Doctor of Medicine (MD) Anatomy: Admission, Fees, Medical Colleges, Eligibility Criteria, syllabus details here

MD Anatomy or Doctor of Medicine in Anatomy, also known as MD in Anatomy is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS. The duration of this postgraduate course is 3 years, and it focuses on the study of various concepts related to the field of major human body structures and functions manifested by dissection, observation, and identification. 

The course is a full-time course pursued at various recognized medical colleges across the country. Some of the top medical colleges offering this course include Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences (Karwar), Sri Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences & Research Centre (Bangalore), RKDF Medical College Hospital & Research Centre( Jatkhedi, Bhopal), and more.

Admission to this course is done through the NEET PG Entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by counseling based on the scores of the exam that is conducted by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities.

The fee for pursuing an MD (Anatomy) varies from college to college and may range from Rs. 9000 to Rs. 5 Lakh Per annum.

After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or pursue a super-specialization course where MD Anatomy is a feeder qualification. Candidates can take reputed jobs at positions as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, Consultants, etc. with an Rs. 2.4 Lakh - 19 Lakh Per annum.

What is MD in Anatomy?

Doctor of Medicine in Anatomy, also known as MD (Anatomy) or MD in Anatomy is a three-year postgraduate programme that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS.

Anatomy is the branch of medical science dealing with the scientific study of the body structure and functions of humans.

National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex medical regulator, has released a Guidelines for Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme for MD in Anatomy.

The Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme governs the education and training of MDs in Anatomy.

The PG education intends to create specialists who can contribute to high-quality health care and advances in science through research and training.

The required training done by a postgraduate specialist in the field of Anatomy would help the specialist to recognize the health needs of the community. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and should be aware of the recent advances in their speciality.

The candidate should be a highly competent Anatomist possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Anatomy independently. The PG candidate should also acquire the basic skills in teaching of medical/para-medical students.

The candidate is also expected to know the principles of research methodology and modes of the consulting library. The candidate should regularly attend conferences, workshops, and CMEs to upgrade her/ his knowledge.

Course Highlights

Given below are some of the course highlights of MD in Anatomy:

Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for MD in Anatomy are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which includes:

• Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

• Candidates should have done a compulsory rotating internship of one year in a teaching institution or other institution which is recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI).

• The candidate must have obtained permanent registration of any State Medical Council to be eligible for admission.

• The medical college's recognition cut-off dates for the MBBS Degree courses and compulsory rotatory Internship shall be as prescribed by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).

Admission Process

The admission process contains a few steps to be followed in order by the candidates for admission to MD in Anatomy. Candidates can view the complete admission process for MD in Anatomy mentioned below:

• The NEET PG or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Post Graduate is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to MD/MS/PG Diploma Courses.

• The requirement of eligibility criteria for participation in counselling towards PG seat allotment conducted by the concerned counselling authority shall be in lieu of the Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations (as per the latest amendment) notified by the MCI (now NMC) with prior approval of MoHFW.

• The following Medical institutions are not covered under centralized admissions for MD/MS seats through NEET- PG:

1. AIIMS, New Delhi and other AIIMS

2. PGIMER, Chandigarh

3. JIPMER, Puducherry

4. NIMHANS, Bengaluru

Fees Structure

The fee structure for MD in Anatomy varies from college to college. The fee is generally less for Government Institutes and more for private institutes. The average fee structure for MD in Anatomy is around Rs. 9000 to Rs. 5 Lakh Per annum.

Colleges offering MD in Anatomy

There are various medical colleges across India that offer courses for pursuing an MD (Anatomy).

As per National Medical Commission (NMC) website, the following medical colleges are offering MD (Anatomy) courses for the academic year 2022-23.

Stipend MD Anatomy

Syllabus

An MD in Anatomy is a three years specialization course that provides training in the stream of Anatomy.

The course content for MD in Anatomy is given in the Competency-Based Postgraduate Training Programme released by National Medical Commission, which can be assessed through the link mentioned below.

NMC Guidelines for Competency-Based Training Programme For MD Anatomy

A postgraduate student, after three years of training in M.D.(Anatomy)should have acquired knowledge in the following aspects of anatomy:

MEDICAL

Gross anatomy

Section-I

Gross Anatomy of the entire body including lower limb, upper limb, thorax, perineum, abdomen, head and neck, brain, pelvis and spinal cord

Section-2

Developmental anatomy/embryology

•General embryology: Fertilization, Gametogenesis, placenta and implantation, early human embryonic development.

Section-3

Histology and histochemistry

Cell Biology:

•Systemic embryology: Organ systems development and associated common congenital abnormalities with teratogenesis. Physiological correlations of congenital anomalies.

Section - 3

Histochemistry and Histology 

Cell Biology

•Cytoplasm-cytoplasmic matrix, cell membrane, cell organelles, cytoskeleton, cell inclusions, cilia and flagella.

