Medical vs Research are similarly related yet different. Medicine focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating illnesses and injuries, while research seeks to understand their causes and discover novel remedies. Doctors diagnose and treat patients. They make life-changing judgments using anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and other disciplines. Hospitals, clinics, private offices, and research institutes employ doctors.
Research advances our knowledge of the human body, illness processes, and remedies. Experimental models, clinical trials, and data analysis help researchers discover illness causes and find innovative therapies.
Medical and research disciplines work together. Clinicians use the newest research, whereas researchers use doctors’ thoughts and observations. Medical and research occupations provide fascinating chances to improve patients’ lives and advance healthcare. If you’re interested in helping others and making a difference in the world, a career in medicine or research is a great place to start.
In this blog, we will discuss the following topics:
- Academic Structures
- Focussed Areas
- Career Opportunities
- Funding and scholarships (and fees)
- Student Lifestyle and Activities
- Statistics
Academic Structures:
Academic Structure in Medical:-
The academic structure in the medical field is diverse and multidisciplinary, encompassing various areas of study, including basic and clinical sciences, public health, and healthcare management. In the medical field, students typically pursue degrees in pre-medical or related fields, such as biology, chemistry, or biochemistry.
Students apply to medical colleges, which is typically a five-and-a-half-year program that includes both classroom and clinical training. Medical school in India is highly competitive, and admission is based on entrance exams such as the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test).
Apart from that, students must complete a one-year internship program, which includes rotations through various departments in a hospital setting. A three-year residency program follows this, during which students receive practical training in their chosen field, such as internal medicine, surgery, or paediatrics.
After completing their residency, students may choose to pursue additional training in a subspecialty through a fellowship program. Fellowship programs in India typically last for one to two years and provide additional training in areas such as cardiology, oncology, or neurology.
In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis in India on promoting medical education and research, with the government providing funding and support for medical schools and research institutions. This has led to an increase in the number of medical schools and research programs in the country, as well as a growing interest among students in pursuing careers in medicine and healthcare.
Throughout their education and training, medical students and professionals are also expected to engage in research activities, often in collaboration with faculty members or other healthcare professionals. Medical research can take many forms, from basic laboratory research to clinical trials, and can lead to the development of new treatments and therapies for a wide range of medical conditions.
Academic Structure in Research:-
On the other hand, research is a broad field encompassing a wide range of disciplines, from the humanities and social sciences to the natural sciences and engineering. In academia, research is typically conducted within individual departments or research centres rather than as a separate academic program. Students interested in research can pursue undergraduate degrees in various fields, including biology, geology, chemistry, physics, humanities, psychology and others.
At the undergraduate level, students have to study common courses for the initial few semesters. They then move on to specialised courses in their chosen area. Students interested in research often have the opportunity to work on research projects with faculty members or graduate students. These projects may be funded by grants from external organizations or conducted as part of the faculty member’s own research program. Students interested in pursuing research as a career can then go on to graduate school, where they will work on more advanced research projects and may be required to complete a thesis or dissertation.
Doctoral research programs are highly specialised and focused on developing original contributions to the field. Unlike medicine, where students typically work on practical problems with immediate applications, research is often more abstract and theoretical. Doctoral students in research may spend years conducting experiments, analysing data, and developing new theories to advance human knowledge.
Focused Areas:
The medical field is a diverse and complex field encompassing a wide range of disciplines and areas of focus. Some of the primary areas of focus in the medical field include:
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Medical Research:-
Medical research is focused on understanding the causes, prevention, and treatment of diseases and medical conditions. Medical researchers use a variety of scientific methods, including clinical trials and laboratory experiments, to investigate the underlying mechanisms of diseases and develop new therapies and treatments.
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Biomedical Engineering:-
Biomedical engineering is focused on the application of engineering principles and techniques to solve problems in the medical field. Biomedical engineers design and develop medical devices, equipment, and technologies, such as artificial limbs, imaging systems, and surgical instruments, to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
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Medical Imaging:-
Medical imaging is the process of creating visual representations of the inside of the body for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Medical imaging techniques include X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and nuclear medicine. Medical imaging professionals work with physicians to interpret images and diagnose medical conditions.
