SUPER SPECIALITY IN MEDICINE
In the medical field, DM (Doctorate of Medicine) and MCh (Master of Chirurgiae) are advanced postgraduate degrees that represent the highest level of specialization in specific medical disciplines. Here’s a brief overview of each:
DM (Doctorate of Medicine): DM is a specialized medical doctorate degree awarded in various medical specialties. It is equivalent to a Ph.D. and is typically pursued after completing an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or equivalent degree. DM programs focus on in-depth study, research, and practical training in a specific medical specialty such as Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, etc. Doctors with a DM degree is highly specialized in their field and often work in advanced clinical settings or academic institutions.
MCh (Master of Chirurgiae): MCh is a specialized master’s degree in surgery, equivalent to a Doctorate in Surgery (DS). It is pursued by medical professionals who wish to specialize in surgical disciplines such as Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Urology, etc. Similar to DM, MCh programs emphasize advanced surgical skills, research, and clinical training in a specific surgical specialty. Surgeons with an MCh degree are considered experts in their field and often lead surgical teams in hospitals or engage in academic and research activities.
The Following are some of the super speciality courses:
- Doctorate of Medicine (D M)
- Master of Chirurgiae (M Ch)
Doctorate of Medicine (DM)
DM is an advanced program in the medical field. A candidate successfully completing this course gets a Post Graduate Super Speciality Degree. Duration of the course is 2 or 3 years according to the specialization. The candidates enrolled in the course attain theoretical knowledge, clinical and practical skills, develop the right attitude for communication and are also trained for research methodology.
- D M (Cardiology)
DM Cardiology or Doctor of Medicine in Cardiology is a Post-Graduate Cardiology Medical course that deal with disorders of the heart. The course focuses on diagnosing and treating electrophysiology, heart diseases, heart failures, blocked arteries, coronary heart disease, and congenital heart defects.
- DM (Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology)
DM in Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology is a post graduate medical course that deals with the diseases caused by disorders of the immune system whereas Rheumatology deals with the joints, soft tissues, autoimmune diseases and heritable connective tissue disorders.
- DM (Critical Care Medicine)
D.M. (Critical Care Medicine) is a three-year postgraduate super-speciality programme that trains the students to develop proficiency in the management of the care of critically ill patients and to develop the skills required to diagnose and treat them.
- DM (Endocrinology)
Endocrinology is a branch of medicine that studies the system of endocrine and DM Endocrinology is a super-specialty postgraduate course that prepares physicians to diagnose and treat diseases relating to the endocrine system. This branch deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases that affect the human glands
- DM (Gastroenterology)
Doctorate of Medicine in Gastroenterology is a super – specialty Post Doctorate course in the field of medicine. It is a branch of medicine that deals with the diseases in the digestive tract and its various types of disorders. Physicians practising in this field are called gastroenterologists. Gastroenterologists perform a number of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures including colonoscopy, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), endoscopic retrograde, etc.
- DM (Hepatology)
Hepatobiliary disorders are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among Indians. DM Hepatology is a specialization of medicine which mainly deals with the study of Liver, Pancreas, Gallbladder and also diagnosis of diseases caused in these organs.
- DM (Medical Genetics)
DM Medical Genetics focuses on the study of disorders related to the hereditary constitution of the human genome, which are typically inherited. While there are many common genetic conditions, medical scientists are increasingly using genetics to diagnose and treat more prevalent illnesses. These include skeletal dysplasia, cardiovascular disease, dermatologic disease, and endocrine disorders.
- DM (Medical Oncology)
Medical Oncology is a branch of medicine dedicated to preventing, diagnosing, and treating cancer. It encompasses a range of treatments, including Immunotherapy, Chemotherapy, Hormonal Therapy, and Targeted Therapy, aimed at combating cancer effectively.
- DM (Nephrology)
A Doctorate of Medicine (DM) in Nephrology is an advanced postgraduate medical qualification specializing in the study and management of kidney disorders and diseases. Nephrology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of conditions affecting the kidneys and their functions.
