General/ Community Practice as a good career for Medical graduates

Medical graduation is a first step in the career with diversified job opportunities; many wish to pursue specialization. In India, with 539 medical colleges producing > 70,000 medical graduates every year, the scope for post graduation is only for 32,753. Likewise, in Karnataka; with 59 medical colleges producing 7,000 graduates, 3,000 post graduation seats are available.

Even in post-graduation, that is as diverse as medicine, there can be a sense of uncertainty regarding the area of specialization and their future. Many, who actually get success at PG entrance test, only realize a few years later that they are in no better condition, because of paradoxical oversupply of specialists.

Therefore, general/ community practice is becoming popular among MBBS graduates; who don’t want to pursue higher studies/ uncertain regarding the specialty and their future; which not only promises financial freedom but also provides the space to work at their own place, pace and time.

The epidemiologic/demographic transition and the consequences of globalization and climate change; requires an effective health system based on primary health care. This system should focus more on health promotion, disease prevention and continuity of care; to which general practitioners can significantly contribute.

National Health Mission (NHM) is also venturing into primary and communitybased health care facilities with high-quality, affordable health care; to reach the entire population across the country under Universal health Coverage.

The National Sample Survey 2014, estimated that >70% (72% in rural and 79% in urban) were treated in the private sector. This inclination toward availing services from private sector was endorsed from NFHS-4 report, which states that 56.1% and 49.1% of urban and rural households, sought private health care.

The decision to start medical practice and embrace the entrepreneurial path is a daunting exercise and a decision requiring careful planning. Starting up a medical practice requires good planning viz., selecting a good place accessible to all sections of people, starting in a simple way and build reputation, punctual and sincere to the practice, respecting the individuals and giving time to listen and humbleness.

Medical profession is a respectable, stable and evergreen profession in India. General practitioners are capable of taking care of 90% of the clinical conditions in a given community. General Practice is also lucrative and good revenue generating and requires careful planning and a considerable investment of time and money.

Right medical career and practice makes all the difference