Pulmonology as a career in India #neetpg #neet

Summary

Dr. Dhiraj Masapu, a consultant anesthesiologist, discusses the promising scope of pulmonary medicine, highlighting MD, DM, and fellowship opportunities. He emphasizes the lucrative potential with some pulmonologists earning over 20-25 lakhs per month. The video explores various specializations like Interventional Pulmonology, Sleep Disorders, and fellowships in pulmonary oncology. Dr. Masapu also advises on choosing between MD and DNB, suggesting DNB in a metro hospital for comprehensive exposure. He recommends starting in cities to sharpen skills before settling in towns for a fulfilling career, addressing the current challenges and future prospects of the field.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Dhiraj Masapu is a consultant anesthesiologist discussing the scope of pulmonary medicine and the opportunities in MD, DM, and fellowships.
• 💼 Pulmonary medicine is a three-year program in India that can be pursued after general medicine as an MD or DM, with slight differences in expertise and knowledge depth.
• 🏥 MD in pulmonary medicine focuses on lung disorders, while DM in pulmonary medicine offers a more detailed understanding of all systems and terminology.
• 🌟 For quick settlement and specialization, pursuing a DM in pulmonary medicine is recommended, while for broader knowledge, an MD followed by fellowships is suggested.
• 👥 Pulmonary medicine is suitable for people-oriented professionals seeking a patient-facing practice, similar to general medicine.
• 🔍 The first and foremost fellowship mentioned is Interventional Pulmonology, involving procedures like endobronchial ultrasounds and is a growing field with few experts.
• 📍 Specific institutions like Amrita and Max Hospital in India offer Interventional Pulmonology fellowships, which are typically one-year programs.
• 🛑 Fellowships in Pulmonary Oncology are two-year programs focusing on managing pulmonary issues in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
• 💤 Sleep Disorders fellowship is a one-year program focusing on the rapidly evolving field of sleep medicine, including training in polysomnography and interpreting sleep latency tests.
• 🌍 Abroad opportunities include European Respiratory Society fellowships in areas like endobronchial ultrasound, sleep medicine, and thoracic ultrasound, offering structured training.
• 💰 Salaries for pulmonologists can vary greatly, with some earning over 20 lakhs per month, depending on patient base, procedures performed, and dedication to the field.
• 📚 The importance of continuous learning and updating oneself in the field of pulmonology is emphasized for success and overcoming the challenges of public awareness and competition.

Q & A

What is the scope of pulmonary medicine in terms of education and career opportunities?

Pulmonary medicine is a three-year program in India, and one can specialize in it after completing general medicine as an MD or DM. Both degrees lead to becoming a pulmonologist, but an MD in pulmonary medicine provides a more detailed understanding of all systems and master terminology, which is beneficial for dealing with complex pulmonary cases associated with other diseases.

What is the difference between pursuing an MD in pulmonary medicine and a DM in pulmonary medicine?

While both MD and DM in pulmonary medicine lead to becoming a pulmonologist, an MD focuses on disorders of the lung specifically, whereas a DM in pulmonary medicine after an MD in general medicine provides a more comprehensive understanding of all systems and detailed knowledge, giving an extra edge in dealing with patients with multiple associated diseases.

What are some of the high-earning opportunities for pulmonologists in India?

Some pulmonologists in India earn more than 20 to 25 lakhs per month, indicating the potential for high earnings in the field, especially for those who specialize and excel in their practice.

What is Interventional Pulmonology and where can one pursue a fellowship in this field?

Interventional Pulmonology is a field that deals with various procedures, including endobronchial ultrasounds and other bronchial interventions. It is an exciting and upcoming field with few professionals in most Metros. Fellowships in this area are available at institutes like Amrita in India and Max Hospital, which are one-year programs.

What is the significance of a fellowship in Sleep Disorders and how can one pursue it?

A fellowship in Sleep Disorders is significant due to the increasing prevalence of sleep disorders globally. It involves training in polysomnography and interpreting multiple sleep latency tests. The Indian Sleep Disorders Society offers a one-year fellowship program in this field.

What are the benefits of pursuing a fellowship in pulmonary oncology?

A fellowship in pulmonary oncology trains professionals to deal with complex pulmonary patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. It includes diagnosing and managing lung cancers, providing a well-rounded skill set for dealing with severe pulmonary conditions.

What are the advantages of doing a DNB in a big Metro Hospital for pulmonary medicine?

Pursuing a DNB in a big Metro Hospital exposes the candidate to Interventional Pulmonology units, Sleep Medicine, and other specialized setups right from the start. This direct involvement and exposure can be more beneficial than doing an MD in a smaller hospital and then seeking out fellowships elsewhere.

What factors should one consider when deciding where to settle after specializing in pulmonary medicine?

Factors to consider include personal preferences, the ability to learn and sharpen skills, and the potential for serving a community. Some professionals prefer to work in cities to gain experience before setting up a world-class unit in a town or rural area, while others may choose to start in a city and grow slowly.

How does the speaker suggest approaching the career path in pulmonary medicine?

The speaker suggests starting in a city to climb the ladder, face competition, and gain experience. Over time, as one's skills and reputation grow, they can achieve success and potentially move to a less competitive environment if desired.

What are some of the challenges faced by pulmonologists in terms of public awareness and recognition?

Pulmonology is not as well-defined a branch as others, and there is a gray zone where people with cough or fever might first consult general physicians or alternative medicine practitioners. There is a need for increased public awareness about when to seek a pulmonologist's expertise.

What are the potential earnings for a pulmonologist who has excelled in their field and made certain strategic career choices?

A pulmonologist who has excelled and made strategic choices, such as pursuing specific fellowships and gaining experience in Metro hospitals, can potentially earn more than 20 lakhs to 25 lakhs per month, although this requires hard work, dedication, and continuous learning.