Anesthesiology

Introduction:

Anesthesia or anesthetics is a medication plan that causes the patient to become unconscious so that he or she feels no pain while a surgery is performed. An anesthetist, also called an anesthesiologist is a physician who makes anesthesia related medical decisions and is responsible for the safety and well being of the patient. Anesthesiologists are trained licensed medical doctors who perform anesthesia techniques. In other words, an anesthesiologist is a medical doctor who cares for a patient before, during and immediately following a surgical or medical procedure by administering appropriate anesthesia.

Anesthesiologist is an important person in a surgical team. Without anesthesiologists, surgery would be impossible in most cases.

Work hours for anesthesiologists are normally very long and irregular. They do not have any fixed working hours and hence the work can be stressful. During operations, they may be required to stand for long periods of time. Many anesthesiologists are on call at all times at any hour, day or night, meaning they may have to drop everything at any given time and rush to the hospital for an emergency.

Eligibility:

Educational

To pursue anesthesiology, one needs a strong background in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Mathematics. Like any other physician, Anesthesiologists too require a long period of medical training. After 10+2 one has to apply to medical colleges to pursue MBBS degree, admission to which is based on scores of entrance test and marks of plus two. Next step after MBBS is one year house surgency followed by M.D in anesthesiology which is usually of 2 years duration.

Besides anesthesiology, an anesthesiologist must also study cardiology, critical care medicine, internal medicine, pharmacology, and surgery. An anesthesiologist may choose to specialize in a particular field, such as neuro surgery, cardiac and thoracic surgery, maxillofacial surgery and so on. They need to continuously update their knowledge and skills through professional seminars and continuing educational courses.

Job Prospects and Career Options:

Ø  Career prospects for anesthesiologists are always booming, since every hospital will require a team of anesthesiologists who are experienced and dedicated.

Ø  One of the first and foremost duties of an anesthesiologist is to administer an anesthetic to a person undergoing a surgical treatment. This means giving the patient the necessary medicine to help them feel no pain while undergoing surgery. Anesthesiology is a lot more team oriented than any other medical specialties

Ø  Anesthesiologists also work outside the operating room, such as in: The Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where they administer pain relief to critically ill patients while helping to restore them to a stable condition. Pain management, where they are involved in the diagnosis and treatment of patients who suffer from acute and chronic illnesses. During labour and delivery, they provide pain relief to the mother.

Other careers in the field of anesthesiology:

• Anesthesiologist Assistant (AAs)
• Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNA)
• Anesthesia Technician (AT)

Remuneration:

The salary ranges according to the geographic region, experience and sub-specialty. In India, an Anesthesiologist may start his career with a minimum pay scale of Rs 20,000 to 30,000 per month depending upon the medical organization they work for. Generally pay is much more in corporate hospitals than in government hospitals. After being established in the field, one can work on an hourly basis too, and in this case pay is much lucrative.

Courses:

 » MD Anesthesiology

 » Diploma in Anesthesiology

 » DNB Anesthesiology

     

Acupuncture

    Introduction

Acupuncture or Needling Therapy is a traditional form of oriental medicine which originated in China and is practiced by therapists all over the world. A component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Acupuncture is commonly used to treat pain or illness by inserting very fine needles at specific points on the skin, which are located near nerve endings. The word Acupuncture is derived from the Latin words 'acus' meaning needle and ‘puncture’ meaning to puncture.

Acupuncture is based on the theory that energy, called chi (pronounced 'chee'), flows through and around the body along pathways called meridians. In this system, it is believed that illness occurs when something blocks or unbalances the chi. Acupuncture is a way to unblock or influence chi and help it flow back into balance. It involves stimulating specific acupuncture points on the body. Acupuncture is done by putting very thin needles into the skin at certain points on the body. This is done to influence the energy flow. Sometimes heat, pressure, or mild electrical current is used along with needles. The insertion of thin, metallic, solid needles at the acupuncture points produces a wide variety of effects in the body of the patient. It helps to clear energy blockages and encourage the normal flow of vital energy through the body and the various internal systems, of the patient. The effect of acupuncture may involve stimulation of nerves in the skin and muscles, which helps to restore imbalance of energy, stimulation of the immune system, release natural painkillers, release hormones called endorphin in the brain, which block pain. 

Acupuncturists are healthcare practitioners who are trained to treat the entire individual rather than the specific illness or condition. In order to determine the proper course of treatment, they consider the patient's physical, mental and emotional condition and provide support to patients with chronic diseases. Acupuncture specialists treat a variety of medical conditions, symptoms, and side effects, including chronic pain (e.g., headache, back pain, arthritis), nausea and vomiting (e.g., after surgery or chemotherapy), stroke rehabilitation, menstrual cramps, cosmetic problems, skin diseases etc. 

