The roles in healthcare involve many more besides doctors and nurses. As the coronavirus continues to spread, we introduce some lesser-known, but no less important, medical positions available
When someone says “medical field”, we tend to immediately think of doctors and nurses. But while these are the two most well-known medical professions, the healthcare field is a wide one with a whole spectrum of occupations.
In light of the Covid-19 outbreak, the importance of good healthcare cannot be overstated. Such a medical system requires not just doctors and nurses, but many other professionals in between who keep things running smoothly and ensure that all patients get the best care.
If you are looking to explore options within the sector, we’ve rounded up five less well-known yet pivotal healthcare positions:
A Medical Social Worker (MSW) supports patients and their families while they recover from, or adjust to, acute or chronic medical conditions. They focus on improving their mental and physical well-being to achieve self-reliance, and often help reduce the burden of patients and their families from incurred social and healthcare costs.
Fields of Practice:
- Geriatrics / Nephrology / Oncology / Psychiatry
- Trauma Work
- Grief and Bereavement Counselling and Palliative care
- Case Management
- Individual Psychotherapy, Marital Counselling and Family Mediation and Therapy
- Group Work
- Community Network and Advocacy
- Research and Teaching
Salary Estimate: Approx $3000 – $5000/month
Diagnostic Radiographers use a wide range of techniques to produce radiographic images of the body, which help other professionals diagnose illness or injury. Radiographers do not only use X-ray equipment, they also utilise high-end systems to process data and perform complex reconstructions in radiological investigations.
With developments in information technology in medicine, radiographers have also become involved with the technology of radiography. They may be required to produce, display, manipulate and archive images and data.
Fields of Practice:
- Dental imaging
- Fluoroscopy/Barium Examinations
- Mammography
- Nuclear Medicine
- Vascular & Interventional Radiology
Salary Estimate: Approx $4000 – $6000/month
Occupational Therapists work with people with a range of conditions, such as physical disabilities or mental/social problems, to improve their quality of life and facilitate independent living. Normally, occupational therapists will work with a person to design a treatment programme based on the individual’s unique lifestyle and preferences. This could include activities, talk therapy, or even modifications to the environmental surroundings of the person.
Fields of Practice:
- Burns and Plastics Rehabilitation
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
- Driving Assessment and Rehabilitation
- Occupational Health and Ergonomics
- Oncology Rehabilitation
- Orthopaedics Rehabilitation
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation
- Paediatrics and Child Development
Salary Estimate: Approx $3000 – $5000/month
Physiotherapists use a variety of treatments, such as exercises, thermotherapy, and electrical stimulations, to help patients regain their original physical state. They work closely with other medical practioners to help a patient achieve movement and independence, while reducing the risk of future injury. They also offer advice on home activity, return to sport and progression of treatment.
Fields of Practice:
- Burns and Plastics Surgery Rehabilitation
- Cardio-respiratory Physiotherapy
- Chronic Pain Management
- Child Developmental Assessment/Therapy
- Gerontology
- Care of the elderly
- Neurological Rehabilitation
- Head injury, stroke and neurological diseases
- Orthopaedics
- Paediatrics, Child Developmental Assessment/Therapy
- Sports Physiotherapy
Salary Estimate: Approx $3000 – $5000/month
Optometrists are eye care practitioners who provide a wide range of primary eye care services. These include visual examinations, and prescription of optical appliances to correct vision problems. Optometrists also diagnose vision problems and eye diseases and refer patients to an ophthalmologist for further treatment where necessary.
Fields of Practice:
Under the Optometrists & Opticians Act, the acts or activities constituting ‘Optometry’ or ‘the practice of Optometry’ are specified as follows:
- Refraction
- Prescribing of optical appliances
- Detecting abnormalities of the eye using the following methods:
- binocular vision tests;
- ophthalmoscopy or fundoscopy;
- retinoscopy;
- slit-lamp examination;
- tonometry; and
- visual field testing
- Any other type of practice of eye care which is part of the practice of Opticianry
Salary Estimate: $4000/month
*Information on job descriptions is taken from the Ministry of Health website.
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