DM Course Syllabus & Subjects 2024

  • SaveSave
  • Request a callbackRequest a callback
  • AskAsk us
author
Feb 23, 2024 09:24AM IST

Doctorate of Medicine Course Syllabus & Subjects Overview

A doctorate of Medicine, or DM, is an advanced medical degree requiring three years to complete and earn a degree. Referred to as a super-speciality course, the DM or Doctorate of Medicine course requires students to have completed their postgraduate medical programme after their undergraduate medical course. Therefore, the Doctorate of Medicine course syllabus and subjects covers a well-designed guideline of knowledge to enhance and boost the skills of the individuals pursuing this program. Doctorate of Medicine can be pursued in a variety of specialisations including Cardiology, Nephrology, Neonatology, Medical Oncology and much more. 

Since the Doctorate of Medicine (DM) is a degree, the course syllabus and subjects covered will be unique to each specialisation. Each specialisation will focus on providing information pertaining to that particular specialisation alone. On this page, we have highlighted some of the subjects and topics covered across a number of specialisations, for aspirants to compare.

Show Less

Doctorate of Medicine Subjects

Varying, not only between courses but also between universities, the subjects covered for each DM specialisation will be different, focusing on enhancing the knowledge and understanding of the candidates in a particular field of medicine. Listed below are some of the subjects that may be covered by medical colleges across India for some of these popular specialisations.

DM in Cardiology Subjects

Check out the table below to understand the common subjects in a DM Cardiology course offered by colleges in India.

SubjectsTopics
Basic Subjects
  • Applied Anatomy
  • Development Anatomy
  • Physiology
  • Pathology
  • Other basic subjects related to Cardiovascular System
Clinical Cardiology
  • Coronary Artery Disease
  • Rheumatic Heart Disease
  • Cardiac Arrhythmias
  • Heart Failure
  • Systemic Hypertension
  • Tumors of Heart
  • Pregnancy and Heart Disease
Invasive Cardiology
  • Right & left heart cath and coronary angiography procedures in adults and children.
  • Experience in cardiac catheterization to calculate and interpret various hemodynamic parameters
  • To perform temporary pacemaker insertion.
Non-invasive Technique
  • Holter monitoring for arrhythmias and ischemic disorders
  • Radiography – routine and specialized areas like CT and MRI
  • Electrocardiography
  • Stress testing – treadmill test, stress-related and other nuclear techniques
Research ProjectsDM in Cardiology students may be required to participate in multiple research projects. However, the number of projects, as well as the type of projects, will be determined by the institute of academic and clinical work requirements

DM in Medical Oncology Subjects

The table below highlights some of the common topics and subjects in DM in Medical Oncology courses in India.

SubjectsTopics
Basic Science in Oncology
  • Pathology, Invasion & Metassssstasis
  • Epidemiology of Cancer
  • Pharmacology of Cancer Chemotherapy
  • Clinical trials in cancer
  • Imaging Techniques of Cancer Diagnosis & Management
  • Vascular Access and Specialised Technique of drug delivery
  • Cancer Screening
Clinical Oncology (Medical)
  • Cancer of Genito Urinary System
  • Benign & Malignant Mesotheliomas
  • Cancer of Endocrine System
  • Cancers of unknown primary site
  • Lymphomas
  • Gynaecological Cancers
  • Oncological Emergencies
Recent Advances in Oncology
  • Supportive Care and Quality of Life
  • Bone Marrow dysfunction in cancer patient
  • Essentials of Molecular Biology
  • Adverse effects of treatment
  • Newer approaches in cancer treatment
  • Newer drugs in cancer treatment


DM in Haematology Subjects

Here are some of the subjects covered in DM in Hematology that candidates may be asked to complete during the three years of the course in India.

CurriculumTopics
Core Topics
  • Introduction to clinical hematology
  • Nuclear Medicine
  • Red cell enzymopathies
  • Megaloblastic anemia
  • Abnormal hemoglobins
  • Overview of megakaryopoiesis
  • Qualitative platelet disorders
  • Disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis
  • Immuno hematology
  • Disorders of white cells
Subtopics
  • Overview of normal hemostatic mechanism
  • Laboratory methods in hematology
  • Principles of Nuclear Medicine: and applications in hematology & oncology
  • Cytogenetics of acute leukemias.
  • Reactive lymphocytosis
  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • Disorders of spleen
  • Hemophilia
  • Bone marrow failure syndrome
  • Complications of blood transfusion
  • Hodgkin disease


DM in Neonatology

Listed in the table below are the topics and subjects in DM in Neonatology that students are required to clear in India.

