Pulmonologist

10th

12th (PCB Compulsory with 60% marks)

• To get admission into the MBBS course, candidates have to register and qualify National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET).
• National Eligibility Entrance Exam (NEET) exam is conducted annually by the National Testing Agency (NTA) in May/June.
• The candidate should be of 17 years of age at the time of admission.

Official Website for Registration to NEET: https://neet.nta.nic.in/

• To become a PULMONOLOGIST, the candidate should hold an MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) degree recognized by the Medical Council of India.

• After completing 4.5 years of the MBBS program, candidates must complete a one-year hospital internship in internal medicine or family practice. During internship and residency, the student is subject to be posted in multiple clinical departments on a rotatory basis to learn the necessary clinical experience in all the major disciplines. Completing the rotatory internship is a prerequisite for obtaining a medical license. Also, a Compulsory Rotatory Residential Internship (CRRI) is a necessary eligibility criterion for pursuing post-graduation studies.
• Candidates can work under a team of top doctors during their internship. The candidates have a chance to work with patients who require different diagnoses. The candidates must gain good knowledge and skills when completing their internship.

• After completing MBBS, the candidate has to give the NEET PG entrance test for admission into a postgraduate degree, i.e., MD in Pulmonary Science. 

Official Website for Registration to NEET PG: https://ntaexam.net/neet-pg-2023/

• Admission into the MD (Doctor of Medicine) in Pulmonary Science is based on the candidates’ performance in the NEET PG entrance test or institute-specific examination (if specified). However, it may vary from college to college; check the particular college rules and regulations before applying.
• Some institutes also provide admission based on marks obtained in the MBBS course and the work experience of the aspiring candidates.
• The study of MD requires three years of college dedication.

• After an internship, the candidate must register with the Medical Council of India. To register with the Medical Council of India., the candidate must have an MBBS degree, MD PG Degree, and one year of internship. Registering with the country’s medical council to start practicing as a doctor is essential.
• After registering with the Medical Council of India, candidates can begin their careers and practice as a doctor in India.

Official Website for registration: https://www.nmc.org.in/registration/

Who is a Pulmonologist? 

A pulmonologist is a doctor specializing in lung conditions, diagnosing and treating respiratory diseases. A pulmonologist, or Pulmonary Disease Specialist, is a medical practitioner specializing in pulmonary (lung) medicine - a subspecialty of internal medicine. Pulmonologists are trained to diagnose and treat diseases, disorders, and abnormalities of the lungs and a cardio-pulmonary system consisting of the heart, lungs, blood vessels, and all the organs that work together to help a person breathe to take in oxygen required for the oxygenation of the blood.

JobResponsibilities of a Pulmonologist

• The Prime duty of a Pulmonologist is to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the respiratory system in both men and women. 
• Pulmonologist examines patients using tools such as stethoscopes, X-rays, and other diagnostic items.
• The Pulmonologist diagnoses illnesses and recommends treatment.
• Pulmonologists are also responsible for performing and interpreting tests and procedures, monitoring and supervising special services and facilities such as critical care or respiratory care units, pulmonary function laboratories, respiratory care techniques and services, and respiratory physical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation facilities.

Career Scope of a Pulmonologist

• Once candidates complete a master’s (MD) in Pulmonary Science, candidates have numerous options of either joining government hospitals or ever-increasing private hospitals; in addition, candidates can also set up their own care centers and work independently.
• If candidate's dream is to become a teacher, then the candidate can also go for it after acquiring a degree in pulmonology. Several top medical institutions/Universities offer jobs to such professionals.

Salary/Income of a Pulmonologist

The salary of a Pulmonologist largely depends upon the standard and level of the organization/Hospital candidate is associated with, especially at the starting level. The senior officials in Pulmonology have a base pay ranging from 10 lakhs to 15 lakhs per annum. The salary of a Pulmonologist working with a Government organization may be less. Still, Pulmonologists are suitably compensated with free accommodation, perks, and a little more respect and status than their counterparts working in private hospitals. However, there is no upper-income limit for enterprising Pulmonologists who open their Care Centers.