Most AYUSH professionals enter the workforce with theoretical knowledge and need a clinical perspective upon graduation. It takes time to build such skills, but most professionals get confused and try to shift paths. It’s not just about AYUSH doctors but the same holds true for almost all graduates.
As time passes, most graduates explore different industries and job roles, leading to evolving interests and goals. This process may take years, but it helps discover new passions. Ultimately, the aim should be to find a career aligning with your skills, interests, and long-term aspirations.
To assist you on this journey, we have curated an ultimate guide based on the experiences of AYUSH professionals, providing invaluable insights and guidance for choosing the most suitable career path.
Read on to learn more about the clinical and non-clinical roles for AYUSH professionals and the various ways to upskill to advance your career in the Healthcare industry.
What does AYUSH stand for?
Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy are all abbreviated as AYUSH. These are the six Indian medical systems that are widely used and practiced in India.
All six medical systems have official education systems in their respective disciplines in various states nationwide. Students in these courses, like their Allopathic counterparts, are taught about Non-clinical, Para-clinical, and Clinical courses during graduation.
Ayurveda is the oldest system, with a recorded history of about 5000 years of practice, whereas Homoeopathy has been practiced in India for around 100 years.
Kerala, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Odisha are among the states where Ayurveda is commonly practiced.
The Unani System is mostly practiced in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, and Rajasthan.
In Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Gujarat, and the North Eastern States, Homeopathy is widely practiced.
The Siddha system is particularly popular in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Kerala in the southern states.
In the country, AYUSH services are provided by public, private, and non-profit institutions, and their distribution varies by state.
How can AYUSH professionals navigate the initial 4-5 years after graduation?
As mentioned earlier, the initial 4-5 years after graduation are confusing for most people. You are not alone in this journey. Of course, a select few already plan on how to go about after graduating, but the same doesn’t apply to just about everyone.
Here are a few ways to give you a headstart to your career after graduation:
- If you're interested in pursuing a clinical career, it's a good idea to gain hands-on experience by joining senior doctors in their clinics. Working alongside them will give you insights into the day-to-day operations and help you understand the practical aspects of the field. Many doctors choose to undergo additional training for at least a year before starting their own practice. You can also consider doing another internship after your regular college internship to further enhance your clinical knowledge. Having the reference of a respected doctor or clinic where you worked can boost your credibility.
- Another option is to work as a duty doctor in an Allopathic hospital or nursing home. AYUSH colleges often have limited practical exposure compared to MBBS programs. Joining an allopathic hospital can provide you with in-depth clinical knowledge, exposure to critical and emergency situations, and specialty-specific expertise. If you have the opportunity to work under renowned specialists or in well-known hospitals, it can further enhance your credibility for future clinical practice.
- If you plan to pursue a postgraduate degree in AYUSH, it's advisable to start preparing immediately after your final year. During your internship, attending mock tests for the national-level AYUSH PG entrance exam (AIAPGET) is important. This exam is highly competitive, and the number of MD seats in each AYUSH stream is limited. It's essential to have a clear idea of your desired specialty and the available college seats in order to plan your alternatives effectively. Some private colleges offer PG seats without an entrance exam, while others require a minimal AIAPGET qualification score. Conduct thorough research, seek guidance from your seniors and professors, and plan ahead accordingly.
- There are also other post-graduate degrees you can consider, such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), a Master in Hospital Administration (MHA), or an MBA in hospital management. These degrees can broaden your career prospects after completing your PG studies. Unlike MD, which takes 3 years to complete, these degrees typically require two years. The MHA and MBA programs often offer numerous placement opportunities. If you choose to pursue an MPH, you can work as an epidemiologist or join researchers in conducting clinical trials. Some MPH graduates also opt for a Ph.D.
Each of these options leads to different career paths, so it's crucial to carefully consider and weigh your choices carefully. Prioritize your goals and values, seek advice from seniors or professionals in similar fields, and then make an informed decision that aligns with your aspirations.
Building clinical perspective: Overcoming the knowledge gap in the early years
As an AYUSH physician, it's common to face a knowledge gap in the early years of your career when it comes to practical clinical experience. While your education provides a solid theoretical foundation, understanding how to apply that knowledge in real-life situations can be challenging. Don't worry, you're not alone in this.
If you are seeking to enhance your clinical perspective, consider pursuing a course or diploma alongside joining clinics or hospitals. These additional educational opportunities can complement your practical experience and further strengthen your skills.
Look for courses or diplomas focusing on areas relevant to your field, such as advanced clinical techniques, specialized therapies, or integrative medicine. By combining hands-on work in clinics or hospitals with targeted coursework, you'll not only gain valuable practical knowledge but also deepen your understanding of the intricacies of patient care in your specific domain.
