Anaesthesia gives early settlement and flexibility, but it is not for everyone. Consider these five points before you put it at the top of your list.
Anaesthesia lets you earn decently early in your career, even without a DM or fellowship. Seats have increased a lot, yet demand for anaesthetists still exceeds supply, so saturation is not a major worry today.
You can join a hospital and work fixed hours, or work case by case across several smaller hospitals and imaging centres (for example, sedation for MRI). The case-by-case route can pay more, but it is tiring, and many people return to a regular job after a few years.
A DM or fellowship in critical care, neuroanaesthesia, cardiac anaesthesia, onco-anaesthesia or pain medicine can lift your career. See the MD Anaesthesiology guide for the current DM and FNB list.
Still unsure? Talk it through with Dr. Rahul in a private 20-minute Clarity Call. Book a call →
Patients usually thank the surgeon or the admitting physician. You spend most of your time in the operation theatre or ICU, with limited history-taking and follow-up. If you enjoy talking to patients and following them up, think carefully, unless you plan to become a pain physician.
Assistant professor posts at the most prestigious institutes are competitive, but medical colleges in tier-2 and tier-3 cities have many vacancies and less competition.
Yes, for those who like the OT and ICU, want early settlement and are comfortable with limited patient interaction.
Demand is still higher than supply despite more seats, so saturation is not a major concern today.
Through NEET-SS: Cardiac Anaesthesia, Neuroanaesthesia, Organ Transplant Anaesthesia and Critical Care, and Paediatric and Neonatal Anaesthesia, plus Critical Care Medicine and several FNB courses.
Opinions are Dr. Rahul Chawla's, based on his experience mentoring NEET PG aspirants. Rules and dates change every year; always follow official notices on mcc.nic.in and natboard.edu.in.
Check your colleges, find your fit, and talk it through with a mentor.
