@marimphil wrote:
what is the pros & cons of this field? what is the curriculum ? why passing DNB CET is not a prerequisite for this speciality ? ....
IT TRAINS A STUDENT TO BE A GOOD FAMILY PHYSICIAN. IT IS THE NEED OF THE DAY IN TODAY'S TIMES OF SUPERSPECIALISATION.
DNB-CET IS NOT REQUIRED BECAUSE MBBS IS SUFFICIENT TO ENROLL FOR DNB IN FAMILY MEDICINE-NR(NEW REGULATION).FURTHER SPECIALISATION CAN BE DONE IN EMERGENCY MEDICINE, GERIATRICS & DIABETOLOGY.
DR.A.J.PAIDHUNGAT.
AT PRESNT, THESE ARE THE AVAILABLE SPECIALISATIONS THAT I HAVE MENTIONED.THE DNB BOARD IS LIKELY TO EXPAND THESE OPTIONS FURTHER IN FUTURE, AS THE NEED OF OUR COUNTRY IS TO HAVE GOOD FAMILY PHYSICIANS, WHO TREATS THE PATIENT AS A WHOLE & NOT WITH A TUBULAR VISION THAT SOME SUPERSPECIALISTS HAVE.
ABOUT DNB MEDICINE, IT CERTAINLY GIVES YOU MORE OPTIONS IN SUPERSPECIALISATION THAN DNB FAMILY MEDICINE, BUT HOW LONG CAN ANYONE GO ON STUDYING?A DOCTOR BECOMES ALMOST 35, BY THE TIME HE SETTLES DOWN IN HIS PRACTICE, AFTER DOING HIS SPECIALISATION+ SUPERSPECIALISATION!
FAMILY MEDICINE ALREADY HAS EXCELLENT OPTIONS ABROAD & VERY SOON IT WILL BE THE SAME IN INDIA AS WELL.MANY COMPANIES THAT WANT HEALTH CHECK UP FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES+ FAMILY ARE NOW OPTING FOR THIS BRANCH, AS SUPERSPECIALISTS ARE TOO BUSY FOR DOING ROUTINE CHECKUP & FOR TREATING SIMPLE HEALTH PROBLEMS.
I came to know in 3 yr progamme of DNB fam med , last 12 months has to worked under a DNB trainer, Is it so? if yes what kind of training it would be ? how will i get a trainer ? any idea?
IN 3RD(LAST) YEAR OF DNB FAMILY MEDICINE NR(NEW REGULATIONS) COURSE, A PG STUDENT HAS TO WORK WITH A SENIOR, RECOGNIZED GENERAL PRACTITIONER, A PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE & A POLYCLINIC FOR 3 MONTHS EACH.THE LAST 2 MONTHS ARE USUALLY GIVEN AS EXAM LEAVE IF THE STUDENT HASN'T USED UP ALL THE CASUAL LEAVE!
FOR EXAMPLE, IF YOU'RE WORKING IN BOMBAY, YOU CAN WORK UNDER THE FOLLOWING:-
1)A SENIOR FAMILY PHYSICIAN WHO IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE (MAHARASHTRA) MEDICAL COUNCIL.
2)ANY RECOGNIZED PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE IN BOMBAY DISTRICT.
3) ANY POLYCLINIC ATTENDED BY RECOGNIZED DOCTORS OF VARIOUS SPECIALITIES LIKE ENT, OPHTHAMOLOGY, DERMATOLOGY, PEDIATRICS.
IN THIS CASE, THE LIST OF REGISTERED MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS IS AVAILABLE WITH THE MAHARASHTRA MEDICAL COUNCIL.
will it be a difficult to get a senior family physician in the third year? If i could not find anyone what will i do ?
How to get postings in rural PHC ?
or these all will be taken care of the institute where i do family medicine ?jus i have to pay fee for it ..any idea?
finally the milion dollar question ..what is the pass percent of this field? I think it should be more than any other field...
The DNB Family Medicine (New Regulations) is not included in the First schedule of Medical Council of India. Act 1956.
what does it signify?
YOU CAN FIND ANY SENIOR GENERAL PRACTITIONER OF YOUR CHOICE, PROVIDED THAT THE CONCERNED DOCTOR IS REGISTERED WITH THE STATE MEDICAL COUNCIL AT LEAST.
THE PRIMARY HEALTH CENTERS WHERE YOU'LL HAVE TO WORK WILL BE THOSE WHICH ARE AFFILIATED TO THE CONCERNED HOSPITAL WHERE YOU ARE DOING DNB IN FAMILY MEDICINE.
AT PRESENT, DNB IN FAMILY MEDICINE-NR(NEW REGULATIONS), IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF MCI ACT 1956. IT IS YET TO BE RECOGNIZED BY MCI THOUGH ITS ALREADY ACCEPTED BY NBE BOARD.
THIS IS THE FIRST BATCH OF DNB-FM(NR), WHICH STARTED IN 2005, SO THE PASSING % IS NOT YET KNOWN.THE PASSING % OF DNB-FM(OLD REGULATIONS) IS SAID TO BE ABOUT 50% OR SO, I BELIEVE.
