Rising trends reveal a noteworthy shift among high-achieving postgraduate medical candidates, as they are now showing a greater inclination towards selecting general medicine and radio-diagnosis as their primary broad specialties. This year’s statistics demonstrate this shift vividly, with a remarkable 53 out of the top 100 candidates in the initial all-India MD/MS admissions list opting for general medicine, while 35 candidates have chosen radio-diagnosis.Â
This indicates a notable increase from the figures in 2020, which stood at 47 for general medicine and 32 for radio-diagnosis. The remaining candidates have opted for specialized fields such as dermatology, gynecology, and surgery.
In contrast to its former popularity, the field of general surgery has experienced a decline in interest, with a mere four individuals aspiring for it within the top 100 list. This trend is not unexpected for many in the medical community. Opting for a path in general medicine offers a strategic route towards specialization in highly sought-after super-specialties like cardiology, nephrology, and gastroenterology.
 These avenues not only demand a comparatively lower initial investment but also offer early career stability for medical practitioners. In contrast, a career in surgery necessitates a lengthier commitment, heightened dedication, and substantial financial investment for eventual independent practice. Notably, just three years ago, pediatrics had attracted the interest of five aspirants within the top 100 list, while this year, it failed to secure any placements.
Medical Communities
Information sourced from the initial list released by the Medical Counseling Committee highlights a distinct preference for Delhi-based institutions over those in other states. Medical professionals assert that Delhi-based institutes hold appeal due to their lack of bond requirements, cost-effectiveness, and superior remuneration for residents.
According to Dr. Avinash Supe, former dean of KEM Hospital, the field of radio-diagnosis has enjoyed enduring popularity. He highlighted that contemporary students are inclined toward specific branches of general medicine that offer potential pathways to medical super-specialization, resulting in early income stability as compared to surgical specialties. Previously, surgery held the highest appeal, but it demands a greater level of commitment and time.
Surgeons often establish their careers around the age of 35-40, whereas their counterparts in other medical domains tend to achieve stability sooner. Dr. Supe emphasized that surgery also involves substantial financial investment, particularly for those aspiring to establish independent practices. The choices made by students are now more informed, benefiting from insights provided by their seniors and colleagues.
However, there is no shortage of interest in surgery seats at the postgraduate level, clarified Dr. Aviral Mathur, President of the Federation of Resident Doctors’ Association of India. He explained that while the highest-ranking candidates are increasingly opting for general medicine and radio diagnosis, the distribution of choices becomes more balanced within the middle range of ranks.
Dr. Mathur emphasized that a basic surgery degree alone is no longer as impactful as it once was – it is akin to a standard MBBS degree – as its significance is now tied to obtaining a super-specialization.
These limited-seat super-specialties are fiercely competitive, with an added deterrent being the need to take another challenging competitive exam.
According to Dr. Pravin Shingare, former director of Maharashtra’s Directorate of Medical Education and Research, the landscape has shifted.Â
While surgery was once inundated with eager applicants, today, it’s courses like dermatology and radiology that attract the top-tier candidates.
Dr. Shingare explained that this change is due to the more rigorous demands and long hours associated with surgery and gynecology, making them less appealing compared to fields with a lighter workload and better work-life balance.