The advantage of pursuing a course or diploma while working in clinics or hospitals is that you can immediately apply what you learn to real-life scenarios. This dual approach allows for more comprehensive and holistic development of your clinical abilities.
Additionally, having the additional qualification of a specialized course or diploma can enhance your professional profile, providing you with a competitive edge in the job market. Consider exploring relevant educational opportunities alongside your clinical practice to expand your knowledge base and take your career to new heights.
Clinical vs. Non-Clinical roles, which is better for AYUSH professionals?
After your graduation, it’s common that you might be confused about what to choose next. There is a whole plethora of options available to you both in the clinical and non-clinical roles and we will discuss the key ones here.
Clinical roles:
As an AYUSH professional eager to pursue a clinical career, the opportunities are abundant and exciting! You can start by gaining experience at a clinic, working alongside doctors, or even in a hospital setting. This hands-on experience will pave the way for your future endeavors. Later you can choose to set up your own practice and the above experience can help you build confidence and credibility.
If you're passionate about serving the community, you can explore government exams that open doors to becoming a medical officer in urban or rural Primary Health Centers (PHCs). Keep an eye on government websites; they regularly announce postings for AYUSH professionals in roles under NHM and RBSK.
You can also consider giving the UPSC exams to become a Central government medical officer, where you can serve on a national level and contribute to the healthcare system.
Stay updated on government websites that provide all the relevant information about these positions. So, keep dreaming big and keep taking steps towards building a successful clinical career.
Non-clinical roles:
As an AYUSH professional, your journey doesn't have to be limited to clinical practice alone. In fact, the healthcare industry offers an exciting array of non-clinical roles where you can channel your unique expertise and make a significant impact.
Take a look at some of these non-clinical options, and towards the end, we'll even give you some tips on how to get started.
1. Medical Insurance Claims: Being a doctor you are already well versed with various medical conditions, the terminologies and also have a keen eye for details. You can consider a career in medical insurance claims. As an expert in the medical field, you'll review and process claims related to medical treatments of insurance benefactors. By ensuring seamless claim handling, you'll play a crucial role in patients receiving the coverage they deserve.
2. Medical Transcription: If you possess exceptional listening and writing skills, medical transcription could be a perfect fit. Your expertise in healthcare terminology allows you to accurately transcribe medical records, dictations, and patient histories, ensuring efficient and organized documentation. The role of a Medical transcriber comes with good incentives and also helps you stay in touch with your subject while you simultaneously learn more about treatment procedures for various health conditions.
3. Medical Content Writing: As a medical professional, you are blessed with excellent communication skills already. In case you also have a knack for writing and can write content of various formats and volumes then you can put these skills to use as a medical content writer. Create informative and engaging content for healthcare websites, blogs, journals, and educational materials, sharing valuable insights and knowledge. The field of content writing for healthcare professionals is evolving in the digital age and given the right amount of experience you can even write research articles.
4. Clinical Marketing: Marketing is a booming industry. Currently, the AYUSH market is growing at a rate of about 8.6% CAGR and it will only keep growing.If you can develop some essential marketing skills and combine your medical background you can grow within the field of clinical marketing.Of course, your growth won’t be limited to the AYUSH industry itself but you can use these skills to explore opportunities within any healthcare or Medtech companies.
You get to collaborate with healthcare organizations, pharmaceutical companies, or wellness brands to promote their products or services. Your efforts will help reach a wider audience and build a lucrative career.
5. Teaching: If you are someone who gets excited about teaching or helping others gain skills then consider a teaching role. Join educational institutions, colleges, or universities as faculty members, sharing your expertise and shaping the minds of aspiring students. In most institutions, it is mandatory to have a post-graduation to be in the teaching field but in some institutions, you can also join as a lab assistant or a junior lecturer and gradually grow your career from there on.
6. Hospital Administration and Management: If you want to work closely with hospitals or nursing homes but without having to interact with patients and prescribe medicines then you can choose to be in Hospital administration and management.Your primary function here would be to contribute to the smooth functioning of healthcare institutions by handling administrative tasks, ensuring compliance, and streamlining processes.
7. Healthcare Product Manager: Combine your passion for alternative medicine with business acumen as a healthcare product manager. Collaborate with research teams, conduct market analysis, and contribute to the development and marketing of alternative medicine products.
8. Drug Inspectors in Pharma Companies: As a drug inspector, you'll ensure the efficacy and compliance of traditional medicine products, contributing to the well-being of patients. You can also join the pharmaceutical industry as a quality assurance officer to make sure the drug material sourced is of good quality and the final product meets the medical standards.
