Modern Healthcare Cannot Survive Even an Hour Without Allied Health Professionals, Says Dr. Pandurangan

Orthotists and Prosthetists are professionals who provide aid to patients with disabilities. They fix them to artificial limbs (prosthetics) and help them to regain stability. There are times when people lose their limbs in an accident. In some other occasions, they are born without a limb or orthopaedic impairment. Orthotists and prosthetists play a crucial role in their lives with fixing them to assistive devices and provide mobility.

A pathologist is required to examine body fluids, tissues, and organs with the help of laboratory tests and microscopic examinations. Pathologists often work in hospitals and diagnostic labs, often assisting doctors when it comes to treatment decisions. Due to the increased demand for diagnostic services, pathology offers good career opportunities in clinical practices, research and academics. 

A Veterinarian is responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases in animals. The individual performs surgeries, guides nutrition, and provides animal care. A Bachelor’s in Veterinary Science (B.Vsc.) is a mandatory degree. The profession brings together medical knowledge and a strong commitment to animal welfare. 

A Speech Therapist (Speech-Language Pathologist) diagnoses and treats speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders across all ages. They work in hospitals, schools, clinics, and more. Becoming an SLP requires a master’s degree, clinical training, and certification. With rising demand, the career offers rewarding opportunities in therapy, education, and research.

A gynaecologist is a medical specialist in women’s reproductive health, handling issues like menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth. They perform exams, surgeries, and offer family planning services. To become one, students must complete MBBS and postgraduate training. Gynaecologists work in hospitals or clinics and are in high demand, with salaries growing significantly with experience. 

The audiologist career involves audiology professionals who are responsible to treat hearing loss and proactively preventing the relevant damage. Individuals who opt for a career as an audiologist use various testing strategies with the aim to determine if someone has a normal sensitivity to sounds or not. After the identification of hearing loss, a hearing doctor is required to determine which sections of the hearing are affected, to what extent they are affected, and where the wound causing the hearing loss is found. As soon as the hearing loss is identified, the patients are provided with recommendations for interventions and rehabilitation such as hearing aids, cochlear implants, and appropriate medical referrals. While audiology is a branch of science that studies and researches hearing, balance, and related disorders.

An oncologist is a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats cancer using chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and other therapies. They work with a team to create treatment plans tailored to each patient. Specialisations include medical, surgical, radiation, pediatric, gynecologic, and hematologic oncology. Becoming an oncologist in India requires an MBBS and postgraduate studies in oncology.

A biochemist studies the chemical processes within living organisms, combining chemistry and biology. They conduct experiments, analyse data, and develop products like drugs and vaccines. Biochemists work in labs, healthcare, research, and education. A degree in biochemistry or related fields is essential, with advanced roles often requiring higher degrees. They also ensure quality control and may teach or mentor others.