Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists
Medical scientists (except epidemiologists) conduct research dealing with the understanding of human diseases and the improvement of human health. They engage in clinical investigation, research and development, or other related activities.
The medical scientist's job description is to plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease, and follow safety procedures when handling toxic materials. They evaluate the effects of drugs, pesticides, parasites and microorganisms, analyse organ tissue to identify toxicity, bacteria or study cell structure, investigate the cause or mode of transmission of disease and conduct research to develop procedures for medical application. Some medical scientists opt for teaching or for publishing research articles in scientific journals.
A graduate degree is a minimum required education qualification for a medical scientist career, though most medical scientists have a master’s or a doctoral degree. They have knowledge of mathematics, chemistry and biology and are skilled in paying attention to detail, information gathering, critical thinking, complex problem solving, decision making, system analysis and system evaluation.
A career option for medical laboratory scientists involves presenting research results and explaining statistical analyses using graphs, writing technical research documents, conducting medical presentations, explaining the effects of drugs and genetic data, having knowledge of existing and new drugs and providing expert testimonies.
Successful medical scientists tend to like working with ideas, searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally, and putting in an extensive amount of thinking. The medical scientist's salary in India is commensurate with the skills and experience.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Ph.D. Pharmacology
- M.D. Clinical Pharmacology
- MBBS Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Tasks
- Plan and direct studies to investigate human or animal disease, preventive methods, and treatments for disease.
- Follow strict safety procedures when handling toxic materials to avoid contamination.
- Evaluate effects of drugs, gases, pesticides, parasites, and microorganisms at various levels.
- Teach principles of medicine and medical and laboratory procedures to physicians, residents, students, and technicians.
- Prepare and analyze organ, tissue, and cell samples to identify toxicity, bacteria, or microorganisms or to study cell structure.
- Standardize drug dosages, methods of immunization, and procedures for manufacture of drugs and medicinal compounds.
- Investigate cause, progress, life cycle, or mode of transmission of diseases or parasites.
- Confer with health departments, industry personnel, physicians, and others to develop health safety standards and public health improvement programs.
- Study animal and human health and physiological processes.
- Consult with and advise physicians, educators, researchers, and others regarding medical applications of physics, biology, and chemistry.
Progression Routes
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