AT PRESENT, DNB IN FAMILY MEDICINE-NR(NEW REGULATIONS), IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF MCI ACT 1956. IT IS YET TO BE RECOGNIZED BY MCI THOUGH ITS ALREADY ACCEPTED BY NBE BOARD
so what ? My ug degree is registerd wid mci , i havea got a number...is that nt enof ?
I have made mymind to 90 percent to opt for family medcine...
DNB FAMILY MEDICINE-NR(NEW REGULATIONS) HAS BEEN STARTED IN JULY 2005.IT IS NOT YET RECOGNIZED BY MCI BUT IT IS NOT AT ALL UNLIKELY THAT IT WILL BE RECOGNIZED IN FUTURE, BECAUSE THE MCI RECOGNIZES THE DNB FAMILY MEDICINE-OLD REGULATIONS ALREADY.
THE SENIOR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER WITH WHOM YOU CAN WORK IN THE 3RD YEAR MAY BE CHOSEN BY THE HOSPITAL OR IF YOU KNOW A SENIOR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER WHO IS WILLING TO TAKE YOU AS AN ASSISTANT, YOU HAVE TO GET A CERTIFICATE FROM HIM/HER AFTER THESE 3 MONTHS ARE OVER, THAT YOU'VE ATTENDED 3 MONTHS WITH HIM/HER AS AN ASSISTANT, TO GAIN THE EXPERIENCE AS REQUIRED BY DNB BOARD.OF COURSE, PRIOR TO THAT, A PERMISSION FROM THE HOSPITAL WHERE YOU ARE REGISTERED IS NECESSARY.
ABOUT THE PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE, USUALLY IT IS THE ONE THAT IS AFFILIATED TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE YOU HAVE REGISTERED FOR THE DNB FAMILY MEDICINE-NR COURSE.
ABOUT THE PASS % OF DNB-FAMILY MEDICINE-NR, THE 1ST BATCH IS YET TO APPEAR, SO I SUPPOSE THAT THE PASSING MAY BE AROUND 50%, HOPEFULLY!
I am from westBengal.there is no dept. in family medicine in any govt hospital in westBengal.so after doing fm,i will not get posting in a govt hospital.
also choosing a course,fm,is not good as it's ability to give me a govt job is not known.i don't support taking family medicine.
CURRICULUM
The Principles of Family Medicine
Child and Adolescent Health
Women's Health
Adult Medicine
Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine
Sexually Related Problems
Psychiatry in Family Practice
Surgery in Family Practice
Emergency Medicine
Problems of Skin
Radiology
Medical Audit and its Administration
Certification of Cause of Death
Clinical Skills List
The following is a list of skills, which a trainee would be expected to have acquired by the end of a three year residency programme, Clearly it will not be possible to ensure that all skills are mastered in a three month programme, but they should be issued as a form of check list which the general practitioner/family physician can then ensure he masters over a period of time in clinical practice. Many of the more basic skills will already have been mastered during previous medical service, in which case the skills should be assessed for currency and proficiency.
1. Basic Skills
Observation.
Palpation.
Percussion.
Auscultation.
ENT (ORL) examination, including otoscopy.
Ophthalmoscopy.
Rectal examination.
Vaginal examination.
2. Extended Skills
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Tests of vision and visual fields.
Hearing tests.
Tests of respiratory function (including peak expiratory flow).
Vaginal examination with speculum.
Rectoscopy. Indirect laryngoscopy.
ECG examination.
Cutaneous tests.
3. Treatment Skills
Injections (intravenous; intramuscular; intradermal; subcutaneous).
Venous and vesical catheterisation.
Nasogastric and endotracheal intubation.
4. Other Treatments
Aural cleansing.
Minor surgery procedures (including incision and drainage of abscesses and cysts and extraction of foreign bodies).
Reduction of dislocations.
Immobilization of fractures.
Techniques of haemostasis.
Bandaging.
Simple techniques of rehabilitation.
Speciality wise Requirements
Internal Medicine
To be able to identify ECG changes in common situations of ischaemia and rhythm disturbance.
To read and interpret a chest X-ray.
To carry out fundoscopy in cases of hypertension and diabetes.
To carry out a rectal examination and interpret the findings.
To carry out a summary neurological examination.
Pediatrics
To carry out examination of newborn infants.
To assess child development.
To diagnose and treat urinary tract infections and to arrange appropriate follow-up.
To diagnose and treat common upper respiratory tract infections.
To recognize and manage common childhood infections.
Gynecology
To perform routine gynecological examination.
To carry out routine breast examination.
To perform cervical screening techniques.
To be able to insert an intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD).
Obstetrics
To examine the pregnant woman and to interpret the data according to the gestation of the foetus.
To be able to recognize and manage threatened abortion, premature labor and premature rupture.
To prevent and/or treat common post delivery problems.
To perform a postnatal examination.
National Board of Examinations
(Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India)
Ansari Nagar, Ring Road, New Delhi-110029.
Tel.No. 011-26589517, 26589119
NOTE:
Guidelines for the institutions/ hospitals interested in starting the DNB Family Medicine (New Regulations)
General information to the candidates on DNB Family Medicine (New Regulations)
3. List of Hospitals/ Institutions Accredited for DNB Family Medicine (New Regulations).
4. DNB TRAINING COMPLETION CERTIFICATE FORMAT
The National Board of Examinations is an autonomous organization functioning under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India. The prime objective of the Board is to conduct post-graduate examinations of high and uniform standard through out the country in 42 specialties including DNB is Family medicine. National Board of Examinations is keen to encourage family medicine as a specialty programme since it serves the needs of the society by providing comprehensive and continuing care of the patients in their own settings.
