Courses Overview : Doctorate Of Medicine In Nephrology(MD - Nephrology)

What is a Doctorate Of Mdicine In Nephrology?

Nephrology is a study about the normal kidney function and kidney disease, kidney transplantation and the treatment of kidney disease, etc. It covers systemic conditions affecting the kidneys such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases and other systemic problems that occur as a result of the problems of kidney such as hypertension and renal osteodystrophy etc. A physician who has studied about the nephrology programmes, taking additional training and becoming certified in nephrology is called a nephrologist

There shall be a uniform entrance examination to all medical educational institutions at the Postgraduate level namely ‘National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test’ for admission to postgraduate courses in each academic year and shall be conducted under the overall supervision of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

Statement of Objectives.

1. To provide the candidate with the latest, scientific and evidence- based Knowledge pertaining to the above-mentioned areas in Nephrology.

2. To impart the Skills to practice independently in the above areas of Nephrology and to to the practice of these skills in a graded manner and under suitable supervision to a point where the candidate is capable of practicing these skills independently.

3. To inculcate in the candidate an Attitude of responsibility, accountability and caring; to empower the candidate with a good and sound foundation of Ethical Values in the practice of Urology; and to develop in the candidate the ability to effectively Communicate with patients, peers, superiors, and the community in the discharge of his/her clinical role.

4. To plan and carry out research in this specialty

Course Content - DM Nephrology.

1. Training full time in-service basis on the residency pattern.

2. To impart a sound training in the diagnosis and management of patients.

3. During residency, the candidate shall take part in all the activities of the department including inpatient, outpatient care, laboratory and investigative works up, lectures, seminars, presenting scientific views in conferences, group discussions and various other clinical and teaching assignments under supervision of qualified nephrologist.

4. Didactic teaching activities will include lectures, seminars, clinical presentations, journal clubs and topic discussions.

5. Practical teaching and learning activities will involve case presentations, demonstrations, imaging, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures and such other related activities.

6. Additional teaching and learning activities will include:

a. Visits to other institution of excellence as and when needed

b. Visit to laboratories, diagnostic facilities, affiliated clinical units and other areas, as may be deemed necessary from time to time.

c. Attending continuing Education programs, Seminars, Conferences, and Workshop in furtherance of course objectives.

d. Presenting papers, topics, lectures, posters and similar activities to peer groups in furtherance of the learning and objectives of the course.

e. lectures covering the recent advances in all aspects of renal diseases would be delivered by faculty. In addition to these teaching from external faculty will be facilitated.

f. Bio ethics, ethical issues in transplantation including "Human Organ Transplant Act 1994 and revised law".

Research:

Each candidate will be required to undertake research under the guidance of the faculty. They will be required to submit a research plan within 6 months after joining the course and submit a Project Report not later than 2 years after joining the course. In addition, the candidate will participate in all the departmental research activities.

Highlight

Course Subjects

The courses of Nephrology are quite diverse and they rope in all the important components of medicine. There are several levels of Nephrology courses to suit the requirements and interests of the candidates who wish to pursue a career in the medicine. Candidates can choose from the plethora of Nephrology courses and select the programme which suits them and their higher goals the best. Some of the most popular courses of Nephrology are given below. 

Bachelor Courses:

MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery): It is a four and a half year programme with the eligibility criteria of minimum class XII or equivalent class passed with physics, chemistry and biology subjects.

Master Courses:

MD in General Medicine: You can apply for an MD (General Medicine) programme after completing the MBBS degree. It is a three years duration course. It is a postgraduate degree in medicine dealing with kidneys and diseases related to it. 

Doctoral Courses:

Doctor of Medicine (DM) in Nephrology: After completing the postgraduate degree, you can apply for DM in Nephrology or DNB in Nephrology. The duration of this course is three years. After getting the required registration from MCI, you can practice as a Nephrologist.

Nephrology Courses Subjects and Syllabus

After studying the subjects at following levels the practitioner must be capable of producing standard. Let’s have look at the subjects taught at different levels

Syllabus and Course Structure

Main subjects covered in the discipline are:

• Assessment of Renal Disease
• Basics of Kidney
• Pharmacology and Drug
• Fluid and Electrolyte Disorders
• Epidemiology and Risk Factors
• Pediatric Nephrology
• Glomerular Disease
• The Kidney in Systemic Disease
• Tubular Disease
• Chronic Interstitial Disease
• Urinary Tract Infection
• Renal Stone Disease
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
• Special Problems in CKD
• Dialysis (Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis)
• Renal Transplantation
• Inherited Renal Disease 
• Structural and Congenital Abnormalities

Students pursuing the course are required to work on the assigned research project under the guidance of a senior teacher, the result of which shall be formulated and submitted in the form of a thesis. This thesis needs to be submitted at least 6 months before the theoretical and clinical/ practical examination. It is examined and evaluated by a minimum of 3 examiners from the department.

