Interests: Building, Helping, Thinking
Career Cluster: Healthcare and Medicine
Education Level: Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree
A pulmonologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of conditions that affect the respiratory system. This includes diseases and disorders of the lungs, bronchial tubes, and other parts of the respiratory tract, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, pulmonary fibrosis, and pneumonia, among others.
What is a typical day as a Pulmonologist?
– Diagnosing respiratory conditions through patient evaluation, physical examinations, and diagnostic tests.
– Interpreting test results alongside patient history to determine the underlying cause of symptoms and develop appropriate treatment plans.
– Develop comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific needs and condition.
– Provide ongoing management and care for patients with chronic respiratory conditions sometimes collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
What else might they be expected to do?
– Perform various interventional procedures like bronchoscopy, to diagnose and treat respiratory disorders.
– Provide care for critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units (ICUs).
– Engage in research to advance the understanding and treatment of respiratory diseases.
– Educate patients about self-management strategies and symptom control.
What type of training is needed for this career path?
– Become a licensed Medical Doctor (Graduate of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery plus 1 year internship)
– Pursue a Master of Medicine in Internal Medicine or Paediatrics (3 years) plus 2 years supervised post training practice.
– Undertake a minimum 2 year fellowship in Pulmonology from a recognized institution plus 1 year supervised practice.
What kind of personality is needed to excel in this career path?
– Analytical with high attention to details: For interpreting complex diagnostic data and monitoring subtle changes in patient conditions.
– Suited low-moderate extraversion due to the interpersonal nature of patient/client engagement.
– High Agreeableness: Collaborating with other healthcare professionals.
– Emotionally stable: Required working in a high stakes environment. High risk of emotional exhaustion.
What kind of interests do people in this career path have?
– Engaging in problem-solving and research. (Thinking)
– Performing hands-on procedures and using medical equipment. (Realistic)
– Supporting and helping people (Helping)
Holland Codes: Thinking (I), Building (R) and Helping (S).
Are there any innate skills or aptitudes required?
– Fast working memory to enable one to make swift but calculated decisions in emergencies.
– High interpersonal communication to be able to inform, educate and encourage patients and their loved ones.
– Adaptability: Able to handle disruption and ambiguity. E.g. planned course of action may change based on patient reaction. You may be called to respond to emergencies.
What challenges can I expect to face if I pursue this career path?
– Resource limitations: Especially in rural or underfunded healthcare settings.
– High patient load: Leading to potential burnout.
– Exposure to infectious diseases: Necessitating stringent safety protocols.
– Continuous learning: Keeping pace with advancements in respiratory medicine.
What are the job prospects for this path in Kenya and Africa? What about International prospects for a Kenyan citizen?
– Kenya & Africa: – Opportunities in teaching hospitals, private clinics, and research institutions and Engagements in public health initiatives and policy development.
– International: Potential roles in global health organizations, research collaborations.
What should I focus on if I choose to pursue this career?
– Subject selection must include Biology and Chemistry, Math or Physics at senior school level.
– High grade requirement for all Medical programs locally and abroad.
– Gain exposure by volunteering at Healthcare facilities to ascertain interest.
Which other careers or job roles can I progress to?
– Interventional Pulmonologist
– Critical Care Specialist
– Sleep Medicine Specialist