     ELIGIBILITY:

Ø Those who hold a degree (master's or doctor's) in Acupuncture can practice as an acupuncturist. This career requires proper training and experience, so one must make sure that they join in a renowned college for studying acupuncture courses.

Ø Indian Academy of Acupuncture Science, Aurangabad offers 1 year diploma and 3 year degree in Acupuncture for 10+2 students. The 2 year Master's degree course in Acupuncture are open for those having a bachelor's degree in healthcare or alternative medicine related subject such as MBBS, BHMS, BAMS, BUMS, Bachelor of Naturopathy, Bachelor of Acupuncture and DTCM (Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing). Degree in physiology, anatomy, biology and psychology will be helpful for aspiring acupuncturists to succeed in their careers. The institute also offers training and correspondence courses in Acupuncture. 

Ø Indian Board of Alternative Medicines, Kolkata duly registered by the Government of West Bengal offers 1 year Doctor of Medicine in Acupuncture - M.D. (ACU) through distance education. Those who have passed any degree course from authentic institution or completed their MBBS, BDS, DMS, DHMS, BHMS, BAMS, BASM, BEMS, BIAMS, BNYT, BATS, BUMS, BPT, B.Pharm, MD (AM) etc are eligible. For practitioners and research workers who are practicing for the last 10 years, the minimum basic qualification is exempted and they can directly apply for the Doctorate program. 

Ø Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU ) offers Online program in PG Diploma in Acupuncture for Medical graduates (Allopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga and Naturopathy) which can be completed within 1 to 3 years.

Ø International College of Acupuncture and Natural Medicine (ICANM) offers 1 year online certificate training course - with 4 contact sessions of 10 days each in a year.

Ø Physiotherapists and Dentists or those who possess Bachelors degree in Allopathy, Homeopathy, Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Yoga and Naturopathy can apply for this course.

Ø Alternative  Medicine College offers 2 year Associate degree in Acupuncture for 10+2 students and 1 year post graduate diploma in Acupuncture for Graduates in healthcare or alternative medicine or related subject.

    SKILLS REQUIRED

Those interested in a career in Acupuncture, must have a keen interest in alternative medicine and holistic healing therapies. In order to succeed in their profession, Acupuncturists need to possess a few personal qualities, specifically people skills:

Ø  Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills

Ø  Understanding and sensitivity

Ø  Patience

Ø  Self-awareness and emotional stability

Ø  A logical approach to solving problems

Ø  Good hand-eye coordination and a steady hand

    NATURE OF WORK AND JOB PROSPECTS OF ACUPUNCTURISTS

Acupuncturists play an effective role in not only helping to cure illnesses/ disorders, but also to prevent such illnesses/ disorders from occurring again. As any other medical practitioner, duties and responsibilities of an acupuncturist involves : 

Ø  Carefully listening to the problems of the patient

Ø  Examining and diagnosing patient's symptoms, physiological disorders and injuries

Ø  Taking patient's medical history, their physical and emotional health, lifestyle and diet as well as sometimes taking their blood pressure

Ø  After diagnosing the exact problem, they explain to patients about the treatment they will perform and answer any questions patients may have

Ø  For the treatment, they take various factors into account, such as deciding the size of needles to use and where to insert them (there are 365 acupuncture points on the body).

Ø  Selecting specific points on the body to be treated and inserting needles according to the level of stimulation required.

Ø  Keeping records of treatment given to each patient.

Ø  Recommend therapeutic exercise or dietary guidelines to the patients

     REMUNERATION:

Remuneration in this field mainly depend on the success of the practice. During the initial stage of acupuncture practice, one may not be able to earn much. With years of experience, an Acupuncturist can gain large number of regular clients and a decent steady income. Once they get established, they can charge fee per session and earn more. The duration of the treatment program varies depending on the severity of the problem. 

     COURSES:

v  Associate Degree in Acupuncture

v  Bachelor of Acupuncture

v  Certificate Course in Acupuncture

v  Certificate Course in Acupuncture and Reflexology

v  Diploma in Acupuncture (Correspondence/ Distance Education)

v  Diploma in Acupuncture

v  Doctor of Medicine in Acupuncture M.D.(Acu) (Correspondence/ Distance Education)

v  Doctor of Medicine in Acupuncture M.D.(Acu)

v  Master of Acupuncture

v  Post Graduate Diploma in Acupuncture

v  Post Graduate Diploma in Alternative Medicine in Acupuncture

Physiotherapy                    

Introduction:

Physiotherapy is the system of treatment of disease and disability using physical exercises. It is the most important rehabilitative service needed in a community and a vital therapeutic supplement of the medical profession, integral to the treatment of most patients. Physiotherapy may be defined as a science that seeks to improve movement dysfunction, promote optimal health and functions of the human body. It involves the assessment, maintenance, restoration of the physical function and performance of the body and is strongly recommended for people with degenerative disorders, the physically challenged, sportspeople and those suffering from arthritis and neurological disorder

Nature of Work:

Work of a physiotherapist may tend to be physically very strenuous as it involves physically lifting and supporting patients, their profession brings with it much satisfaction, since it involves relieving patients of pain and helping them recover from specific physical ailments.

