Since the history of primitive man, medicine has had a very important place in the development of mankind. It is a branch of science that is responsible for studying the physical affections of human beings and finding a cure for them and that, in recent years, has developed into different fields of knowledge.
The motivations to study a career as complex and long as medicine are many, since this is a science that offers other alternative disciplines. Some students are interested in specializing in related careers that cater specifically to a particular sector or field.
In recent years, careers related to health sciences have expanded and become more popular among people, as they cover and address some very specific issues in medicine.
Careers directly related to medicine:
- Nursing. This branch of medicine specializes in the basic health needs of a person, independent of the functions of a physician. A nursing professional is in charge of the direct care of patients. Nursing studies can be done as a technical career after high school, or as a university career after high school. There is a common misconception that the nursing professional is the doctor’s assistant; on the contrary, his or her work is distinguished by promoting health and treating illness. Therefore, both professionals must work together to ensure the patient’s well-being.
- Biomedicine. This discipline is defined as the study of the biological features of medicine. Its field of knowledge and practice is very broad, for example: molecular, cellular, biochemical and/or genetic mechanisms. These studies are aimed at developing new drugs or treatment for diseases. It is a branch that deals with pathophysiological processes and their research.
- Dentistry. This branch of medicine deals exclusively with oral health through the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases of the teeth, gums, periodontal tissue, etc. Dental physicians have a general knowledge of medicine, physiology, anatomy, pathology and pharmacology and are trained to prescribe medical prescriptions.The dentistry curriculum can be pursued independently of the medical career, as a separate degree, with an approximate duration of four to five years.
- Ophthalmology. An ophthalmologist is the professional in charge of studying diseases of the eye. In other words, the ophthalmologist can also be called an oculist. He or she seeks pharmacological, optical and even surgical treatments for eye diseases. To specialize in this area, it is necessary for the ophthalmology professional to first study medicine.
- Psychiatry. This discipline is in charge of research for the understanding and treatment of psychic or mental illnesses, so it is very important that the professional is trained in basic knowledge of general medicine. In fact, a psychiatrist first goes through a medical career and then specializes as a psychiatrist, since he/she makes diagnoses in a clinical manner. This authorizes him/her to provide pharmacological and psychotherapy support to the patient.
- Paramedic. This is one of the noblest professions in the health sciences. The paramedic has the responsibility to protect, care for and save the life of any person at risk. Not only is their role to be an emergency physician, but also to provide emotional support to a patient under the circumstances. This difficult specialty requires a special certification by the Mexican Red Cross or similar institutions, in order to prove that you have the skills and abilities to do your job. Paramedic services are more than just providing first aid, they are about safeguarding a person’s life until the last consequences.
- Nutrition. This is probably one of the most popular careers today. The nutritionist or dietician is a health professional who is in charge of taking care of and correcting eating habits through a correct organization of nutrient intake. Generally, some health problems are caused by poor nutrition, so the nutritionist works schematically with the “plate of good eating” and designs the best nutritional plan for their patients; in addition, they are responsible for monitoring and controlling their weight. Mexico is at the top of the world’s obesity statistics, so nutrition professionals are in high demand in the labor field.
- Physical therapy. Also known as physiotherapy, this discipline is in charge of the rehabilitation of the body through techniques or other physical means, such as exercise, electrotherapy, magnetism, etc. This therapeutic gymnastics is responsible for the treatment of degenerative or infectious diseases of the locomotor system, either by accident or genetic problems. The physiotherapist works directly with the patient, in such a way that he/she helps and stimulates him/her in the process of recovering mobility, strength or, if necessary, the reduction of pain. This is not possible without a previous assessment, so the physiotherapist must have general knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, among other areas, to give a correct diagnosis and proceed with the appropriate style of therapy.
- Chiropractic. This science is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders in the musculoskeletal system, and aims to use different manual therapy techniques to correct them. The chiropractic professional is directly in charge of the spine, but can also focus on the rest of the joints. In Mexico it is possible to study this specialty as a bachelor’s degree.
- Genetics. Genetic studies are considered a very recent branch of medicine with a great deal of controversy behind it. The geneticist works directly with the human genetic code, either to detect genetic or degenerative diseases, as well as to obtain vital information about a human being to find a cure for some ailment. Although genetics is still a specialty, it is necessary to have medical knowledge, especially at the biological and chemical level, to practice this profession.
Studying a career in medicine is an extremely important decision. The health sciences are concerned with the physical, as well as mental, well-being of people.
Although some of these careers do not fully require university studies in medicine, there is no doubt that their nature is to care for and heal the illnesses of human beings.
Being a physician means more than an academic degree, it is also a commitment to safeguarding the integrity and well-being of health.