Career Prospects of PG Diploma in Orthopaedics in India

Orthopaedics is that field of medicine that studies injuries, diseases and problems associated with the musculoskeletal system which joins the ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons and joints. A normal practitioner who is a specialist in this discipline is generally referred to as an Orthopaedic Surgeon. He works with various healthcare experts as well as acts as an advisor for different physicians. Orthopaedic problems are solved by physicians, medical experts as well as healthcare providers.

Wide Scope

This stream has a great scope because it deals with a number of ailments like unequal leg length, club foot, sprains, strains, torn ligaments, pulled muscles, bursitis, tendon injuries, sciatica and scoliosis. Furthermore, it treats low back pain, ruptured disks, bow legs, knock knees, hammer toes, bunions, osteoporosis, arthritis, bone tumours, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, dislocations, fractures as well as abnormalities of toes and fingers.

Areas of Expertise

The areas of expertise comprise spine injury, orthopaedic trauma, hand surgery, paediatric orthopaedics, surgical sports medicine, elbow and shoulder surgery, musculoskeletal oncology, total joint reconstruction as well as foot and ankle surgery. What you need to become a future professional in orthopaedics is good stamina, better judgement, patience, service mentality, self-confidence, friendliness and emotional stability. More qualities, such as decision-making ability, analytical mind, concentration, good memory and keen observation are necessary to take up this subject of study and become a professional in the future.

Varying Avenues and Job Prospects

After studying, various avenues open in this field for Indian students. Aspirants may end up holding different positions in the defence sector, government organisations, NGOs, research institutes, hospitals, polyclinics, educational institutes and sports bodies. The career prospects of a diploma in orthopaedics has a bright future. Diploma in this subject is of two years duration but to get enrolled for such a programme requires a bachelor degree in medicine from an institution recognised from the Medical Council of India. Some institutions of repute may also ask for a compulsory internship as a prerequisite after Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery before fetching admissions in the diploma.

Specific Course Curriculum

Few of the topics that are covered under the two-year diploma include splints, disability calculation, arthoplasty, microsurgery, surgical techniques, rehabilitation of injuries, surgical pathology, physiology and science of the locomotor system. Also, the papers of biomechanics of gait, principles of traumatology and surgery as well as the histology of muscles, nerve, cartilage, collagen and bone are also taught during the course. A diploma holder in orthopaedics may find placements in multi-specialty hospitals or choose to work as a part-time doctor hired on a good salary package in the day time. In India, you can take up this subject at popular medical colleges like Christian Medical College in Vellore, in Delhi NCR,Santosh University Ghaziabad ,All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi etc.