MCh Urology

Master of Chirurgiae in Urology or MCh Urology is an advanced degree in Urology surgery. Generally, it is a three to five-year course depending on the level of the previous study. Aspirants who opt for MCh Urology after MBBS will have to undergo the course for five years while those who opt for the course after MS or MD will require three years to finish it. The programme is designed to prepare physicians who would understand, evaluate and manage the medical and surgical aspects of genitourinary disorders. The course also fosters an environment of scientific curiosity and endeavour.

Those who wish to pursue MCh Urology must have 55% in MBBS/MD/MS degree to be eligible for the course. They will also have to qualify for entrance examinations such as NEET-SS and INI-CET. The top colleges to pursue MCh Urology are Christian Medical College, St. Johns Medical College, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Kasturba Medical College and Institute of Medical Sciences Banaras Hindu University. 

The annual average tuition fee of the MCh course is from INR 4,000 to INR 20 lakh. After completing graduation, they get employed in various medical settings and institutions. The average annual salary earned is high and ranges between INR 5 lakh and INR 20 lakh.

The highlights of MCh Urology course are given below for an easy reference of students:

MCh Urology and MS Urology may seem to be the same degree to those who are unaware, although some differences make the courses dissimilar.

The basic difference between MCh Urology and MS Urology is that the former is a doctoral or post-doctoral programme while the latter is a postgraduate programme. The assigned period of course is also different for both degrees. MCh Urology can take up to five years while MS urology is a three-year programme.

On completion of MBBS, both courses can be pursued. However, students with MD and MS qualifications can also be suitable candidates for an MCh degree. Both degrees are designed to enhance the surgical competencies of those pursuing the course.

The MCh Urology course includes the study of basic and clinical research in renovascular hypertension, paediatric and adult urinary tract infection, treatment of urinary continence, neuro-urology, anatomy and cellular biology of prostrate gland and genitourinary oncology. 

The goal of the MCh Urology course is to produce specialist surgeons who would recognise the health problems and needs of the patients and carry out professional obligations keeping in mind professional ethics. They should be competent to deal with urological complications. They should also be aware of the recent developments and advancements in the field of Urology and have the skills to educate medical and paramedical professionals.

Studying MCh Urology comes with its perks and benefits. It adds to the professional resume and helps one to be among the best medical professionals. Though the aspirations and goals of every candidate are different, still here we have laid down some common reasons that would encourage one to choose MCh Urology courses despite the highly competitive environment of the course and its difficulty level.

• MCh in Urology helps in career progression by providing a platform for the advancement of scientific knowledge and innovation. So, those who wish to advance in their career must opt for MCh Urology courses.
• Completion of the course opens up doors to engage in various surgical assignments in operation theatres of specialised centres, emergency care and government hospitals.
• They will be endowed with various technical skills that will help them emerge as better surgeons.
• Students can also opt for research activities after the completion of the course. In this way, they can contribute to recent advancements related to the field of Urology.
• They also develop critical thinking, leadership and problem-solving skills to identify key problem areas and propose new and effective solutions.
• If the above reasons fall short to help students choose MCh Urology, the attractive salary package along with job satisfaction of relieving patients from urological problems will surely motivate them to pursue a career in this direction.

Students who want to be part of the prestigious medical institutions in India and study MCh urology must appear for NEET-SS or National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Super Speciality). 

The National Board of Examination (NBE) is the conducting body of the NEET-SS exam. Many government and private medical colleges rely on the NEET-SS scores to grant admissions to students in their respective institutes.

Apart from NEET-SS, students can also take INI-CET or the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test which is conducted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The test scores are accepted by all the branches of AIIMS, PGIMER, JPIMER, Nimhans and SCTIMST.

Students must note that apart from these two tests, there are no other individual tests conducted by any institute at the national or state level conducted for MCh Urology courses.

Students need to meet a few eligibility criteria to become eligible to apply for MCh Urology. These are standard criteria to enable them to become specialists in the field. Though there may be differences in eligibility criteria as per requirements of institutes, the common ones are given below:

• Students must have completed MBBS/MS/MD/DNB. The degree must be from a recognised institute. 
• They must have at least 55% in their previous degree course.
• NEET-SS or INI-CET entrance exam cut-off must be cleared by aspirants.
• Must be registered via SMC or NMC.
• Must have a license to practice surgery. However, this criterion is valid only for MS degree holders.
• Minimum 24 months of experience are required in surgery to be eligible for the course.
• To apply for the course, one must also have a valid identity card.

