THE REWARDS OF A MEDICAL CAREER

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It is a known fact that a huge sense of satisfaction comes with the knowledge that you are working towards something that’ll help others. As medical professionals, we learn about the fascinating human body and how it works, using our knowledge to make a difference in the world, one patient at a time. Now that you have succeeded in pursuing a medical career, where do you put your knowledge to use? What life paths can you take? Where will you be of impact? Where can you gain the rewards for your service?

There are several areas where your services are needed particularly in Nigeria. These include:

PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL BODIES.

There are several medical-dedicated professional bodies in Nigeria such as the NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NMA) which is the largest professional body for medical doctors and dentists in the country. In NMA, you could work as medical officer, a medical administrator or a research officer. Other professional bodies include; the NIGERIAN SOCIETY FOR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS (NSP) where you can work as a physiotherapist or a clinical instructor as well as the PHARMACEUTICAL SOCIETY OF NIGERIA (PSN) where you can work as a pharmacist or pharmaceutical technician. The
MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENCE COUNCIL OF NIGERIA (MLSCN) where you can work as a medical lab scientist or lab technician. It really depends on your specific skills and interests in the medical field.

 MEDICAL-RELATED INDUSTRY WORK.

There are a lot of job opportunities for medical professionals in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and healthcare industries in Nigeria. You could work as a healthcare provider or a researcher in any of these companies. These jobs can be challenging, but also very fulfilling. They also often come with good salaries and benefits.

There are also opportunities to work in the public health sector under organizations such as the WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO) and the UNITED NATION CHILDREN’S FUND (UNICEF). These jobs often require a lot a travel but they can be very rewarding.

 

RESEARCH INSTITUTES.

There are also several research institutes in Nigeria that offer amazing opportunities for medical students. The NIGERIAN INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL RESEARCH (NIMR) which is the largest renowned institutes and offers a variety of research opportunities as well as a number of training programs for medical students. The NIGERIA INSTITUTE OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (NIPRD) also is a great option for pharmaceutical research.

These research institutes provide a lot of training programs, hands-on learning and networking as well as research-based degrees.

 

FURTHER QUALIFICATIONS.

After getting your first degree, you can go further to get your master and even PhD in a particular field of research that is of interest. This is usually a 3 to 5-year program, during which you conduct research and write a thesis on your findings, you will work with a supervisor who will support you through out the program. PhD in the medical field is a big commitment that requires a lot of time and resources, these programs are usually funded to a certain degree.

 You will also have ample opportunity to present your work at conferences and publish your findings in academic journals and records.

 

SCHOLARSHIPS, WORK / INTERNSHIPS ABROAD.

Medical students with a first degree can pursue further studies or work abroad in countries like the UK, US, Canada and Australia where there are specific programs designed for international students. These programs come with strong medical systems, facilities for research, and partnership opportunities depending on your goals and interests. It is also important to consider finances while aiming for these programs. These programs differ for universities, as well as tuition and living costs if the program doesn’t provide you with full funding and accommodation.

 As a student, it is important to stay focused and motivated, enjoy your time as student and be rest assured that there are various places in the country and world at large where you will get rewarded. Learn to be excellent at communication, detail-oriented and have strong problem-solving skills. Inculcate strong work ethics and be wiling to put in the time and effort. You need all these factors to be able to succeed.

Take pride in knowing you are contributing to the future of healthcare in your country.

Hope this helped you broaden your mind on opportunities after school?

THANKS FOR READING

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