A neonatologist is a medical practitioner specifically trained to handle the most complicated and high-risk problems of newborn babies. Neonatologists are experts in handling a premature newborn with some serious illness, disorder, injury or defect at the time of birth. These experts are also responsible to give consultation to an obstetrician if there is some kind of problem detected even before the actual birth.
Increasing cases of High Blood Pressure and Diabetes in pregnant women in urban society, undernutrition and lack of awareness in rural areas result in a higher number of premature births require the urgent need for Neonatologists. The cases are increasing with the passing of time and there are expecting to multiply who will require immediate attention from the expert. This spurt increase in premature babies that too with severe complications has increased the demand for trained Neonatologists.
Aspiring candidates with excellent academic knowledge, the capacity to work at odd hours along with a genuine desire to save premature babies, are the right kind of persons to become successful neonatologists by acquiring the required expertise.
Neonatologist Eligibility
Candidates aspiring to become Neonatologists must possess a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 2-3 years M.D. (Paediatrics) and DM courses
Neonatologist Required Skills
- Neonatologists should possess qualities like leadership, the ability to work in a high-pressure, stressful environment and knowledge of all medical specialities.
- They should be able to work for long hours and work effectively under stress and pressure.
- They must be good observers as they have to decipher the baby’s feelings or experiences since babies cannot communicate verbally.
How to Become a Neonatologist?
Aspiring candidates have to follow the below-given steps to become a Neonatologist-
Step 1
Students who have appeared or are appearing in +2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects) have to appear in Medical Entrance Tests conducted by the various state and Independent bodies like PMT, taken by Punjab Government and AIPMT (Pre Medical Test) taken by the CBSE to admit candidates in various medical institutions affiliated with it.
The 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.
Step 2
After completion of this four and half year of MBBS degree course and one year and six months, of compulsory training one has to go for M.D.(Paediatrics) or equivalent (including Diplomate of National Board in Paediatrics) degree.
Aspiring MBBS doctors have to appear in Post Graduate Medical Entrance Tests like the All India Post Graduate Medical/Dental Entrance Exam and the Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam. However, some institutes also provide admission on the basis of marks obtained in the MBBS course and the work experience of the aspiring candidates.
Step 3
After completion of 2-3 years of MD (Paediatrics) or equivalent (including Diplomate of National Board in Paediatrics) degree courses candidates have to go for specialization in Neonatology i.e., 3 years course of D.M. (Neonatology).
Step 4
After completing the requisite specialization courses and getting the mandatory registration from the Medical Council of India the budding Neonatologist can get jobs in reputed Government and Private Hospitals like AIIMS etc. Neonatologist with good entrepreneurial skills can also open their own Neo-Natal Clinics.
Neonatologists Job Description
Neonatologists’ job description includes diagnoses and treatment of newborn babies with problems such as breathing disorders, infections, and birth defects. They are also responsible for medically managing newborn babies who are born premature or are critically ill, or in need of surgery. They also ensure that critically ill newborns receive the proper nutrition for healing and faster growth to their normal level. They use their medical expertise to stabilize and treat newborns with any life-threatening medical problems. Although Neonatologists basically work in the special care nurseries or newborn intensive care units of Nursing centres or hospitals they also give short-term follow-up care even after a newborn baby has been discharged from the Intensive Care Unit.
Neonatologists Career Prospects
Increasing awareness among the masses, the government’s increased activism in child care and the advent of sophisticated life-saving machines for premature babies has helped open up a large number of Advanced Neo-Natal Care Centres thereby increasing the demand for specialist doctors i.e. Neonatologists in the recent past and it is about to grow in the future too. Thus the prospect for Neonatologists appears to be quite excellent in the coming times.
There is a good scope for budding Neonatologists not only in the NICU department of reputed government Hospitals like PGI and AIIMS but also incorporate Hospitals like MAX and Forties. Besides this, young Neonatologists can also open their own Neo-Natal Care Centre as procuring the necessary latest machines like incubators have become easy now than it was earlier. Neonatologists can also get themselves placed in Medical Colleges for teaching jobs. NGO and Research is the other best option for the genius in the field.
Neonatologists Salary
Neonatologists in the Government sector can expect to get nearly Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 60,000, depending upon their experience and expertise. Besides, they are also entitled to various other perks and allowances associated with it, such as free accommodation, medical coverage, pension, paid vacation, sick days, and holidays as well as a flexible work schedule. Neonatologists engaged in the Corporate sector can expect anything between Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 per month. Neonatologists with an excellent track record running their own Neo-Natal Care Centres have the ability to earn much more.
