A pulmonologist is also known as Pulmonary Disease Specialist is a medical practitioner specialized in the field of pulmonary (Lungs) medicine - a subspecialty of internal medicine-. These specialist doctors are trained for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, disorders and abnormalities of the lungs and a cardio-pulmonary system consisting of heart, lungs, blood vessels and all the organs that work together to help a person breathe, in order to take in oxygen required for the oxygenation the blood.
Pulmonologists job description includes treatment of breathing disorders however they are also capable of prescribing medication for problems like sleep disorders, severe allergies, and other lung conditions and diseases besides providing critical care medicine while treating patients in the ICU.
The habit of smoking, infections due to unhealthy food and eating habits and genetics are responsible for most lung diseases which are on the rise and have become the most common medical conditions in the recent past. There are tens of millions of people suffering from lung disease who are in immediate need of medication. This has increased the requirement of trained Pulmonologists.
Aspiring candidates with good knowledge and capacity to work at odd hours along with genuine desire to treat the patients are the right kind of persons to become successful Pulmonologists by acquiring the required qualification.
Eligibility to become a Pulmonologists
Educational Qualification
Candidates aspiring to become Pulmonologists must possess a 5½ years MBBS degree followed by 2- 3 years M.D. (Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine) course.
How to become a Pulmonologist?
Aspiring candidates have to follow the below-given steps to become a Pulmonologists
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 this four and half year of MBBS degree course and one year and six months, compulsory training one has to go for M.D. (Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine) 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 completion of 2-3 years of M.D.(Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine) course and getting the requisite registration from Medical Council of India, the budding Nephrologist can get jobs in reputed Government and Private Hospitals like AIIMS etc. Pulmonologist with good entrepreneurial skill can also open their own Clinic and provide services to the patients.
Pulmonologist Job Description
Pulmonologists job description include diagnose and treatment of diseases, disorders and abnormalities of the lungs and a cardio-pulmonary system consisting of heart, lungs, blood vessels etc. They 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.
Pulmonologists Career Prospects
The rapid increase in the number of patients inflicted with pulmonary diseases has increased the demand for specialist Pulmonologists in the recent past. Thus the prospect for Pulmonologist appears to be quite bright in the times to come. There is a good scope for budding Pulmonologist not only in the pulmonary medicine department of reputed government Hospitals like PGI and AIIM but also incorporate Hospitals like MAX and Forties. Besides this, the young Pulmonologist can also open their own clinic. There is a good scope for these specialists in teaching jobs in different medical schools. Research is the other best option for the genius in the field.
Pulmonologists Salary
Pulmonologists in Government sector can expect to get nearly Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000, depending upon his experience and expertise. Besides they are also entitled to various other associated with it, such as free accommodation, medical coverage, pension, paid vacation, sick days, and holidays as well as a flexible work schedule. Pulmonologists engaged in the Corporate sector can expect anything between Rs.70,000 to Rs.80,000 per month. Pulmonologists with an excellent track record running their own clinic have the ability to earn much more.