Objectives:
1) The present undergraduate medical curriculum and the internship period are inadequate to turn out well trained, safe and competent medical professionals to serve the Community Needs.,
2) Preventive, Promotive and Rehabilitative aspects which form an integral part of healthy living has lost its focus with most of the medical practitioners.
3) More than 80 percent of our population are either urban poor or Rural based. They are unable to get access to medical care facilities from existing hospitals.
4) To practice holistic medicine the treating physician needs to understand the social, cultural and economic conditions of the family.
5) Family physician needs to make optimal use of funds and Judicious selection of Investigations.
6) Family Physicians form the backbone of any health delivery system. Management of emergencies and appropriate two way referral to the specialist and back for follow up facilitate patient care.
7) The recently launched Prime Ministers “Rural Health care Mission” would require large number of doctors who are willing to serve the community needs.
Which are the Institutions eligible to apply:
1) All hospitals attached to Government and Private Medical Colleges
2) All Government hospitals including General Hospitals, District hospitals, ESI, Defence, Railways, etc
3) Any Multispeciality hospitals already accredited by the NBE (Single speciality Hospitals not eligible)
4) All Public Sector Hospitals, Corporation, Port Trust & Mission hospitals and multi speciality private Hospitals
Inspection Fee:
No Inspection fee for above categories 1,2 & 3.
For category 4, Inspection fee is Rs.10,000/- only.
What are the minimum requirements for eligibility:
The hospital should have full time consultants with Postgraduate qualifications MD/MS or DNB or equivalent. Internal Medicine, General Surgery, Ob & Gyn, Paediatrics and full time/part time/ visiting consultants in other specialities.
The hospital should have a minimum number of 50 beds (for
2 candidates) and 100 beds (for 4 candidates)
The hospital should have casuality/emergency medicine department with 24 hours service including availability of Anaesthetists and Blood transfusion services.
The hospital should have clinical Laboratory Investigation facilities viz Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, etc.
Facilities for teaching in small groups, seminars, bed side clinics.
Library with standard text books and journals and access to internet.
Eligibility criteria for the Candidates:
Any Medical Graduate with MBBS qualification, who has completed Internship and registered with MCI/ State Medical Council (age limit upto 50 years)
Any medical graduate holding P.G.diploma qualification from Indian universities and Foreign Medical graduates who have passed screening test conducted by the NBE and Registered with MCI/State Medical Council.
In service candidates from Defence Central/State Govt. or Railways Public sector institutions.
How to apply:
The Institutions which are keen on starting the programme shall fill in the forms available at NBE Office or downloaded from Internet – Complete details should be provided on Faculty members and ancillary services.
The accredited institutions shall send the names of the candidates selected for Registration with NBE
Duration of the Course:
Full Time - Three Years
Part Time - Not less than 20 hours per week
Commencement of the programme – June/December 2005
Course content and Syllabus:
The trainee will be required to do his/her postings by rotation through all the departments/speciality services in the hospital and posted to institutions outside for such of the areas not available in the Institution;
Integrated training on clinical subjects with understanding of basic sciences concerning the disease process;
The detailed structured curriculam and stepwise training schedule will be available in the NBE Website.
Stipend / Course Fee:
The institution should employ the candidates and provide clinical responsibilities of a Senior Resident and pay the remuneration for his services.
It is desirable to provide accommodation wherever it is possible.
Evaluation:
There will be no entrance test to join for the course. The Institution shall select suitable candidates with aptitude for general practice, their concern and compassion to live within the community to ensure healthy living.
The candidate will be evaluated for various technical skills, medical ethics and communication skill at the end of 12-18 months.
The candidate shall maintain a Log Book recording learning objectives, management of emergencies, complications and also submit a Thesis on Common subject relevant to general medical practice.
The candidate will be awarded credit hours for attending various academic programmes/seminars/professional conferences conducted by IMA /Professional Bodies and others.
Scope for further training:
On successful completion of DNB (Family Medicine) will be eligible to join the proposed Post Doctoral Certificate courses in Emergency Medicine, Pain and palliative care, Geriatrics, Reproductive and Child Health, Infectious diseases etc.
Core Curriculum for Postgraduates (Specialist Level)
Entry criteria
(1) Basic medical degree with internship and license to practice
medicine
(2) Other criteria may be determined on the basis of entry criteria for
other postgraduate MD courses in the country concerned
Course duration
(1) A three-year full-time course involving clinical training and a
dissertation is recommended. Candidates having intermediate level
postgraduate qualification in family medicine may be allowed to
complete the course in two years.
(2) Other regulations on the duration of training may be determined
according to other post-graduate MD programmes in the country.
(3) Exemption from specific training components (for a maximum of
six months to one year) may be given according to the regulations
of the regulatory authority.
Competencies
The following competencies listed for the diploma should be acquired in
greater depth. Family Medicine
Page 25
(1) Effective management of common diseases within the limited
resources of family practice setting.
