Becoming a reputed doctor is the prime goal of every medical aspirant. The advancement in IT has opened up more roles and specialisations in medical science than before — one of them is regenerative aesthetic medicine.
Often touted as a magic bullet for various clinical applications, stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, is medically defined as the capability of renewing tissue for the lifetime of an organism. It has emerged as the latest method to help the body repair and regenerate ageing cells, tissues, and organs. It not only helps in improving or rehashing appearance, but also in repairing dysfunctional or injured tissues.
The technology is an effective treatment for neurological conditions, chronic kidney diseases, COPD and other lung diseases, liver diseases, autoimmune disorders, ophthalmolic diseases, infertility, and conditions related to orthopedics, cardiology and cosmetic procedures. It has also been identified as a potential treatment for Type 1 diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and a variety of cancerous conditions.
Over the past decade, aesthetic medicine has gained a distinct status, setting it apart from skin medicine or dermatology. It offers career opportunities not just to doctors and aesthetic physicians but also to non-medicine trained staff. Students with degrees such as MBBS and above, BDS, BAMS, MTech, PhD and MSc can apply for the course. The course modules include orthobiologics, aesthetics for face and genital, PRP therapy, bone marrow stem cells, adipose derived stem cells and metabolic medicine.
Demand
According to industry reports, the stem cell therapy market in India is estimated to reach ₹2 billion in 2018, owing to the growing number of stem cell banks and stem cell depositors. Liberalisation of stem cell research and government support are also strong driving forces.
India has established itself as a major player in biotechnology across the Asia Pacific region, alongside giants such as Japan and South Korea. Bengaluru in specific is a major hub for work related to stem cells. Experts also estimate that the country’s investment in stem cell research would be more than ₹1,000 crore. The rise in popularity has resulted in a need for skilled and trained manpower.
Lucrative career
One of the major factors contributing to the growth of the field is the rapidly rising ageing population. Researchers have identified an increase in the number of aged people spending on therapeutics and medicinal services. Since regenerative medicine has been identified as a potential cure for conditions such as heart diseases, cancer, diabetes and so on, medical students pursuing courses in the field can opt for mainstream specialisations such as cardiology and neurology. However, using ‘in-demand' technology to offer patients more refined and effective treatment will add an edge.
Additionally, doctors and medical students graduating in dermatology can enhance their dermato-surgical skills with training in regenerative medicine. Although cosmetology and aesthetics are thriving as lucrative career options, students with additional knowledge of regenerative aesthetic medicine can also work in consonance with a multi-disciplinary team to help victims of burns and accidents. Students can also opt for careers in quality, research and development, production, clinical research, supply chain and human resources, finance and administrative functions.
The writer is the founder of CosmoStem Institute Of Regenerative Aesthetic Medicine, New Delhi.