- DM (Neurology)
Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with disorders related to the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It is often considered one of the most complex branches of medicine due to the intricacies of the nervous system. Major components of the course include Neuroanatomy, Neurophysiology, Pediatric Neurology, Neuro Radiology, Neuro-ophthalmology, Neuro Biochemistry, Neuropathology, Neuropsychiatry, Neuropsychology, Neuro Pharmacology, and more.
- DM (Pulmonary Medicine)
A Doctorate of Medicine in Pulmonary Medicine is a super-specialty post-doctorate course in the field of medicine. This comprehensive program focuses on specialized treatment for various diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep-disordered breathing, interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, occupational lung diseases, pulmonary rehabilitation, tuberculosis, lung cancers, and dedicated smoking cessation programs.
- DM (Neonatology)
D.M. Neonatology or Doctor of Medicine in Neonatology is a post-Doctoral Medicinal course. Neonatology is a sub-speciality of paediatrics that consists of the medical care of newborn infants, especially the ill or premature newborn infant.
- DM (Paediatric Cardiology)
Paediatric cardiology has indeed emerged as a distinct discipline in India, requiring specialized skills and approaches due to the unique nature of heart conditions in children. The diagnostic and management strategies often differ from those used in adult cardiology due to the developmental differences and specific challenges faced in paediatric patients. This evolution highlights the importance of dedicated training and research in paediatric cardiology to address the specific needs of young patients with heart conditions. This branch not only deals with congenital cardiac diseases but also metabolic, rheumatic and host of other cardiac diseases.
- DM (Paediatric Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology)
Paediatric Clinical immunology is a relatively new branch of medicine. It encompasses the laboratory diagnosis and clinical management of various diseases caused by disorders of the immune system either due to its failure (immunodeficiency), aberrant action (autoimmunity, allergy) or malignant growth of cellular elements (leukaemia, lymphoma) in children. The research areas of the study include Immunotoxicology/Environmental, Allergy, Autoimmunity, Transplantation and vaccines.
- DM (Paediatric Endocrinology)
The field of paediatric endocrinology focuses on hormone disorders in children and adolescents, which can be quite distinct from those seen in adults. Growth and development play a crucial role in paediatric endocrinology, and understanding how hormone disorders affect these processes is essential. Paediatric endocrinologists are trained to diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions related to hormones, growth, and development, ensuring that children receive specialized care tailored to their unique needs at different stages of childhood and adolescence. They deal in Issues with stature: short & tall stature, Issues with puberty: early & late puberty, Thyroid problems, Obesity, Diabetes, Adrenal Disorders, Conditions with atypical genitalia.
- DM (Paediatric Gastroenterology)
The specialty of Paediatric Gastroenterology developed as a Sub-Specialization of Paediatrics and is predominantly concerned with the care of paediatric patients with gastrointestinal problems. It is a branch of Paediatrics concerned with prevention, investigation and therapy of and research into diseases involving gastrointestinal disorder. It includes important structural intestinal problems specific to children. It deals with serious conditions such as gallstones, intussusception, appendicitis in children.
- DM (Paediatric Nephrology)
Paediatric Nephrology is one of the subspecialties of Paediatrics, which caters to the management of children with kidney diseases ranging from the newborn period to 18 years. The program focuses on treating all forms of kidney-related disorders, including a variety of genetic conditions and genetically-based diseases. Renal issues in children include Congenital Anomalies of Kidney and Urinary Tract, Acute and chronic glomerulonephritis of variable etiologist, Nephrotic syndrome and chronic kidney disease including a variety of genetic conditions and genetically-based diseases.
- DM (Paediatric Neurology)
Paediatric Neurology is a specialized branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of neurological conditions of children, infants and adolescents. It encompasses diseases and disorders like diseases of head, brain, spine, nerves and muscles. The conditions dealt with by paediatric neurologists vary considerably, from relatively simple disorders such as migraine or cerebral palsy through to more complex and rare conditions such as metabolic disease or neurodegenerative disorders. Basically, issues like Epilepsy, Developmental delay, Autism, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, Neuro-regression, Paediatric Strokes (Paralysis), Scholastic Issues, Headache, Vertigo, Syncope (Fainting), Peripheral Neuropathy are all dealt by Paediatric neurologist.
