The National Medical Commission (NMC) has published comprehensive guidelines for the competency-based postgraduate training program for the M.Ch. in Endocrine Surgery. These guidelines were published on February 12, 2025.
These guidelines outline the program’s objectives, learning outcomes, eligibility requirements, and subject-specific learning objectives, aiming to produce highly skilled endocrine surgeons equipped to address India’s unique healthcare needs.
India’s Endocrine Surgical Needs
The guidelines emphasize the significant burden of endocrine surgical diseases in India, including iodine deficiency goiters, thyroid cancers, parathyroid diseases, syndromic diseases like MEN, diabetes complications, and the increasing incidence of breast cancer. The program is designed to train surgeons proficient in managing these conditions, particularly breast cancer, which is the most common cancer affecting Indian women. The training will cover both open and oncoplastic breast surgery techniques.
Program Objectives
The M.Ch. Endocrine Surgery program aims to train surgeons with the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to function as independent consultant clinicians/surgeons and teachers. The curriculum will cover surgical procedures and research methodologies relevant to endocrine and breast surgery, equipping graduates to meet regional, national, and local healthcare needs with high-quality, international-standard care.
Key Learning Objectives
The program focuses on developing competency in the following areas:
I. Knowledge
Comprehensive understanding of basic sciences applied to surgical endocrinology and breast surgery, as well as clinical, surgical, experimental, comparative, investigative, and applied aspects of these fields. Knowledge of recent advances is crucial for keeping up with the evolving field.
II. Clinical and Surgical Skills
Proficiency in clinical thinking, diagnosis, problem-solving, self-directed learning, and surgical procedures related to endocrine surgical diseases, including thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal, endocrine pancreas, endemic goiters, and benign and malignant breast conditions.
III. Research Skills
Ability to formulate research questions, initiate, conduct, and analyze translational, clinical, and epidemiological research, focusing on cost-effective treatments, novel therapies, and prevention of common endocrine and breast surgical diseases.
IV. Leadership and Networking
Skills in team leadership and networking to train other surgical professionals about common endocrine and breast surgical diseases.
V. Communication Skills
Effective communication skills for interacting with and educating patients and team members at various levels.
VI. Professional Values
Developing attitudes and values that promote compassionate, responsive, respectful, and ethical patient care.
Specific Competencies
Graduates of the program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of all aspects of common endocrine and breast surgical diseases.
- Effectively teach relevant aspects of endocrine diseases to residents, junior colleagues, nursing, and paramedical staff.
- Identify and investigate research problems using appropriate methodologies.
- Participate effectively in multidisciplinary meetings with experts from related fields, such as radiology, pathology, oncology, and nuclear medicine.
Eligibility
Candidates holding an MS/DNB in General Surgery are eligible to apply for the M.Ch. in Endocrine Surgery program.
The curriculum emphasizes the importance of addressing the specific endocrine and breast surgical needs prevalent in India, promoting research relevant to the region and country, and training surgeons capable of providing high-quality care to all citizens.
