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Mainstream   • MBBS   • Psychiatry   • Dentistry

MBBS
The biggest reward of being a doctor is the satisfaction of healing people and saving lives. This is considered to be a very noble and respected profession. A doctor should be dedicated, responsible and have a genuine desire to help people.

You have to complete the MBBS degree to become a doctor. In today's scenario, an MBBS degree by itself does not hold much value; often, a postgraduate degree and specialisation is necessary. The following are the important areas of specialization in medicine: General Medicine The work of general physicians involves acute disease management, which includes diagnosing, treating or referring the patients to specialists if the need arises. General Surgery General surgeons conduct surgery on all the organs in the body. They also diagnose and treat injuries, diseases and disorders of the human body by prescribing minor surgeries. Cardiology Cardiologists diagnose and treat diseases and disorders of the heart and perform surgeries of the heart like by-pass, angioplasty, transplants etc. Neurology Neurology is the study of the nervous system. Neurologists specialize in the treatment of diseases and disorders related to the human brain. Obstetrics and Gynaecology Gynaecology deals with the diseases and disorders of female reproductive organs and obstetrics deals with pregnancy and childbirth. Paediatrics Paediatrics deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders in children (from newborns to adolescents). Paediatricians also study the growth and development of children. Ophthalmology This branch of medicine deals with the treatment of the diseases of the human eye and its related parts. Ophthalmologists are also trained to perform specialized surgeries like laser surgery, removal of cataract, treatment of glucoma etc. Ear, Nose and Throat Also referred to as ENT, it deals with the disease and disorder of the ear, nose and throat. ENT specialists also perform surgery, conduct hearing tests and prescribe hearing aids. Dermatology Dermatology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the skin. Psychiatry This branch of medicine deals with the treatment of mental disorders by means of medication or counselling. Psychiatrists treat problems like anxieties, phobias, delusions and other mental conditions. Other Areas of Specialization Super Specialization There are super specializations in medicine after the completion of MS/MD courses. Super speciality is available in neurosurgery, cardio- thoracic surgery, genito-urinary surgery, plastic surgery, paediatric surgery, gastroentology, clinical haematology etc.

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Psychiatry Psychiatry is the study and treatment of mental disorders. Psychiatry involves treating mental disorders, phobias and fears, drug and alcohol abuse as also stress. Psychiatrists treat the patients with medication, counselling, psychotherapy or electrotherapy.

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Dentistry With the growing importance of oral health, Dentistry is fast emerging as a demanding branch of medicine and has opened up exciting career options for aspiring Dentists. Dentists primarily diagnose and treat diseases and abnormalities of the teeth, gums, and mouth. However, today, with advancements in this field, there are vast areas of specialization, which can be professionally challenging and lucrative. Areas of Specialization A dentist can specialize in any of the following areas.   • Orthodontics (straightening and aligning of teeth and gums)   • Peridontics (care of gums and their diseases)   • Operative dentistry (root canal treatment, fillings and cosmetic surgeries)   • Prosthodontics (making of artificial teeth)   • Oral surgery (surgery of the mouth and jaw)   • Oral pathology (diagnosis of diseases that affect the mouth) To become a professional dentist, you must have a degree in BDS (Bachelor of Dental Science). It is a four-year course followed by one year of residency. There are further areas of specialization in this field at the postgraduate level, covered by MDS (Master in Dental Science). UG and PG courses in dentistry are open to students of physics, chemistry and biology at the +2 level (XII Standard).

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Alternative   • Ayurveda   • Homeopathy

Ayurveda This stream of alternative medicine believes in curing with natural remedies using medicinal plants. This has opened up many career opportunities in the field of ayurveda both in India and abroad. Though, this ancient Indian form of medicine is about 3000 years old, Ayurveda is becoming increasingly popular and attracting many patients across the world.

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Homeopathy Homeopathy mainly believes in the theory of 'vital force' or 'resistance' of the body. This system of medicine was born in Germany, and was started by Dr.Samuel Hahnemann in 1790. This growing field of medicine has attained a prestigious place equal to that of allopathy, after the setting up of the Central Council of homeopathy.

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Paramedical   • Nursing   • Physiotherapy   • Speech Technology   • Medical Lab Technology   • Optometry   • Radiography   • Pharmaceutical Science   • Industrial Pharmacist

Nursing Nurses are very important to the field of medicine. Though predominantly, women take up this profession, of late, men have begun to enter this profession too. The primary responsibility of a nurse is to assist a doctor. A trained nurse can specialize in different areas of medicine like paediatrics, cardiology, surgery, neurology etc.

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Physiotherapy Physiotherapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process. It is vital in treating patients who suffer from ailments relating to bones, muscles, the nervous system, physical handicap and also convalescents. A physiotherapist can specialize in areas such as - cardiac therapy, sports medicine, paediatric therapy or geriatric physiotherapy.

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Speech Technology Speech therapy includes diagnosis of speech and hearing defects, and correctional treatment such as therapy for fluency and voice articulation. Speech Therapists and Audiologists require both technical and creative skills. Being paramedics, they are also involved in diagnosis and treatment of disorders.

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Optometry Optometry is the science of vision and eye care, and primarily deals with the detection and correction of vision impairments. Optometry is allied to the field of ophthalmology. The work of opticians is in conjunction with that of ophthalmologists. Opticians only fit and sell glasses and lenses; they are not qualified to prescribe them.

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Radiography Radiography plays an important role in diagnosis as well as treatment of serious medical disorders. Radiography refers to the technique of examining the interior of the body through recorded images, known as radiographs, that are produced by X-rays on photographic film. Radiography is widely used in medicine and dentistry, to detect tumours, broken bones etc.

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Medical Lab Technology Medical Lab Technology is an important branch of paramedical science and is a vital link in the field of medicine. Medical technicians support doctors in their diagnosis of patients' medical conditions by conducting extensive tests on tissues and human fluids such as blood, urine etc, for diagnosis. Medical lab technicians work in pathology, biochemistry and microbiology labs, which have sophisticated equipment to conduct tests and analyses.

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Pharmaceutical Science Pharmaceutical science refers to the preparation and dispensing of drugs. Pharmacists study the chemistry of the drugs, their origin, procedures involved in their preparation, dispensing, their effects and their eventual use for prevention and treatment of disease in human beings.

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Industrial Pharmacist Industrial pharmacists work in companies that manufacture drugs. These companies produce drugs based on pre-formulated preparations, some are involved in developing new drugs as well. With more and more multinational pharmaceutical companies entering India, the future of this field is very bright with growing opportunities for pharmaceutical professionals.

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