Career Prospects

Due to an increase in kidney diseases in recent times, there is a huge demand of nephrologists coming up in private clinics and dialysis centers. Successful postgraduates of the course, besides going for job opportunities, may choose to opt for teaching jobs in medical colleges. The other avenue that can be explored is research in nephrology. Average monthly remuneration offered to such postgraduates ranges between INR 50,000 to 60,000 in the government sector, and INR 80,000 to 1,00,000 in private hospitals.

Some of the popular employment areas for MD in Nephrology are:

• Hospitals and Clinics – (government and private)
• Academic Institutions
• Private Clinics
• Government Agencies

MD in Nephrology postgraduates are hired in capacities such as:

• Nephrologist
• Head Nephrology
• Assistant Professor
• Nephrology Specialist
• Dialysis Medical Officer
• Product Specialist
• Consultant to Physician

Scope of Nephrology in India and Abroad

The scope of Nephrology is very vast and wide in India as well as Abroad. Candidates can work in various government/private hospitals. You can also work in Nephro-care centres. Numbers of job opportunities are offered in India. The demand of hospitals or increase in the number of health care centres will directly lead to the demand of doctors of various specializations. So, you can find a number of jobs in this profession. Some of the positions offered to them include:

• Nephrologists
• Pediatric Nephrologist
• Surgeon
• Transplant Nephrologist
• Nephrology Specialist
• Urologist
• Intervention Nephrologist
• Dialysis Medical Officer
• Consultants
• Professor

Academic Options

After obtaining the first postgraduate degree, i.e.MD/MS/DNB, one can go for further specialization in medical or surgical fields.

Listed here are some of the popular job positions offered to successful postgraduates of the discipline with the corresponding job descriptions and salaries offered.

 Top Institutes Offering MD in Nephrology

The average tuition fee charged in India for MD in Nephrology may go up to INR 25 lakhs for private institutes, but is as low as INR 5000 for AIIMS.

Listed below are some of the best institutes in India that offer MD in Nephrology:

Job Profiles and Top Recruiters

Candidates after pursuing Nephrology courses are provided with a wide variety of career opportunities which are going to be available for them. Some of the profiles are:

• Nephrologists
• Pediatric Nephrologist
• Surgeon
• Transplant Nephrologist
• Nephrology Specialist
• Urologist
• Intervention Nephrologist
• Dialysis Medical Officer
• Consultants
• Professor

Working Area:

• Research centres
• Kidney centres
• Organizations
• Rehabilitation Centres
• Dialysis centres
• Medical centres
• Hospitals
• Colleges

Recruiters:

• Narayana Medical College
• Nephrocare Health Services Pvt.Ltd
• Apollo BSR Hospital
• Panacea Biotec Limited
• Max Super Speciality Hospital
• Claris Lifesciences Limited

Average Salary

The salary package after completing the degree in nephrology programme will vary depending upon the type of job. A fresh graduate can begin his/her career from a salary package ranging between Rs. 2 to 3 lakhs per annum depending upon the company and the candidate’s skill sets. Candidates having experience and skill set will be on advantage as their package can be set high. While the candidates aspiring for jobs in publishing houses and advertising companies can have attractive packages between Rs 4 lakhs to 5 lakhs per annum. Below are the major job profiles after doing B.A programme with average salary package.

Admission Process For Doctorate Of Mdicine In Nephrology?

Generally, in most of the colleges and institutes offering the course, admission is provided based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance test, conducted at any of State and national levels, followed by a subsequent round of counselling.

The round of counselling involves two additional rounds of Group Discussion and Personal Interview, wherein candidate’s general aptitude for the course is examined. A merit list is subsequently released issued by the institute allocating available seats to the qualifying candidates.

1. Migration Certificate (No objection certificate from the University last attended)
2. Passing/Degree certificate of the last qualifying degree examination
3. Mark-list of the last qualifying degree examination
4. Character certificate (from the head of the Institute from which the student has obtained his qualifying degree.
5. Documentary proof for date of birth
6. Gap certificate (if applicable)
7. Research Proposal *
8. No objection certificate from the employer (if employed)

Eligibility for Doctorate Of Mdicine In Nephrology

Candidates aspiring for admission to the course are required to fulfill the following minimum eligibility criteria.

• Post-graduation (MBBS or equivalent degree),completed from an institute recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or any of the State Medical Councils.
• A minimum aggregate score of 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) at the level of post-graduation.
• 1- year compulsory rotating internship.

• Preferably, a minimum of 12 months of professional experience, as most reputed institutes prefer candidates with work experience.

Entrance Exam Pattern For Doctorate Of Mdicine In Nephrology

The test has duration of 180 minutes. The paper has 200 MCQ’s and negative marking for each erroneous response.

How to Prepare for Nephrology Entrance Exams?

Nephrology is the medical branch that includes the study of the functioning as well as the ailments that can possibly afflict the kidneys. Individuals who treat people with this malady are described as Nephrologists. Graduates of medicine can opt for Nephrology as their area of specialty when they go for advanced studies. This article will tell you on how to prepare yourself for the Nephrology Entrance Exams. 

