Understanding the Hierarchy in Medical Colleges

Hello, future doctors! If you’re stepped into the medical world, and are new to it. If you just heard words like ‘resident’, ‘MO’ and are confused about what they mean, you have come to the right place.

The hierarchy in medical colleges can be quite complex. I come from a non-medical background and I was very confused about the hierarchy in medicine too. So to help any of you who are feeling the same way, I have tried to describe the various roles in the medical system.

We will start from the students up to the top administrative positions.

1. Medical Students

That’s you! You’re here to learn. You’ll spend the first 4.5 years as a student, trying to balance between lectures, practicals, and clinical postings. This is how every doctor begins their journey, at the bottom of the hierarchy.

First-Year to Final-Year Students should-

• Attend lectures, practicals, and postings.
• Give exams and clear them.

2. Interns

After completing your 4.5 years of academic study, you (medical students) enter the internship phase. This is the first time you’ll take on responsibility for patient care. 

Interns are rookies with these responsibilities-

• Work in different departments of the hospital.
• Gain hands-on clinical exposure.
• Perform minor procedures under supervision.
• Assist in surgeries and patient care.

3. Junior Residents (JRs)

Junior Residents are doctors who have completed their MBBS and internship. They are the students who have taken admission into the college for their post-graduation studies. They are also known as PGY1 (Post Graduate Year 1) or first-year residents.

Responsibilities:

• Work under the supervision of senior residents.
• Provide patient care, perform procedures, and manage wards.
• Participate in academic activities and research.

4. Senior Residents (SRs)

Senior Residents are doctors who have completed their postgraduate studies (MD/MS). They are completing their SRship or last year of residency in the hospital. They are also referred to as registrars in some countries.

Responsibilities:

• Supervise junior residents and interns.
• Perform advanced procedures and surgeries that JRs might not be allowed to perform.
• Teach medical students and junior residents.
• Research

5. Assistant Professors

Assistant Professors are the faculty members who usually have an MD/MS degree and some years of experience as senior residents.

Responsibilities:

• Teach medical students, interns, and residents.
• Conduct research and publish papers.
• Supervise clinical work.
• Guide and mentor students and junior faculty members.

6. Associate Professors

Associate Professors are also faculty members who have typically spent several years as assistant professors. They are more experienced and knowledgeable.

Responsibilities:

• Teach and mentor students at all levels.
• Lead research projects and secure funding.
• Provide advanced patient care and supervise clinical activities.
• Participate in administrative roles within the department.

7. Professors

Professors are senior faculty members. They have extensive experience in teaching, research, and clinical practice. They have usually spent many years as associate professors.

Responsibilities:

• Lead academic, research, and clinical activities in their department.
• Mentor and guide junior faculty members and students.
• Develop and implement educational policies and curricula.
• Contribute to national and international medical communities through research and publications.

8. Head of the Department (HOD)

The Head of the Department is a professor responsible for overseeing all activities within a specific department. This includes the academic activities as well as the patient care. You usually need approval from the HOD for any exam or activity under that department.

Responsibilities:

• Manage the department’s administrative, academic, and clinical functions.
• Ensure the quality of education and patient care.
• Coordinate with other departments and hospital administration.
• Represent the department in college and university meetings.

9. Medical Superintendent

The Medical Superintendent is in charge of the overall functioning of the hospital attached to the medical college. They are also incharge of making the policies for better patient care in the hospital. They have at least 10 years of clinical experience.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee hospital administration and ensure smooth operation.
• Manage hospital staff and resources.
• Ensure compliance with healthcare regulations and standards.
• Liaise with government bodies and healthcare organizations.

10. Dean or Principal

The Dean or Principal is the chief administrative officer of the medical college. They oversee all  four planning pillars in the medical college, which are education, research, clinical care, and community engagement.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all academic and administrative activities of the college.
• Develop and implement policies for the institution.
• Represent the college at various forums and meetings.
• Ensure the college meets accreditation standards and regulatory requirements.

11. Director

The Director is the highest authority in a medical institution. They oversee both the medical college and the attached hospital.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the institution.
• Ensure financial stability and growth.
• Foster relationships with stakeholders, including government agencies, alumni, and industry partners.
• Promote excellence in education, research, and patient care.

Conclusion

Understanding the hierarchy in medical colleges is crucial for navigating your medical career effectively. Each role, from medical student to director, plays a vital part in the functioning of the institution and the delivery of healthcare. 

Understanding these roles and their responsibilities can help you better understand the dynamics of medical education and patient care. It can guide you in making informed decisions about your own career path.