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Nursing:-
Nursing is focused on providing patient care and promoting health and wellness. Nurses work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities, to provide patient care, educate patients and their families about medical conditions, and administer treatments and medications.
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Pharmacy:-
Pharmacy is focused on the study and application of medications and their effects on the human body. Pharmacists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and retail pharmacies, to prepare and dispense medications, monitor patient medication use, and advise patients and healthcare providers about drug interactions and side effects.
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Medical Education:-
Medical education is focused on training and educating healthcare professionals, including physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers. Medical education programs include medical schools, nursing schools, and other professional schools that prepare students for careers in healthcare.
Overall, the medical field encompasses a wide range of disciplines and areas of focus, all aimed at improving patient outcomes and promoting health and wellness.
Research is also a broad field encompassing a wide range of disciplines, but it primarily focuses on expanding the frontiers of human knowledge and understanding.
Some of the primary areas of focus in research include:
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Basic Science:-
Basic science research is focused on understanding the fundamental principles of science, such as the laws of physics, chemistry, geology, and biology. Curiosity and the desire to learn about how the natural world functions motivate this kind of research. It involves conducting experiments and collecting data to test hypotheses and theories. Basic science research provides the foundation for applied science research by identifying the basic principles that can be used to solve practical problems. For example, basic science research in physics has led to the development of new technologies, such as lasers, while basic research in biology has led to new medical treatments.
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Applied Science:-
Applied science research is focused on applying scientific knowledge to solve practical problems, such as developing new materials or technologies. This type of research involves taking the principles and theories developed through basic science research and applying them to real-world situations. Examples of applied science research include developing new materials for use in construction, designing more efficient engines for vehicles, and creating new medical devices to treat diseases.
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Social Science:-
Social science research is focused on studying human behaviour and society, such as economics, sociology, and psychology. This type of research involves studying people’s attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours and the social structures and institutions that shape them. Social science research is interdisciplinary and draws on methods and theories from psychology, sociology, and economics. For example, studying the impact of social media on mental health.
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Medical Research:-
Medical research is focused on understanding the causes of disease and developing new treatments and cures. This type of research involves studying disease mechanisms, identifying risk factors, and developing new treatments and therapies. Medical research is interdisciplinary and draws on methods and theories from fields such as biology, chemistry, and psychology. Examples of medical research include studying the genetic factors contributing to cancer, developing new drugs to treat Alzheimer’s disease, and testing the effectiveness of new vaccines.
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Environmental Research:-
Environmental research is focused on studying the natural environment and finding ways to protect and preserve it. This type of research involves studying the impacts of human activity on the environment, identifying environmental risks and hazards, and developing strategies to mitigate them. Environmental research is interdisciplinary and draws on methods and theories from ecology, geology, and chemistry. Examples of environmental research include studying the impacts of climate change on ecosystems, developing new technologies to reduce carbon emissions, and analysing the effects of pollution on human health.
Career Opportunities:
The medical field offers a diverse range of career opportunities for students interested in healthcare and medical sciences. Pursuing a career in medicine is often considered a highly respected and prestigious profession, as it involves providing essential services to society and making a significant difference in people’s lives. Medical professionals are in high demand worldwide, and there is a growing need for qualified doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals.
To become a medical professional, students need to complete a rigorous and demanding academic curriculum that includes theoretical knowledge and practical training. Medical education requires several years of study and training, depending on the chosen specialization, and it is often considered a lifelong learning process. Many reputed institutions in India and abroad offer undergraduate and postgraduate programs in medicine, such as MBBS, MD, MS, and DM.
Medical professionals have a wide range of career opportunities, such as clinical practice, medical research, healthcare administration, public health, and medical education. Many medical professionals choose to work in government or private hospitals, clinics, research institutions, or universities. They can also choose to specialize in various fields such as cardiology, neurology, oncology, paediatrics, gynaecology, and many more.