These are some of the specific entry requirements to pursue a Master of Chirugae in Urology.

Documents are an integral part of admission to MCh Urology courses. Students must submit them while applying for the course or while taking admission to a medical college or university. The most common documents that should be submitted are enlisted below:

• MBBS/MD/DNB degree certificate.
• Migration certificate from the university last attended.
• Marksheet and passing certificate of the previous examination.
• Character certificate from the head of the institution of the previous institution where the student has studied.
• Date of birth proof.
• Gap certificate (if required).
• No objection certificate from the previous employer.

MCh Urology is a top surgical course where students have to appear for the entrance test. It is also imperative for students to score satisfactorily or at least meet the cut-off to gain admission. Here is a step-by-step guide for admission to MCh Urology courses:

• Step 1: Make a list of medical colleges in India that provide MCh Urology courses.
• Step 2: Fill out the application form the for entrance exam when available in the portal
• Step 3: Submit all the documents. It is mandatory to possess all the crucial documents.
• Step 4: Take the entrance test to be selected for MCh Urology.
• Step 5: Get through the exam by clearing the cut-off. 
• Step 6: Finish the counselling process as required by registering on the official website of MCC.
• Step 7: Pay the admission fees and submit the documents as required for admission.

Students get admission to colleges for MCh Urology courses based on the availability of seats in this specialisation. The most popular colleges that offer MCh Urology courses are:

Let us have a glance at the top MCh Urology colleges in Indian states:

Karnataka

Karnataka has some of the best colleges for MCh Urology course. They are:

• MS Ramaiah Medical College
• Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute
• Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College
• JSS Medical College
• Raja Rajeshwari Medical College and Hospital
• Father Muller Institute of Medical Education and Research
• Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences

Tamil Nadu

The best colleges for MCh Urology in Tamil Nadu are:

• Madras Medical College
• Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute
• Stanley Medical College
• Madurai Medical College
• Government Kilpauk Medical College
• Chengalpattu Medical College

Maharashtra

The renowned colleges in Maharashtra to study MCh Urology courses are:

• Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College
• Topiwala National Medical College and BYL Nair Charitable Hospital
• MGM Medical College
• Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College
• Bombay Hospital Institute of Medical Sciences

West Bengal

MCh Urology is offered in the following medical colleges in West Bengal:

• Institute of Post Graduate Medical Education and Research
• Calcutta National Medical College
• RG Kar Medical College and Hospital
• Nilratan Sircar Medical College

Rajasthan

The popular medical colleges in Rajasthan for MCh Urology are:

• Sawai Mann Singh Medical College
• Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital
• Sardar Patel Medical College
• National Institute of Medical Sciences and Research
• Government Medical College

MCh Urology is cheaper at government colleges as compared to private institutions. As the average salary is high after the completion of the course, students are encouraged to pursue the course. The MCh Urology course fee at some of the top medical colleges in India are given below:

The syllabus of MCh Urology is designed to produce competent surgeons in urology. One gets in-depth knowledge of Urology and allied medical subjects. The course is crafted to students’ attitudes towards a better scientific approach through logic and analysis. 

Urology courses in medical universities combine adult and paediatric urology services with fully developed sub-specialities such as gynecologic urology, uro-oncology, neuro-urology, andrology and sexual dysfunction. 

