pg after BAMS

Question

I recently completed my BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) degree and am considering pursuing post-graduation (PG) to specialize further. I’m curious about the options available for PG after BAMS, both in India and abroad, and how they align with career prospects in Ayurveda.

From what I understand, MD (Ayurveda) is a popular choice for post-graduation, offering specializations like Panchakarma, Kayachikitsa (internal medicine), Dravyaguna (pharmacology), and Shalya Tantra (surgery). How competitive is the entrance process for MD Ayurveda programs, and which colleges in India are considered the best for advanced Ayurvedic studies?

Another option I’ve come across is an MSc in related fields like yoga, nutrition, or public health. Are these programs valuable for someone looking to integrate Ayurvedic principles with modern healthcare practices?

I’m also exploring opportunities abroad. Are there universities in countries like the US, UK, or Australia that offer recognized PG programs in Ayurveda or integrative medicine? What challenges might I face in terms of licensing or practicing Ayurveda in these regions?

If anyone has pursued PG after BAMS, I’d love to hear about your experience. Which specialization did you choose, and how did it impact your career opportunities? Were there any scholarships or funding options that made the journey easier?

Lastly, I’d like to know if PG is necessary to build a successful career in Ayurveda, or are there alternative paths, like opening a clinic or focusing on research, that don’t require further specialization?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

After completing your BAMS degree, there are several PG options both in India and abroad to specialize in Ayurveda and related fields.

PG Options After BAMS:
MD (Ayurveda):
Specializations include Panchakarma, Kayachikitsa (internal medicine), Dravyaguna (pharmacology), Shalya Tantra (surgery), and more.
The entrance process is highly competitive, typically requiring good academic performance in BAMS and a qualified entrance exam (e.g., AIAPGET).
Some top Indian colleges for MD Ayurveda include Banaras Hindu University (BHU), National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS), and Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences.
MSc in Related Fields:
MSc in Yoga, Nutrition, or Public Health can be a good option if you want to integrate Ayurveda with modern healthcare.
These programs are valuable for expanding your career prospects, especially in holistic health or wellness centers.
PG Abroad:
Countries like the US, UK, and Australia offer integrative medicine programs that combine Ayurveda with conventional healthcare.
In these regions, Ayurveda is often complementary rather than mainstream, and challenges can include licensing and regulatory hurdles for Ayurveda practitioners.
Career Prospects:
MD Ayurveda provides deeper specialization, improving career prospects in clinics, research, teaching, or government services.
If you choose not to pursue PG, you can still build a successful career through clinic work, online consultations, writing, or research.
Personal Experiences:
Many choose MD Ayurveda for specialization in fields like Panchakarma or Kayachikitsa, opening opportunities in advanced practice or teaching.
For funding, you may find scholarships through universities or governmental schemes, particularly for state-sponsored institutions.
Is PG Necessary?
PG is not mandatory to succeed in Ayurveda. You can pursue a fulfilling career through clinical practice, teaching, or consulting without further specialization. However, PG does provide an edge for advanced practice, research, or academic positions.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your career goals and interests.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

After completing your BAMS degree, pursuing a post-graduation (PG) in Ayurveda can significantly enhance your expertise and career prospects. The most common PG options after BAMS are MD (Ayurveda) programs, which offer specializations such as Panchakarma, Kayachikitsa (internal medicine), Dravyaguna (pharmacology), and Shalya Tantra (surgery). The entrance process for MD Ayurveda can be competitive, as it typically requires passing an entrance exam (e.g., AIAPGET) and securing a seat in a reputed college. Some of the top colleges in India for MD Ayurveda include Banaras Hindu University (BHU), National Institute of Ayurveda (NIA), Rishikul Ayurvedic College, and Kerala University of Health Sciences (KUHS).

Alternatively, pursuing an MSc in related fields such as Yoga, Nutrition, or Public Health can also complement your Ayurvedic knowledge, allowing you to integrate Ayurveda with modern healthcare practices. These programs can open up diverse opportunities in wellness, healthcare management, and public health sectors.

For international opportunities, countries like the US, UK, and Australia offer programs in integrative medicine or alternative medicine, though PG Ayurveda programs specifically are more limited. Practicing Ayurveda in these regions may require navigating local licensing and regulatory requirements, as Ayurveda is not always officially recognized in all countries. Some countries may require additional certifications or licenses to practice Ayurvedic medicine.

PG studies can lead to specialized career opportunities in clinical practice, teaching, research, and wellness centers. However, if you prefer to work independently, opening a clinic or focusing on research in Ayurveda are also viable options that do not require a PG degree. Scholarships and funding for PG studies may be available at individual universities or through government initiatives. Ultimately, whether PG is necessary depends on your career goals—PG can certainly provide advanced skills and recognition, but it's not the only path to success in Ayurveda.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Congrats on finishing your BAMS! Now, about diving deeper into Ayurveda studies, you're definitely thinking on the right track. MD in Ayurveda is one of the most solid choices if you wana specialize in areas like Panchakarma, Kayachikitsa, Dravyaguna, or Shalya Tantra.. The competetion for entrance exams, like AIAPGET, can be pretty tough, especially for seats in top institutes such as Banaras Hindu University, Gujarat Ayurved University, or Institute of Postgraduate Teaching & Research in Ayurveda. These colleges are like the Ivy Leagues of Ayurveda, if I may say so!

Outside the MD, looking at options like MSc in yoga, nutrition, or public health can be really intriguing. These fields can offer valuable insights if you’re keen on integrting Ayurvedic principles with a modern twist. It's like having a foot in both worlds - traditional and contemporary.

Globally, Ayurveda’s gaining traction, but the professional scene can be dicey. In places like the US, UK, or Australia, Ayurvedic practice isn’t as recognized, so formal licensure might be problematic. Few universities offer integrative medicine programs, which include Ayurveda. Challenges? Yeah, there might be hurdles, like legalities or finding accredited programs. But, it's getting better, slowly.

For those who’ve been there, done that, some have pursued specializations based on personal interest and career goals. Scholarships? They're there, but you might need to dig around. Some universities offer them and so does the Indian government for nationals.

Is PG necessary? Not necessarily always. Opening a clinic, focusing on research, or even venturing into Ayurvedic product entrepreneurship can be fulfilling paths. It boils down to what resonates with you personally and professionally. But yes, a PG definitely adds a feather to your Ayurvedic cap if you're aiming for specialization or academia. Whatever you choose, it's all about blending passion with purpose!

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