Career choice and influencing factors
Career in microbiology
Microbiology plays a key role in the development of other branches of medicine such as genetics. In this regard, after completing my degree, I would like to pursue microbiology. Microbiology is a branch in medicine under basic sciences of medicine. It involves the study of microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa and fungi.
Factors influencing the career choice
Microorganisms are important in the field of medicine because they cause various diseases in human beings. The focus on microbiology arises concerning the nature and form of pathogens that pose a significant threat to humankind. The adaptations that allow microorganisms to survive in various environments attract considerable interest concerning microbiology. The study of microorganisms has contributed significantly in various immunological innovations that have enabled the eradication or treatment of various diseases (Carter et al. 2010, p.312). In this regard, participating in investigations concerning microorganism and various infectious diseases will enable the diagnosis and treatment of various ailments caused by microorganisms. Specialization in medical bacteriology provides an appropriate opportunity for studying some of the most important microorganisms. While some types of bacteria cause harm to human beings, others possess numerous benefits in medicine. The study of microorganisms provides a deeper insight into human biology concerning components such as enzymes.
Industry, organisation and role of interest in microbiology
Medical Doctor
A medical doctor undertakes the diagnosis and treatment of patients suffering from various diseases or injuries. Diagnosis entails the evaluation of symptoms and conduction of tests in order to establish the cause of an illness. Treatment involves instigating measures that should restore a patient’s health. In this regard, a doctor prescribes the appropriate medication depending on the patient’s health status. A doctor’s working environment may vary depending on whether he or she is under general practice or a specialist. However, all medical-work environments are busy and stressful. Furthermore, they involve a lot of interaction and communication between various parties such as physicians and patients (Walker 1991, p.134). Thus, medical-work environments entail a lot of communication. In addition, the environment involves considerable mental concentration due to nature of the tasks undertaken.
The greatest challenge for a doctor is deteriorating health status of a patient irrespective of the treatment administered. The greatest satisfier for a doctor is the restoration of a patient’s health. Patients always expect doctors to have solutions to all medical problems. A doctor, on the other hand, ensures that he or she provides solutions to medical problems. However, this is not always the case as some patients die while under treatment.
Job opportunities for medical doctors
Doctors have numerous job opportunities. Doctors’ services are a crucial component of everyone’s day-to-day life. Their potential employers include hospitals, NGOs such as WHO, and individuals interested in having personal physicians.
Medical doctors training
To become a medical doctor requires a lot of input in terms of education. To attain registration as medical doctors, medical graduates must undergo a one-year internship in a public hospital of choice (Willis et al. 2009, p.113). To gain recognition as medical specialists, registered medical practitioners must undergo a two-year postgraduate residency and then enrol in a training program.
Volunteer work and skill improvement for medical doctors
There are numerous voluntary opportunities for medical doctors. These include medical camps to treat common diseases such as TB. Attending internship in hospitals or medicine-related organizations will provide opportunities to expand skills in the field of interest (Willett & White 2008, p. 245). Depending on the intensity of the training, the length of an internship may range between 4 months and one year. The only obstacle in this regard may be securing a position to work as an intern in the organization of interest.
Websites
- Australian Government Department of Health and Aging
- Australian Medical Association
- Government of Western Australia Department of Training and Workforce Development
References
Carter, I. W., Schuller, M., James, G. S., Sloots, T. P., & Halliday, C. L. 2010, PCR for Clinical Microbiology: An Australian and International Perspective, New York: Springer: New York.
Walker, D. C. 1991, Health information issues in general practice in Australia, Australian National University: Canberra.
Willett, K., & White, C. 2008, Medical practice in rural & remote Australia: national minimum data set (MDS) report as at 30th November 2007, Health Workforce Queensland: Brisbane.
Willis, E., Reynolds, L., & Keleher, H. 2009, Understanding the Australian health care system, Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier: Sydney.