Andhra Pradesh

Medicine is not the only choice

ExpertSpeak (Medicine)

Dr. Prabhakar Rao, retired dental surgeon, SVRR Government General Hospital, Tirupati

Dentistry has acquired a specialised status and is no more considered a second option. It has its own charm and respect now with good career opportunities. However, PG is must these days if one wants to make a niche career as more and more specialisations are evolving within BDS.

Dentists are doing excellently not only in India but also abroad. But postgraduate doctors have more opportunities in western counties. PG education in dentistry is very expensive if one wants to study in private colleges. But there are several banks that offer loans to students and they can utilise the opportunity.

Students should understand that BDS is totally different from what they study in Intermediate or prepare for EAMCET. Students tend to relax after EAMCET and records show that a lot of them fail in the first year course, as the subjects are totally different. They need to be aware of these facts. EAMCET is only a test to decide the rank and not the aptitude of students towards the subject.

The state has 17 dental colleges with just two in the Government sector that only have 40 seats each. Demand for dental care will grow creating more opportunities for /dentists in the future. As more and more colleges come up, new opportunities in teaching and research will increase.

On the whole students need to work hard for at least six years to clear the first hurdle of BDS and then aim for a PG.

Dr. G. Subrahmanyam, Director, SVIMS and VC of SVIMS University

Medicine provides opportunities to serve people and a pleasure that other professions do not provide. Students scoring low ranks can join private colleges and prove their worth with good scores in the examination.

"Don't expect miracles after five years of MBBS. Stability in the field comes only after more than 11 years and that too if the student has the patience to continue to work hard without a break. Super specialisation has become a must. But remember that there is lot of competition as students go up the ladder and seats diminish. Don't expect to start earning right away.

Medical education abroad might look cheaper compared to private colleges here. But one has to be very careful while exercising the option. Conultants will not always give you the complete picture. The difference of culture, language and quality of education will hit students once they go there. However, there are some good colleges in Russia, China or other countries that are attracting students from the State. However, medicos coming back to India to practice have to clear a test conducted by the Medical Council of India.

Don't get disheartened if you don't get a seat in MBBS. Remember that there are wide options open for biology students in emerging fields related to medicine. There is no point in repeating the test if the student has an average score of 60 or 70 per cent. But a 90 or 95 per cent student in Intermediate can repeat the test as he or she has a chance of getting a good rank in the second attempt.

M. Venkata Reddy, formerly chief of Drug Control Authority, Hyderabad

Next decade will be the decade of pharmacy and it will be a golden one too. A degree in pharmacy will be considered a passport to a good career.

Till recently pharmacy was the third option but it is gaining importance with the pharmaceutical industry growing rapidly and shortage of qualified candidates rising along with it. Moreover, job opportunities in traditional courses are also drying up opening more chances for subjects like pharmacy. The industry is now worth Rs. 3,500 crores which only means there will be more opportunities for young graduates.

The course also opens up doors to careers in foreign countries where pharmacists are considered on par with doctors. Unfortunately, many of our colleges are not able to provide good infrastructure and lab facilities.

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