Pathology

Pathology is a branch of medical science that deals with the study of diseases, their causes, mechanisms, and effects on the human body. The pathology course in India encompasses various aspects of both theoretical knowledge and practical training. It covers the topics of diseases, their classification, diagnosis, and treatment. Students can learn about the pathological changes that occur in organs, tissues, and cells and how these changes contribute to disease development and progression. From this course, students gain knowledge about medical ethics, quality assurance, and the importance of accurate record- keeping also. After completion of the pathology course, students can get opportunities like Pathologists in hospitals, Diagnostic laboratories, Research institutions, and Academia, etc, They can specialize in specific areas of Pathology such as Surgical pathology, Hematopathology, or Neuropathology.

What is Pathology? Pathologists play a crucial role in the healthcare system, providing further valuable insights into disease processes, accurate diagnoses, and guiding treatment decisions all. In India, Pathologists may also choose to specialize in specific areas, such as Surgical pathology, Hematopathology, Neuropathology, or Molecular pathology through further training and fellowships. Overall, a career in Pathology in India offers diverse opportunities to contribute to healthcare, research, and patient care. If you have a strong foundation in medical science, analytical skills, attention to detail and a commitment to continuous learning and research advancements will be an advantage of your job future.

Types of courses: Diploma, Undergraduate, Postgraduate & Doctoral level.

Courses Availability: 

❖ Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)

❖ Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Pathology

❖ Diplomate of National Board (DNB) in Pathology

❖ Master of Science (M.Sc) in Pathology

❖ Ph.D. in Pathology.

Eligibility criteria: 

MBBS: He/ she must have completed 10+2 or equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English as a compulsory subject. should have obtained a minimum aggregate score of 50- 60% is required.

DNB in Pathology: A Candidate needs to complete of MBBS or an equivalent degree recognized by the MCI, and must complete the rotating internship.

M.Sc in Pathology: An aspirant must have a bachelor's degree in Science (B.Sc.) with Biology, Chemistry, or Life Sciences, or an equivalent degree in a relevant field is required. 

MD in Pathology: Candidate must have completed their MBBS or an equivalent degree recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI), They must have completed an internship also. 

Ph.D. in Pathology: Candidates must have their Master's degree in Pathology or a related field from a recognized university is required. 

Entrance exams: NEET, NEET- PG, and other state-level entrance exams, etc,

Pathology fee: Average of INR. 20,000 to 2 lakh per annum (B.Sc in Pathology).

How to get in that career? First of all, you have to ensure that meet the eligibility criteria for the specific pathology, wish to pursue. This typically includes the required educational background, qualifying exam scores, and other factors also. For undergraduate courses, you may need to appear for national-level exams, and NEET for medical courses. Postgraduate courses may require exams, NEET- PG, or state-specific PG medical entrance exams. The admission process and specific requirements may vary among different institutions that offer courses. So, you need to be up-to-date with needed information regarding the application process, entrance exams, counseling and admission procedures, and all.

Required skills:

❖ Excellent communication skills

❖ Problem-solving skills

❖ Analytical skills

❖ Attention to detail

❖ Leadership and teamwork skills

❖ Organizational skills

❖ Data analysis and interpretation skills

❖ Detail-oriented and adaptability etc,.

Top Institutions:  

❖ Andhra Medical College - Visakhapatnam

❖ Sri Venkateswara Medical College - Tirupati

❖ Guntur Medical College - Guntur

❖ Rangaraya Medical College - Kakinada

❖ Osmania Medical College - Hyderabad

❖ Gandhi Medical College - Hyderabad

❖ Kakatiya Medical College - Warangal

❖ Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) - Hyderabad

❖ All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) - New Delhi

❖ Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) - Chandigarh

❖ Christian Medical College (CMC) - Vellore

❖ Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) - Pune

❖ Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) - Puducherry

❖ King George's Medical University (KGMU) - Lucknow

❖ Stanley Medical College - Chennai etc,.

Top Sectors:

❖ Private and government hospitals

❖ Health departments

❖ Pharmaceutical Industries

❖ Pathology clinic

❖ NGO's

❖ Nursing homes

❖ Drug manufacturing factories

❖ Pharma industry

❖ Community healthcare centers and more.

Job Roles/ Designations with their salaries:

❖ Pathology professor - Average of INR. 20 Lakhs per annum

❖ Clinical pathologist - Average of INR. 10 LPA

❖ Pathologist - Average of INR. 9 Lakhs per annum

❖ Veterinary clinical pathologist - Approx. INR. 6.4 Lakhs per annum

❖ Medical transcriptionist - Approx. INR. 2.8 Lakhs per annum

❖ Medical examiner - up to INR. 2 Lakhs per year

❖ Consultant

❖ Lab executive

❖ Lecturer

❖ Forensic technician

❖ Medical lab technician and more. 

How is career? A career in Pathology offers ample scope for professional growth and specialization. If Pathologists can choose to specialize in areas such as Surgical pathology, Hematopathology, Neuropathology, or Molecular pathology.. it allows them to develop expertise in this field. They get jobs in sectors like hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, research institutions, and Private sectors, academia also. Pathology is evolving with advancements in technology and medical research. so that, you need to stay updated with the latest developments in a particular field. 

Pathologists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals also, for example, Clinicians, Surgeons, Radiologists, and Oncologists will be forming a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care. This collaborative work will makeover the diverse range of interactions and lead to great learning opportunities. Pathologists in India will receive competitive salaries with good packages. With a career in pathology in India, you may experience Pursuing higher education, participating in conferences, and engaging in professional networks.. it will enhance career prospects and growth opportunities within the field of Pathology in India.

Top Hiring companies:

❖ Apollo hospitals

❖ Food and drug administrations

❖ AIIMS

❖ Dr. Lal path labs

❖ SRL diagnostics

❖ Intelligence bureau

❖ CBI

❖ Tata medicals

❖ Medical health care Pvt. Ltd

❖ National institute of health

❖ Armed Forces Institute of Pathology and more. 

Conclusion: In conclusion, a career in Pathology in India offers good opportunities for individuals who are interested in diagnosing diseases, and illnesses and contributing to the field of healthcare. Pathologists play a crucial role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. With various educational pathways, including MBBS, MD, and Ph.D., individuals can specialize in different areas of Pathology and then contribute to advancements in medical knowledge. The demand for skilled Pathologists in India is high and the career prospects are promising, with opportunities in Hospitals, Diagnostic Laboratories, Research institutions, Academia, etc, If you want pursuing a Pathology career in India requires a strong educational foundation, continuous learning, and dedication toward the advancements in this field.