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Who is a Pulmonologist?
Laugh a lot, it clears the lungs ~ David Hockeney
Breathing is an involuntary activity performed by our body and we all know how essential it is for one’s survival. A pulmonologist is a medical professional who deals with patients who have breathing difficulties. Specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of lung-based as well as other respiratory disorders include pulmonologists. Different medical problems that impact the respiratory system are treated by pulmonologists. Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists are responsible for preventing, diagnosing as well treating any conditions related to the respiratory system of a human.
These conditions can affect the chest as the lungs are located in a human’s chest. Therefore, pulmonologists receive training on treating conditions related to the chest like asthma, tuberculosis and several others. If you wish to help people in being able to breathe better then pulmonology jobs are the right career option for you. Here we will discuss how to become a pulmonologist in India, the pulmonologist job description, the pulmonologist salary in India, and the pulmonologist education requirements.
Pulmonologist in a Nutshell
Individuals in the pulmonologist career path are the ones with several responsibilities. With air pollution levels increasing day by day a higher number of people are suffering from respiratory problems. Therefore the demand for pulmonologist employment has been increasing over the past few years as several people are getting prone to respiratory diseases. A lot of research work is also going on in this field as pollution has generated new types of respiratory ailments as well. Therefore, both government, as well as private sectors, are investing in the research associated with such breathing problems. If you want to know more about this field then continue reading this article.
Quick Facts for Pulmonologist
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Industry
Healthcare
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Average Salary in India
₹98000
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Suitable for
Male, Female
Individuals can take up a career as pulmonologists, it is not gender-specific. Men, women, and others can choose a career as pulmonologists. In order to become a pulmonologist, an individual from any section or gender can do so. It does not matter which gender he or she belongs to when it comes to taking up a career in the field of medicine. Being a pulmonologist in India can be of several advantages due to the vast career opportunities available in this field where an individual’s gender is insignificant.
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Any special needs
Yes
Everyone, including those with physical disabilities, is appropriate for individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists. The career as pulmonologists is well suited to everyone, even those with special needs. The career of a pulmonologist is about diagnosing and treating diseases or conditions related to an individual’s respiratory system. It requires a doctor to be physically fit himself in order to diagnose and cure others suffering from any medical complications. Therefore, ideally one should be physically fit in order to become a pulmonologist. But, it is nowhere mentioned that it is compulsory to be physically fit in order to be a pulmonologist. Therefore, if the individual’s disability does not affect the efficiency of the work he or she can become a pulmonologist.
Table of Contents for Pulmonologist
What is the role of Pulmonologist?
A Pulmonologist's job description includes diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the respiratory system in both men and women. Individuals who opt for a career as a pulmonologist are specially trained in internal medicine, the lungs, and the cardio-pulmonary system which include the lungs, heart, blood vessels, and all the organs that help a person breathe. Pulmonary physicians specialise in respiratory, structural, inflammatory and neoplastic disorders.
Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists were consulted by primary care physicians when a patient showed symptoms of a lung problem that could include shortness of breath, chest pain, chest pain, and a persistent cough. There is various pulmonology practice management involved in the diagnosis of lung diseases such as lung function tests and medical thinking. When a diagnosis is made, treatment of lung rehabilitation is. Here we will discuss how to become a pulmonologist in India, the pulmonologist job description, the pulmonologist salary in India, and the pulmonologist education requirements.
Diagnosis
Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists' first task is to diagnose their patients. There are several people who visit a pulmonologist every now and then with breathing-related issues. In order to provide a perfect treatment a pulmonologist has to correctly diagnose the problem first.
Testing
Depending on the diagnosis, a pulmonologist’s next step is to test the patient. There are several types of tests that are done to determine the exact problem so that an accurate and effective treatment can be provided to the patient. Individuals who opt for a career as a pulmonologist can either instruct their staff to conduct the test or can also perform them on their own.
