After medical physiology what next?

 

AFTER MEDICAL/HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY WHAT NEXT?

 Most medical students especially those in basic medical sciences ask questions like this; after Human Anatomy, Medical biochemistry, Medical/human physiology what are the career prospects,how can they use their degree in the clinical world and research institutes.

     This article is focused more on medical/human physiology, what next after the study of bodily functions and mechanisms. 

Before, the details of the main topic will be unveiled, there are some important terms and definitions that should be known which are;

• Meaning of medical physiology

• Who is a medical physiologist

• Branches of medical physiology 

• Specialties of Medical physiology

• Duration of study

• Professional bodies governing the study of physiology.

MEANING OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY:

medical physiology / Human physiology /physiology is a medical branch of study that deals with the normal biological functions in the body, it ranges from cells, tissues, organs and organ-systems. It covers it's mechanism and relation to each other in both health and in disease.

WHO IS A MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGIST:

 A medical physiologist/physiologist/physiological scientist is a health care professional who helps in the diagnosis of certain diseases, they assist doctors to make proper diagnosis in management and treatment of various illnesses.

BRANCHES OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY

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• General/cellular physiology

• Cardiovascular physiology

• Renal physiology

• Endocrinology

• Maternal/fetal physiology

• Environmental physiology

• Respiratory physiology

• Musculoskeletal physiology

• Special senses physiology

• Gastrointestinal physiology

• Neurophysiology

• Immunology

• Reproductive physiology 

• Blood and body fluids physiology

• Deep sea physiology 

SPECIALTIES OF MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGIST:

there are different specialties of Medical physiology but there are divided broadly into two.

CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGIST

RESEARCH PHYSIOLOGIST/ACADEMIA

        CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGIST:

• cardiac physiologist: 

they perform cardiac function test like ECG (electrocardiography) among others

•        Clinical exercise physiologist: 

this ones prescribe exercise for patients in need of it, also record their cardiac output during the exercise

•         Respiratory physiologist:

They perform different lung function tests like spirometry and among many others.

• Renal physiologist: 

They perform renal function tests and run dialysis machines.

• Neurophysiologist/neuroscientist :

this set of physiological scientists use instruments like EMG (electromyograph) EEG (electroencephalograph) to test the functions of the nervous system

• Endocrinologist/endocrine physiologist:

Professionals that diagnose,treat disorders of endocrine system, also they perform functions test on different endocrine gland. 

Other specialties are;

• Maternal/fetal physiologist

• Reproductive physiologist (IVF technician)

• Deep sea/environmental physiologist

• Sport scientists

• Immunologist

• Audiologist

• Sonograher etc.

A physiologist can also become any of the following professions,but this would be discussed broadly in another article

• Medical Doctor

• Doctor of pharmacy (pharmacist)

• Dental Doctor (dentist)

• Nurse

• Physiotherapist

• Radiographer

• Doctor of optometry (optometrist)

• Doctor of veterinary medicine (vet.doctor)

• Medical laboratory scientist

Etc… click here to read about medical laboratory science https://medtipsblog.blogspot.com/2022/08/all-about-medical-laboratory-science-in.html

DURATION OF STUDY:

Medical physiology/human physiology in Nigeria is a 4-year undergraduate course, but rumours had it that during the last meeting of all physiology students in Nigeria, that it would be a 5- year course but not yet into law. Medical/human physiology is under the faculty of basic medicine/medical sciences in the college of medicine of every school offering physiology. Students admitted in this department starts with the premedical college courses or the natural sciences they did in high school.

PROFESSIONAL BODIES GOVERNING THE STUDY OF PHYSIOLOGY:

• SPAN(STUDENT'S PHYSIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA)

• PSN (PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF NIGERIA)

• PACPN( PRACTICING CLINICAL PHYSIOLOGIST OF NIGERIA)

The meaning of physiology has been defined as well as other important facts about physiology, so after physiology what next? 

AFTER PHYSIOLOGY WHAT NEXT?

Listed below are five points regarding what to do after bagging a degree in physiology,if you want to specialise in the fields of physiology.

1. INTERNSHIP:  

   
   
   

The most basic thing

You can do is look for internship opportunities, whether you have decided to be become a clinical physiologist or an academian (research). Put your CV together, be bold And walk into hospitals for internship opportunities, for your research,you can meet any of your lecturers. 

2. BE DEDICATED:

You have decided to pursue a career in medical physiology and have secured an internship, congratulations! This is an opportunity to practice all you've been taught as an undergraduate, expose yourself to various clinical and academic opportunities available to you. Be open to learning new practices, impress your co-workers and employees. Read up as you learn. Be committed!

3. GO FOR NYSC

 Your nysc year can be your internship year, however make sure they the organisation is in agreement with it. This is an opportunity to further improve on your skills, whether clinical or research. As you approach the end of your internship, you should have an idea on what area of Medical physiology you would like to specialise in.

4. SEARCH FOR JOBS: 

Congratulations! You have completed your nysc,now you either have one (if your nysc year was your internship) or two ( if you had separate years for both) years of experience working as a clinical physiologist or Research assistant. Bravo! Begin your search for job opportunities if you're lucky, your current employee might retain you which will result in a more permanent position, if not, your search begins.

5. JOIN A COMMUNITY: 

Finding a community provides a unique safe space for growth and development. It also serves as an opportunity to connect with industries of the same background and interests. Join professional bodies that govern the practice of clinical physiology In Nigeria. 

The different steps of becoming a better medical/human physiologist have been made available. Keep functioning as a physiologist.