This is a series of posts inspired by #AtoZ challenge.I will be demystifying the steps which you need to take to become a doctor in India.While I chart the A to Z of it I will share an actual blueprint of what exactly worked for me in the concluding part.

The intangibles

Empathy, energy, and etiquette.

Empathy is a rare quality.But I believe anyone who wants to be a doctor needs to have empathy.That will make you a good doctor.The only kind you should be.

Being a doctor is hard work and sleepless nights.

When do you start losing sleep?

From the first item tests or subject wise short vivas that you are subjected to after each segment is completed.This is right form first year.If you don’t study every day you will lose even more sleep.While this sleeplessness will depend on you with good planning it should not be a problem.

But we have some more fun stuff.When you become an intern you will have 24-hour on-call duties with post duty opd or surgery or ward rotations.Believe me, after 36 hours at the hospital the only thing you will have energy for is sleeping.

So thats, why good food, exercise, and healthy lifestyle habits formed early in life, will keep you fit enough to use your brain quickly.Thats why being a doctor is tough You will be deciding on important issues even when you are tired to the bone.

You can do it if you are passionate but it will be hard even then.The upside is you will learn like no book can teach you.It’s amazing what internship teraches.It’s the only time in your life you will be trained in all the branches of medical studies together and will learn to process the varied information quickly and accurately.

Energy drinks should be protein rich and low on sugar .Protein-rich meals will help you be stronger and keep your immunity boosted.If you are going to be a soldier against illness and disease, your own immunity needs to be in top shape.

Diet: Balanced rich in proteins, fruits, and veggies.

Multivitamin and multimineral supplements intermittently to fill the gap.

Probiotic and Prebiotics for good gut health.

Lift weights, walk, run, exercise daily.

Drink sufficient water and carry own water bottle.

The Subjects 

Eye and ENT

Both subjects are part of  Third Professional MBBS.These subjects will welcome you into the world of Clinical medicine.Both taught at the undergrads and have Postgrad Diploma and Degrees.Both have both Medical and surgical practices.The degree is an M.S or Master of Surgery.I did my M.S ENT from Safdarjung hospital New Delhi and it was the best experience and training I could ever hope for.Delhi is a favorite memory even now.That”s where we lived after we got married and that’s where I made some of my best friends.

Both also require work in the field of specially-abled children.

Faith, Financial freedom,  FSM and Family planning

Faith needs to be strong.Believe in a higher power who guides your path.Life and death are predetermined. Your work is to help serve those in need.Always respect those who let you help them.That’s how you win those brownies for the afterlife.There is one believe me(top secret)

The subject

Forensic Medicine /FSM 

Forensic science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws.It is used during the criminal investigation.It is governed by the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure.

When Forensic science and Medicine is taught together it’s an exciting branch where you will learn all about identifying the weapon from injury.Reconstruction of attack from wounds.Determining possible cause and nature of Death.

It is all things which medical detectives do on TV just even better.That’s why Robin Cook writes such brilliant medical thrillers and Arthur Conan Doyle could create a Sherlock Holmes.

[bctt tweet=”Doctors, after all, are natural detectives.We detect the mystery  ailment deep within you from the clues (what you say and what we see, hear and feel) #Healthwealthbridge #drAmritawrites” username=”misra_amrita”]

Taught in the second year, you appear for the exam in the second Professional MBBS.You learn about medico-legal issues doctors musrt be aware about when in practice.

This also has a post-grad qualification and opens up the scope of work even beyond becoming a physician.

About Financial Independence: I am passionate about this

Remember as an MBBS grad you are fully qualified to be a practicing General physician and for joining Government Hospitals and Medical colleges as a Medical Officer in various departments.One of the few branches of education which makes you financially independent after a graduation degree.

An internship has a good stipend.It’s paid and will make you feel on top of the world.When we did our internship it was only Rs 4000 given in West Bengal .But considering or per year study cost was Rs 200 this still made us feel like a King.While becoming a Doctor is neither fast nor an easy way to becoming financially free, but if you study sincerely it is one of the most definite ways of becoming financially free after your grads.

Its only after an internship that you get a permanent registration as a doctor in the Indian Medical Association.We need to update our future qualifications as and when we get it.Watch the video below to know more.

Doctors need to develop self confidence to assess each person with ailment on a case to case basis with available  patient information and current best practices.This is where the true challenge lies.Since each diagnosis needs human interaction on a one to one basis the doctor-patient ratio in India makes this an insurmountable problem until Family planning is made the number one priority.

Question is who will bell the cat?

I think you will like these too.

How to Become a Doctor in India (Step 1 and 2)

How to become a Doctor in India (Steps 3 & 4)

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Doctor Life and Crazy