MBBS in Abroad
Ensure Education  Logo
||Medicine||
Pulmonologist : Job Description and Responsibilities
carrier
Written by Mumtaj Khan
Mar 31, 2026

Pulmonologist : Job Description and Responsibilities

Pulmonologist also called Pulmonary Disease Specialist is a medical practitioner who has specialized in the area of pulmonary (Lungs) medicine - a subspecialty of internal medicine-. These specialist medical practitioners are trained to both be able to diagnose and treat diseases of the lungs and disorders and abnormalities of the lungs and cardio-pulmonary system comprised of heart, lungs, blood vessels, and all the organs that cooperate to enable a person breathe in a bid to take in oxygen that achieves the oxygenation process of the blood.

The job description of pulmonologists involves treatment of breathing disorders but can also prescribe medication of issues such as sleep disorders, severe allergies and other lung related problems and diseases other than giving the patient critical care medicine during their stay in ICU.

Most lung diseases increase and are currently the most prevalent medical conditions due to the habits of smoking, infections caused by unhealthy diet and eating habits, and genetics. Probably tens of millions of individuals are in need of medication with lung disease. This has augmented the demand of qualified Pulmonologists.

The right type of people to become successful Pulmonologists by attaining the necessary qualification is the aspiring candidates who possess good knowledge and have the capacity to work odd hours and have the passion to treat the patients.

Qualifications to qualify as Pulmonologists

Educational Qualification

Individuals who would like to join as Pulmonologists should have a 51/2 years degree of MBBS with 2-3 years M.D. (Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine) course.

Pulmonology career guide: How to become a Pulmonologist?

The aspiring candidates must go through the steps that are given below so as to become a Pulmonologists.

Step 1 : Students who have already appeared or who are presently appearing in + 2 ( Physics, Chemistry and Biology as core subjects) must appear in an Medical Entrance Tests which are conducted by the various state and independent bodies, such as PMT, taken by Punjab Government and AIPMT (Pre Medical Test) taken by the CBSE to admit students in various medical institutions under it. Some of the best ranking medical facilities such as AIIMS, PGI, GMCH, AFMC Pune etc. carry out the separate test. These are exams which are usually conducted in the month of May-June.

Step 2 : One is required to take mandatory training after the completion of four and half years of MBBS degree course and one year and six months after the completion of this course, one must take Post Graduate Medical Entrance Tests such as All India Post Graduate Medical/Dental Entrance Exam and Jawaharlal Institute of Post-graduate Medical Education and Research Entrance Exam. Nevertheless, not all institutes will accept the admission solely on the basis of the marks got on MBBS course and work experience of candidates.

Step 3 : Once 2-3 years of M.D.(Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine) course is successfully completed and the necessary registration is taken by the Medical Council of India, then the aspiring Nephrologist can secure employment in well-known Government and Private Hospitals such as AIIMS etc. Pulmonologist with good entrepreneurial ability can also start their own Clinic and offer services to the patients.

Pulmonologist Job description

The job description of pulmonologists involve the identification and management of illnesses, ailments, and malformations of the lung and cardio-pulmonary system that comprises the heart, lungs, blood blood vessels etc. They also carry out and interpret tests and procedures, overseeing and controlling special services and facilities, including critical care or respiratory care units, respiratory care techniques and services, as well as respiratory physical therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation unit.

Career Prospects of Pulmonologists

The high rate of increment in the patients who have been inflicted with pulmonary diseases has been escalating the needs of specialist Pulmonologists in the recent past. Therefore, the future of Pulmonologist seems to be rather promising in the future. Budding Pulmonologist have good prospects not just in the department of pulmonary medicine in the reputable Hospitals such as PGI and AIIM but also in the Hospitals such as MAX and Forties. In addition to this, the young Pulmonologist is also allowed to establish his or her own clinic. These specialists have a good opportunity in securing teaching employment in various medical schools. The other alternative that is best to the genius in the field is research.

Pulmonologists Salary

In Government sector, pulmonologists can expect to earn almost Rs.40,000 to Rs.50,000, according to his experience and expertise. In addition to these, they are entitled to other benefits that are related to it, including free accommodation, health insurance, pension, paid vacation, sick days, and holidays among a flexible work schedule. The range could be between 70,000-80,000 per month to Pulmonologists working in the Corporate sector. Pulmonologists who have an outstanding track record of operating their own clinic can earn a lot more.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Pulmonologist is a medical specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases related to the lungs and respiratory system, such as asthma, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
A Pulmonologist diagnoses respiratory conditions, treats lung diseases, performs procedures like bronchoscopy, manages critical care patients, and advises on respiratory health.
Important skills include clinical diagnosis, patient care, critical thinking, communication skills, and knowledge of respiratory diseases and treatments.
Pulmonologists work in hospitals, respiratory clinics, ICUs, research institutes, medical colleges, and private healthcare centers.
Categories

Register Now To Apply

EnsureEducation on
YouTube YouTube