(2) Identification of complex health problems and appropriate referral
(3) Promotion of health and prevention of disease, and support of the
national health programmes
(4) Ability to care for disadvantaged groups in the community such as
the elderly, mentally and physically handicapped persons
(5) Demonstration of knowledge of behavioural science related to
family practice
(6) Effective communication with patients, family, colleagues and
other health care workers, and community
(7) Domiciliary care and palliative care
In addition to those listed above, the following competencies must also
be acquired during the specialist level training:
(1) Ability to conduct research, and submit it in the form of a
dissertation;
(2) Computer literacy in respect of patient management, search for
medical information and use of statistical packages for analysis of
data;
(3) Ability to teach and supervise undergraduates, postgraduates and
other levels of para-medical staff;
(4) Ability to manage a wide range of common medical emergencies
in the context of family practice with evidence-based medicine;
(5) Ability to make decisions regarding the need for, and the
appropriate and cost-effective use of, modern technological
investigations and ability to interpret the results of these
investigations;
(6) Demonstrate managerial skills, develop ability to work in a team
with good leadership skills;Report of a Regional Scientific Working Group Meeting on Core Curriculum
Page 26
(7) Development of a critical mind and the ability to solve patient
problems within a particular sociocultural setting, harnessing
available community services
(8) Ability to maintain a good medical recording system, with
particular regard to a defined community, making use of tools such
as family genogram etc
(9) Being a role model in health behaviour, and the ability to organize
and actively engage in community care programmes, focusing on
promoting and maintaining health of the community including
dental health care
(10) Development in a particular area of expertise in family medicine
and contribute to new knowledge e.g., counselling for psychosocial
problems
(11) Continued professional development and contribution to national
development through knowledge management.
Content
The following areas are suggested as suitable contents for specialist level
training. Modifications may be required to suit each country’s context.
(1) Knowledge and skills for life-saving procedures
ÿ Medical
ÿ Obstetric
ÿ Paediatric, including neonatal resuscitation
ÿ Surgical
ÿ Trauma
(2) Maintaining health
ÿ Maternal and child health: Prevention, screening, health
education, nutritional guidance and immunization
· Ante-natal and post-natal check up
· Well baby clinic
· Family planning procedures Family Medicine
Page 27
ÿ Age-specific risk assessment including cancer risk
ÿ Adolescent health
ÿ Lifestyle guidance
(3) Principles of anaesthesia: local, regional and intravenous sedation
(4) Paediatrics
ÿ Growth and development
ÿ Infectious diseases
ÿ Malnutrition
ÿ Immunization
ÿ Common paediatric illnesses
(5) General Medicine
ÿ Initial management of all symptoms / health problems
ÿ Recognition, assessment, management, follow-up of all
common medical conditions in the community
ÿ Prevention and health promotion
ÿ Geriatric problems in the community
ÿ Palliative care of terminally ill patients
ÿ Poisoning
ÿ Chronic disease conditions; hypertension, diabetes, asthma,
ischaemic heart disease, obesity, epilepsy, osteoarthritis
(6) Diseases of public health importance. e.g.,
ÿ Tuberculosis
ÿ Leprosy
ÿ HIV/AIDS
ÿ STD
ÿ MalariaReport of a Regional Scientific Working Group Meeting on Core Curriculum
Page 28
(7) Reproductive and sexual health problems including HIV / STD
(8) Common dermatological problems and investigations
(9) Mental health problems in a community setting
ÿ Common psychological problems pertaining to life-cycle
ÿ Behavioural problems
ÿ Substance abuse
ÿ Domestic violence
ÿ Psychoneurosis
ÿ Anxiety and depression
ÿ Dementia
ÿ Identification of at-risk patients by age, sex and environment
(10) Orthopaedics
ÿ Reduction of simple fractures and dislocations
ÿ Trauma management
ÿ Fundamentals of physiotherapy
(11) Common ophthalmological problems, both curable and incurable
(12) Common problems in otolaryngorhinology
(13) Oral health: management of dental emergencies and preventive
measures
(14) Occupational health
(15) Radiodiagnosis: interpretation of x-rays, preparation for
radiological and imaging procedures, understanding interpretation
and limitations of other imaging technologies
(16) Hospital and practice management
ÿ Management science / organization
ÿ Management of clinics
ÿ Resource management Family Medicine
Page 29
ÿ Financial management
ÿ Accounting and auditing
ÿ Health economics and health insurance schemes
(17) Basic epidemiology and clinical epidemiology
(18) Biostatistics
(19) Information technology - information retrieval and handling,
literature searches, use of interactive CDs and computer learning
packages etc
(20) Behavioural and social sciences related to family medicine
(21) Medical education – Undergraduate and postgraduate teaching;
education of allied-health staff, community
(22) Research methodology – use of quantitative and qualitative
research methods, use of statistical packages, writing scientific
papers
(23) Critical appraisal of literature and evidence-based medicine
(24) Communication skills with patients, peers, through media and
publications
(25) Legal and ethical considerations in family practice
Procedural skills
It is recommended that specialist level trainees should acquire the following
procedural skills. Modifications may be required to suit each country’s
context.
