INTRODUCTION
When undertaking a postgraduate course in medicine, it is one of the most important steps that an individual takes towards specialization and career advancement.
In recent decades, advancements in medical technology and healthcare treatments have increased. Where an MD (Medical Doctor) or MBBS previously may have been sufficient, the current landscape requires advanced training. Pursuing an MD, MS or PG course allows for specialization into over 30 niche subjects, from cardiology, neurology, and gastroenterology to dermatology, anatomy, microbiology, etc. Further super-specialization for highly technical intervention-based care is enabled by DM and MCh degrees in upcoming super specialties.
In a diverse field like medicine, it is crucial to choose the right specialization for a fulfilling career. You can pursue an MD/MS degree, or a diploma or DNB degree that can aid in your career growth. The course duration for MD/MS is three years. You can opt for a diploma if you want a shorter route, which will earn you a degree in just two years.
CHOICE OF SCHOOL
SAIU offers a holistic approach to postgraduate medical education. Our blend of academic excellence, practical exposure, and research opportunities ensures that graduates are well- prepared for successful careers in the medical field. SAIU offers a diverse range of specializations, including cardiology, dermatology, surgery, and internal medicine. Our goal is to cater to the varied interests and career aspirations of our students. Our emphasis on creating well-rounded professionals has established us as a premier institution in the field of medical education.
SAIU’s home hospital is the St. Vincentius Hospital in Paramaribo, Suriname. SAIU has other hospital affiliations in India, the Caribbean, and South America. Our strategic partnerships with leading hospitals and healthcare institutions ensure hands-on clinical exposure. This practical experience is integral to preparing students for the challenges they will encounter in their respective medical fields.
The tuition for participation in a PG program varies from US$ 45 thousand to US$ 55 thousand per annum. Due to the very limited number of available slots, please contact us at postgraduate@saiuniv.org for up-to-date information on what slots are available.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
The essential eligibility criteria to apply for a medical postgraduate course are:
1) Completion of MD (Medical Doctor) or MBBS degree from an accredited institute
2) Compulsory one-year (preferably two years) internship
3) Qualifying for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Postgraduate courses (NEET PG)
In addition to NEET PG, we may require conducting separate selection rounds comprising interviews and skill tests. Seat allocation is highly competitive, given the limited capacity for hands-on specialized training.
Other eligibility exams besides NEET PG are PGIMER, JIPMER PG and AIIMS PG. These entrance exams will give admission to PG courses. Postgraduate medical courses, shaped by the NEET PG framework, exhibit varying durations determined by the specialty and the education system of the respective country. Understanding the NEET PG course duration is pivotal for aspiring medical professionals.
TYPES OF PROGRAMS AND DEGREES
This overview underscores the diverse timelines associated with PG medical courses, allowing prospective students to tailor their educational journey based on their career goals and aspirations in the ever-evolving field of medicine. The two main types of medical PG course options are:
MD/MS: Doctor of Medicine and Master of Surgery Degrees. These are 3-year broad specialization courses comprising intensive coursework and residency training under senior doctors. There are many disciplines to choose from depending on availability. Amongst them are,
1) MD in Anesthesiology, Biochemistry, General Medicine, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Pathology
2) MS in ENT, General Surgery, Orthopedics, Ophthalmology, Obstetrics and Gynecology
You should possess excellent mental and physical fitness to pursue a Master of Surgery.
M.D. (Doctor of Medicine):
The Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) is a 3-year postgraduate degree, attainable after completing the MD (Medical Doctor) or MBBS program. This advanced degree focuses on non-surgical subjects and involves rigorous training for a comprehensive understanding of medical sciences.
Specializations: M.D. courses offer a diverse range of specializations, allowing students to delve into specific areas of medical expertise. Some notable specializations include Internal Medicine, Radiology, Dermatology, Anatomy, Medical Genetics, Respiratory Medicine, Anesthesiology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Nuclear Medicine, and more.
Master of Surgery (MS):
The Master of Surgery (MS) program in is a 3-year postgraduate degree designed for those seeking surgical expertise. Eligible candidates typically hold an MBBS degree and undergo specialized training to become adept and skilled surgeons.
Specializations: MS courses cater to various surgical specializations, encompassing General Surgery, Ophthalmology, Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT), Obstetrics and Gynecology, Traumatology and Surgery, Orthopaedics, Otorhinolaryngology, and more. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to provide students with a profound academic understanding and hands-on clinical experience.
