Plastic surgery is a most rewarding and highly specified field of medicine that requires years of rigorous educational training and certification. In order to be a certified plastic surgeon in India, one has to be on a very careful track of education culminating in a set of qualifications followed by training and practical exposure. The following passage discusses some important steps and vital qualifications and training toward becoming a plastic surgeon in India.
1- Educational Qualifications
The journey of a plastic surgeon begins with an educational qualification in India. Here is the stepwise educational path:
a. Complete Higher Secondary Education (10+2)
An aspiring plastic surgeon has to undergo higher secondary education (10+2) with majors in the sciences, especially Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. Scoring well in these subjects is an absolute necessity if the candidate is to seek admission into a reputed medical college.
b. Qualify for the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test)
To attend medicine, a student needs to sit for the NEET exam, which is a gateway for admission into MBBS programs in India. A high score in NEET gives an added advantage in securing a seat in a prestigious medical institution.
2- Postgraduate specialization in surgery
Aspiring plastic surgeons have to undergo postgraduate education in surgery after completing MBBS. This involves the following:
a. Pursue an MS in General Surgery
For pursuing special qualification in plastic surgery, the candidate will have to complete an MS program in General Surgery—a 3-year postgraduate course that provides special training in operative procedures and techniques.
b. NEET-PG or INI-CET
For the MS General Surgery program, the aspiring candidate has to clear NEET-PG (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate Courses) or INI-CET.
3- Super-specialization in Plastic Surgery
The next stage after the MS in General Surgery is specialization in plastic surgery. This super-specialization can be done in two major ways:
a. MCh in Plastic Surgery
MCh in Plastic Surgery is a specialty program of 3 years of super-specialty training to gain in-depth knowledge and training in reconstructive and aesthetic surgery procedures. The admissions procedure here needs to clear the NEET-SS (Super Specialty) test.
b. DNB in Plastic Surgery
An alternative to MCh is DNB in plastic surgery. It is being conferred through the National Board of Examinations (NBE) and has a fairly good number of experienced plastic surgeons practicing under it.
4- Residency and Fellowship Training
Surgeons are in fellowship training for a long time even after completing the MCh or DNB in plastic surgery. They branch into the various areas of specialization, such as aesthetic surgery, craniofacial surgery, hand surgery, or microsurgery. Acquiring advanced practical experience through these fellowships opens greater avenues of opportunity.
5- Certification and Licensing
To become certified in plastic surgery in India, it would require that the individual:
Be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI) or with the State Medical Council, whichever council is concerned with registration.
Gets his or her licenses and permits needed for practice in hospitals, clinics, or private establishments.
Membership in major medical associations—examples include the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI)—will enable accreditation so necessary for advancement in a career.
6- Career Opportunities Available to a Plastic Surgeon in India
There are countless career opportunities that arise as post-surgical certification options—a wide range of medical jobs in government and the private sector. Given below are some of the most common career options:
Working at Hospitals and Medical Institutions— Most government and private hospitals truly need plastic surgeons for reconstructive and cosmetic surgery.
Private Practice and Cosmetic Clinics—Majority of plastic surgeons tend to set up practice or work in collaboration with established cosmetic surgery centers.
Academia and Research—Some wish to work in academia or research to further the advancement of the field.
Medical Tourism: The trend for medical tourism is ensuring much more patients converge towards plastic surgeons in India for high-standard-low-cost procedures.
Consult with the Best Cosmetic Surgeon in Jaipur for Expert Career Guidance | Dr. Aakansha Vashistha
7- Conclusion
Those who want to make a career in cosmetic surgery should seek help from professionals in the field. One such highly skilled cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Aakansha Vashistha, a renowned surgeon hailing from Jaipur, shall explain about all what is required to comprise a fine surgeon or cosmetic medicine practitioner in it- the qualifications, training, and other associated skills. Whether they are medical students or professionals inquiring about specializing in plastic surgery, the discussions with an expert mentor with regard to career options would work wonders in clarifying the confusing details of it. Step onto the journey from today with a trusted expert’s guidance!