Despite the growing demand for medical professionals, there are some challenges that medical graduates face while seeking employment. One of the significant challenges is the lack of availability of jobs in the public sector, especially in rural areas. Many medical professionals often prefer to work in urban areas, leading to a shortage of doctors and other healthcare professionals in rural areas.
Another challenge is the high cost of medical education, which can deter many students from pursuing a career in medicine. Medical education is often expensive, and students may need to take out large student loans to finance their education. Moreover, the quality of medical education in many colleges and universities in India is not up to the mark, leading to a shortage of qualified medical professionals.
Research:-
When it comes to research placements, the job market and career prospects are significantly different from the medical field. Research graduates can work in various settings, including universities, research institutions, government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private companies. However, the availability of research positions may be limited compared to medical placements, especially in certain fields of study. In addition, research positions may require higher levels of education, such as a PhD, and specialised skills and experience.
One of the significant challenges for research graduates is the competition for limited positions in academia and research institutions. The number of PhD graduates has increased significantly over the years, and the supply of qualified candidates often outstrips the demand for research positions. As a result, the job market can be highly competitive, and graduates may need to be flexible and willing to relocate to find suitable positions.
The requirement for more excellent knowledge of and exposure to the labour market and employment opportunities outside of academia presents another difficulty. Many PhD graduates can have little experience working in the private sector and may not be aware of the abilities and credentials needed for careers in non-academic research.
To succeed in a research career, graduates need to have a strong foundation in their field of study, excellent research skills, and the ability to communicate their findings effectively. Soft skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication are essential for a successful research career. Building a professional network, attending conferences and workshops, and seeking out mentors can also help research graduates navigate the job market and find suitable positions.
Fundings, Scholarships, and Fees:
Medical institutions and research facilities receive funding from a variety of sources, such as government grants, private donations, industry partnerships, and tuition fees. The amount of funding received can vary greatly depending on the size, location, and reputation of the institution. In India, the government’s budget for 2021-22 allocated INR 73,933 crore (approximately USD 10 billion) for the healthcare sector, which includes funding for medical institutions and research.
Despite this funding, India’s spending on research and development in the medical field lags behind other countries. According to data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics, India spent only 0.7% of its GDP on research and development in 2018, which is significantly lower than the United State’s 2.8% and Japan’s 3.2%. However, there are efforts being made to increase funding and support for medical research in India, including through public-private partnerships and collaborations with international organizations.
Medical Institutions:-
Medical institutions in India receive funding from various sources, including government grants, private donations, industry partnerships, and tuition fees. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Education allocate funding for medical institutions for research and development in areas such as public health, medical technology, and clinical trials. In 2021, the government of India allocated INR 73,933 crore for the healthcare sector, which includes funding for medical institutions and research.
Private donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations also provide significant funding for medical institutions in India. Donors may provide funding for specific projects, research initiatives, scholarships, or endowments. For example, the Tata Trusts have provided substantial funding for medical research and healthcare initiatives in India, including the establishment of the Tata Memorial Hospital and the Tata Medical Center.
Industry partnerships can also provide funding for medical institutions in India. Companies may partner with medical institutions to fund research and development projects, provide internships and co-op opportunities for students, and offer support for entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives. For instance, the Manipal Academy of Higher Education has partnered with several companies in the healthcare industry, such as Siemens Healthineers, to establish research collaborations and develop new technologies for medical applications.
Tuition fees are another significant source of funding for medical institutions in India. Students pay tuition fees to attend medical programs, and these fees can be a significant source of revenue for institutions. Tuition fees for medical programs can vary widely depending on factors such as location, program type, and reputation. For example, the annual tuition fees for undergraduate medical programs at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) range from INR 1,628 to INR 2,737 per annum.
Scholarships also play a crucial role in funding medical institutions in India, particularly for students who do not have the financial means to pay for their studies. The government of India provides several scholarship schemes for medical students, such as the National Scholarship Scheme and the Central Sector Scholarship Scheme. Private foundations and corporations also provide scholarships to medical students in India. For instance, the Dr. Reddy’s Foundation provides the Sashakt Scholarship for disadvantaged students pursuing medical degrees. The scholarship covers tuition fees, accommodation expenses, and a monthly stipend.
