which branch of medicine

Which branch of medicine is for you?

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Which branch of medicine is for you?At this stage in your life, you already know that you want to pursue a healthcare career for sure, but you may be thinking ahead and wondering – “which branch of medicine will suit my personality best?”personality best?”

To answer this question in the best way, I will have to presume that you know yourself, your personality, and your strengths and weaknesses. If not, now would be a good time to consult a clinical psychologist consult a clinical psychologist for some psychometric testing, and assistance with career guidance!

The medical field offers a wide variety of career opportunities with the ability to satisfy a wide variety of

personality types:personality types:The Scientist. Certain branches of medicine lend themselves superbly to satisfying the scientific, intellectual mind, with many opportunities for applying basic scientific principles and the scientific method in the scientific method in day-to-day work.Examples are: Medical Scientist, Medical Researcher, Chemical Pathologist, all the various disciplines in Academic

Medicine, Geneticist and Ophthalmologist.Also consider the exciting Also consider the exciting inter-phase between medicine and engineering with a number of specialty careers in Bio-engineering (Engineers who design e.g. artificial joints, dental implants, diagnostic implants, diagnostic equipment like CT-scanners and MRI-scanners etc.).

The Artist. Medicine is both an art and a science. If your personality profile gravitates to artistic things in life, consider the following medical careers: Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, or a Prosthodontist (a Dentist specializing in (a Dentist specializing in crowns and bridges, dentures and other facial prostheses), or becoming a Cosmetologist may be the way that to go.

The Detective. Detective stories and movies excite you into another world! You love the opportunity to solve intriguing medical mysteries! Consider: Forensic Pathologist, Physician and Histopathologist, most of the Histopathologist, most of the various sub-specialties of physicians and surgeons require highly developed diagnostic (detective) skills!

The Adventurer. You live to experience adrenaline rushing through your bloodstream! Medicine offers ample opportunities for you to confront and cope with emergency situations. Consider a career as a Consider a career as a Paramedic/EMT, an

Emergency Response Doctor or a Trauma Surgeon.

The HumanitarianThe Humanitarian. You have a poster of the late Mother Theresa on your wall and all you want out of life is the opportunity to serve your fellow man in a unique and special way. Consider all branches of Clinical Nursing, branches of Clinical Nursing, Family Practitioner, Community Medical Officer/Dentist, Community Nursing and AIDS counsellor.

The Compassionate Individual. You love to help the under-privileged and are compelled to make life better for all hurting people – especially babies, children and animals! Consider all branches of Clinical Nursing, of Clinical Nursing, Occupational Therapist, Public Health Officer, Oncologist, Pediatrician, Neonatologist (new-born babies), and AIDS councilor. If your compassion seeks expression towards animals, consider becoming a animals, consider becoming a Veterinarian or Veterinary Assistant.

Becoming a medical professional is much more than a simple career, job, or

occupation – rather, it is a “life calling”. A strong desire to succeed is therefore the first

and most important prerequisite for success in prerequisite for success in becoming a medical professional!

Try an online assessment at: http://www.CareerTest.us.


http://www.CareerTest.us



Which branch of medicine is for you?The Technically Minded. You love to work with your hands AND demand intellectual fulfillment from your work. You would probably do well pursuing the following careers: Surgeon, Dental Laboratory Technologist and Orthoptist.Technologist and Orthoptist.

The Communicator. The opportunity to constantly increase and improve your communication skills attracts you, as does the prospect of helping other people. Consider the following: General Medical PractitionePractitioner, Audiologist, Speech Therapist, Clinical Psychologist, Psychiatrist and Trauma councilor.

The Entrepreneur – all practitioners in private practice need some entrepreneurial skills, and private practice offers lots of scope for expressing entrepreneurial spirit. Modern medicine as practiced in a medicine as practiced in a private practice requires both strong components of customer service, marketing skills, managerial skills - managing all the components of the practice (personnel, time, finances etc.). time, finances etc.). Practitioners with an extremely humanistic / compassionate character may enjoy private practice immensely, but unfortunately

may find themselves unable to make financial sense out of their practice at the end of the day! Some branches of medicine will require high levels of business skills – e.g. Radiologists and Pathologists - usually these private practices usually these private practices are incorporated large group practices with a large amount of capital to be laid out for equipment.

