Every year, over 23 lakh students across India prepare for the NEET-UG exam with a single, powerful dream — becoming a doctor. For many, this is seen as the ultimate life goal. An MBBS degree is often projected as a golden ticket to a secure, successful, and respected life, and the profession itself, a "golden goose" that will keep laying eggs of prosperity forever.

But beneath the glossy surface of this dream lies a harsher reality — one that very few are willing to speak about.

Who’s Selling the Dream — and Why?

We’ve been told that a career in medicine is among the noblest and most rewarding. But who creates this narrative? More often than not, it's those who stand to gain from it: owners of private medical colleges and a section of elite doctors who run large hospitals and clinics.

For them, each aspiring doctor is a potential customer, not a future colleague. They sell the MBBS dream hard — often to children and families who invest everything, emotionally and financially, to make it happen. In some cases, doctors themselves push their children into medicine, not for passion, but to pass on a legacy, a business, or a name.

The Disillusionment Begins Early

Fast forward a few years. The student becomes a doctor. But the reality doesn’t look anything like the dream.

Temporary jobs, low-paying contracts, and long shifts are the norm.
Many MBBS graduates earn less than ₹60,000/month, often without job security.
The work is exhausting, and the learning curve steep — yet there’s little mentorship or growth.

The emotional toll of this disillusionment is high. Many doctors begin to question their choices — and some walk away entirely.

The Great Escape: Doctors Leaving the Profession

While data is limited, estimates suggest that over 20,000 Indian doctors emigrate every year, looking for better working conditions and lives abroad. A similar number abandon medicine altogether — switching to IT, law, UPSC, MBA, politics, or family business.

Here’s a sobering thought: You’ll never hear of an IAS officer, lawyer, or politician preparing for NEET to become a doctor. But doctors leaving medicine? It’s common. If MBBS is such a golden goose, why does everyone want to escape?

The truth is simple — the return on investment for an MBBS degree is low. Emotionally, financially, and professionally, many doctors feel undervalued and trapped.

The Trap of Never-Ending Specialization

For those who stay, the next trap awaits — the push for specialization and superspecialization.

MBBS alone isn’t enough, you’re told. So doctors invest years and lakhs more to become MDs, DM/MCh super-specialists. The outcome? Frustrated neurosurgeons, CTVS specialists, and other highly trained professionals often reduced to clerical roles — writing discharge summaries, collecting samples, or waiting endlessly for their turn in the operating room.

Instead of respect and recognition, many face depression, burnout, and even suicidal thoughts.

If You’re Already Inside the System…

Let’s say you’re already doing MBBS. Is it all doom and gloom?

Not at all — but you need to stop playing the same broken game.

Here’s a practical plan:

Finish your MBBS.

Do four house jobs — one each in medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and ENT or obstetrics/gynaecology.

Do this in a high-volume, government, non-academic hospital.

Then, start general practice.

Yes, general practice. It might not sound glamorous, but here’s what it gives you:

Independence and real clinical exposure.
Decent earnings — often more than many specialists.
Work-life balance and fewer loans.
Respect from patients — the kind of respect that comes from healing people, not just holding degrees.

A Message for Aspiring Doctors and Parents

If you or your child is dreaming of MBBS because society told you it’s the best — pause and question the narrative.

Medicine can be a beautiful calling. But it’s not a guaranteed success story. It’s hard, often thankless work. And in today’s medical ecosystem, unless entered with clarity and purpose, it can drain more than it gives back.

It’s time we stopped treating MBBS like some elite badge and started recognizing the real challenges doctors face every day — low pay, long hours, high burnout, and systemic neglect.

Let’s Break the Silence

At Medicos Legal Action Group (MLAG), we’re committed to telling the truth, no matter how uncomfortable. We believe doctors deserve fair working conditions, honest guidance, and emotional support — not romanticized propaganda.

We’re here to advocate, support, and protect those who dare to see beyond the illusion.

If you’ve already taken the leap into medicine, don’t let the system swallow your joy. Take control. Choose wisely. And most importantly, don’t lose yourself trying to live someone else’s version of success.

Dr. Neeraj Nagpal
Managing Trustee
Medicos Legal Action Group Trust
9316517176
hopeclinics@yahoo.com
https://mlag.in

The Myth of the MBBS Dream: Chasing the Golden Goose