AHMEDABAD: For many doctors, working long, erratic hours tackling emergencies is the norm. Not any more. Many MBBS graduateswho are yearning for work-life balance, are opting for a career as dermatologists or skin specialists over more sought-after branches like radiology and general medicine.
The shift towards the non-risky and non-emergency specialization began around five years ago, but Covid – which exacerbated physician burnout and compassion fatigue — has ensured it settles in.
Dr Kesha Patel, who scored 642 in this year’s NEET PG exams, has opted for dermatology at BJ Medical College. One of the top scorers in the state, Patel easily qualified for post-graduation studies in radiology and medicine, but she opted for dermatology – a field that rarely involves late-night duty calls. With demand for cosmetic surgeons on the rise, it also promises a lucrative career.
“It is a personal choice. I wish to spend more time with my family and friends. I do not wish to take a lot of emergency work pressure. Also, being a dermatologist gives me enough scope to start my own practice,” said Patel who has completed her MBBS from BJ Medical College.
Another student, Dr Tresha Vasani, with a high NEET score of 638 marks, says she too opted for dermatology over other fields as it is less hectic and allows her to spend time with her family.
Dermatology has emerged as a hot favorite for PG medical admissions this year, running neck to neck with medicine as the second most preferred field after radiology. Dermatologists treat diseases and cosmetic problems of the skin, hair, scalp, and nails. It involves both medical and surgical aspects. Some specialists today also work in cosmetic dermatology.
Experts say the demand for qualified skin specialists has shot up over the past five years as people, influenced by social media, are getting more conscious about their beauty and looks.
However, the demand for the field among doctors seems more to do with maintaining work life balance by finding a field that offers more peace of mind as compared to surgery and medicine.
“I don’t like surgery and want to work peacefully. After specializing in medicine, you also need to pursue a super-specialty course,” said Vasani.
Asked why she chose dermatology over radiology, Dr Jignakumari Patel, who scored 535 marks in NEET PG this year said there is limited involvement with patients. “Also, there is not much capital cost for dermatologists planning to set up their own clinic,” she adds.
Dr Nitin Vora, dean of GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Sola said the demand in dermatology has increased over the past five years. “A similar trend has been seen in the US. About two decades ago, only people with lower merit scores opted for dermatology. Now the trend has reversed. The doctors today want to give enough time for the family. Other fields require doctors to attend work at unscheduled hours which is not the case here,” said Vora.
The shift towards the non-risky and non-emergency specialization began around five years ago, but Covid – which exacerbated physician burnout and compassion fatigue — has ensured it settles in.
Dr Kesha Patel, who scored 642 in this year’s NEET PG exams, has opted for dermatology at BJ Medical College. One of the top scorers in the state, Patel easily qualified for post-graduation studies in radiology and medicine, but she opted for dermatology – a field that rarely involves late-night duty calls. With demand for cosmetic surgeons on the rise, it also promises a lucrative career.
“It is a personal choice. I wish to spend more time with my family and friends. I do not wish to take a lot of emergency work pressure. Also, being a dermatologist gives me enough scope to start my own practice,” said Patel who has completed her MBBS from BJ Medical College.
Another student, Dr Tresha Vasani, with a high NEET score of 638 marks, says she too opted for dermatology over other fields as it is less hectic and allows her to spend time with her family.
Dermatology has emerged as a hot favorite for PG medical admissions this year, running neck to neck with medicine as the second most preferred field after radiology. Dermatologists treat diseases and cosmetic problems of the skin, hair, scalp, and nails. It involves both medical and surgical aspects. Some specialists today also work in cosmetic dermatology.
Experts say the demand for qualified skin specialists has shot up over the past five years as people, influenced by social media, are getting more conscious about their beauty and looks.
However, the demand for the field among doctors seems more to do with maintaining work life balance by finding a field that offers more peace of mind as compared to surgery and medicine.
“I don’t like surgery and want to work peacefully. After specializing in medicine, you also need to pursue a super-specialty course,” said Vasani.
Asked why she chose dermatology over radiology, Dr Jignakumari Patel, who scored 535 marks in NEET PG this year said there is limited involvement with patients. “Also, there is not much capital cost for dermatologists planning to set up their own clinic,” she adds.
Dr Nitin Vora, dean of GMERS Medical College and Hospital, Sola said the demand in dermatology has increased over the past five years. “A similar trend has been seen in the US. About two decades ago, only people with lower merit scores opted for dermatology. Now the trend has reversed. The doctors today want to give enough time for the family. Other fields require doctors to attend work at unscheduled hours which is not the case here,” said Vora.
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