The business manager. If you possess highly developed organizational skills or managerial skills you may consider a career as a Hospital Manager or a manger of a large group practice e.g.>>

Keep talking...All branches of medicine require above-average communication skills. Always remember this:

An informed patient is a happy patient!YYou may think that people sue surgeons and doctors because they have been incompetent or made a mistake, but this is not true.Studies performed in the U.S. have shown, clearly, that medical professionals who take more time talking to and informing their patients are sued less than those who don’t.ItIt’s not that they don’t make mistakes...They do - but patients refuse to lay blame on a doctor or surgeon that they like, and they would rather blame the referring doctor, or a nurse who treated them poorly, or who didn’t take the time to talk the problem through with them.




Which branch of medicine is for you?The Business Manager (cont)... Radiologists, Pathologists or Anesthetists. Keep in mind that organizational skills and managerial skills are acquired skills, which are just as important as natural talent.important as natural talent. You will have to pursue formal studies in business management to succeed at your career in the present competitive business environment! You may also do well to consider a managerial well to consider a managerial position in a business supplying the medical profession with essential equipment or medical items.

The Sports and Physical Type. You love sports, live for your daily gym session, you take part in sport and like to assist sportsmen and women to succeed and give their best in their sporting careers. The following careers will probably following careers will probably interest you – Sports Medicine, Physiotherapy, Sport Psychologist, Biokineticist and possibly a Dietician specializing in sport nutrition.

To help you make the right choice in your future medical career, you should really do a professional personality assesment.

If your career matches If your career matches your beliefs, skills and passions, you will be more successful in your working life, and find more fulfilment.

MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS:AnesthetistA person specially trained to administer anesthetics and manage pain.

Cardiac and Thoracic Cardiac and Thoracic SurgeonA surgeon specializing in the organs and structures of the chest cavity.

CardiologistAA physician specializing in conditions and diseases of the heart.

Community and Public Health PractitionerAA medical practitioner specializing in health issues affecting communities.

Critical Care PhysicianA physician specializing in the care of critically ill patients.

DermatologistAA physician specializing in conditions of the skin and related structures.

Here follows a list of some of the careers in modern medicine andhealthcare, followed by a short explanatory note on each one.

EndocrinologistA physician specializing in the endocrine system.

Family PhysicianA physician specializing in family medicine.

GastroenterologistGastroenterologistA physician specializing in the digestive system.

General Medical Practitioner (GP)AA medical practitioner offering general medical services to a community.

GeneticistA specialist in genetics.

Geriatric MedicineAA physician specializing in the aged/elderly people.

GynecologistA physician specializing in conditions and diseases affecting the female gender.

HematologistAA physician specializing in the treatment of blood disorders.

Careers in medicine

Did you know?There are THOUSANDSof career optionsin medicine!!!





Medical OncologistA physician specializing in the treatment of patients suffering from cancer.

MicrobiologistAA scientist/medical specialist specializing in microorganisms.

NeonatologistA physician specializing in newborn babies.

NephrologistAA physician specializing in kidney disorders.

NeurologistA physician specializing in the nervous system.

NeurosurgeonAA surgeon specializing in the brain and spinal cord.

Nuclear MedicineA physician specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions with radioactive isotopes.

ObstetricianObstetricianA physician who specializes in the care of women during pregnancy,childbirth, and after delivery.

Occupational Health PhysicianAA physician specializing in health issues associated with various occupations.

OphthalmologistA physician specializing in the treatment of diseases and conditions of the eye.

Orthopedic SurgeonAA surgeon specializing in disorders of the skeletal system and associated muscles, joints, and ligaments.

Pediatric CardiologistAA physician specializing in conditions and diseases of the heart in pediatric patients.

Pediatric SurgeonA surgeon specializing in conditions and diseases affecting children.

PediatricianPediatricianA physician specializing in conditions and diseases affecting children.

PathologistAA doctor who specializes in medical diagnosis and practices chiefly in a laboratory as a consultant to clinical colleagues.