(1) Anaesthesiology: Endotracheal intubation; intravenous access
(peripheral and central lines, venesection, intravenous infusion);
anaesthesia (local, regional, intravenous sedation)
(2) Medicine: Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and advanced
cardiac, trauma, and obstetric life supports (ACLS, ATLS, AOLS),
lumbar puncture, pleural aspiration, peritoneal aspiration, drainage
of tension pneumothorax; nasogastric intubation and lavage;Report of a Regional Scientific Working Group Meeting on Core Curriculum
Page 30
intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intradermal and
intralesional injections; intra-articular injection and aspiration; take
an ECG
(3) Obstetrics & Gynaecology: Conduction of normal delivery, making
and suturing of episiotomy, management of breech delivery and
retained placenta; repair of perineal laceration; vacuum extraction,
forceps extraction; speculum examination, cervical smear, IUCD
insertion
(4) Ophthalmology: Funduscopy, removal of foreign bodies
(5) Orthopaedics: Splinting of fractures, reduction of simple fractures
and dislocation; application of casts
(6) Otolaryngorhinology: Removal of foreign bodies from nose,
syringing of ear, nasal packing; use of otoscope
(7) Paediatrics: Resuscitation of the newborn; intraosseous infusions
(8) Pathology: Haemoglobin level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate,
total and differential leukocyte count, blood picture, routine and
microscopic examination of urine and stool; taking swabs from
various orifices and wounds; Fine Needle Aspiration; performing
Gram stain and Ziehl-Neelsen stain; microscopy of urethral and
vaginal discharge; blood sugar with glucometer; use of uristix
(9) Surgery: Assessment and closure of traumatic wounds; burns;
incision and drainage of abscess; in-growing toenails; excision and
biopsy of superficial swellings; venesection; urethral
catheterization; suprapubic cystostomy; circumcision in adults;
intercostal tube drainage; tracheostomy; screening for breast
cancer
Teaching Methods
The following teaching-methods are suggested for training at this level
(1) Group discussions, case presentations, journal review, topic review
(2) Clinical rotations in various clinical disciplines in teaching hospitals
(3) Posting under supervision of family medicine trainer Family Medicine
Page 31
(4) Rotations in peripheral hospitals
(5) Posting in University academic Family Medicine Department
(6) Work on a research project, leading to submission of a dissertation
(7) Monitoring through a log book/ portfolio
(8) Self directed learning - reading medical literature, attending CME
activitie
CMC, VELLORE: DEPARTMENT OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
PGDFM PROGRAMME: FAQ’S
1. Question: What is the name of the degree awarded on completion of the course? Can I make use
of it for my practice?
Answer: On successful completion of the PGDFM course, the candidates are awarded a
diploma – not a degree – titled ‘Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine’. Such candidates
can append ‘PGDFM (CMC, Vellore)’ to their qualifications.
2. Question: Is the PGDFM recognized by any University / MCI?
Answer: There is no statutory medical body that recognizes distance education courses in our country.
The MCI recognizes only residential courses. The 'Post Graduate Diploma in Family Medicine' course that
we offer is a distance education programme, and as such the MCI recognition is not applicable to it.
3. Question: Will holders of the PGDFM be considered for admission to MD course in Family
Medicine? Will the duration of the MD course be cut short for holders of the PGDFM?
Answer: PGDFM, by itself, does not guarantee the holder admission to the MD programme;
neither does the holders get any exemption for the course duration.
However, the PGDFM will greatly enhance your performance in any advanced course in the
line.
4. Question: When will the examinations be held? What is the syllabus for the exams?
Answer: The examinations are scheduled to be held on the last two days of the last contact
programme in a calendar year – this is usually in the month of Nov/Dec.
The format for the examination is as follows:
Theory: 100 marks: Held at the end of each year; Questions – objective type – will be set only
on the topics dealt with in the course booklets and the video-lectures presented.
Practicals: 100 marks: Held at the end of each year; As the cases handled by candidates vary
from centre to centre, the practical examinations will be set on the respective long and short
cases taken at the centres.
NOTE: To be eligible to sit for the examination, a candidate should have satisfied the minimum
attendance requirements – 70% each for the contact classes and video-lectures – and should be
current with the submission of assignments.
Question: How many case histories should we write in our log book?
Answer: Log books are written on the long and short cases discussed during the contact
programme. Ideally candidates are expected to record all the cases discussed. However,
candidates should record a minimum of 10 long cases and 5 short cases per contact programme.
Question: What happens if I miss one contact programme?
Answer: As per the regulations candidates should have 70% attendance from the total of
3 contact programme. This means that, during the two-year period, a candidate should have
attended about 21 days of contact programme out of the total number of 30days.(10days X
3Sessions)
1 of 27. Question: What is the schedule followed on a typical contact programme day?
Answer: 8.00 A.M. to 9.00 A.M. - 1
st
Video-lecture and tele-conference
9.30 to 11.00 A.M. - 1
st
case study session,
11.30 A.M. to 1.00 P.M. - 2
nd
case study session
1.00 to 2.00 P.M. - Lunch break
2.00 P.M. to 3.30 P.M. - 3
rd
case study session
4.00 to 5.00 P.M. - 2
nd
video-lecture
Note: Video-lectures will be held exactly as per the schedule shown here; the schedule for case
studies, however, may vary slightly from centre to centre.
Question: Is there any upper age limit for admission to the PGDFM course?
Answer: No.
Question: How can I enroll myself for the PGDFM Course? How can I receive a copy of the
prospectus and application form?