9. Research Roles: If you are someone who is interested in doing research, you must be aware that it would be possible to be in the field with a minimum postgraduate degree in your specific AYUSH stream. You can contribute to studies on alternative medicine, drug development, clinical trials, or pharmacological research as a part of your role.
There are also central government job openings as a junior research fellow for graduates, which you can get by clearing the entrance exams and interview process. The job postings for these roles are regularly updated on the government websites.
To get started in these non-clinical roles:
- Enhance your skills and knowledge through specialized courses or certifications
- Network with professionals in your desired field to explore opportunities
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant experiences and expertise
- Utilize online job portals, industry-specific websites, and professional networks for job searches
- Attend conferences, workshops, and seminars to stay updated on industry trends and forge valuable connections
Remember, your journey doesn't end with clinical practice in case you choose to go for a non-clinical role. Embrace the vast world of opportunities, where you can leverage your unique skill set and contribute to the healthcare industry in exciting new ways. Your expertise and passion can create a lasting impact beyond the confines of traditional clinical settings.
How to identify your interests and goals as an AYUSH professional?
As an AYUSH professional, it's crucial to discover your passions and define your career goals. By exploring various clinical and non-clinical roles, you can uncover exciting opportunities within the healthcare industry.Here's how you can navigate this journey:
- Reflect on Your Passions: Take time to explore your passion within the field. What aspects of healthcare stimulate your curiosity and enthusiasm? Consider the clinical and non-clinical roles mentioned earlier and reflect on which ones resonate with your interests.
- Research and Learn: Dive deep into each potential career avenue. Research the responsibilities, requirements, and growth opportunities associated with different roles. Explore online resources, and industry publications, and connect with professionals already working in those areas to gain insights and gather valuable information.
- Self-Assessment: Assess your skills, strengths, and personal qualities. Identify the areas where you excel and those that bring you joy. Determine how these attributes align with the demands of various roles. This self-awareness will guide you in making informed choices.
- Seek Guidance: Seek guidance from mentors, career counselors, or experienced professionals who can provide valuable advice and share their experiences. Engage in conversations and networking opportunities to gain diverse perspectives and widen your knowledge base.
- Set Clear Goals: Once you have identified your interests, set clear and achievable goals. Define short-term and long-term objectives that align with your passion and vision. Break them down into actionable steps, and create a timeline to keep yourself accountable.
- Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset of lifelong learning. The healthcare industry is ever-evolving, and staying updated is crucial. Pursue relevant courses, attend workshops and conferences, and engage in professional development activities to enhance your knowledge and skills.
- Stay Open to Opportunities: Be open to exploring new avenues and adapting to emerging trends. The healthcare landscape is dynamic, and new opportunities may arise that align with your interests and goals. Stay agile and receptive to change.
Remember, your journey as an AYUSH professional is unique, and finding your true calling requires self-reflection, research, and a proactive approach. By identifying your interests and goals, you can pave the way for a fulfilling and impactful career in the realm of AYUSH.
Upskilling programmes for AYUSH professionals in the Healthcare industry
Life is about learning, unlearning, and relearning, that is the only way to grow professionally and personally. As an AYUSH doctor, you have several avenues to upskill and expand your knowledge in the healthcare field.
Here are some ways to enhance your skills and the courses available for Ayush graduates in India.
1. Certificate/Diploma Courses: You can pursue short-term certificate or diploma courses in specialized areas such as hospital management, healthcare administration, clinical research, medical writing, public health, or health informatics. These courses provide focused training and can be completed alongside your current practice.
2. Postgraduate Courses: You can opt for postgraduate courses like Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Hospital Administration (MHA), Master of Health Administration (MHA), or Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Healthcare Management or even MD in your field.
3. Fellowship Programs: You can apply for fellowship programs in specific areas of interest such as integrative medicine, health policy, research methodology, or clinical specialties. These programs offer advanced training and exposure to cutting-edge practices.
4. Continuing Medical Education (CME) Programs: AYUSH doctors can attend CME programs organized by professional medical associations, universities, and healthcare organizations. These programs provide updates on the latest research, treatment protocols, and advancements in the field.
5. Online Courses: Various online platforms, like Medvarsity, offer courses specifically designed for certification courses for AYUSH professionals. These courses cover topics like clinical nutrition, NABH certification, ECG interpretation, and more. They provide flexibility in terms of timing and accessibility.
It's important to carefully assess your interests and career goals before choosing a specific course. You can consult with experienced professionals, explore renowned institutions, and refer to regulatory bodies like the Ministry of AYUSH in India for accredited courses.