Physical Medicine PhysicianAA doctor who treats, prevents, and diagnoses diseases by essentially physical means.

PhysicianA person who practices general medicine as distinct from surgery.




Which branch of medicine is for you?Plastic SurgeonA surgeon who specializes in the repair of deformities and the restoration of contour to improve appearance and function.

PsychiatristPsychiatristA physician who specializes in mental health.

PulmonologistA physician who specializes in the respiratory system.

Radiation OncologistAA physician who treats cancer with radiation.

RadiologistA doctor who uses imaging techniques to diagnose and treat various conditions and diseases.

RheumatologistRheumatologistA specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic conditions.

SurgeonA physician who specializes in surgery.

TTrauma SurgeonA surgeon specializing in trauma (injuries).

UrologistAA medical specialist who deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the urinary tract.

Vascular SurgeonA surgeon specializing in injuries and other disorders of blood vessels.

DENTAL PRACTITIONERS:Community DentistCommunity DentistA dentist specializing in the aspects of dentistry affecting communities.

Dental TherapistAA practitioner trained in basic aspects of preventative and therapeutic dentistry.

Dentist (General dental practitioner)AA practitioner trained in preventing, treating and recognizing a wide spectrum of conditions/diseases affecting the teeth and oral cavity.

EndodontistAA dentist specializing in all the aspects and processes involving the inner structures of teeth.

Maxillofacial and Oral SurgeonAA dentally/medically qualified person specializing in surgical aspects of conditions affecting the mouth, jaws and facial skeleton.

Oral PathologistAA dentist specializing in the diagnosis of diseases / conditions affecting the teeth, jaws and surrounding structures.

Oral and Maxillofacial RadiologistA dental specialist who uses imaging techniques to diagnose and treat various conditions and diseases.

OrthodontistAA dentist specializing in aspects related to the alignment of teeth and growth of the jaws.

Pediatric dentistAA dentist specializing in all aspects of dentistry related to children.

PeriodontistA dentist specializing in the supporting structures of teeth.

ProsthodontistAA dentist specializing in the restoration of teeth and other structures in the mouth and face with the use of artificialmaterials.




Which branch of medicine is for you?ALLIED DENTAL OCCUPATIONS:Dental AssistantDental assistants help dentists provide dental care.

Dental Laboratory TechnologistDental laboratory technologists Dental laboratory technologists make and repair dental restorations and appliances such as dental crowns and bridges, orthodontics appliances, dentures, and other dental appliances.

Oral HygienistOral HygienistOral hygienists provide preventive treatment for oral health problems.

ALLIED HEAALLIED HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE PRACTITIONERS:AcupuncturistsAA person treating diseases using traditional Chinese healing methods, like using needles to stimulate specific areas of the body.

AIDS CouncilorA person trained in offering the public and HIV and AIDS patients with advice and information.

AromatherapistAromatherapists use essential Aromatherapists use essential oils extracted from plants to improve physical and emotional well-being and helpprevent disease.

BiokineticistAA biokineticist is an exercise specialist who improves people’s physical conditions by physical assessment and theprescription of individualized health exercise programs.

ChiropractorChiropractors, diagnose and Chiropractors, diagnose and treat health problems associated with the body’s muscular, nervous, and skeletal systems, especially the spine.

DieticianDieticians provide advice and Dieticians provide advice and education about nutrition and its affect on health.

Emergency Medicine Technician(EMTs) and paramedics are skilled medical workers who respond by ambulance to medical emergencies for the injured and ill.

FirstFirst Aid OfficerFirst aid officers offer/organize first aid services and training courses to individuals and groups in various situations.

Hearing Aid AcousticianAudiometrists conduct hearing Audiometrists conduct hearing assessments, fit hearing aids and assist people with impaired hearing.

HomeopathHomeopaths uses minute Homeopaths uses minute quantities of substances in dilution to stimulate the body’s own healing power.

Hospital AdministratorHealthcare administrators Healthcare administrators direct and manage hospitals and other healthcare facilities.