SubjectsTopics
Basic Sciences
  • Foetal and neonatal immunology
  • Neonatal adaptation
  • Foetal and intrauterine growth
  • Developmental pharmacology
  • Electrolyte balance
  • Biochemical basis of inborn errors of metabolism
  • Renal physiology
  • Feto-placental physiology
  • Neonatal adaptation
Perinatonology
  • Fetal monitoring, clinical, electronic; invasive, and non-invasive
  • Diagnosis and management of fetal diseases
  • High risk pregnancy: detection, monitoring and management
  • Fetal interventions
  • Intrapartum monitoring and procedures
  • Foetal origin of adult disease
Body Systems
  • Cardiovascular Systems
  • Respiratory System
  • Gastrointestinal System
  • Renal System
  • Nutrition
  • Metabolism and Endocrine
  • Haematology
  • Neonatal Infections
  • Surgery and Orthopaedics
  • Neonatal ophthalmology
  • Neonatal Dermatology
Transport of Neonates K. Neonatal Procedures-
Neonatal Assessment and Follow up
  • Assessment of gestation, neonatal behaviour, neonatal reflexes
Neonatal Resuscitation and Ventilation-
General Topics
  • Ethics in perinatology/neonatology
  • Research Methodology
  • Computer, informations technology, internet
  • Principles of education
Show Less

Doctorate of Medicine Course Structure

The differences between each DM course offered by Indian medical colleges can also be seen through the course structures. As each course is designed around different programme objectives, the course structure will vary accordingly. Listed below is the course structure for Doctorate of Medicine courses available in India.

DM in Cardiology Course Structure

Outlined below is a course structure for DM in Cardiology that students may be required to gain the degree.

Duration

Postings during the course will be defined by the medical colleges offering the course.

Full Course - 36 Months

Learning MethodologiesJournal Club Readings, Clinical and Practical training in the field of Cardiology.
ResearchA minimum of 1-2 research projects during the course. The type, nature and deadlines for the submission of the research project will be determined by the college offering the course.
Additional Requirements/ProcessesEach college will specify if a DM student is required to complete any other course requirement or processes.
AssessmentAssessments will be done via theoretical and practical tests as well as viva-voce. Some colleges may conduct additional testing to evaluate a candidate.

DM in Medical Oncology Course Structure

The course structure for DM in Medical Oncology will vary from university to university, however, listed below is the general course structure students may need to follow:

Duration

Each medical college offering the course will define the postings and the number of months that a DM student will have to spend in different areas.

Full Course - 36 Months

Learning MethodologiesClinical and Laboratory Training in the field of medical oncology and related fields.
Research

Students will be required to participate in medical oncology and related research, both clinical and laboratory.

They will also need to submit 1-2 dissertations or projects, i.e. a clinical and laboratory project.

TeachingSome colleges may require students to participate in activities pertaining to teaching undergraduate and postgraduate students.
AssessmentAssessments and evaluations will be done via Theoretical and Clinical Training tests. Additionally, students may be asked to participate in viva-voce as well.

DM in Hematology Course Structure

The DM in Hematology course structure will be defined individually by different universities offering the course as per NMC regulations, however, listed below is a course structure followed at one of the top medical colleges in India.

Duration

Clinical Hematology - 21 Months

Allied Specialities - 3 Months

Full Course - 36 Months

Elective Posting in Speciality of Choice - 3 Months

Laboratory Hematology - 9 Months

Learning MethodologiesLectures, Clinical Case Studies, Clinical Ground Rounds, Seminars, Conferences would be the common learning methodologies opted.
Research1-2 Dissertations as per the guidelines outlined by the selected medical college. Some colleges may specify only clinical aspect while others may require a laboratory element as well.
Teaching-
AssessmentEvaluations and assessments are commonly held at the end of the 3 years of the course. A combination of dissertations and theoretical and practical tests may be enforced as evaluation methods.

DM in Neonatology Course Structure

The table below shows the course structure for DM in Neonatology that students aspiring to pursue will need to follow:

Duration

In New Born Service - 27 Months

Optional Rotations - 3 Months

Essential Rotations - 6 Months

Full Course - 36 Months

Learning Methodologies

Self-Directed, working through interactions in different areas.

Journal Club, Physiology, Perinatal, Seminars and Clinical discussions will be part of the curriculum as well.

Research

At least one thesis should be submitted by DM students within the 3 years of the course.

Formal Presentations will be part of submitting the thesis as defined by the institution offering the course.

Two Papers should also be submitted, either connected with the thesis or otherwise.

Conferences, Seminars and workshops should also be attended with respect to their topic, i.e. Neonatology.

TeachingCandidates will also be required to participate in teaching undergraduate, nursing or postgraduate pediatric students.
Assessment

Students will continuously be assessed throughout the duration of the course.

They will also be assessed in two primary categories, i.e. Internal and Final Assessment.

Show Less

DM Colleges by College Type