Personality:

Excellent interpersonal skills are necessary for the job of a physiotherapist because it is very people oriented. To be a good physiotherapist, one needs an above average analytical and logical reasoning skill, scientific reasoning and problem solving skill, ability to memorize and recall scientific facts, manual dexterity and physical stamina to work long hours, patience and understanding of people, a sympathetic approach towards the patients, a keen desire to help people live their normal lives, must be level headed to deal with emergencies in work conditions, strength of mind and purpose, team spirit, good observation power, ability to instill confidence and courage in patients.

He should be healthy &egar to work   

Professional Courses:

10+2+B.Sc +3yrs

Duration

3 to 4 yrs after B.Sc

Eligibility:

To become a practicing physiotherapist or be employed as a professional in a hospital or clinic, one should have a B.Sc. degree . One could also go in for post graduation.

Career Prospects /Companies:

Employment opportunities for physiotherapists are tremendous as it is a career where the demand exceeds supply. A physiotherapist could be employed in the rehabilitation departments, municipal corporations and private bodies. Their demand in medical institutions is increasing since physiotherapy plays an important role in the treatment of patients with muscular and cerebral problems. Like all other medical and paramedical professionals, physiotherapists can work in hospitals, orthopaedic departments, rehabilitation centres for the handicapped, schools for the mentally retarded and physically disabled children, health institutions and defense medical establishments. Physiotherapists can also opt for teaching, while those with adequate capital can establish private clinics of their own.

Remuneration:

The initial remuneration of physiotherapists in government hospitals varies between Rs. 5000 to 7000. The remuneration for established private practitioners can be almost Rs 20,000 to 40,000 per month.

Pharmaceutical Engineering/Technology

Introduction:

Pharmaceutical Engineering/Technology involved in the discovery, design and development of parts and products within pharmaceutical industry. Pharmaceutical engineering utilizes the concept of both biology and biochemistry to design, develop, and manufacture pharmaceutical drugs. Those who work in this field are referred as Pharmaceutical Engineers.

Nature of Work:

Pharmaceutical engineers design, construct, maintain and operate the technology used to research and manufacture pharmaceutical drugs. Engineers work alongside chemists and pharmacists to research and develop active pharmaceutical ingredients, and then formulate it into the product that a patient takes. Right from designing the product up to packing, pharmaceutical engineers are required at every level of a pharmaceutical organization.

Personality:

Pharmaceutical engineers must be knowledgeable in areas such as product development, production facilities, processes and equipment, supply chain management, quality control and regulatory compliance.

Professional Courses:

The minimum eligibility criterion for undergraduate programs (B.E/B.Tech/B.Sc) in pharmaceutical science and technology/ pharmaceutical engineering is 10+2 pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics as mandatory subjects. For admission to postgraduate programs (M.E/M.Tech/M.Sc), candidates should hold a Bachelor degree in the relevant subject from a recognized university. Interested candidates can continue their studies after M.Tech by doing research work in the relevant field.

Duration:

5 years

  

Eligibility:

12 std Science

Career Prospects /Companies:

A pharmaceutical engineer can easily get employed in pharmaceutical industry, in R&D labs, designing quality drugs for diseases, production and quality systems, biomedical industries. They can find jobs in biopharmaceutical plants, biotechnological plants and Pharmaceutical manufacturing industries. GlaxoSmithKline, Lupin, Dabur Pharma, Ranbaxy Labs, Merck and Cipla are some of the prominent pharmaceutical companies that employ pharmaceutical engineers. Nowadays cosmetic industry needs people from this area of technology. Pharmaceutical engineers also have an option of teaching in colleges/ universities.

Remuneration:

Senior engineers can earn anywhere in between Rs 30,000 and Rs 50,000 a month. Lecturers in colleges get a start

Pharmacy

Introduction:

Pharmacy or Pharmacology is one of the main disciplines under Biomedical Science and the pharmaceutical industry. There are many disciplines within the Biomedical sciences. 

Pharmacy is related to health sciences. It is the profession responsible for the preparation, dispensing and appropriate use of medication and which provides services to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Nature of Work:

A Pharmacists job is to prepare, mix, compound or dispense drugs and medicines, ointments, powder, pills, tablets and injections on the prescription of a medical practitioner, dentist or veterinarian. In detail, they are concerned with production of pharmaceutical products, development of the methods or processes of production and quality

A pharmacist is  required to explain the mode and precautions regarding the use of medicines  dispensed in a hospital pharmacy, prepare special formulations normally not available in the market, assist the physician in rendering necessary information about various drugs, their contra-indications, incompatibility etc. 

