Anatomist is a scientist/medical practitioner who studies anatomy or the function and structure of living things. As a specialty of the biological sciences, anatomists often work in medical fields.
The body of a living being is the most sophisticated and delicate working machine. Like any other man-made machine this also demands maintenance time and again. These repairs can only be done in an effective way only if one knows its structures and function thoroughly.
Although Anatomy is taught during the first year in five and a half years of the general curriculum of MBBS one can also adopt this profession fully by going into higher studies and taking anatomy as the specialization.
There was a time when anatomy as a career was not the first choice of medical students as there was not much scope for this profession as far as an independent career is concerned. But with the passing of time and advancement in science and technology, the scope of anatomists has reached beyond teaching and demonstration work in medical schools. They may work with artificial organs, as researchers besides an educator.
With the changed living conditions, lifestyles, and high-stress levels there has been an increase in the diseases and ailments affecting the large population all over the world and especially the third world including the Indian subcontinent, thereby making the role of an anatomist even more important in today’s context
Anatomist Eligibility
One has to follow the below-given path to be an Anatomist-
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS)
1. Educational Qualification
- To be eligible for joining the MBBS course one should be a 10+2 Class pass with Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) as main subjects and for institutions with at least 60% marks.
Anatomist Required Skills
- Anatomists should have discipline, patience, commitment to excel in their respective fields, and self-confidence.
- They should be able to observe and dissect organs, tissues, and cells to compare structural similarities and differences that exist between different species.
- Candidates also possess the capacity of performing tests to evaluate the potential compatibility for various transplants of organs between animals to determine future transplant options in humans.
- They must be up to date with the occurring in the science field and other related technologies.
How to Become an Anatomist?
One has to follow the steps given below to become an Anatomist-
Step 1
Interested candidate has to appear in an entrance test conducted by the various state and Independent bodies like PMT, taken by the Punjab Government, and CBSE-PMT (pre-medical test) taken by the Central Board to admit candidates in various medical institutions attached with it according to the rank of the candidate in the entrance exam.
CBSE PMT, conducted by the CBSE, is a highly-coveted national-level entrance exam. It is conducted in two stages, the preliminary and the final exam. The exam is objective type and tests you rigorously in subjects like physics, chemistry, and biology. Since negative marking is the rule here, the test is extremely competitive.
A separate test is conducted by some of the highest-rated medical institutions like AIIMS, PGI, GMCH, AFMC Pune, etc.
These exams are generally held in the month of May-June and consist of Objective type questions on the subject of English, Physics, Chemistry; Biology through a number of questions and patterns may vary from test to test.
The results of these exams are generally out by June/July.
Step 2
After completing this four and half year of (MBBS) degree course in which one has to study (subjects anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, dermatology, obstetrics and gynecology, forensic medicine and toxicology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, anesthesiology, community medicine, medicine, ophthalmology, orthopedics, pediatrics, psychiatry, and surgery) and one year and six months compulsory training one has to go for specialization in Anatomy that is MD (anatomy).
Step 3
After completing this two to three-year MD (Anatomy) course one can take different career paths open to anatomists in universities or medical centers. The government and private scientific foundations also employ anatomists.
Fees and Other Expenditures: Although varying from college to college, the total course fee for an MBBS degree and specialization course in Anatomy ranges from anywhere near few thousand in a government college to around Rs 20 lakhs and even higher in private institutes. However, during research programs, one is entitled to some remuneration which depends upon the merit of the candidates and the institution from where higher studies like Ph.D. are being pursued.
Anatomist Job Description
Anatomist is also responsible for Lab work which often includes dissecting things and examining things through microscopes and analyzing the desired things. They also manage the mortuary in the hospital; sort out the embalmed cadavers that come in besides doing a lot of paperwork to keep meticulous records of what we do with the cadavers. If someone does donate their body the anatomists make sure that they make the best use of it.
Anatomist Career Prospects
Now there is wide scope for those who are joining the medical field as an Anatomist as a career in the present scenario. Apart from joining a private or government hospital, younger doctors can find lucrative placements with huge salaries in corporate hospitals as educators and researchers.
Anatomist Salary
Anatomists can expect anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs.25,000 depending upon the competence of the individual. One can also be a visiting anatomist at several hospitals and may charge per hour. In developed countries, one can earn around Rs. 20,000, plus extra from giving demonstrations. Lectureships at the university start at about Rs. 35,000. There's a definite career progression in a few years, one might be a senior lecturer, and one can climb to the top of the department.
