Career Prospects:
Homeopathy is an international system with holistic concepts of treatment. The system is practiced in over 85 countries especially in Europe, Latin America and Asia. In the United States, the homeopathic drug market is a multimillion-dollar industry. Homeopathic remedies are made from plant, animal products, minerals or certain inert materials. The manufacturing of Homeopathic medicines is recognized and regulated by Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940 and the Drugs and Cosmetic Rule, 1945. The medicines are manufactured by established pharmaceutical companies under strict Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) notified by the Government. Homeopathy is recognised as one of the National system of medicine through the Homeopathy Central Council Act, 1973. Homeopaths understand that the body, mind and emotions are not independent and distinct, but are fully integrated in health, diseases and treatment. Based on this holistic perspective, homeopaths uses remedies prepared from natural sources that fit a patient's physical, mental, social and spiritual aspects to stimulate body’s own healing powers.
The public has tremendous faith towards Homeopathy for the treatment of acute and chronic health problems. Disease prevention and health promotion are its other strength. Recent clinical trials suggest that homeopathic medicines have a positive effect on allergic rhinitis, fibrositis and influenza. Homeopath treat conditions ranging from headaches, fevers, stress, arthritis, maternal and paediatric problems, eczema and so on. Homeopathic medicines are used as a standalone treatment or as an adjunct with medicines of other systems for a variety of clinical conditions. The main approach is diagnosis based on complete history of the disease in the patient as well as on an understanding of the patient’s temperament, personality, lifestyle and food habits.
The teaching and training in Homeopathy in India are identical with other medical systems. Registration with State or Central Register of Homeopathy is essential to get legal protection to practice Homeopathy. For this one has to approach the Central/ State Council/ Board of Homeopathy.
With the huge infrastructure and well qualified human resource, India is said to be the world leader in Homeopathy. There is a resurgence of interest in the benefit of Homeopathic medicine across the globe. This is creating a demand for well qualified Homeopaths as practitioners, teachers or trainers in several countries. E-consultation, tele- Homeopathy, Webinar and so on are the new areas of career prospects to young doctors. Safety of the medicines, easy to administer even to infants and economic considerations are the major attraction towards Homeopathy. The individualised treatment options especially for long term diseases are adding popularity of Homeopathy.
The undergraduate course in Homeopathy is Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS). There are 186 Homeopathic colleges conducting the BHMS course. These colleges are affiliated to various universities
Course of Study
Eligibility for admission in BHMS Course
The Curriculum
The Subjects for study and examination for the B.H.M.S. (Degree) Course are as under:-
Homeopathy, like other regular medical courses, requires five and a half years medical training. This also includes one year of compulsory rotatory internship. Seats to BHMS are filled up through an All-India Entrance examination or regional/ State entrance examination.
The Postgraduate course in Homoeopathy, MD (Hom) is of three year duration. The eligibility requirement for MD (Hom) is BHMS degree. 38 of the colleges conducting the BHMS course and 2 exclusive PG colleges are conducting MD Course in Homeopathy. As on now there are seven specialisations at MD level.
PG specializations in Homeopathy
PhD programmes of three – five years duration after the Post graduation is available in several Universities. As a step forward in the capacity building and encouraging research aptitude among
post graduate & PhD students, the Central Council for Research in Homeopathy has introduced a scheme for providing scholarship to selected medical graduates/postgraduates who are pursuing MD/PhD programmes in Homoeopathy through recognized medical institutes/ Universities. http://ccrhindia.org/pdf/MD_SCHEME.PDF
Places where there is job scope for Homeopathic medical professionals:
References:
http:indianmedicine.nic.in
http://www.cchindia.com
www.ccrhindia.org
http://www.highereducationinindia.com/career-options/careers-in-homeopat...
http://www.shiksha.com/career-as-homeopathic-medicine-cc-59
http://www.shiksha.com/homeopathy-as-a-career-explore-the-possibilities-...
http://www.careerage.com/career/cc/medical/homeopathy
http://www.indusladies.com/forums/education-and-personal-growth/138985-w...
Complementary and Alternate Medicine (CAM) is becoming popular across the world. Homeopathy is the most sought treatment amongst the CAM in several of the European countries. Homeopathic doctors are in demand especially for diseases where the conventional medicine has less or no satisfactory options. Success of the practitioner depends on confidence, competence and ability to understand the patient. Most of the beginners establish “start up” clinics or join in the corporate clinical establishments. With experience, homoeopaths may move onto running seminars, tutorials, teaching at colleges/universities or other practitioners, writing articles, books and health journals. They may get involved in homoeopathic research, or advise manufacturers on the production of homoeopathic medicines.
There are many job opportunities both in India and abroad. After completion of study and training a homoeopathic practitioner can get employment as medical officer at government or private homoeopathic hospitals, medical colleges, Govt. Dispensaries or Non-Government Organization. Private practice is a proffered option by many because of the flexibility of working hours and good financial return. Homoeopathy offers career opportunities in research institutes conducting disease and drug related clinical research in both government and private sectors. They may work as administrator, manager, teacher, researcher as well as public health officer. They can set up holistic treatment centres that are becoming popular in the country and attracting health tourism. Homoeopathic doctors can work in different industries engaged in homoeopathic preparations. These doctors can make a good career as a teaching faculty in homoeopathic colleges or undertake research through Research organisation. Software development in Homeopathy, innovation and incubation centres for future development are also emerging in some parts of the country. Recent acceptance of Homeopathy in the many Gulf countries and the puritan teaching and practice are encouraging the demand Homeopaths from India. Thus, the scope of career option in Homeopathy are ample and growing both in India and abroad.
Note: This information is being summarised from the information provided by institutes offering those courses.