Personality:          

Must have a liking for science particularly life sciences and medicine. An ability to put hard work, strong logical thinking, patience, a sense of responsibility, patient counseling skills are some of the qualities needed for pharmacist. Retail pharmacists need to have business skills together with good product knowledge. Retail pharmacists need to have business skills together with good product knowledge.      

Professional Courses:

There are over 225 programs in Pharmacy conducted by different universities in India. The main courses in Pharmacy are the 2 years Diploma in Pharmacy (D.Pharm), 4 years Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm), 2 years Master of Pharmacy (M.Pharm) and Ph.d programmes.

Duration:

2 years

  

Eligibility:

Passed 10+2  std

Career Prospects /Companies:

                

Pharmacists are hired within the central and state government departments- the Health Protection Branch of the Department of Health and Welfare, the Pest Control Division of Agriculture, the Department of National Defense, Provincial Research Councils, and the Provincial Departments of Agriculture or the Environment. There is also employment opportunities within the food and cosmetic industries or within any other industry that requires the assurance that new products are as safe and effective as possible. In government departments, a pharmacist maintains proper records according to various Government acts governing the profession of pharmacy. As a drug inspector or government analyst he is to make sure that the drugs manufactured and sold, are of standard quality.   

Remuneration:

Research Scientists Rs.10,000 - 40,000 per month, Medical Representative Rs. 5,000 - 10,000 per month + incentives, Manufacturing Pharmacists Rs. 5,000 upwards, Hospital Pharmacists Rs.3,000 - 5,000 per month, Government Jobs Rs. 2,500 - 3,500 per month (basic) along with Contributory Provident Fund, D.A., Insurance, Medical reimbursement, and other allowances and benefits as per government rules.

Perfusionist

Perfusionist

Introduction:

Per fusionist also known as a Clinical Per fusionist or a Cardiovascular Per fusionist operates the heart-lung machine during cardiac surgery and other surgeries that require cardiopulmonary bypass. In some circles, they are known as Certified Clinical Perfusionist or CCP. The name Perfusionist is derived from the word 'perfusion' which means to pump a liquid into an organ or tissue. Meaning of the word itself enlighten the nature of the job performed by Per fusionists.

Perfusionist to operate the heart lung machine. A heart-lung machine is used to keep the patient’s blood flowing until the heart can be restarted. During open heart surgery, patients heart is stopped and blood is diverted away from the heart and lungs into the heart-lung machine which oxygenates the blood

Nature of Work:

Perfusionists are vital members of surgical and critical care teams which consists of cardiac surgeons, anesthesiologists, physician assistants, surgical technologists and nurses. A Perfusionist continuously monitor the equipment to control the speed of blood circulation, the patient’s temperature, monitor the levels of oxygen and other gases in the blood, coagulation (blood clotting) status, the composition of the blood, adding blood products and medications when ordered by the surgeon. They keep the surgical team informed of the patient's condition throughout the surgery. Perfusionists role also extends beyond the operating room to manage extra corporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) machines for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) whose heart and lungs are not able to function properly. In addition to these critical responsibilities in the operating theater, Perfusionists also evaluates and selects new equipment, orders supplies, and oversees technical support staff.

Perfusionists mainly work in operating rooms in hospitals and surgical centers during heart and lung surgery, they also work in ICUs. for emergency procedures on weekends and nights. Individual surgeons and companies that supply facilities with perfusion services employ them in various roles. With advanced education, perfusionists can go in for teaching, conduct research, and work for perfusion equipment suppliers as sales and marketing executives for perfusion products. Those with experience in the field can even enter management field- these Perfusionists who manage departments oversee budgets, equipment purchases, hiring and staff scheduling.

Personality:

Aspiring perfusionists should possess exceptional communication skills,should work able to work for long hours. Should follow complex instructions, work effectively during stressful situations, and be detail-oriented. You should have a sense of responsibility, good decision-making skills, and should be able to work well in a team as you work with several other medical professionals. Perfusionists must be healthy and fit in order to have superior stamina and mental focus, staying alert during operations.

Professional Courses:

  » B.Sc. Perfusion Technology

  » M.Sc Perfusion Technology

  » Post Graduate Diploma in Perfusion Technology

  » Diploma in Clinical Perfusion

Duration:

3 years after 12 std.

Eligibility:

Should be 12 std pass 

Career Prospects /Companies:

Perfusionists mainly work in operating rooms in hospitals and surgical centers during heart and lung surgery, they also work in ICUs

Remuneration:

A Perfusionist with one year experience having B.Sc and certification in perfusion technology, will get pay ranging between Rs. 10,000-12,000 per month. Moreover, perfusionists working in East & North India earn a higher salary structure than those employed in South India. After gaining experience of 4 to 5 years one can earn upto Rs. 25,000 per month.