Answer: Please log on to www.home.cmcvellore.ac.in ; click on the link to ‘PG Diploma in
Family Medicine’ given under JOBS & TRAINING and then on Prospectus or application form
as you require. All details reg. the next batch commencing in Jan. 2009 is given in the
prospectus.
However, if you do not have access to the internet, please send a DD for Rs.200/= payable at
Vellore payable to CMC Vellore Association, and then we shall send a copy of the Prospectus
and Application Form to you.
PROSPECTUS 2012
Postgraduate Diploma in Family Medicine (PGDFM)
For recent MBBS Graduates working in secondary hospitals
towards expertise in secondary level care
INTRODUCTION
A unique and distinguishing feature of the Christian Medical College Vellore (CMC) is its linkage with the
large and widespread network of mission hospitals located mainly in semi-urban and rural areas and aiming to
serve disadvantaged communities. With inpatient strength of between 20 and 200 beds, these hospitals deliver
broad based clinical services to their local communities. The majority of students in CMC are sponsored by
these hospitals and have undertaken to serve in them for two years immediately after graduation. CMC
recognizes that its raw medical graduates face arduous challenges and difficulties during this service period but
also that this can be an unusual learning experience for them. Graduates from other Medical Colleges also such
as Christian Medical College, Ludhiana, St.John’s Medical College Bangalore and Government Medical
Colleges also work in rural Hospitals after their MBBS. The PGDFM course is for the recent MBBS graduates
is CMC’s response to the challenge of equipping the MBBS graduates, from CMC and other medical colleges
working in secondary hospitals for competent and satisfying engagement with secondary level health care while
also availing of its educational opportunities. At the professional level, the graduates need to become proficient
in broad based multicompetent secondary level care including outpatient work and the handling of demanding
emergencies. They need to be skillful in a variety of medical and surgical procedures in the diverse fields of
medicine. At the same time they also need the distinctive orientation characteristic of Family Medicine. The
graduates also face a variety of other problems such as academic and social isolation, lack of opportunity for
learning, difficulty in translating learning from a tertiary care level to secondary level, lack of procedural skill
competence and administrative problems.
The Course was started in 2007 as a one year Fellowship Programme, the Fellowship in Secondary Hospital
Medicine and then upgraded to the Programme Diploma in Family Medicine in 2010.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
All graduates completing MBBS including internship during or after 2010.
Selection Preference will be given to the following in order of preference:
1. Those completing both MBBS and internship at CMC and have a service obligation to
their sponsoring bodies.
2. Those completing both MBBS and internship at CMC but do not have a service obligation.
3. Those who completed MBBS elsewhere but completing internship at CMC.
4. Those completing MBBS in other medical colleges
Under category of 2-4, all the students should have commitment of work a minimum of 1 year in either A.
Mission hospitals B. Government sector C. Private hospitals. Preference will be given to students in that order.
Applicants should not be currently doing a PG course and should not be planning to do a PG course in the next
one year.
THE COURSE FORMAT AND CONTENT
Duration: The Integrated PGDFM is of 18 months duration. Candidates have to complete the course within
three years from the date of enrolment.Commencement: The course will commence as from April 1, 2012
THE CURRICULUM OF DISTANCE EDUCATION
1. Design
This course is designed as 13 Modules. An average of six hours per week will be needed to complete the
booklets in the above time period.
2. Organization of booklets. The learning material is presented in a system-based manner. MBBS graduates
have sufficient background knowledge to use the problem-solving approach employed in this course, starting
with the presentation of the patient. The modules challenge the student to give answers, think of options, and to
apply the knowledge that they have just learnt. The teaching module is followed by answers to the questions
posed during the module. This instant feedback helps the student to go back over the material if he/she has
doubts. At the end of each module, a tutor marked assignment has to be submitted as a form of continuous
formative assessment. Suitable additions will be made to the above curriculum appropriate to the secondary
level care. The student should periodically and promptly submit assignments according to the schedule. These
are graded and are part of the assessment.
ASSIGNMENTS
Candidates will be required to complete the assignments which are based on the MCQs (Multiple Choice of
Questions) and SSAs (Short Structured Answers) for each module of the course within the stipulated dates. The
concerned Faculty of the
Module will evaluate the assignments for the purpose of awarding the Diploma.
CONTACT PROGRAMS
During the 18 months there will be three Contact Programmes:
S.No Contact Program Content Dates Venue
1. Contact Session – I
Discussions on Approach to
clinical
problems / Case discussions /
teaching
to transfer skills such as ECG, Xray
interpretation/ discussions on
ethics, /
transfer of procedural skills.
August
2012
(7 Days)
CMC
Vellore
2. Contact Session – II
Content similar to contact session
1.
In addition students perform
examination – I
Theory & Practical Examination
February
2013
(7 Days)
CMC
Vellore
3. Contact Session –
III
Examination – II
Theory, Practical exam and
Project Presentation
August
2013
(3 Days)
CMC
VelloreContact program timings: The scheduled timing for each day of the contact program is 8 am to 6 pm with a
one hour break for lunch. Saturdays 8 am to 1pm and Sunday holiday.
