Medicine or Chemistry?
I am studying in Std X. I love Chemistry but I don’t know which courses I should do for a research programme in Chemistry. Besides this I have another problem; I always feel that I should become a doctor which is our hereditary occupation. My parents always say: “We have such a big hospital for you, if you don’t become a doctor what will happen?” What should I do?
Faiz Khalid (15)
Dnyanmata High School, Amravati
In order to do research, a Ph.D. is generally needed. For that, first complete 10+2, then go for B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry followed by M.Sc. M.Phil. and then Ph.D., a minimum of 10-12 years of more study.
If you enter into medicine, you still have to study for 9-10 years. Your parents wish for your happiness. After completing your studies in medicine, you need not go out and look for a job, rather join them and help in running the hospital. You still have two more years to decide whether to go for medicine or specialized study in Chemistry.
Dr Vibha Gupta, a feature writer, is a Ph.D. in Mathematics from IIT Roorkee. Her book Careers: A Pathfinder and articles in various publications are an attempt to guide students in choosing a career according to their natural strengths, talents and skills.