How to Become A Medical Scientist In South Africa

Medical scientists design and conduct studies to investigate human diseases, and methods to prevent and treat them. Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

What does a medical scientist do in South Africa?

A medical scientist is someone who works to try to gain a better understanding of human anatomical processes, diseases, and related biological research. Universities, pharmaceutical and biomedical companies, and research hospitals may employ medical scientists.

Are medical scientists paid well?

An entry-level Medical Scientist with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of ₹1,599,998 based on 5 salaries.

What Medical Scientists Do

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health. They often use clinical trials and other investigative methods to reach their findings.

How to Become A Medical Scientist In South Africa

Education for Medical Scientists

Students planning careers as medical scientists generally pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology, chemistry, or a related field. Undergraduate students benefit from taking a broad range of classes, including life sciences, physical sciences, and math.

Students also typically take courses that develop communication and writing skills, because they must learn to write grants effectively and publish their research findings.

After students have completed their undergraduate studies, they typically enter Ph.D. programs. Dual-degree programs are available that pair a Ph.D. with a range of specialized medical degrees. A few degree programs that are commonly paired with Ph.D.

studies are Medical Doctor (M.D.), Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.), Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), and advanced nursing degrees. Whereas Ph.D.

studies focus on research methods, such as project design and data interpretation, students in dual-degree programs learn both the clinical skills needed to be a physician and the research skills needed to be a scientist.

Graduate programs emphasize both laboratory work and original research. These programs offer prospective medical scientists the opportunity to develop their experiments and, sometimes, to supervise undergraduates.

Ph.D. programs culminate in a dissertation that the candidate presents before a committee of professors. Students may specialize in a particular field, such as gerontology, neurology, or cancer.

Those who go to medical school spend most of the first 2 years in labs and classrooms, taking courses such as anatomy, biochemistry, physiology, pharmacology, psychology, microbiology, pathology, medical ethics, and medical law.

They also learn how to record medical histories, examine patients, and diagnose illnesses. They may be required to participate in residency programs, meeting the same requirements that physicians and surgeons have to fulfill.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Medical Scientists

Medical scientists primarily conduct research and typically do not need licenses or certifications. However, those who administer drugs or gene therapy or who otherwise practice medicine on patients in clinical trials or a private practice need a license to practice as a physician.

Medical Scientist Training

Medical scientists often begin their careers in temporary postdoctoral research positions or in medical residency. During their postdoctoral appointments, they work with experienced scientists as they continue to learn about their specialties or develop a broader understanding of related areas of research.

Graduates of M.D. or D.O. programs may enter a residency program in their specialty of interest.

A residency usually takes place in a hospital and varies in duration, generally lasting from 3 to 7 years, depending on the specialty. Some fellowships exist that train medical practitioners in research skills. These may take place before or after residency.

Postdoctoral positions frequently offer the opportunity to publish research findings. A solid record of published research is essential to getting a permanent college or university faculty position.

Important Qualities for Medical Scientists

Communication skills. Communication is critical, because medical scientists must be able to explain their conclusions. In addition, medical scientists write grant proposals, because grants often are required to fund their research.

Critical-thinking skills. Medical scientists must use their expertise to determine the best method for solving a specific research question.

Data-analysis skills. Medical scientists use statistical techniques, so that they can properly quantify and analyze health research questions.

Decisionmaking skills. Medical scientists must determine what research questions to ask, how best to investigate the questions, and what data will best answer the questions.

Observation skills. Medical scientists conduct experiments that require precise observation of samples and other health-related data. Any mistake could lead to inconclusive or misleading results.

Duties of Medical Scientists

Medical scientists typically do the following:

Design and conduct studies that investigate both human diseases and methods to prevent and treat them

Prepare and analyze medical samples and data to investigate causes and treatment of toxicity, pathogens, or chronic diseases

Standardize drug potency, doses, and methods to allow for the mass manufacturing and distribution of drugs and medicinal compounds

Create and test medical devices

Develop programs that improve health outcomes, in partnership with health departments, industry personnel, and physicians

Write research grant proposals and apply for funding from government agencies and private funding sources

Follow procedures to avoid contamination and maintain safety

Careers Related to Medical Scientists

Agricultural and Food Scientists

Agricultural and food scientists research ways to improve the efficiency and safety of agricultural establishments and products.

Biochemists and Biophysicists

Biochemists and biophysicists study the chemical and physical principles of living things and of biological processes, such as cell development, growth, heredity, and disease.

Epidemiologists

Epidemiologists are public health professionals who investigate patterns and causes of disease and injury in humans. They seek to reduce the risk and occurrence of negative health outcomes through research, community education, and health policy.

Health Educators and Community Health Workers

Health educators teach people about behaviors that promote wellness. They develop and implement strategies to improve the health of individuals and communities. Community health workers collect data and discuss health concerns with members of specific populations or communities.

Medical and Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians

Medical laboratory technologists (commonly known as medical laboratory scientists) and medical laboratory technicians collect samples and perform tests to analyze body fluids, tissue, and other substances.

Microbiologists

Microbiologists study microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, algae, fungi, and some types of parasites. They try to understand how these organisms live, grow, and interact with their environments.

What qualifications do you need to be a medical scientist In South Africa?

You’ll need:

knowledge of biology.

analytical thinking skills.

concentration skills.

to be thorough and pay attention to detail.

the ability to work well with others.

complex problem-solving skills.

maths knowledge.

excellent written communication skills.

How long does it take to become a medical scientist In South Africa?

Not including the time it takes to finish a high school degree, an individual could begin working as a medical laboratory scientist in less than five years, which includes time to complete a bachelor’s degree, obtain relevant work experience (if necessary), and schedule and pass the examination required for .

What does a medical scientist do in South Africa?

What Do Medical Scientists Do? A medical scientist is someone who works to try to gain a better understanding of human anatomical processes, diseases, and related biological research. Universities, pharmaceutical and biomedical companies, and research hospitals may employ medical scientists.

How much do medical laboratory scientists earn in South Africa?

A mid career Medical Scientist with 4-9 years of experience earns an average salary of R 20 000, while a Senior Medical Scientist with 10-20 years of experience makes on average R 27 000. Medical Laboratory Scientists with more than 20 years of experience may earn more than R 35 000 per month.

How long does it take to become a medical scientist in South Africa?

Required Qualification/s

This type of qualification should take between 3 to 4 years to complete. In addition to your qualification, it is beneficial to have as much lab experience as possible.

Are medical scientists paid well In South Africa?

An entry-level Medical Scientist with less than 1 year experience can expect to earn an average total compensation (includes tips, bonus, and overtime pay) of ₹1,599,998 based on 5 salaries.

Is a medical scientist a good career In South Africa?

Medical science is a stable career path with a great outlook. Employment in this field is expected to grow because of the high demand for specialists with this kind of knowledge to develop medicines and treatments that can improve human health.

How much does it cost to become a medical scientist In South Africa?

Many colleges and universities can charge R 302261.96and up per semester in tuition alone and that amount doesn’t include books, lab fees, or other supplies, not to mention living expenses.