Drawn by the promise of flexible hours, high earning potential and the ability to help patients’ look and feel their best, a growing number of medical students are forgoing traditional path of plastic surgery and instead pursuing careers in the booming field of aesthetic medicine. These future doctors are betting big on the rapidly evolving world of cosmetic treatment and procedures.

“I was myself inspired by the rapidly increasing demand for aesthetic surgeries, the availability of advanced tools and the significant presence of aesthetics on social media. The procedures are less time-consuming, improve quality of life, and carry fewer complications. Moreover, the income potential is considerable,” Dr Firdous Khan, a plastic and cosmetic surgeon, explained.

Contrast this with the perspective of a doctor from the critical care field, Prof Dr Tahmeedullah, director of Burns and Plastic Surgery Centre, who outlined the challenges as thus: “Critical care medicine is incredibly demanding, with long hours, high-pressure situations and emotionally challenging cases that can lead to burnout and stress. Additionally, the financial rewards aren’t always sufficient with the effort and dedication required.”

According to the statistical data provided by the burn centre, 40 per cent of male doctors choose medicine and allied specialties, while only 2 per cent specialise in intensive care, a demanding field. In contrast, 30 per cent opt for surgical specialties. Among female doctors, 50 per cent prefer gynaecology, but one-third leave the profession after marriage due to societal pressures.

Burn injuries are a major health concern in Pakistan, particularly in the public sector where specialised units are scarce.

No recent data could be accessed to determine the number of burn patients in Pakistan annually but according to a 2016 published report “Severity of burn and its related factors”, there is high annual incidence of burn injuries in Pakistan, approximately 1,388 per 100,000 compared to an estimated global annual incidence of 110 per 100,000.

This issue is pronounced in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where the limited number of burn centres places an enormous burden on existing facilities and staff, increasing the stress and demands on critical care professionals.

These pressures and the demanding nature of critical care are prompting many fresh medical graduates to reconsider their career choices. With aesthetics offering a seemingly more attractive alternative, the trend is shifting.

Nazia Khan, a recent medical graduate, chose to pursue a career in aesthetics shared her motivations. “The field of aesthetics allows for a balance that I find appealing. The hours are more regular and the stress is significantly less compared to critical care. There’s also a creative aspect to aesthetics that resonates with my personal interests and pastimes,” she argued.

Across the board, there is a striking trend in plastic surgery, where 70 per cent of doctors prioritise cosmetic procedures over reconstructive surgeries, reflecting societal trends and the growing demand for aesthetic enhancements.

Social media has also come to play a crucial role in shaping these career choices. Dr Firdous pointed out to the growing demand for aesthetic procedures. “Nowadays, even the uneducated demand aesthetic procedures, having learned about them through platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram,” he remarked.

“This visibility helps drive the demand, making aesthetics a more attractive field for incoming doctors,” he said.

Furthermore, added the doctor, most aesthetic procedures were less energy-intensive and could be delegated to trained staff, allowing the doctor to rest. “This ease of operation and minimal post-procedure complications significantly sway decision-making for those choosing between critical care and aesthetics,” he maintained.

However, Dr Tahmeed had had an advice and a message of inspiration for those who might still be considering this challenging field: “If you’re drawn to the intensity of critical care, the constant challenge of problem-solving, and the deep satisfaction of helping patients through their most vulnerable moments, then a career in critical care might be the perfect fit for you.”

As new doctors weigh their options, the differences in lifestyle, potential income and personal fulfillment stand out severely between these fields. Aesthetic medicine promises a certain lifestyle and professional ease that critical care cannot, marked by its structured chaos and intense demands but it is the critical care where the human soul, empathy and passion lies.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2024