Are you pursuing your MBBS degree and aspiring to do research in your field? Does research attract you more than practicing medicine? If yes, you might be confused about how to pursue research after completing your MBBS. Have you heard of Dr. V. Shanta? She was an oncologist who served as the chairperson of Chennai’s Adyar Cancer Institute and had devoted her professional life to studying and treating cancer. Her contributions to oncology have won her praise on a national and international level. This blog will explore various ways to clear your confusion regarding research after MBBS.
In this blog, we will discuss:
- Should you do research after MBBS?
- What are the opportunities?
- What Path to Follow?
Should You Do Research After MBBS?
Once you realize you want to do research after MBBS, you must try to know your interests and what exact field you want to go into. You should not consider dropping your MBBS degree but complete it with good experience and knowledge. After you’ve earned your MBBS degree, you can move forward to your chosen field of medicine and research in it. Research after MBBS offers an exciting journey for individuals looking for a less-traveled road. You will not just diagnose and treat patients but help in advancing medical knowledge and the healthcare system. You can work on filling gaps in present medical practices, identifying novel treatments, and improving medical science overall.
What are the Opportunities?
After your MBBS, you can pursue various research paths, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The following are some typical categories of available research opportunities:
Clinical Investigations-
It involves looking at the safety and efficacy of medical procedures performed on human individuals. For example, this category includes observational studies, clinical trials, and research evaluating the results of medical interventions.
Basic Science Research-
Research in basic science aims to comprehend basic biological, chemical, and physical processes at the molecular and cellular levels. Examples include studies conducted in the fields of basic science, such as pharmacology, biochemistry, and genetics.
Epidemiological Research-
You can examine specific groups’ trends, causes, and health and illness outcomes. For example examining risk factors, disease prevalence, and the results of public health initiatives.
Research on Health Services-
To increase the effectiveness of healthcare services, you can work with various governmental organizations dedicated to healthcare. You will study how healthcare is accessible, provided, and paid for. Some examples include researching health policy analysis, healthcare delivery models, and system evaluations.
Research on Global Health-
You can take a worldwide approach to health issues, frequently concentrating on illnesses without geographical boundaries. Research on global health policy, health inequities, and infectious illnesses are a few examples.
- Research on Behaviour and Psychiatry: Looks into human behavior, mental health issues, and the effects of psychological variables on health. Examples include research on behavioral therapies, mental health treatments, and the neuroscience of psychiatric diseases.
- Research on Health Informatics: Investigate how information technology can be used in healthcare to enhance communication, data management, and patient care. Examples include studies on healthcare data analytics, telemedicine, and electronic health records.
- Research on Drug and Pharmaceutical Development: Concentrates on creating and evaluating novel drugs and treatments. Examples include pharmacological investigations, safety and efficacy studies, and clinical trials for novel medications.
What Path to Follow?
The path to research after MBBS is relatively straightforward but challenging. You should complete your MBBS degree with good grades and experience and then begin your research journey. Here are some important points:
- Find Your Passion: What ignites the fire within you? Finding your area of interest in medicine to study is the first step to a successful research career.
- Make Contact with Mentors: Speak with researchers who can offer you advice. Mentors contribute their experiences and ideas and may even uncover doors you never knew existed. You will also remain updated on the latest developments in your field.
- Examine Doctorate Programs: For aspiring researchers, universities and research centres offer postgraduate programs. Seeking a PhD will help you expand your knowledge and abilities. Institutes like AIIMS Delhi provide excellent PhD programs in medical sciences. You need to clear their entrance exam, followed by a personal interview. It is better to keep checking their official website for the latest updates on eligibility criteria and exams. You can also prepare for exams like GATE and try getting into the best research institute in India, IISc Bangalore. Check out this blog to know how to get a PhD in IISc.
- Immerse Yourself in Conferences: Last but not least, participate in seminars and conferences about your area of interest. It’s not just about learning; it’s also about forming a network and interacting with like-minded people to advance your research.
Conclusion:
Getting into research after MBBS is a change of field, which won’t be very easy at first. But if you are really serious and passionate about your dream, you must work hard to make it a reality. Accept the challenge, connect with mentors, and follow your curiosity to lead you on an ongoing journey of learning and development. It is really great if you are following a different path and that too of research. This path is a dynamic investigation of the always-changing field of medical knowledge rather than a straight route. We wish you a very good luck!
FAQs:
Ques: What are the career options in Biology?
Ans: You can become a doctor, biologist, microbiologist, etc. Check out this blog to know in depth.
Ques: What are the career options other than NEET?
Ans: Check out this blog to know more about NEET.
Ques: How can I do research in Biotechnology?
Ans: Biotechnology is an emerging field combining biology with engineering. Check out this blog to know in depth about biotechnology.
Ques: Can I become a biologist in India?
Ans: Yes, there are many opportunities to become a biologist in India. Check out this blog to know more about such opportunities.
