Duly qualified gynaecologists find ready employment in government and private hospitals, nursing homes, pharma companies, and private clinics Indra Gidwani
FOR THE SIMPLE REASON that contemporary India provides a mere 500 professionally qualified allopathic doctors per million population, the medical profession is one of the country’s most sought after career options. Moreover it’s noble, well-remunerated and offers a gamut of specialisation choices. Popular among them is gynaecology, also known as obstetrics, a branch of medical science that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of women’s reproductive systems.
Again within the broad discipline of gynaecology, a certified medical practitioner can work as a specialist in gynaecologic oncology, critical care medicine, reproductive endocrinology and/or maternal fetal medicine. In addition, the gynaecologist’s job description requires dealing with all medical conditions of women’s reproductive systems including gynaecologic cancer and multiple organ syndromes. Moreover, treating problems relating to pregnancy and fertility are also routine.
study programmes
The essential academic qualification for a gynaecologist is an MBBS degree. Students who have passed the class XII school-leaving exam in physics, chemistry and biology have to write the all-India or state mandated medical entrance exams for admission into an undergrad MBBS programme. After completion of the mandatory MBBS and a one-year internship, aspiring gynaecologists usually sign up for postgraduate programmes which are usually of three-years duration with the diploma in gynaecology (DGO) being two years. Three-year MD/MS degrees are awarded by universities affiliated with the Medical Council of India and the DNB diploma by the National Board of Examination, an independent autonomous body under the Union ministry of health.
Among the reputed medical colleges offering specialised programmes in gynaecology are Christian Medical College and Hospital, Ludhiana; Armed Forces Medical College, Pune; Dr. Somervell Memorial CSI Medical College Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram; Motilal Nehru Medical College, Allahabad; KEM Hospital and Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai; and the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, Guwahati.
Remuneration Prospects
With demand for skilled professionals rising by the day, duly qualified and certified gynaecologists find ready employment in government and private hospitals, nursing homes, pharmaceutical companies and private clinics. A gynaecologist with five-ten years’ experience is well-qualified to start a private practice or pursue a teaching career in a medical college or engage in medical research.
For certified gynaecologists, entry-level remuneration ranges from Rs.15,000-30,000 per month. After four-five years’ experience, earnings rise to Rs.40,000-80,000 and senior gynaecs take home Rs.100,000-200,000 monthly depending on experience.
“With so many advancements in the science of gynaecology, it’s an exciting and financially rewarding profession given the huge shortage of gynaecologists countrywide. According to a recent report of the National Health Mission, there are an estimated 70,000 practising obstetrics/gynaecs in the country whereas the demand is for at least 100,000,” says Dr. Kiran Coelho, an eminent Mumbai-based gynaecologist with over 30 years experience attached to Lilavati, Hinduja and Holy Family Hospitals who lists a large number of Bollywood stars and personalities as clients.
Professional Profile
A recipient of two gold medals in the MBBS exams of the Karnatak Medical College, Karnatak University in 1976, Coelho pressed on for a super specialisation and was awarded an MD by Grant Medical College, Mumbai (1984) and later, certification in minimal access surgery and gynaecologic ultrasonography. “Minimal access surgery is a boon to women, as removal of fibroids, ovarian cysts and the uterus can now be done with small punctures instead of large incisions. The advantages are less post-operative pain, shorter stays in hospital, early recovery and minimal scarring,” explains Coelho.
Also on the faculty of training centres of the Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Holy Family Hospital and Research Centre, and the Mumbai Centre for Excellence in Minimal Access Surgery where she lectures gynaecologists on the subject, Dr. Coelho recently hit the headlines in the local media for successfully removing 44 large fibroids while retaining the uterus of a patient through keyhole surgery.
“There’s special joy in caring for women and helping childless couples bear children with new advancements in medical science,” says Coelho.