The purpose of the contact programs
1. To see a wide range of clinical cases
2. Learn some specified skills (both procedural and clinical skills)
3. Imbibe attitudes which will improve professional conduct
4. To augment theory knowledge base
5. Clarification of doubts
6. To present project work and meet with project guide
7. Student networking and meeting with faculty
Skipping Contact sessions
A candidate who is unable to attend the contact session will have to complete the same session in the following
year period.
EXAMINATIONS
1st Examination
This will be conducted during Contact Program 2 at CMC (February 2012).
Based on subjects covered in booklets 1 to 6 (see Appendix I)
a) Theory MCQ: 100 marks
b) OSCE: 10 stations: 100 marks
The following would be the content of the OSCE stations: X-rays/ ECG, pictorial material, patient management
problems, instruments, communication skills, history -taking stations.
2nd Examination
This will be conducted during Contact Program 3 at CMC (August 2012).
Based on booklets 7-13 (see Appendix I) and video-lectures shown
a) Theory: MCQ: 100 marks
b) OSCE: 10 stations: 100 marks
The student will be permitted to take the respective examinations only after completion of following:
1) Full Attendance of preceding contact sessions
2) Submission of all assignments, and obtaining a satisfactory grade. (50%)
3) Submission of Project Plan and Final Project at the stipulated time
AWARD OF DIPLOMA
The Diploma will be awarded to candidates who fulfill the following criteria:
A score of not less than 50% in theory and practicals separately.
A minimum of 75% attendance in contact programs and completion of requirements
Satisfactory completion of Project work
Satisfactory completion of the tutor marked assignments with over all 50% of marks in the distance
course
PAYMENT OF FEES
The total fee for the entire course is Rs.10, 000/ payable in two equal installments.
1st installment of Rs.5000 is to be paid on admission to the course the last date being 24 th March 2012, but
can be extended on request.
2nd installment of Rs.5000 is to be paid at the time of the Second Contact course in Feb 2013Course fee, and any other payments, must be paid either by Banker’s Cheque or Demand Draft drawn on a
Vellore Bank in favour of ‘Christian Medical College Vellore Association’.
ADMISSION PROCEDURE
No. of seats - Maximum seats available: 60
Application
The application form can be downloaded from the CMC website or can be collected in person from the
Curriculum Office, ASHA Building or the Department of Distance Education, 4th Floor, IDTRC office above
State Bank of India Building. The selection process will greatly depend on the written application. Hence
the candidates are advised to fill in the application carefully. The last date for submission of completed
application is 10th March 2012
Announcement of Selections and subsequent formalities
The list of selected candidates will be published on the CMC website on 15th March 2012. Students should
submit their acceptance letter and make payment of 1
st
installment of fees by March 21. Selected candidates will
be called for a one day orientation program available on the 24th of March 2012, according to the
candidate’s preference. Those who cannot attend should make arrangements to participate through
video-conferencing. On admission, the candidates will be allotted a unique admission number. This number
will be used as a unique ID of the candidate for all purposes related to the course. The candidates must quote
their admission number in all their correspondence with the course office. After joining their respective
hospitals of work, the candidate should send in the Needs Assessment form and the Project Work Form within 6
weeks. The last date for submission of these forms is 7th May 2012.
CONTACT DETAILS
Email ID: [REMOVED]
Phone Nos. 0416-228 3617, 0416-228 2804
Mailing address:
The Course Coordinator (PGDFM)
Infectious Diseases Training and Research Centre (IDTRC),
4th Floor, SP complex, SBI building,
No.3, Ida Scudder road,
Vellore - 632 004, Tamil Nadu.
Change in address
Any change in your address or phone no. or email ID should be intimated to us immediately by email or post.
SIGNIFICANT DATES
Activity Dates
Last date for submission of filled in application 10
th
March 2012
Publishing of the list of selected candidates on the CMC website 15
th
March 2012
Submission of acceptance letter and payment of fees (1st installment) 21
st
March 2012
Orientation session 24
st
March 2012
Submission of Needs assessment form and the project work form 7
th
May 2012
Appendix - I
Contents of Distance Education booklets
Module # Module name
1-1 Ambulatory obstetrics
1-2 Emergency obstetric care
1-3 Anaesthesia for obstetric
emergencies
2-1 Common Paediatric problems &
Paediatric emergencies
2-2 Neonatology
3 Surgery
4-1 Primary trauma care
Break for CC- I
4-2 Orthopaedics
4-3 Rheumatology
5-1 Infectious Disease
5-2 Poisoning
6-1 ENT
6-2 Eye
7-1 Respiratory problems
7-2 Palliative care
8-1 Endocrine problems
8-2 Rational use of medicine
9-1 Psychiatric care
9-2 Preventive health
9-3 Medical ethics
Break for CC- III
10 Nervous system
11-1 Cardiovascular
11-2 Renal syndromes
12-1 Gastroenterology
12-2 Haematology
13-1 Dermatology
13-2 TB
13-3 Geriatrics
COURSE FACULTY DETAILS
Name ( Dr.) Department
Sara Ninan Anesthesia
Ommen George Cardiology
