"Every setback is a setup for a second chance. Your path might not be MBBS today, but your future in healthcare is as bright as your determination to succeed. Look ahead, for many roads that can lead to fulfillment of your dreams."
As National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET-UG) results will be out soon, there is a lot of buzz in students about medical school. Almost everyone who prepares for NEET aims to get a MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) seat in a good medical school. But what if a few mark difference did not land you to your dream seat.
No worries, there are plenty of other options that can lead to fulfillment of your dreams. Becoming a doctor is not the only way to make a difference in the healthcare sector.
The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) is the gateway for aspirants aiming to enter the field of medical sciences in India. While MBBS has always been the top priority of any NEET aspirant, it's important to acknowledge the plethora of other promising career options available.
BDS is the second most popular option for aspirants after MBBS, who are interested in a career in healthcare. Dentistry is the study of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. Not only about the oral cavity but it also gives a brief insight into the medical field. The students are taught general anatomy, general human physiology along with the dental subjects. Additionally, if a student is interested in art and creativity then tooth carving will be very fascinating for them.
BAMS is an excellent option who are keen to study about the ancient medical sciences. This course is based on the Ayurvedic principles and practices that have been a part of Indian culture since a long time. This course is gaining international acclaim as an alternative medical practice.
Also, if someone is interested to study about the natural healing practices and natural resources that promotes healing, this is the best course.
Homeopathy is another traditional form of medicine. BHMS course involves the study of homeopathic medicines and surgery. In this practice, highly diluted substances are used with the aim of enhancing the body’s immune system. There is a growing global acceptance of homeopathic practices nowadays.
Physiotherapy is a dynamic course. It involves the use of physical methods, such as exercises, massage, manipulation, and other treatments, over medication and surgery to treat patients. This course mainly aims at enhancing quality of life of the patients by improving their physical mobility.
This course is for animal lovers or those who wish to extend their medical expertise beyond humans. Veterinary doctors are highly demanded in rural areas where agriculture and livestock play a crucial role in the economy.
Nursing focuses on the care of the patients, families, and communities so they may recover optimal health and quality of life. It is a noble profession. Nurses are an integral part of the healthcare system, and their demand globally is consistently high.
A Bachelor of Pharmacy degree is ideal for those interested in the pharmacology (science of dugs and the process by which a drug works in the body). This course leads to careers in pharmaceuticals, research, and medicine manufacturing, where there is a lot of scope for professional growth.
Degrees in Allied Health Sciences cover a broad range of courses including audiology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and radiography. Professionals in these fields plays a crucial role while supporting the healthcare system alongside doctors and nurses, focusing on therapeutic, diagnostic, and preventative health interventions.
Biotechnology is another rapidly growing field that integrates biological sciences with engineering technologies to manipulate living organisms and biological systems to produce products that advance healthcare, medicine, agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and environment control. This is a rewarding career for someone who is very enthusiastic about research of medicines, diseases, etc.
This is another research oriented course. Microbiology involves the study of microorganisms with the aim to understand their roles in human health, pathology, environmental biology, and biotechnology. This field offers diverse opportunities in research, clinical health, agriculture, and pharmaceutical industries.
These are not done. They are plethora of more courses which are not listed here. MBBS is not the only hope. It depends upon the choice of individuals , in which path they want to travel on.
Med Bound is an online platform for healthcare professionals. A question was raised about the career option post- NEET exam, if someone fails to get their dream seat by a few marks only.
Opinions regarding this question were varied including diverse responses. Priyanka Pandey, BPT made her points while stating that every failure in life is a second chance to stand again and with bundles of options in healthcare, one can easily find some way aligning to his/her interests and passion.
She also highlighted the necessity for proper research while choosing any field.
Aniket Bakare, a medical student from Kyrgyzstan mentioned a few options available besides MBBS.
Arpit Sharma, a M.Pharma student highlighted the importance of AI in healthcare sector.
Aditi Madathingal, a Biotech graduate noted about the uncertainty of life. She emphasized that nobody knows what the future will be, so choose the field you like. Everything will turn out to be good if you love what you're doing. and
Dr. Amingold MJ, BDS marked that there are numerous options post-NEET and if someone is actually passionate about science, then exploring various career paths and choosing the best match is very crucial.
Tabsum Baig, a pharmacist commented that there are many field in medicine apart from being a doctor and each & every field has it's own uniqueness.
Dr. Sneha. G, BDS, highlighted the importance of time, an aspirant spends on the NEET exam. She advised not to repeatedly drop years behind MBBS and always keep a Plan B ready.
Whether you get a MBBS degree or not, your score card do not define your potential. Competitive exams have a different and difficult pattern of questions. Despite knowing the answer, a student gets confused. The result would become loss of a dream seat.
But marks are just number, if not MBBS, then something else through which you can make a chance to healthcare sector.
Each and every failure is a second chance to move on, work harder and stand again by yourself.
(By Dr. Pragati Priya)
