Skills/ traits
Being compassionate and caring goes hand in hand with the ambition of becoming a doctor. You should have stamina, emotional stability, good communication skills and be able to work under stress and pressure. An aptitude for science, and an inclination towards being organised and detail-oriented are important requirements.
Education and training
Medical education and training begins after plus two/ class 12/ equivalent, with physics, chemistry, biology and English. An entrance exam that tests ones academic ability and concepts in physics, chemistry and biology is generally the selection procedure for MBBS courses. States conduct their own entrance exams for students
domiciled in the state.
Placements/ prospects
Doctors find jobs in government and private hospitals, nursing homes, and other health facilities. Private and public sector organisations also employ doctors. The Combined Medical Services Examination conducted by UPSC (www.upsc.gov.in) offers entry to central government departments/ posts. The armed forces also recruit doctors. The compensations of a career in medicine are money (especially in a consulting practice) but establishing oneself takes long years of study and dedication, so it is not for the faint-hearted.
Institutions
All-India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi (www.aiims.edu)