Nephrologists (Kidney Doctors) are a medical practitioner, a specialist in diagnosis and treatment of disorders and diseases related to the kidney.
Kidney being a purifier of blood- the lifestream of the human body is one of the most important parts of the human body, any problems with Kidney hamper the working of the other vital parts as well. Considering this it becomes more important to diagnose the problem related with Kidney as early as possible and prescribes the best possible treatment. This makes the job of Nephrologists all the more important and makes them one of the most sorts after physician.
Increasing use of Alcohol and Tobacco and consumption of pesticide-ridden food products has resulted in the increase of patients suffering from the diseased related with the kidney thereby created an acute need of aspiring candidates with excellent ability and interest in this area of medication.
Aspiring candidates with knowledge of the latest medical techniques in the field of Nephrology capacity to work in demanding conditions and genuine care and concern for their patients can become successful Nephrologists Haematologist by acquiring the required qualification.
Nephrologist Eligibility
Candidates aspiring to become Nephrologist must possess a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 2- 3 years M.D. (Medicine) / DNB (Nephrology) course. After attaining the Master's degree candidates have to do D.M. (Nephrology) to specialize in the field of Nephrology.
Nephrologist Required Skills
- Nephrologists should have a strong interest in nephrology and providing care to many different patients.
- They should be excellent bedside manner and ability to put patients at ease; patience, determination, detail orientation and self-motivation are essential characteristics.
- Nephrologists must also have excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be able to work under pressure and make quick decisions in emergency situations.
- They should also possess a solid understanding of Nephrology and the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of conditions.
How to become a Nephrologist?
Aspiring candidates have to follow the below-given steps to become a Nephrologist-
Step 1
Students who have appeared or are appearing in +2 (with Physics, Chemistry and Biology as main subjects) have to appear in an 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 highly 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 these four and half years of MBBS degree course and one year and six months, compulsory training one has to go for M.D(Medicine)/DNB(Nephrology).
Aspiring MBBS doctors have to appear in Post Graduate Medical Entrance Tests like All India Post Graduate Medical/Dental Entrance Exam and Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam.
However, some institutes also provide admission on the basis of marks obtained in MBBS course and work experience of the aspiring candidates.
Step 3
After completing M.D. (Medicine)/ DNB (Nephrology) the aspiring candidates can enrol for D.M. (Nephrology) - a 2-3 years courses - for specialization in the field of Neurology from some of the best institutes in India.
Step 4
After completion of three years of D.M. (Nephrology) course and getting the requisite registration from Medical Council of India, the budding Nephrologists can get jobs in reputed Government and Private Hospitals like AIIMS etc. Nephrologists with good entrepreneurial skill can also open their own Clinic and provide services to the patients.
Nephrologist Job Description
Nephrologist’s job description includes diagnosing and treating kidney-related illness or disease includes evaluating patients, performing kidney transplantation and administering dialysis treatments. Nephrologists job include performing various tests like blood tests, urine tests and biopsies, analyze the results of imaging scans, and prescribe the most appropriate medications or physical treatments for the speedy recovery of their patients suffering from kidney disorders like Kidney malfunctioning, kidney stones etc. They are also trained to treat diseases like hypertension, diabetes and acute renal disease. Their treatment includes regulation of electrolyte and blood pressure, renal dialysis and kidney transplants.
Nephrologist Career Prospects
Prospect for Nephrologists appear bright in the coming times due to the rapid increase in patients inflicted with the diseases related to Kidney. They can also get placed in the Nephrology department of reputed Hospitals like AIIMS, MAX etc. More enterprising Nephrologists can also open own Clinic. Some Nephrologists can also opt for teaching jobs in different medical schools and colleges and teach their students basic techniques and treatments. Research is the other best option for the genius in the field.
Nephrologist Salary
Nephrologists in Government sector can expect to get nearly Rs.50,000 to Rs.60,000, depending upon his experience and expertise. Besides they are also entitled to various other associated with it, such as free accommodation, medical coverage, and pension, paid vacation, sick days, and holidays as well as a flexible work schedule. Nephrologists engaged in a Corporate sector can expect anything between Rs.80,000 to Rs.1,00,000 per month. Nephrologists with an excellent track record running their own clinic have the ability to earn much more.