Team management
Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists are responsible for working in partnership with the support staff to ensure that care, treatment, and service needs are met. There are several duties that a pulmonologist needs to perform on a daily basis and for this reason, managing the team is important. As a pulmonologist one is supposed to manage the team so that everyone can work towards achieving the same goal.
Leadership Skills
It is a pulmonologist’s job to provide and demonstrate sound clinical leadership and develop support mechanisms for sharing good practice, encouraging and directing innovation in ongoing perfusion development. There are juniors who are in the process of becoming a pulmonologist, they look up to him or her in order to learn something. Individuals who opt for a career as a pulmonologist have to lead the juniors under them so that a better learning process is established.
Maintenance work
Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists act as clinical experts within the hospital, which includes the dissemination of specialist skills and knowledge to all disciplines within the hospital. A pulmonologist is also required to deal with direct patient contact, in difficult and stressful situations. A pulmonologist’s job is to maintain and promote effective communication among all the members of the multidisciplinary team and all hospital departments.
Surgery
This is the most critical responsibility of a pulmonologist. Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists are responsible for operating the respiratory muscles or organs depending on the disease he or she is aiming to treat. Individuals who opt for a career as a pulmonologist job is to conduct proper tests before he or she begins the process of respiratory organ’s surgery. This requires one to have specialised knowledge, skills and several years of training.
Types of a Pulmonologist
Consultant Pulmonologist: There are several clinics and hospitals that may not hire a specialised pulmonologist but a consultant pulmonologist. The difference between the two of them is that a consultant pulmonologist is responsible for consulting a specialised doctor if his or her patient complains about any respiratory problems. A consultant pulmonologist can also prescribe the patient some medicines which can help him or her cure the problem. But, one cannot perform surgeries if he or she is a consultant pulmonologist as it requires someone with much higher experience.
Chest Physician: A chest physician is also known as a respiratory physician. There are several problems that have emerged in recent times which are related to respiratory problems. A chest physician specialises in diagnosing and proving cures for problems relating to the chest area of a patient.
Chest Specialist: A chest specialist is at a level higher than that of a chest physician. A chest specialist can not only diagnose and prescribe medicines to the patent but he or she is also eligible for conducting surgeries to cure a patient. A chest specialist has to complete his or her education and go through several years of training before becoming a specialist.
Cardiologist: Individuals who opt for a career as cardiologists are physicians, who are specialists in dealing with a person's heart condition. Cardiologist doctors are able to diagnose and cure the ailments of coronary heart disease, heart failure, and other cardiovascular diseases.
Neurologist: A neurologist job includes treating coordination problems, muscle weakness, a change in sensation, confusion and dizziness through medicinal treatment or surgical care. Patients who find difficulties with their senses such as touch, vision or smell may also require a visit to a neurologist
What is the workplace/work environment of Pulmonologist like?
Individuals in the pulmonologist career path either work in a hospital or a research firm. In both cases, he or she works in a closed and clean environment. Being part of the medical field one has to be wearing clinical clothes as well in order to protect himself from any kind of infections caused by breathing or direct contact with a patient.
Does Pulmonologist require travelling?
Not Likely
As a pulmonologist one does not require to travel. Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists are required to work in a hospital, clinic or medical research firm. The field does not require him or her to travel.
Employment Shifts
Full Time
The employment shift of a pulmonologist is full-time in nature. The duration is generally ranging between 40-45 hours a week. It often stretches depending on the workload of the individual. Individuals in the pulmonologist career path have to take night shifts as he or she may need to be present for critical patients. Individuals who opt for a career as a pulmonologist could also practice on his or her own. In that case, the working hours will entirely depend on his or her preference and the client’s needs.
Employment Nature
Permanent
The nature of employment of a pulmonologist is permanent. Any hospital or even a research-based firm can hire him or her on a full-time basis. Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists can also work for himself or themselves by setting one’s own clinics.
