• An exclusive interaction with Dr. Shimi on MBBS realities, MD Pathology, and career clarity

Interview by Amita

Many students dream of becoming doctors, but very few truly understand what happens after NEET — during MBBS, postgraduate specialisation, and the long journey that follows. To bring clarity to students and parents, EduAdvice spoke with Dr. Shimi, a senior pathologist with over 15 years of experience in diagnostic healthcare.

Dr. Shimi has completed MBBS and MD in Pathology and is currently associated with Metropolis Healthcare. She has previously served as a Laboratory Director at CRL Diagnostics and has also been associated with Dr. Lal Path Labs. In this candid conversation, she breaks common myths around NEET, MBBS life, pathology, work-life balance, and career stability.

From School to Specialisation: Dr. Shimi’s Journey

Dr. Shimi shared that her inclination toward medicine began after Class 10, when she chose Biology over Mathematics and pursued PCB. After years of focused preparation, she cracked CPMT and entered medical school.

“During MBBS, I gradually developed an interest in pathology. I enjoyed academics, diagnostics, and understanding diseases deeply. That’s when I decided to choose MD Pathology,” she explained.

Biggest Mistakes NEET Aspirants Make

According to Dr. Shimi, the biggest mistake NEET aspirants make is treating the exam as a do-or-die situation.

• “Students feel that if they crack NEET, life is set — and if they don’t, everything is over. That is not true. NEET is a marathon, not a survival test,” she said.
• She highlighted alternative pathways such as BDS, AYUSH, biotechnology, genetics, research, BSc–MSc–PhD routes, and government research careers — stressing that excellence and specialisation matter more than the initial entry point.

Confidence When the Path Feels Unclear

Dr. Shimi credited consistent study habits, emotional resilience, and parental support for helping her stay confident.

“Even if things don’t work out as planned, it’s okay. There are many doors in healthcare. Parents must support the child’s struggle, not just their marks,” she added.

MBBS: Expectations vs Reality

She addressed the glamorous perception of MBBS head-on.

“White coats look attractive from outside, but inside medical school there are dissections, repeated exams, failures, and constant pressure. MBBS is not glamorous — it requires consistency and hard work.”

Why Pathology?

Dr. Shimi chose pathology for three main reasons:

• Strong interest in academics and teaching
• Deep involvement in disease diagnosis
• Better work-life balance compared to many clinical branches

“Pathologists are called ‘doctors of doctors’. Around 70% of medical decisions depend on pathology reports,” she explained.

Understanding Pathology in Simple Words

Pathology plays a central role in patient care, even without direct patient interaction.

“Doctors often wait for pathology reports to start, change, or stop treatment. It’s an overlooked branch, but one of the most crucial ones.”

Who Is Pathology Best Suited For?

Pathology is ideal for students who:

• Love academics and diagnostics
• Prefer minimal emergency duties
• Seek long-term work-life balance
• Are interested in research, AI, and digital health

“Unlike many clinical branches, night duties reduce over time, and part-time options are available,” she noted.

Career Opportunities After MD Pathology

Dr. Shimi described pathology as a stable and diverse long-term career, with opportunities in:

• Medical colleges (academics & teaching)
• Corporate hospitals and diagnostic chains
• Government services
• Independent laboratories
• Research and innovation

AI, Automation & the Future of Pathology

Addressing fears around technology, she clarified:

“AI will not replace pathologists — it will assist them. Digital and AI-driven pathology will make reports faster, more accurate, and more reliable.”

Is It Okay to Enter MBBS Without Clarity?

“Yes,” she said firmly.

“Clarity develops over time. Parents must reduce pressure and understand that NEET or MBBS is not the end of the world. Support is more important than ranks.”

One Honest Advice for Students & Parents

Dr. Shimi addressed a major misconception about earnings in medicine.

“Medical students start earning during internship itself. Compared to many peers, doctors begin earning early. Medicine is tough, but it is not financially unrewarding forever.”

For parents, her message was clear:
“This is one of the toughest exams your child will face. Be cooperative, supportive, and remind them that many good options exist — even beyond MBBS and even abroad.”

Conclusion

This insightful conversation with Dr. Shimi highlights that success in medicine is not defined by NEET alone. With patience, adaptability, and parental support, students can find fulfilling and stable careers across diverse healthcare pathways.

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