Pathology Courses in India

Pathology Courses in India are amongst those medical courses in India, which provide the perfect base for any aspiring Pathologist to achieve his academic and professional pursuit. Pathology is the study and diagnosis of disease through examination of organs, tissues, bodily fluids, and whole bodies (autopsies). Pathology also encompasses the related scientific study of disease processes, called General Pathology. Pathology has been called the bridge between Basic Science and Medicine. Basically Medical Pathology is divided into two main branches: Anatomical Pathology or Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology. Anatomic Pathology, is the scientific study of disease at a cellular and tissue level and Clinical Pathology includes the disciplines of Immunology, Haematology, Clinical Chemistry and Microbiology. However, there are also other branches or specialised fields of pathology, given below.

A Pathologist is a practitioner of Pathology. Pathologists who are concerned with human disease are usually known as Physicians who have received specialized training in Pathology. They are sometimes called Medical Pathologists or are classified according to their sub-speciality. A Medical Pathologist has a thorough understanding of the mechanism of cells and tissues, cellular adaptation to injury, necrosis, inflammation, wound healing, neoplasia etc. Surgeons may consult pathologists if they find unexpected problems during an operation. Pathologists often stand by during surgery to test specimens taken from a tumour in a patient's body. Pathologists also do post-mortem examinations to determine the cause of death when the cause is unclear.

Some of its specialized fields are -

• Blood Banking / Transfusion Medicine.
• Chemical Pathology.
• Cytopathology.
• Dermatopathology.
• Forensic Pathology.
• Hematology.
• Medical Microbiology.
• Molecular Genetic Pathology.
• Neuropathology.
• Paediatric Pathology.
• Plant Pathology.
• Surgical Pathology.
• Veterinary Pathology.

Content

The study of this field includes all or few of these –

1. Cell Injury and Cell Adaptation.
2. Physical and Chemical Injury and Radiation Hazards.
3. Genetics.
4. Autopsy.
5. Electron Microscopy.
6. Cardiovascular System.

Objectives

• To become nothing short of a perfectionist in the required specialisation.
• To develop innovative scientific breakthroughs for development of humanity.
• To sort out all type of medical processes in minimum time.

Basic Requirements

Academic Qualifications - Candidates, who have completed 10+2 examination with Physics, Chemistry and Biology from any recognized Board with certain percentage, are eligible to apply for the UG courses. Courses in the field of pathology are being offered by a number of medical colleges and universities in India. Most of them generally conduct courses at the undergraduate and postgraduate degree levels. For the PG programs, graduation in related field from any recognized University is mandatory.

Pathology Colleges in India

• St. Johns Medical College - Bangalore.
• Christian Medical College - Vellore.
• G. B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology - Uttarakhand.
• Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences - Hubli.
• Sarojini Naidu Medical College - Agra.
• Vinayaka Mission's Sankarachariyar Dental College - Salem.

Personal Attributes - To become a successful Pathologists one should have a knack of scientific, analytical, technical aspect of medicine especially anatomy and physiology.  A person should enjoy solving mysteries or finding answers to the unknown. One may have to work to work in a lab behind a microscope, than interfacing with patients all day. Among all the branches of pathology, the forensic pathology differs from others as it forms a multidisciplinary career. As one needs to apply the knowledge on chemistry, physics, biological science and psychology for investigation. It includes a high level of working accuracy, effective analytical skills, information oriented skills and high computer literacy. Forensic fellowship is not an option for week-hearted people. Upon getting into this field one will be dealing with dead bodies and people who are infected with different types of diseases.

Job Perspectives

Laboratories, both governmental and private, devoted to each discipline have openings for those qualified in medicine or science. Job seekers can work as specialists in any of branch of pathology and can be employed in hospitals, medical laboratories, schools, colleges, and universities. They may teach or do laboratory work or research. They are employed by government agencies associated with agriculture, public health, law enforcement, and many other fields. Private companies that make products such as drugs and insecticides also employ pathologists. Medical pathologists frequently teach students in schools and colleges that train nurses, physicians, medical laboratory technologists, technicians and other health care workers. They sometimes conduct seminars for physicians and interns in hospitals. Pathologists often work at least part of the time in offices and classrooms.

Remuneration - The salary of Pathologists may vary according to the standard of the organization. As a beginner, one can earn anywhere between Rs 8,000 and Rs 12,000 per month. On the other hand the salary may increase to Rs 15000 - Rs 22,000 per month after three or four years of work experience. Senior pathologists having experience up to ten years in the field earn higher salaries. 

Some Job Types

• Professors.
• Medical Examiner.
• Dermatopathologist.
• Forensic Technician.
• Mortuary Assistant.
• Cytotechnologist.
• Medical Lab Technician.
• Consultants.
• Health Care Workers.

Some Employment Areas

• Health Agencies.
• Investigating Agencies.
• Agriculture Departments.
• Laboratories.
• Hospitals.
• Colleges or Universities.
• Medical Centres.
• Greenhouses.
• Educational Institutes.
• Consultancies.