Medical PhysicistMedical physicists are health Medical physicists are health care professionals with specialized training in the medical applications of physics e.g. x-rays, ultrasound, magnetic and electric fields, infra-red and ultraviolet light, heat and lasers.heat and lasers.

Medical Practice AdministratorMPA’s are responsible for all the administrative and organizational tasks in a medical practice.





...but will there be place for me?“...but will there be place for me?”...but will there be place for me?

Medical TechnologistMedical technologists perform laboratory work to identify, diagnose, and treat diseases.

Nursing AssistantNursing aides work under the Nursing aides work under the direction of other health care professionals, usually in nursing homes or hospitals.

Occupational TherapistOccupationalOccupational Therapists assist patients who are mentally, emotionally, or physically disabled to adjust to their handicaps and regain abilities and skills.

OptometristOptometrists examine peopleOptometrists examine people’s eyes to diagnose vision problems and eye diseases.

OrthoptistOrthoptists diagnose and treat Orthoptists diagnose and treat defects of vision and abnormalities of eye movement.

OrthotistOrthotists provide a range of Orthotists provide a range of splints, braces and special footwear to aid movement, correct deformity and relievediscomfort.

ParamedicEmergency medical Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics are skilled medical workers who respond by ambulance to medical emergencies for the injured and ill.

PharmacistPharmacists dispense drugs Pharmacists dispense drugs and medicines prescribed by physicians and health practitioners and provide iinformation to patients about these medications.

PharmacotherapistPharmacotherapist – Pharmacotherapist – specializes in pharmacotherapy and is responsible for direct patient care.

PhysiotherapistPhysiotherapists help and treat Physiotherapists help and treat people with physical problems caused by illness, accident or ageing with massage, movement, exercise and technology.

PodiatristPodiatrists treat ankle and foot Podiatrists treat ankle and foot problems, conditions, abnormalities, diseases, injuries, deformities, and infections.

ProsthetistProsthetists provide the best Prosthetists provide the best possible artificial replacement for patients who have lost or were born without a limb. A prosthetic limb should feel and look like a natural limb.

PsychologistPsychologists study the human Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior.

ReflexologistReflexologists treat a range of Reflexologists treat a range of conditions by applying pressure to areas of the feet which correspond to different parts of the body.

Registered NurseRegistered nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help patients cope with illness.

Speech TherapistSpeechSpeech Therapists work with patients who have speech, language, voice or fluency disorders.

Staff NurseStaff nurses provide direct patient care at hospitals.

5 of the 10 hottest Careers in 2007 are in the Healthcare sector, with growth upwards of 40% by the year

2012. http://www.careerexplorer.net/ten-hottest-c

areers.aspareers.asp

The World Health Organization recently reported that there is a "chronic shortage"

of 4 million college-trained

healthcare workers in 57 countries.57 countries.

http://www.worldwidelearn.com/healthcare/article/healthcare-jobs-serving-baby-boomers-promise-sustained-growth.php


http://www.worldwidelearn.com/healthcare/article/healthcare-jobs-serving-baby-boomers-promise-sustained-growth.php

http://www.careerexplorer.net/ten-hottest-careers.asp




hatever your final choice among the various possible career choices in healthcare might be, you will need to begin by studying some basic principles. Medicine is a bit like mathematics – it is simple, as long as you simple, as long as you understand and stick to the basic principles.

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Start with the basics...

So you’re still interested?

...and finally - consider your future working hours.Life as a medical professional requires utter dedication and generally also requires long working hours.As a newly qualified intern you could easily be expected to work 30 hour shifts, and it is also not uncommon for most physicians to work 60 hour weeks.Added to that you will have to face the reality of after-hours emergencies – on weekends and in the middle Added to that you will have to face the reality of after-hours emergencies – on weekends and in the middle of the night! While this may not look like a problem to you now, long and irregular working hours have forced numerous doctors prematurely out of their medical careers, and the unpredictable life of a healthcare worker has contributed to the breakdown of many a marriage!

If you know that you won’t be able to cope with extensive after-hours callouts, consider Dermatology, Ophthalmology or possibly Dentistry. In the same breath – do not become an Obstetrician, an Anesthetist, a Surgeon or a Paramedic/EMT!!


which branch of medicine

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