Research Institutions:-
Government grants are a significant source of funding for research institutions in India. The Ministry of Science and Technology, Department of Biotechnology, and Council of Scientific and Industrial Research are some government agencies that allocate funding to research institutions for scientific research and development. For example, in 2021, the Department of Biotechnology allocated over INR 2,000 crore for research in areas such as biotechnology and medical research.
Private donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations are also a significant funding source for research institutions in India. Donors may provide funding for specific research projects, scholarships, or endowments. Philanthropic foundations such as the Tata Trusts, Azim Premji Foundation, and Infosys Foundation have funded research institutions in India for various research projects. For example, in 2021, the Tata Trusts announced a grant of INR 40 crore for research in the field of cancer.
Industry partnerships can also provide funding for research institutions in India. Companies may partner with research institutions to fund research and development projects, provide internships and co-op opportunities for students, and offer support for entrepreneurship and innovation initiatives. For instance, the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru has collaborated with companies such as Infosys, General Electric, and Microsoft to fund research projects in robotics, nanotechnology, and renewable energy.
Institutions’ tuition fees vary widely depending on location, program type, and reputation. For example, the annual tuition fees for postgraduate research programs at the IISc are around INR 30,000. Scholarships are also a crucial funding source for research institutions in India, particularly for students who need the financial means to pay for their studies. The government of India provides several scholarship schemes for research students, such as the Prime Minister’s Research Fellowship and the Junior Research Fellowship. Private foundations and corporations also provide scholarships to research students in India. For instance, the J.N. Tata Endowment offers scholarships to Indian students for higher studies abroad, including research programs. The scholarship provides financial assistance of up to INR 10 lakh per annum.
Student Lifestyle and Activities:
Student life in medical institutions and research institutions in India can differ significantly, not only in terms of academic focus but also in extracurricular activities.
In medical institutions, the curriculum is heavily focused on practical training, with students spending a significant amount of time in hospitals and clinics. This can make their schedules quite hectic, leaving little time for extracurricular activities. However, some medical colleges do encourage students to participate in sports and cultural events, and there are student-led organizations that focus on community service or organizing health awareness campaigns.
On the other hand, research institutions tend to have a more flexible schedule, as research work can be self-paced. Students in research institutions generally have more time for extracurricular activities, including sports, music, arts, and cultural events. Research institutions also have student-led clubs and organizations, which focus on various topics such as environmental conservation, science communication, and entrepreneurship.
Statistics:-
- Healthcare spending in India is around 3.5% of the GDP, which is significantly lower than in many other countries.
- The number of doctors per 1000 population in India is 0.8, which is also lower than the global average of 1.5.
- In terms of research, India ranks 3rd in the world in terms of the number of scientific publications produced, behind only the United States and China.
- According to the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in 2020–2021, 10,023 Indian students were awarded PhD degrees from Indian universities, and 7,021 Indian students received PhD degrees from foreign universities.
- India has a large number of medical colleges, with over 500 medical colleges offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields of medicine. The government of India has recently launched several initiatives to promote medical research, including the establishment of new research institutes and the provision of funding for research projects.
- India has made significant contributions to medical research, including the development of the first low-cost vaccine for rotavirus, the development of the first non-invasive prenatal test for Down syndrome, and the discovery of a new gene linked to the risk of heart disease.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of medical research in India, with the country playing a key role in the development of vaccines and treatments for the disease.
Conclusion
Both the medical and research fields are crucial in advancing healthcare and improving the quality of life for people worldwide. Both fields require a high level of skill, expertise, and dedication to lifelong learning and innovation. Ultimately, the choice between pursuing a medical or research career depends on an individual’s interests, skills, and career goals. Both fields offer numerous opportunities for success and impact, and both have the potential to make a meaningful contribution to society. If you want to become a doctor in India check out this blog to know more.
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