Work Place
Laboratory, hospitals
Individuals in the pulmonologist career path generally work in hospitals.
Presence in Geographical Area
Semi-urban, Urban
Individuals in the pulmonologist career path mostly function in an urban or semi-urban location. In rural areas if some incident occurs then a pulmonologist from the nearest town can be called for a visit or the patient is taken to the nearest pulmonologist if possible.
Time Pressure
Likely
Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists may have to work for extra hours depending on the number of patients one has to attend. It can become stressful at times.
Overtime Details
Individuals in the pulmonologist career path may have to work overtime in order to check his or her patients.
Weekly Hours of Work
Min 45 Hours
Individuals who opt for a career as pulmonologists work somewhere between nine to ten hours a day. But, it may extend depending on the number of patients one has to attend.
How to become a Pulmonologist?
Steps to become a Pulmonologist
If you are someone interested in treating or taking care of people suffering from breathing issues or any other respiratory illness or disease, then a career as Pulmonologist is the best career option for you. We have mentioned below the steps for how to become a Pulmonologist in India.
What are the skills and qualities required to become a/an Pulmonologist?
When it comes to how to become a pulmonologist in India, the first thing that they should know about is the skills required to become a pulmonologist. Some of the essential skills we have mentioned are below.
Patience: Individuals in the pulmonologist career path face critical situations where he or she is required to stay calm and make decisions that might be an important factor in a patient’s life. A pulmonologist is one of the most essential members when it comes to curing a respiratory disease. The work pulmonary physicians do help in keeping critically ill and medically unstable people alive. Situations like these require him or her to stay calm and level-headed.
Science skills: Nothing can be achieved without a deep understanding and interest in the subject. In order to become a pulmonary physician along with excelling in the career, it is important for the candidate to have a deep interest in science and technology. A good academic background is a non-negotiable requirement in the profession that can be achieved only through knowledge and a deep interest in science and technology.
Communication skills: The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most necessary skills required by a pulmonologist in order to perform his or her duties. The team working on an operation must be closely knitted which can be achieved through strong communication. Being able to communicate effectively becomes important in a high-stake team environment.
Hardworking: Any individual planning to join the field of medicine needs to be extremely hard-working. As a pulmonologist, one must have the ability and willingness to study for several years. Not only that, pulmonary physicians may have to work for extended hours and even do night shifts in this field.
Attention to detail: Individuals in the pulmonologist career path are required to make important decisions while treating a patient’s ailment or during operations. Hence, pulmonary physicians are required to pay meticulous attention to detail to produce highly accurate work even when under pressure. Paying attention to small details is essential during the operation.
Which certifications and internships can be helpful in becoming Pulmonologist?
We have provided below relevant certification courses for aspiring individuals who want to become a pulmonologist or opt for a related career in medical science.
Internship Availability
Internships are considered the best possible way for gaining experience in an individual's career choice. Since the field of medicine is very critical as it deals with human lives one has to go through a compulsory internship before he or she can practice professionally as a pulmonologist. Internships provide aspiring candidates the opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge he or she gained during the individual’s time in college, to bring them to practical use in pulmonology jobs.
Not only that, internships also enable the candidate to make connections in the field for future use. If he or she performs well during the internship several companies or organisations could also hire the candidate on a full-time basis. Pulmonologist employment is rising rapidly these days. The candidate can get an internship either through his or her college, or an online medium or he or she could also contact any hospital of choice directly. The internship period for a pulmonologist is between one to two years.
Career Path Progression for Pulmonologist
Junior Pulmonologist: A Junior Pulmonologist is a professional who is responsible for dealing with patients suffering from lung-based disease or illness. A Junior Pulmonologist works under the guidance of a Senior Pulmonologist and other senior members.
Senior Pulmonologist: A Senior Pulmonologist is an experienced professional who is responsible for preventing, diagnosing as well treating conditions related to the respiratory system of a human.