- DM (Paediatric Oncology)
Paediatrics Oncology is the branch of medicine that deals with the treatment of childhood cancer. This subject covers all the details, diagnosis, and treatment pertaining to childhood cancer. Childhood cancer, though rare compared to adult cancer, presents unique challenges due to the developmental stage of young patients and the distinct nature of paediatric tumours. Paediatric cancers cover a broad spectrum of malignancies, including: Leukaemia, Brain Tumours, Lymphomas, Neuroblastoma, Rhabdomyosarcoma and Wilms Tumour.
- DM (Paediatric Pulmonary and Intensive Care)
Doctorate of Medicine in Pulmonary Medicine is a super – specialty Post Doctorate course in the field of medicine. Comprehensive pulmonary medicine program includes specialized treatment of specific diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, sleep-disordered breathing, interstitial lung diseases, cystic fibrosis, occupational lung diseases, pulmonary rehabilitation, tuberculosis, lung cancers and dedicated smoking cessation program.
- DM (Addiction Psychiatry)
Addiction psychiatry is a specialized field within psychiatry that focuses on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating individuals with various addiction disorders. These disorders can involve legal and illegal drugs, gambling, sex, food, and other impulse control issues. Addiction psychiatrists are experts in substance use disorders and are trained to address the complex interplay of factors that contribute to addiction.
Advancements in addiction psychiatry have been driven by a growing understanding of the neurobiology of addiction, as well as increased federal funding for research in this area. This has led to improved treatments and interventions for substance use disorders. The field of addiction psychiatry is expanding, and there is currently a high demand for experts in this field in both private and public sectors.
- DM (Clinical and Adolescent Psychiatry)
Child and adolescent psychiatry, also known as paediatric psychiatry, is a specialized branch of psychiatry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders in children, adolescents, and their families. This field explores the biological, psychological, and social factors that contribute to the development and progression of psychiatric disorders in young individuals. Child and adolescent psychiatrists employ a range of treatment modalities, including psychotherapy and medication, to address mental health issues in children and adolescents. The goal is to improve the overall well-being and functioning of young patients and their families.
- DM (Cardiac Anaesthesia)
Cardiac anaesthesia has evolved from its primitive stage to achieve its highly advanced current state and has been recently recognized as a super-specialty anaesthesia branch in India despite its existence since last few decades. The course is designed to train candidates in the principles and practice of Cardiac anaesthesia and intensive care and also to function as faculty/consultant in Cardiac anaesthesia along with perioperative, intensive care and pain management. It is not only restricted to open heart surgeries but it also caters to all patients with diseased cardiovascular system who needs special care with advanced monitoring in the perioperative period
- DM (Cardiac Surgical Intensive Care)
DM Cardiac Intensive is a specialty in the medical field dedicated to the treatment and education of people suffering from heart and vascular diseases.
- DM (Critical Care Medicine)
D.M. (Critical Care Medicine) is a three-year postgraduate super-speciality programme that trains the students to develop proficiency in the management of the care of critically ill patients and to develop the skills required to diagnose and treat them.
- DM (Neuro Anaesthesia)
Neuro-anaesthesia is a subspecialty of anaesthesia that deals with the administration of anaesthesia for patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures. The goal of neuro-anaesthesia is to provide a safe, effective, and comfortable perioperative experience for patients undergoing procedures that affect the central nervous system, such as brain surgery, spinal surgery, or nerve procedures.
- DM (Onco Anaesthesia)
Cancer now is a major health problem in India. Anaesthesia for cancer surgery is a specialized field, and onco‑anaesthesiology has emerged as a new specialty. This specialty offers comprehensive care for oncology patients, encompassing a diverse range of services, including pre-surgical patient optimization, anaesthesia administration, critical care support, acute pain management and interventional pain management.
