Top Medical Fields in Pakistan
You might have seen advertisements about medical programs in Pakistan and thought about studying there to get a better education at an affordable price, but you aren’t sure where to start. Here’s your guide to the top five medical fields that you can study in Pakistan, as well as what you can expect while studying there, after graduation, and upon returning home.
How To Choose a Career
Choosing a career is never easy. There are so many factors to consider—from salary and benefits to your personal interests and skills. In order to make an informed decision, you need to take stock of yourself first: Who are you? What do you enjoy doing? Once you know what matters most to you, it’s time to evaluate different careers based on those factors.
The Importance of Being Educated
It is important to have a good understanding of medicine, in both its general principles and how it is practiced in your country. Some medical fields require you to be licensed by government bodies, so make sure you understand where you are allowed to practice before committing. You should also try to familiarize yourself with any particular healthcare or cultural issues relevant to your location. In some countries, for example, traditional medicine plays an important role alongside Western practices.
Financial Stability
Since medicine is one of Pakistan’s most profitable industries, medical professionals earn a decent salary, as well as benefits that include housing and food allowances. The cost of living in big cities like Karachi or Lahore is higher than rural areas, but a doctor can easily earn enough to lead a comfortable life. Getting into medical school isn’t easy—Pakistan has only four schools offering undergraduate programs—but it’s not impossible.
Starting From the Bottom
As you might expect, physicians are required to have at least a bachelor’s degree (BA) or its equivalent. While students who want to become physicians should look into majoring in pre-medicine, studying biology, chemistry and physics is recommended. Overall good grades are also essential, so students may want to consider participating in extracurricular activities related to science or medicine. This can help them develop important skills and contacts that will be beneficial during medical school interviews.
The Opportunities Available
If you’re a science student or medical professional, there are numerous medical fields available to you. Here are some of them: medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, and podiatry. From doctors and surgeons to assistants and technicians—and a lot more—Pakistan’s medical industry offers plenty of opportunities for growth.
Balancing Family and Work Life
What some call a double burden or a second shift, managing work and family life simultaneously is a very real struggle for female doctors around the world. However, medical institutions are taking note. Many major medical associations have issued policies addressing workplace accommodations for pregnant women and new mothers to allow them to continue practicing medicine while raising their families, as well as studying ways to encourage more young women to pursue careers in medicine.
Expanding Your Knowledge Base
It’s important for medical practitioners to have an understanding of a wide variety of fields and topics. Consider attending courses on subjects that are not necessarily central to your practice, such as forensics or nutrition. You might even look at online opportunities, such as MOOCs from top universities.