinical courses and two years of clinical training.
- Opportunities for dual majors, emphasizing research and academic excellence.
- Training in top hospitals such as the Hospital for Sick Children and the Center for Addiction and Mental Health.

The Netherlands:

Reasons:
- World-Class Medical Schools
- English-Taught Courses
- Affordable Tuition for EU Students
Overview:
- English-taught three-year pre-medical courses at universities like the University of Groningen and Maastricht University.
- Competitive entry for the three-year MSc in Medicine with a portion reserved for non-Dutch speakers.
- Cheap tuition for EU students with scholarships available.

Sweden:

Reasons:
- Top-Ranked Medical Schools
- Shorter Course Duration
- World-Class Hospitals
Overview:
- Karolinska Institute, Lund University, and Uppsala University are top medical schools.
- Proficiency in Swedish required for Karolinska.
- Six-year program duration and training in world-class hospitals.

How to become a Doctor

Embarking on the path to becoming a doctor entails a thorough and demanding educational trajectory, characterized by rigorous testing and academic prerequisites. The process of becoming a physician typically spans around eight years of full-time study post-high school, encompassing four years of undergraduate education succeeded by four years in medical school.

Here are the simplified steps to becoming a doctor:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree:
- Choose a relevant major such as biology, psychology, pre-medicine, or a related field.
- Focus on maintaining a high GPA.
- Participate in extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and research to enhance your application.
Complete the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test):
- Prepare for and take the MCAT during your undergraduate years.
- Achieve a competitive score to strengthen your medical school application.
Apply to Medical School:
- Research and apply to medical schools that align with your career goals.
- Submit letters of recommendation, transcripts, and a personal statement as part of your application.
Complete Medical School:
- Choose between allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) medical programs.
- Attend four years of medical school, covering basic sciences and clinical rotations.
- Pass the first two parts of the USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) or COMLEX-USA (Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination).
Undergo Residency:
- Match with a residency program through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
- Residencies typically last three to seven years, depending on the specialty.
- Complete the final steps of the USMLE or COMLEX-USA during the first year of residency.
- Apply for medical licensure in the state where you plan to practice.
Complete a Fellowship (Optional):
- If you choose to specialize, undergo a fellowship after completing your residency.
- Fellowships can last up to five years, providing advanced training in a specific area of medicine.
Earn Certifications:
- Obtain certifications in your chosen specialty.
- Certifications enhance your qualifications and may be required by medical facilities.
- Pass certification exams specific to your specialty.
Stay Current and Pursue Continuing Medical Education (CME):
- Stay informed about advancements in medicine.
- Participate in CME activities to maintain and enhance your skills.
- Renew certifications and licenses as required.
Consider Board Certification:
- Board certification demonstrates expertise in a medical specialty.
- While not mandatory, it can enhance your professional standing and job prospects.
Build a Career:
- Seek employment opportunities in hospitals, clinics, private practice, or academia.
- Consider academic positions, research opportunities, or administrative roles based on your interests.
Continuously Improve:
- Engage in lifelong learning to stay abreast of medical advancements.
- Contribute to medical research, publications, or community outreach.

Becoming a doctor involves dedication, continuous learning, and a commitment to providing excellent patient care. Each step in the journey contributes to building the skills and knowledge necessary for a successful medical career.