MUMBAI: A notable shift has been observed in the choices of postgraduate medical aspirants with top ranks, as an increasing number are now opting for general medicine and radio-diagnosis as their broad specialty. In the latest all-India allotment list for MD/MS admissions, 53 out of the top 100 candidates have chosen general medicine, followed by 35 for radio-diagnosis. This marks a shift from the numbers in 2020, which were 47 and 32, respectively. Other specialties such as dermatology, gynaecology, and surgery accounted for the remaining choices.
The trend away from once-popular branches like general surgery is not surprising to many in the medical field. General medicine serves as a stepping stone to coveted super-specialties like cardiology, nephrology, and gastroenterology, offering doctors early stability and requiring less investment compared to surgery, which demands more years of training, commitment, and financial resources for independent practice. Unlike three years ago when paediatrics had five aspirants in the top 100, this year it had none.
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Dr. Avinash Supe, former dean of KEM Hospital, explained that radio-diagnosis has been a popular choice for some time. He noted that students nowadays favor branches of general medicine that lead to early income stability in sought-after medical super-specialties, compared to surgical fields. Surgery’s appeal has waned due to the increased commitment, time, and investment it demands, ultimately leading doctors to establish their careers later in life, around the ages of 35 to 40. Dr. Supe also highlighted that students are making more informed decisions based on feedback from seniors and colleagues.
However, this shift does not imply that surgery seats are going unfilled at the postgraduate level. Dr. Aviral Mathur, president of the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association of India, clarified that while top rankers are selecting general medicine and radio-diagnosis, the choices become more balanced in the middle range of ranks. He emphasized that a mere degree in surgery now holds similar weight to a basic MBBS degree and lacks significance without a super-specialty, which has limited seats and fierce competition. The added challenge of another competitive exam deters many from pursuing further specialization.
Dr. Pravin Shingare, former director of Maharashtra’s Directorate of Medical Education and Research, noted the shift from surgery’s once-thriving popularity to the current preference for courses like dermatology and radiology among the cream of the crop. On the contrary, surgery and gynaecology entail demanding work hours and greater demands, making them less appealing choices for many.