Pulmonologist Jobs and Salaries
Junior Pulmonologist
- Average Salary 70000
Job Description
The Junior Pulmonologist job description includes treating and diagnosing lung conditions, testing and performing various specialised procedures to get the samples of chest wall. A Junior Pulmonologist also records the details of appointments, medical history, ongoing treatments, and test results.
Salary Description
An entry-level Pulmonologist salary in India ranges between Rs 1.0 Lakhs to Rs 31.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 10.5 LPA Lakhs per annum. Junior Pulmonologist salary in India may vary depending on the various job factors like skills and experience of the candidates, job location, and others.
Senior Pulmonologist
- Average Salary 126000
Job Description
The Pulmonologist job description includes diagnosing, treating and prescribes tests to patients. A Senior Pulmonologist manages the team and works and supports the staff to provide the needs or services to the patients. He or she also performs respiratory organ surgery.
Salary Description
The estimated Pulmonologist salary in India ranges from Rs 2.0 Lakhs to Rs 50.0 Lakhs with an average annual salary of Rs 10.5 Lakhs per annum. Senior Pulmonologist salary may vary depending on the various job factors.
What is the job outlook for Pulmonologist?
A candidate who wishes to become a pulmonologist experience quite significant job growth. As and when the individual gains knowledge and experience he or she steps up the ladder of designation in the field of pulmonology. Since the field is vast and it continues to grow as science and technology evolve, there are plenty of pulmonologist jobs.
Depending on the individual’s skills and credibility he or she could also begin practicing on his or her own. It is a field that requires a lot of hard work and years of perseverance but once a candidate has completed the education there will be several job growth opportunities. Currently, the job market scenario for a pulmonologist is extremely bright.
There are several job openings in both public as well as private sectors. This is mainly because of the evolution of science and technology along with the increase in pollution levels. Another reason is the fast-moving life which is causing problems like stress and hypertension in people at an early age. The job growth of pulmonology practice management is expected to grow by seven per cent by the end of 2026. It is higher than the average of most medical specialisation fields. Scroll down to know about how to become Pulmonologist in India.
Frequently Asked Questions for Pulmonologist
Que. How do doctors clean out lungs?
Ans.The solution is a technique known as lung lavage, or lung washing, to flush the surfactant build-up from the lungs. A doctor inserts twin endotracheal tubes into the lungs while the patient is under anaesthesia. They stream saline into one while the other receives oxygen to keep the patient breathing.
Que. What is pulmonary surgery?
Ans.Lung surgery is surgery done to repair or remove lung tissue. There are many common lung surgeries, including a biopsy of an unknown growth, lobectomy, to remove one or more lobes of a lung or a lung transplant.
Que. Does a pulmonologist treat asthma?
Ans.A pulmonologist must complete at least two years of graduate training in pulmonary diseases after medical school. Then he or she can treat asthma and other breathing conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia and emphysema.
Que. Is becoming a pulmonologist a good career?
Ans.A pulmonologist is expected to be in great demand for a long time to keep up with the projected need for mechanical ventilation and the specialized care of pulmonologists as the baby boom generation reaches and passes retirement age.
Que. What is the role of Surgeon?
Ans.The general surgeon job is to perform minimally trespassing and uncomplicated surgeries that last a few minutes, or trespassing and complicated surgeries that require long hours to complete. A surgeon operates on a human living body and hence their life is at a high risk.
Que. How long does it take to become a pulmonologist?
Ans.To become a Pulmonologist, you are required to possess a five and half year of degree, MBBS and a two to three years of MD (Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine) Course.
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Did you know?
Fact 1
An Olympic swimmer can have lung capacity which is almost double of a normal human.
Fact 2
A person usually breathes an average of 13 pints of air every minute.
Fact 3
Children and women breathe faster than men.
Fact 4
A pulmonologist is expected to be at a higher demand than a dentist in about a decade.
Fact 5
The right lung is larger than the left lung as that space is covered by the heart.