The syllabus of MCh Urology will cover a broad spectrum of diseases related to urology. Not only does one require knowledge of urology but also of allied medical subjects. The syllabus may differ based on the university but the common topics are given below:

Apart from the above-mentioned subjects, there are other subjects that students have to study during their MCh urology courses. They are:

• Biostatistics and Epidemiology
• Computer Sciences
• Experimental and Research Methodology and Evidence-Based Medicine
• Scientific Presentation
• Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation
• Ethics in Medicine

The theoretical syllabus consists of the above topics given. Students will also have to gain practical training in operation theatres. After the completion of the course, students will be able to handle surgical processes in which they will get training. The surgical training and knowledge will be imparted in: 

• Minor urological procedures
• Uro radiological and imaging procedures
• Urodynamic studies like Cystometrogram, electromyography and Urethral pressure profile & Video urodynamics
• Endoscopic Surgery
• Surgical Procedures such as simple nephrectomy, radical nephrectomy, cystolithotomy ureterolithotomy, pyelolithotomy,  nephrostomy, pyeloplasty and various urethroplasties.
• Open Surgery

The course curriculum of MCh urology is not only based on didactic lectures by professors and visiting faculty. It also includes:

• Case Presentations
• Seminars
• Journal Clubs
• Grand Round Presentations
• Emergency Case Discussions
• Statistical and Mortality Meet
• Clinico Pathological Meet
• Clinico Radiological Meet
• Clinico Surgical Meet
• Practical training is given by a full-time residency programme where a trainee has to take full responsibility of the patients. The decision-making ability will be encouraged and guided by senior professors present there.
• Students have to conduct dissertation studies for a thesis which should be acceptable in any Indian or international journal. It can be an experimental research project or a clinical research project. 
• Training in operative urology will be provided. They will be able to take independent operative decisions. 

MCh Urology is a surgical speciality which provides a broad spectrum of career opportunities. One can practice in offices and laboratories or perform surgical procedures. As already highlighted, MCh Urology graduates are endowed with the responsibility to caretake the male genitourinary tract and the female urinary tract.

They also treat patients with prostrate diseases, kidney stones and incontinence. They practice generally in private clinics where they see patients and also perform a range of major surgical procedures in hospitals. Mostly, Urology surgeons spend three to four days a week operating patients in surgical theatres. 

After studying MCh Urology, students will be able to:

• Practice the speciality of Urology keeping in mind the principles of Urology.
• Know the preventive, therapeutic, surgical and promotional means to provide holistic care to affected patients.
• Take clinical history and perform physical examinations as required and make a diagnosis of the urological illnesses.
• Perform diagnostic and surgical procedures.
• Plan and develop a treatment plan for patients.
• Advise on the prevention of diseases.
• Manage urological emergencies effectively.
• Plan rehabilitation for adults suffering from serious urological diseases.

The demand for MCh Urology graduates is high and have good prospects to enter government and private hospitals and government agencies. They can also move on to do private practice. They may also participate in community work and research facilities. 

Moreover, graduates have other career paths besides urology surgeons. The details have been given below:

• Associate Professors and Lecturers: The associate professor of Urology has to take classes, train students in surgery, has to attend meetings and seminars, conduct research and supervise students. Also, they have to collaborate with other teaching and non-teaching staff and perform other administrative tasks.
• Attending Consultants: This job role requires one to supervise fellows, residents, students and other physicians. They have to lead and manage teams.
• Consultant Physicians: They are senior doctors who practice Urology. Once the training is completed, doctors can compete for consultant positions. 
• Researcher: The Urology researcher is entrusted with the task of conducting research and using books, journals, and articles to collect data and information. They are also involved in testing and finding out equipment and medicines related to Urology.

Salary is no constraint for MCh Urology graduates. The salary is at par with their skills, knowledge and expertise of them. One must remember that they have to face challenges in daily life but the job gives immense satisfaction as they can save lives and treat complex medical ailments. The expected salaries after MCh Urology are given below:

Knowing the subject is mandatory for MCh Urology graduates. Besides, they should also possess a few soft skills that would make them efficient practitioners. The skills that help them to cope with the daily rigours of their job roles are:

• Documentation Skills: They should be experts in documenting diseases and plan appropriate medical treatment to relieve patients of their ailments.
• Empathy and Humane Approach: As MCh Urology graduates have to deal with complex surgeries regularly, they require to have a humane and empathetic attitude towards the patients and their family members. 
• Communication Skills: They must be endowed with efficient communication skills to convey and explain the diseases to patients and their prognosis, to provide counselling and health education to patients, their families and communities. 
• Self-Learner: They must recognise the continuous need for education, use appropriate learning resources and critically analyse the published literature and utilise them in the treatment of diseases.