Pulmonologist
Doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the lungs and the rest of the respiratory system.
Overview
A Pulmonologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats diseases of the respiratory system i.e., the lungs and other organs that aid in respiration.
Where they work
- Government Hospitals
- Private Clinics
- Speciality Hospitals
- NGOs
Work environment
You have to work for at least 8 to 9 hours and for 5 to 6 days a week. Shift duties may be there. Overtime is common. Entrepreneurship: you can set up a private clinic.
Opportunities for work exist for differently abled in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like to help others
- You pay attention to details while working
- You like to analyse problems/situations
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
- 1Complete 10 + 2 in the Science stream (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- 2Complete a Bachelor's degree (M.B.B.S.)
- 3Complete a Bachelor's degree, followed by a Master's degree (M.D./D.M.) in Pulmonology/Respiratory Science/Respiratory medicine.
- 4For admissions, you must clear entrance exams such as NEET conducted by NTA, NEET PG conducted by NBE, NEET MDS conducted by NBE, AIAPGET conducted by NTA and so on.
Forms, exams and applications
NEET (conducted by NTA), NEET PG and NEET MDS (conducted by NBE), AIAPGET (conducted by NTA) and similar. Check the official notification for current eligibility and dates.
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by the Department of Medicine. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand
- Aryabhatta Knowledge University, Patna, Bihar
- Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Seth GS Medical College, Mumbai, Maharashtra
- Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Amalanagar, Thrissur, Kerala
- Basaveshwara Medical College, Chitradurga, Karnataka
- Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra
- Christian Medical College, Vellore, Tamil Nadu
- Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhuj, Gujarat
- Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Medical Intern
- 2Pulmonologist
- 3Pulmonary surgeon
Related careers to explore
General Physician
Qualified doctor who examines patients, diagnoses illness, prescribes medicine and refers to specialists.
Cardiologist
Medical expert in the care of the heart and blood vessels, including heart rhythm and heart failure.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to helping people.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Dr. Vijayalakshmi Thanasekaraan — A renowned Pulmonologist in Chennai who currently practices at Sri Ramachandra Medical Centre, Porur, Chennai. For the past 33 years, Dr. Vijayalakshmi Thanasekaraan has worked as a Lung Specialist and gained proficient skills and knowledge in the area. Dr. Vijayalakshmi Thanasekaraan has pursued degrees of MBBS, DTCD and MD in General Medicine, later focusing on Pulmonology.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 1, printed page 415 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Skill=Pulmonology/Salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The card places Amala Institute of Medical Sciences, Amalanagar in New Delhi; it is in Thrissur, Kerala, and the location is corrected here. Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry (a central-government institute) is printed under private institutes.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.