- DM (Neuroimaging and interventional Radiologist)
Neuroimaging and interventional radiology deal with the aspect of imaging and interventional procedure related to head and neck, brain, spine and spinal cord. Neuroimaging techniques help to analyse the structure of the nervous system as well as its functions. Neuroimaging deals with the structuring of images via techniques like computed tomography, magnetic resonance imagining, positron emission tomography and many others. Interventional radiology is committed to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer through medical imaging guidance like CT SCAN, MRI, ultrasound, fluoroscopy and others. Common examples of interventional radiology include angioplasty, tumour ablation, embolization and thrombectomy.
- DM (Histopathology)
Medical Histopathology is categorized as clinical pathology and anatomic pathology. Histopathology is the study of disciplines of microbiology, immunology, clinical chemistry, and Haematology.
- DM (Neuropathology)
Neuropathology is a specialized branch of pathology that focuses on the study of diseases of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neuropathologists examine tissue samples obtained from biopsies or autopsies to diagnose neurological disorders and understand their underlying causes. Neuropathologists play a crucial role in collaborating with neurologists and neurosurgeons to provide accurate diagnoses and guide treatment decisions. Their work is also important in forensic pathology, where they investigate brain-related conditions that may contribute to the cause of death.
- DM (Infectious Diseases)
Infectious diseases specialists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi, or prions. They play a critical role in managing infections acquired both in healthcare settings and in the community. Infectious diseases specialists are trained to identify the cause of an infection and determine the most effective treatment, which may include prescribing appropriate medications, such as antibiotics or antiviral drugs. They also work to prevent the spread of infections and may advise on vaccination strategies.
- DM (Therapeutic Nuclear Medicine)
Nuclear medicine is a multi-disciplinary practice. It focuses on using radioactive materials to identify and cure a variety of illnesses. DM therapeutic nuclear medicine involves the administration of a radionuclide to a patient. This radionuclide can be given intravenously, ingested with food, or inhaled as an aerosol. This branch has become extremely useful in determining the severity of or treat a variety of diseases, including many types of cancers, heart disease, gastrointestinal, endocrine, neurological disorders, and other abnormalities within the body. The professionals in this field employ specially designed gamma cameras that detect and image the radiations emitted by the radiotracers injected into the human body.
- DM (Gynaec Oncology)
Gynaecological Cancers (Cancer cervix, cancer uterus, tubo-ovarian cancers, vaginal and vulval cancers) comprise 25-40% of patient work load. Gynaecologic oncology is the field of medicine that aims at the early screening, diagnosis, and effective treatment of cancers of the female reproductive organs.
- DM (Medical Genetics)
Medical geneticists are physicians who specialize in the diagnosis, management, and treatment of genetic disorders. They are trained in both clinical genetics and basic science, allowing them to integrate molecular and biochemical testing with traditional clinical evaluations. This comprehensive approach helps them provide personalized care to patients with genetic conditions.
Master of Chirurgiae (MCh):
MCh is an advanced program in surgery. A candidate successfully completing this course gets a Post Graduate Super Speciality Degree. Duration of the course is 2 or 3 years according to the specialization. The candidates enrolled in the course attain theoretical knowledge, clinical and practical skills, surgical developments, develop the right attitude for communication and are also trained for research methodology.
- Vascular Surgery
Vascular surgeons specialize in the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of diseases affecting the blood vessels, known as vascular diseases. These can include conditions like May-Thurner syndrome, varicose veins, aortic aneurysms, carotid artery disease, and peripheral artery disease. They perform surgeries such as angioplasty, stenting, bypass grafting, and endarterectomy to restore proper blood flow and prevent complications related to vascular diseases.
- Breast, Endocrine and General Surgery
The Endocrine and Breast Surgery department specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the mammary glands, as well as thyroid and parathyroid disorders. The range of mammary gland disorders treated includes malignant tumours like breast cancer, phyllodes tumours, and benign tumours that are growing. Thyroid and parathyroid diseases encompass thyroid cancers and tumours, as well as parathyroid adenomas.
- Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery
The Master of Chirurgiae in Cardio-Thoracic and Vascular Surgery (MCh) is a postgraduate course in medicine that focuses on treating heart disease and thoracic organ transplantation. The Cardiovascular and thoracic surgery department deals with diseases relating to heart, lungs and blood vessels. Cardiothoracic surgeons are specialized medical experts in delivering routine to complex surgeries related to the heart, lungs, oesophagus, and other organs in the chest. Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in operating on the upper part of the abdomen. Whereas general cardiac surgeons are experts in dealing with heart-related issues only. Cardiothoracic surgeons are also called cardiovascular surgeons. Vascular surgery is the medical study or surgical subspecialty that deals with diseases related to the vascular system or circulation system outside the body. Vascular surgeons treat and diagnose veins, arteries, and lymphatic circulation in every part of the body except the brain and heart. Vascular surgeons at Kamineni Hospitals are highly skilled and experienced in offering medical therapy, minimally invasive catheters, and surgical reconstruction procedures. They also work with other physicians to address vascular-related issues to provide the most effective treatment for patients.
- Minimal Access Surgery and General Surgery
In minimal access surgery (MAS) or minimally invasive surgery (MIS), a surgeon can access various organs in the body through tiny cuts using advanced technology. This surgery is aimed at minimizing the cutting through the skin and tissues, causing less trauma to the person. MIS is a welcome change from traditional surgeries where significant cuts are made on the body. The procedure’s outcome is sometimes the same or better than conventional surgery, and the cost difference is minimal.
- Neurosurgery
MCh Neurosurgery – Neurosurgery is the surgical discipline focused on treating the patients with injury or diseases of the brain, spine, or peripheral nerves. The neurological surgeon may provide either surgical or non-surgical care, depending on the nature of the injury or illness.
- Paediatric Surgery
Paediatric Surgery involves the performance of different medical procedures for ill children. By studying paediatric surgery, candidates receive special training on dealing with birth defects and surgical techniques to be used at different stages of a child’s development.
- Surgical Gastroenterology
This course is a dedicated surgical training programme in gastrointestinal surgery which covers upper GI tract, lower GI tract and HPB surgery. Apart from surgical aspects, trainees will be exposed to gastroenterology, endoscopy, percutaneous procedures, ultrasonography and GI vascular interventions.
- Trauma Surgery and Critical Care
- Urology
Urologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive system. This includes conditions affecting the kidneys, bladder, ureters, urethra, and the male reproductive organs such as the prostate, testes, and penis. Urologists are also trained to perform surgeries related to these areas, including procedures for prostate cancer, kidney stones, urinary incontinence, and erectile dysfunction. They play a key role in managing sexual health and fertility issues in both men and women.
- Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology
This branch includes Endoscopic Laser Surgery for Head and Neck Cancer Surgery, Reconstructive Surgery, Skull Base Surgery, Thyroid Surgery, etc.
- Surgical Oncology
Surgical Oncology focuses on the diagnosis, biopsy and treatment of all types of cancer, in order to improve the procedure outcome and chances of survival. This program offers training to treat cancerous and noncancerous tumours in the head and neck, including tumours in the thyroid and parathyroid.
- Thoracic Surgeon
Thoracic Surgeon is specialized in chest, heart, and lung surgeries. Thoracic surgeons may further specialize in one area, such as heart or lung surgery, or in a sub-specialty of that area, such as coronary artery bypass surgery.
The thoracic surgeries include open-heart surgery, off-pump bypass surgery, robot-assisted heart surgery, Paediatric cardiovascular surgery (i.e., children’s heart surgery), lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS), and more.
- Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery
Plastic surgeons are specialized medical doctors in surgery that improve a person’s outlook, such as surgery for a congenital disability (e.g., cleft palate), or surgery following an injury or the removal of cancer, such as breast implant surgery after breast removal (mastectomy).
The sub-specialties of plastic surgery include Aesthetic surgery (cosmetics), burn surgery (fire wounds), Craniofacial surgery (congenital anomalies), hand surgery (congenital malformations), microsurgery (breast reconstruction), and Paediatric plastic surgery (congenital disability corrections).