General Guidelines for Preparing For Nephrology Entrance Exam:

Applicants must have a good understanding and interest in biology. They can test their knowledge by attending entrance tests. Being focused on their study plans will help them get good knowledge about the subject they have chosen. Apart from this, they can also conduct small research in the internet for information regarding the exam and other details. One advice to the students is to always read. Reading will not only increase your familiarity with the topic but also you will be able to remember it at the exam time.

How To Prepare For Doctorate Of Mdicine In Nephrology

The Health Survey and Development Committee, popularly known as the Bhore Committee, in its report published in 1946, recommended very strongly the establishment of a national medical centre at Delhi which will concentrate on training of highly qualified teachers and research workers in order that a steady stream of these could be maintained to meet the needs of the rapidly expanding health activities throughout the country. After the attainment of independence the Union Ministry of Health proceeded to implement this challenging idea and a magnificent grant of one million pounds by the Government of New Zealand through the Colombo Plan helped to translate the idea into reality. An act of Parliament in 1956 established the All India Institute of Medical Sciences as an autonomous institution of National importance and defined its objectives and functions.

Common Counseling:

There shall be a common counseling for admission to all Postgraduate Super specialty Courses (DM/ M.Ch.) in all Medical Educational Institutions on the basis of merit list of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test.

Period of Training:

The period of training for obtaining DM/M.Ch Degrees shall be three completed years including the examination period.

Migration:

Under no circumstance, Migration/transfer of student undergoing any Super Specialty course shall be permitted by any University/ Authority.

Staff - Faculty:

Only those teachers who possess 6 years teaching experience out of which at least 2 years teaching experience as Assistant Professor gained after obtaining the higher specialty degree shall be recognized post graduate teacher.

No teacher shall be considered as a postgraduate teacher in any other institution during the period till the postgraduate course at the institute which has been granted permission considering him as a postgraduate teacher is recognized u/s 11(2) of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.

Minimum staff required (Super-Speciality):

1- Professor

1- Associate Professor

1- Assistant Professor

1- Senior Resident

2- Junior Resident

Training programme:

All the candidates joining the Post Graduate training programme shall work as ‘Full Time Residents’ during the period of training and shall attend not less than 80% (Eighty percent) of the imparted training during each academic year (Academic Term of 6 months) including assignments, assessed full time responsibilities and participation in all facets of the educational process.

No candidate shall be permitted to run a clinic/work in clinic/laboratory/nursing home while studying postgraduate super specialty course. No candidate shall join any other course or appear for any other examination conducted by this university or any other university in India or abroad during the period of registration. Every institution undertaking Post Graduate training programme shall set up an Academic cell or a curriculum committee, under the chairmanship of a senior faculty member, which shall work out the details of the training programme in each speciality in consultation with other department faculty staff and also coordinate and monitor the implementation of these training Programmes.

The training programmes shall be updated as and when required. The structured training programme shall be written up and strictly followed, to enable the examiners to determine the training undergone by the candidates and the Medical Council of India inspectors to assess the same at the time of inspection.

Post Graduate students shall maintain a record (log) book of the work carried out by them and the training programme undergone during the period of training including details of surgical operations assisted or done independently by M.Ch. candidates. The Record (Log) Books shall be checked and assessed periodically by the faculty members imparting the training. During the training for award of Degree / Superspecialty in clinical disciplines, there shall be proper training in Basic medical sciences related to the disciplines concerned; so also in the applied aspects of the subject; and allied subjects related to the disciplines concerned. In the Post Graduate training programmes including both Clinical and Basic medical sciences, emphasis has to be laid on Preventive and Social aspects. Emergency care, facilities for Autopsies, Biopsies, Cytopsies, Endoscopy and Imaging etc. shall also be made available for training purposes.

The Post Graduate students shall be required to participate in the teaching and training programme of undergraduate students and interns. Training in Medical Audit, Management, Health Economics, Health Information System, basics of statistics, exposure to human behaviour studies, knowledge of pharmaco – economics and introduction to nonlinear mathematics shall be imparted to the Post Graduate students.

The teaching and training of the students shall include graded responsibility in the management and treatment of patients entrusted to their care; participation in Seminars, Journal Clubs, Group Discussions, Clinical Meetings, Grand Rounds, and ClinicoPathological Conferences; practical training in Diagnosis and Medical and Surgical treatment; training in the Basic Medical Sciences, as well as in allied clinical specialitites.

The training programme shall be on the same pattern as for M.D. / M.S. in clinical disciplines; with practical training including advanced Diagnostic, Therapeutic and Laboratory techniques, relevant to the subject of specialization. Postgraduate Superspecialty Residents in Surgical Specialties shall participate in Surgical operations as well. A postgraduate student of a postgraduate degree course in super specialities would be required to present one poster presentation, to read one paper at a national/state conference and to present one research paper which should be published/accepted for publication/sent for publication during the period of his postgraduate studies so as to make him eligible to appear at the postgraduate degree examination