Postgraduate Diploma (PG Diploma)
Apart from MD/MS, you can opt to pursue diploma courses that offer specializations in clinical pathology, anesthesia, health education, ENT, DVL, occupational health, etc. PG Diploma courses cater to those seeking specialized knowledge and skills within a shorter timeframe, making them valuable for quick career advancements. The duration is 1 or 2 years. NBE Diplomate of National Board receives hands-on training at the hospitals and the institutions in the specialization that one has opted for. The curriculum of the postgraduate medical degrees includes amongst others these components,
1) Theoretical knowledge
2) Practical and clinical skills
3) Attitudes including communication skills
4) Training in research methodology
5) Thesis skills
Super Specialization
After a PG program, you have several super-specialization programs like DM, MCh, Fellowship and PhD programs.
DM (Doctorate in Medicine) and MCh (Master of Chirurgiae):
1) Duration: 3 years
2) Reserved for those pursuing the highest level of expertise in specific medical disciplines, these programs focus on advanced clinical and research aspects.
DM refers to 'Doctor of Medicine,' and MCh refers to 'Magister Chirurgiae' degrees. These medical PG courses involve 2-3 years of super specialty training. Pursuing these equips doctors to practice, teach, and conduct research at the topmost level of their specialty.
PhD in Medical Sciences:
1) Duration: 3 to 5 years
2) For individuals aspiring to contribute significantly to medical research, a Ph.D. in Medical Sciences involves an extensive research-oriented curriculum.
Master of Public Health (MPH):
We make a special mention of the Master of Public Health (MPH) which is a degree offered by SAIU in combination with the MD program.
Overview: The Master of Public Health (MPH) is a 2-year, full-time academic program dedicated to promoting public health awareness and offering solutions to healthcare challenges. MPH programs incorporate various teaching and learning methods to impart knowledge and practical skills.
Specializations: MPH offers specializations in diverse fields, such as Epidemiology, Health Policy and Management, Environmental Health, Biostatistics, Health Education and Promotion, Global Health, Nutrition and Dietetics, Maternal and Child Health, Infectious Disease Control, Occupational Health and Safety, Health Informatics, Mental Health, and Community Health and Development.
Most popular PG Courses
Postgraduate medical courses offer specialized training and education in various medical fields. Choosing the right course can be challenging, as each course requires a different set of skills and interests. The following are the most sought-after specializations:
1) Radiology
2) General Medicine
3) Anatomy
4) Forensic Medicine
5) Gynecology
6) Pediatrics
7) Surgery
1. Radiology
Radiology is the medical discipline that uses medical imaging to diagnose and treat diseases within the body of both humans and animals. A variety of imaging techniques such as X-ray radiography, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to diagnose or treat diseases. Traditional radiology is typically the performance of minimally invasive medical procedures with guidance from the imaging technologies described above.
| Particulars | 1 Year for Certificate, 2 Years for Diploma 3 Years for Bachelor 2 Years for Master |
| Course Name | Radiology |
| Course Level | Certificate, Diploma, Bachelor, Master |
| Course Duration | 2 Years for Diploma or Master |
| Examination Type | Yearly/Semester |
| Admission Procedure | NEET PG Entrance Exam |
2. General Medicine
General medicine is the science of establishing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Medicine incorporates various healthcare practices developed to maintain and restore health through disease prevention and treatment. Contemporary medicine commonly applies biomedical sciences, biomedical research, genetics, and medical techniques to detect, treat, and prevent injury and disease through medicines or surgery, but also psychotherapy, external splints and traction, medical devices, various treatments such as biologics and ionization of radiation among others.
| Particulars | Description |
| Course Name | General Medicine |
| Course Level | Post Graduation |
| Course Duration | 2 years for the Master |
| Examination Type | Yearly/Semester |
| Admission Procedure | NEET PG Entrance Exam |
3. Anatomy
Anatomy is a field in biological science that deals with identifying and describing the anatomical structures of living things. Gross anatomy involves studying central anatomy by dissection and observation, and in its narrow sense, only the human body is concerned. “Gross anatomy” primarily refers to the study of body structures that are extensively investigated without instruments’ aid. In contrast, microscopic anatomy deals only with the task of structural units with a microscope to be seen. Dissection is fundamental to all physical research. The Greeks made the earliest record of its use, and Theophrastus dissected “anatomy” from ana, meaning “to bite.”
