The practice of Ayurvedic medicine was prominent in India before the advent of Modern Medicine. Still it is regarded as one of the effective medicine systems after Modern Medicine. Ayurvedic medicine secrets are mainly inscribed in Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita. Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (B.A.M.S) is an undergraduate course in Ayurveda which cover the core areas in Sushruta Samhita and Charaka Samhita. Siddha medicine system is another ancient medicine system which provides treatment for both body and mind. The inscriptions of this traditional medicinal system are in Tamil as it originated in the southern region of India. Easy availability and reasonable cost make it popular among the patients. Bachelor of Siddha Medical Sciences (B.A.M.S) is a five year undergraduate course in Siddha Medicine which enables the candidates to become Siddha medical practitioners.

B.A.M.S and its opportunities

Those who have successfully completed B.A.M.S course can work as a Medical Officer in private or government Ayurveda hospitals. Pancha Karma Centers hire the service of Ayurveda medical practitioners to provide proper ayurvedic treatment. They can also prefer private practice by starting their own Ayurveda clinics. They can enter into the field of research and work as a scientist. Herbal product manufactures recruit the candidates having B.A.M.S degree. They can apply for the drug manufacturing license after gaining two years of experience in any recognized firm. After that they can start their own drug manufacturing unit and market their medicines. Job types available for the aspirants having B.A.M.S degree from recognized university are given below.

• Nutrition expert
• Production manager
• Therapist
• Surgeon
• Ayurvedic Supervisors

B.S.M.S and its opportunities

Siddha Medicine is becoming popular among the patients due to its cost effectiveness and non toxicity compared to modern medicine. Therefore there are several career avenues available for the candidates having B.S.M.S degree. They can work in nursing homes, health centers and hospitals. Drug Research institutes and pharmaceutical companies also offer several job opportunities for the experts in Siddha Medicine. They can start their own clinics and practice as a Siddha Physician.

Key difference between B.A.M.S and B.S.M.S

The major difference between B.A.M.S and B.S.M.S is that the former focus on Ayurvedic Medicine while the latter concentrate on Siddha Medicine. B.A.M.S covers the concepts of Surgery where as only medicinal practices are discussed in B.S.M.S. Even though both of these courses focus on ancient medicine system, B.A.M.S course is more popular course among the candidates than B.S.M.S.