Sunil Chandy Cardiology
Suresh David Accident & Emergency
Sneha Titus Child Health - III
Leni Kumar Child Health
Peter Prasanth Child Health
Manish Kumar Child Health
Joy Mammen Clinical Pathology
Sujith Chandy Clinical Pharmacology
KR John Community Health
Daisy Singh Community Health
Jasmine Prasad Community Health
Shanthi Dani Community Health
Reginald Alex Community Health
Dincy Peter Dermatology
Leni George Dermatology
Sony Endocrinology
Simon Rajaratnam Endocrinology
George A Mathew ENT
Ajoy Mathew Varghese ENT
Noel walter Forensic Medicine
AJ Joseph Gastroenterology
Uday George Zachariah Gastroenterology
Prince Christopher LCECU
Venkatesh LCECU
Kiruba Vasantha David LCECU
Anand Zachariah Med I
Alice Joan Mathuram Med Unit 1
Dilip Mathai Med Unit 4
Abhilash Med Unit 4
Natasha Edwin Med Unit 4
J.V. Peter Medical ICU
Shalini Anandan Microbiology
Binu govind Neonatology
Alice George Obs & Gyn
Jiji Mathew OG
Aarthy Simha Ophthalmology
Smitha Jasper Ophthalmology
Anil Ommen Orthopedics
Manish Nithyanath Orthopedics
Ebor Jacob PICU
Kala Ebenezer PICU
Elvino Barreto Plastic surgery
KS Jacob Psychiatry
Barney Isaac Pulmonary Medicine
DJ Christopher Pulmonary Medicine
Betty Radiology
John Mathew Rheumatology
Kishore Pitchamuthu SICU
Pritish John SICU
M.J Paul Surgery
Amit Patel Surgery
Jachin Velavan Distance Education
Course Organizers
Anand Zachariah Medicine 1
Rashmi Vyas Physiology
Course Coordinator
Yoga Priya Medicine 1
lot of confusion about dnb family medicine... dnb family medicine taken in cet councelling is recognised by mci r not... Wats difference between seats taken in cet councelling n dnb family medicine new regulation without cet pass certificate... if no difference Wats the purpose us writing cet n then taking seat... I'm really frustated guys... I'm in depression y nbe do like this...? plz share ur feelings who plan to take dnb family medicine....
Why you people are so confused. If you had thoroughly gone through the CET brochure this confusion would have nipped in the bud. From 2011 without cet you CANNOT take family medicine even if it remains unfilled by cet counselling. No hospital can advertise for family med seats after counselling even after it reamins unfilled.
It has been recognised by MCI this year and thats the reson MD seas in Family Medicine will start from this year.
Well dear they will definitely call you if the seats are left vacant. yup mostly you will get Family Medicine bcoz none of the so called intelligent and knowledgeworthy seniors golden words to their juniors will be
" first y are u doin dnb"
and then
" family medicine pagal hai kya isse achha 3 saal MO ship kar le"
and blah blah blah and in the end they end up doing a general practice bcoz they cannot have enough patients of their speciality.(HARSH TRUTH and IRONY IN ITSELF :p)
Anyways i m not here to criticise anybody but ya a PG degree is a PG degree whatever anybody can think of and now its back to OLD rules that is MCI recognised i think its a great oppurtunity.
my guess is you will be definitely called if not first then definitely second and most likely if you are brave; will bag a DNB (FM) seat.
I did some "googling" to know why DNB in fam. med. is not included in the first schedule of MCI act 1956, and some information that may be relevant is as follows:
“As per views reflected by Medical council of India in a reply to RTI filed in 2009 in this regard, DNB family
medicine (New rules) is not a recognized qualification and not eligible to become faculty in family
medicine….
The doubtful/derecognized status of DNB FM new rules is one of the greatest apprehensions in the minds
of those who have already joined DNB family medicine under new rules. This initiative has also posed
doubts in the minds of prospective candidates (especially young doctors) and thereby poses grave
challenge to the future growth of the specialty of family medicine in India….
The move to bring DNB family medicine under “new rules” by NBE and declaring that it is not included in the first schedule of MCI act was arbitrary, uncalled for and done without following legal procedures only to assert autonomous status of NBE….”
Following list of institutes offering DNB in fam med may be helpful. However, an exhaustive list can be had from NBE web site:
1) - Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals,
Sarita Vihar, NEW DELHI - 44 Delhi Family Medicine
2) - Sir. Ganga Ram Hospital,
Rajinder Nagar,NEW DELHI-60 Delhi Family Medicine
3) - Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital, Sector - 6,Rohini, NEW DELHI - 85
4) - Sir Harkishen Das Nurottam Hospital & Res. Centre,
Raja Rammohan Roy Road,MUMBAI-04
5) - Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital,
R-3 Road, Somajiguda, Hyderabad-82 Andhra Pradesh
6) - G R Hospital, COIMBATORE Tamil Nadu
7) - The Bangalore Hospital, 202 Rastriya Vidhyalaya Road,
BANGALORE-04 Karnataka
you may contact the following hospitals in Andhra Pradesh ;
1-Bollineni Super Speciality Hospital, Dargamitta, NELLORE-03 Andhra Pradesh
2-Care Hospital, Exhibition Road, Nampally, HYDERABAD, Andhra Pradesh
3-Siddharth Medical College, VIJAYAWADA Andhra Pradesh
4-Yashoda Super Speciality Hospital, R-3 Road, Somajiguda, Hyderabad-82 Andhra Pradesh
however, as mentioned earlier, an exhaustive list can be had from NBE web site.
Posts: 1
Participants: 1
Read full topic