| Particulars | Description |
| Course Name | Anatomy |
| Course Level | Post Graduation |
| Course Duration | 2 Years for Master (MD, MS, MSc) |
| Examination Type | Yearly/Semester |
| Admission Procedure | NEET PG Entrance Exam |
4. Forensic medicine
A branch of medicine is related to applying medical knowledge to establish the facts in civil or criminal legal cases, such as the cause and time of suspected deaths. Which is also known as forensic pathology.
| Particulars | Description |
| Course Name | Forensic Medicine |
| Course Level | Post Graduation |
| Course Duration | 3 years for a Doctorate of Medicine |
| Examination Type | Yearly/Semester |
| Admission Procedure | NEET PG Entrance Exam |
5. Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Obstetrics and gynaecology are a speciality that covers obstetrics (pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum period) and gynaecology (covering the health of the female reproductive system – vagina, uterus, ovaries, and breast). It is commonly abbreviated in American English as OB- GYN or OB / GYN, and in British English as observation and gynae or O&G.
Postgraduate training programs for both fields are usually combined, whereby obstetrician gynaecologists prepare to be skilled in the health care and pregnancy management of female reproductive organs, although the interests of many doctors or subclasses develop in one area to other.
| Particulars | Description |
| Course Name | Obstetrics and Gynaecology |
| Course Level | Post Graduation |
| Course Duration | 2 years for a P.G. Diploma in Gynaecology & Obstetrics (D. G. O.) 3 Years for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Gynaecology & Obstetrics 3 Years for a Master of Surgery (MS) in Gynaecology & Obstetrics |
| Examination Type | Yearly/Semester |
| Admission Procedure | NEET PG Entrance Exam |
6. Paediatrics
Paediatrics is a branch of medicine that includes medical care of infants, children and adolescents. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends people under pediatric care up to the age of 21. A medical doctor specializing in this field is known as a paediatrician or paediatrician. It works in both hospitals, specifically working in its subspecialties such as neonatology, and outpatient primary care physicians.
| Particulars | Description |
| Course Name | Paediatrics |
| Course Level | Post Graduation |
| Course Duration | 2 years for Doctor of Medicine (MD) |
| Examination Type | Yearly/Semester |
| Admission Procedure | NEET PG Entrance Exam |
7. Surgery
Surgery is a medical speciality that employs operative manual and instrumental techniques on a person to examine or help treat a pathological condition such as a disease or injury, improving physical function or appearance or healing unwanted broken areas to do. Use The act of performing surgery can be called a surgical procedure, operation or only “surgery”. In this context, the verb “operate” means to perform surgery—the adjective surgical means related to surgery; Such as surgical instruments or surgical nurses.
| Particulars | Description |
| Course Name | Surgery |
| Course Level | Post Graduation |
| Course Duration | 2 Years for a Diploma or Master |
| Examination Type | Yearly/Semester |
| Admission Procedure | NEET PG Entrance Exam |
LIST OF COURSES
MD degrees:
- MD in Anatomy
- MD in Anesthesia
- MD in Aerospace Medicine
- MD in Biochemistry
- MD in Dermatology
- MD in ENT
- MD in Forensic Medicine
- MD in Geriatrics
- MD in General Surgery
- MD in Ophthalmology
- MD in Obstetrics & Gynecology
- MD in Orthopedics
MS degrees:
- MS Pediatric surgery
- MS Plastic surgery
- MS Cardiothoracic surgery
- MS Urology
- MS Cardiac surgery
- MS Cosmetic surgery
- MS ENT
- MS Ophthalmology
- MS Gynecology
- MS Obstetrics
- MS Orthopedics
MS requires one to possess excellent physical and mental attributes as it requires both disciplines to work in harmony during practice. It is also not for the faint of heart.
Diploma courses. Note that diploma courses don’t command the same recognition from medical institutions that MD/MS and DNB degrees provide:
- Diploma in Clinical Pathology
- Diploma in Anesthesia
- Diploma in Health Education
- Diploma in ENT
- Diploma in DVL
- Diploma in Occupational Health
- Diploma in Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Diploma in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
- Diploma in Pulmonary medicine
- Diploma in Sports Medicine
- Diploma in Hospital Administration
- Diploma in Immunohematology
- Diploma in Microbiology
- Diploma in Pediatrics
- Diploma in Psychiatry
- Diploma in Pathology
- Diploma in Nuclear medicine
- Diploma in Radiotherapy
- Diploma in Sports Medicine