Continuous upskilling and learning will enable you to provide holistic healthcare and contribute to the evolving healthcare landscape.
17 Best Courses for AYUSH doctors:
Medvarsity offers a wide range of courses for all AYUSH graduates whether you are a BAMS, BHMS, BSMS, BUMS, or BNYS doctor.The courses by Medvarsity offer a unique blended learning experience with courses designed by top faculty members and specialists.
Some of the most sought-after Medvarsity courses for AYUSH doctors include:
1. Fellowship in Clinical Nutrition course provides an in-depth knowledge of clinical nutrition, equipping you to effectively manage and prevent lifestyle diseases. With a comprehensive curriculum, international faculty, and real-world clinical experience, this course enables you to enhance your career prospects and deliver better patient care.2. Advanced Certificate in NABH is a course curated with the latest published guideline by NABH to help physicians get an idea of how to apply for a NABH accreditation and the guidelines to maintain it.
3. Certificate Course in ECG Interpretation is designed to help you understand the basic principle of ECG and how to identify various cardiac disorders based on it. By offering a comprehensive curriculum, and top faculty, this course enhances your career prospects.
4. Advanced Certificate in Nephrology helps you advance your knowledge in current practices and recent advancements in nephrology and helps you gain excellence in patient care.
5. Clinical Imaging course for AYUSH professionals helps you interpret images promptly and precisely to make an accurate diagnosis of the condition, in order to minimize any errors. An interactive and immersive course module makes your learning journey much easier.
6. Certificate Course in Medical Law gives you an understanding of the laws that govern patient management in emergency and normal situations and about various regulations that a clinical establishment needs to follow. This will help you enter the clinical world with ideas on how to maintain compliance with the current regulations and help you acquire valuable clinical experience.
7. Masterclass in Hospital Administration is one of the most comprehensive hospital administration courses, which provides insights into all the aspects of hospital administration relevant today. The course is designed by industry experts to help physicians like you gain the required skills to excel in this field.
8. Fellowship in Cardiac Rehabilitation brings critical insights from eminent cardiologists about exercise testing results and the prescription of an optimal exercise program.
9. Critical Care courses for AYUSH doctors aim to provide a Case-Based Learning Approach within the Medvarsity Learning Framework to address this gap in medical education. With this unique methodology, students consume relevant medical content while learning concepts through interactive case studies.
10. Advanced Certificate in Embryology gives you a chance to learn and apply the principles of assisted reproductive technology in fertility centers and build a lucrative career in the field of Fertility care which is a booming medical specialty.
11. Advanced Certificate Course in Gastroenterology aims to increase your knowledge and improve your prospects of running a gastroenterology ward. With key insights from expert gastroenterologists, you can get a clinical perspective on Gastroenterological conditions.
12. Advanced Certificate in Internal Medicine is intended to help you gain a high level of proficiency in the diagnostics, therapeutics, and care of patients with multiple, complex, and chronic diseases. Internal Medicine specialists are committed to providing high-quality primary medical and hospital care to adults and geriatric patients.
13. Advanced Certificate Course in Clinical Oncology helps you learn the pathophysiological basis for cancer conditions, their various clinical manifestations, clinical evaluation, and learn evidence-based medical management of these conditions.
14. Master Class in Healthcare Quality helps you understand the various quality indexes in the Healthcare segment enabling you to play a major role within your organization to help maintain the WHO set standards.
15. Ionizing Radiation Medical Exposure Regulations (e-IRMER) help you learn from clinical scenarios to help you understand the technical aspects of ionizing radiation.
16. Diabetes Mellitus Courses for AYUSH doctors are designed by leading diabetologists and comprehensively cover the current trends and management of diabetes.
17. Cardiology courses for AYUSH doctors will make you clinically competent to manage the common cardiological conditions of Hypertension, stable ischemic heart disease, and acute coronary syndromes with confidence.
These are just a select few certification courses offered by Medvarsity for AYUSH professionals for more check the website.
Real-life experiences: Insights from successful AYUSH professionals
While planning your career it's equally important to follow the footsteps or take guidance from seniors in the field. At Medvarsity not just the courses but case discussions and expert panel discussions are held on the platform Assimilate.one also aims at helping Healthcare professionals improve their knowledge and practical skills.Here is a snippet from one of the webinars by an AYUSH professional, Prof.Dr. B.D. Patel as he shares the 7 Mantras of being a successful AYUSH practitioner.
In fact, you can access many more such valuable insights in the field of AYUSH and other medical specialties on Assimilate.one and stay current with the latest medical trends.
There may be some initial hiccups and uncertainties over employment options, but everything will eventually fall into place.
Begin your journey to excellence.