•Nucleus nuclear envelope, nuclear matrix, DNA and other components of chromatin, protein synthesis, nucleolus, nuclear changes indicating cell death.

•Cell cycle-mitosis, cell renewal, meiosis.

•Cellular proliferation and differentiation.

• Microscopic structure of the body:

•Principles of light, transmission and scanning, virtual microscopy, electron, confocal, fluorescent and virtual microscopy.

•The organs/ systems of body Cellular organization, light, and electron microscopic features, structure-function correlations, and cellular organization.

Section-4

Neuroanatomy:

•Brain and its environment, Somatic sensory system, development of the nervous system, Olfactory, and optic pathways, Neuron and Neuroglia, Cochleovestibular and gustatory pathways, Central autonomic pathways, Hypothalamo-hypophyseal system, Motor pathways, Limbic system, Basal ganglia, Reticular system, Basal ganglia, Cross-Sectional anatomy of spinal cord and brain.

• Central nervous system detailed structure and its applied aspect.

Section-5

Genetics

• Number and classification, Human Chromosomes Structure, and methods of chromosome preparation banding patterns. Sex chromosomal abnormalities syndromes, Chromosome abnormalities, Autosomal, Molecular and Cytogenetics.

•Single gene pattern inheritance: Multiple alleles and Intermediate pattern, Autosomal and Sex chromosomal pattern of inheritance, Non Mendelian inheritance, Mutations, Mitochondrial inheritance, Genome imprinting, parental disomy.

•Multifactorial pattern of inheritance: Teratology, Criteria for multifactorial inheritance, Molecular Screening, Structure gene, Cancer Genetics- Haematological malignancies, Pharmacogenetics.

•Reproduction Genetics Male and Female Infertility, Assisted reproduction, Abortuses, Genetic Counseling, Ethics of Genetics, Preimplantation genetics, Prenatal diagnosis.

• Gene therapy principles and its applied knowledge.

Section-6

Immunology

The immune system and the cell types are involved in the defense mechanisms of the body. Cytoarchitecture, Gross features, development, functions, and histogenesis of various secondary and primary lymphoid organs in the body.

•Clinical and biological significance of the major histocompatibility complex of man including its role in disease susceptibility/resistance, transplantation, and genetic control of the immune response.

• Common techniques employed in histocompatibility and cellular immunology testing.

•PCR technology in immunology research and Molecular hybridization particularly the mechanism of antigen presentation, the structural and functional relevance of the Tcell receptor, and genetic control of the immune response. Molecular basis of susceptibility to disease.

Section-7

Applied anatomy and recent advances

•Clinical correlations of functions and structure of the human body. Anatomical basis and explanations for clinical problems.

•Applications of knowledge of structural(microscopy), development, and neuroanatomy to comprehend deviations from normal.

•Recent developments in medical sciences which facilitate comprehension of structure-function correlations and applications in clinical problem-solving.

•Maintenance, collection, and application of stem cells, cryobanking, and principles of organ donation from recently dead bodies.

Section-8

•Radiology and Surface Marking

Surface marking of all regions of the body. Interpretation of normal radiographs of the body including special contrast procedures including cholicystrography, barium studies, salphingography, and pylography. Normal CT Scan, MRI, and Ultrasound.

● Anthropology

Different anthropological traits, Identification, and use of Anthropological instruments.

• Forensic Medicine:

Identification of human bones from their remains and determination of age, sex, and height for medico-legal application of Anatomy.

• Outline of comparative anatomy of the basic human evolution and whole body 

Departmental Resources:

It is mandatory for the department of Anatomy to develop at least three of the following laboratories, in addition to the other facilities. The laboratory should be involved in active research in at least one well-defined field.

1. Anthropometry

2. Cytogenetics COUNCIL

3. Electronmicroscopy/ Fluorescence microscopy/confocal and other forms of microscopy laboratories

4. Immunology

5. Histology

6. Neuroanatomy

7.  Developmental anatomy 

8. Imaging technique for Radiological Anatomy

Career options

After completing an MD in Anatomy, candidates will get employment opportunities in Government as well as in the Private sector.

In the Government sector, candidates have various options to choose from which include Registrar, Senior Resident, Demonstrator, Tutor, etc.

While in the Private sector the options include Resident Doctor, Consultant, Visiting Consultant (Anatomy), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Anatomy), Consultant Anatomy Specialist, etc.

Courses after MD in Anatomy course

MD in Anatomy is a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing MBBS. After pursuing a specialization in MD (Anatomy), a candidate could also pursue super specialization courses recognized by NMC, where MD (Anatomy) is a feeder qualification.

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) – MD in Anatomy course

• Question: What is an MD in Anatomy?

Answer: MD Anatomy or Doctor of Medicine in Anatomy also known as MD in Anatomy is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS.

• Question: What is the duration of an MD in Anatomy?

Answer: MD in Anatomy is a postgraduate programme of three years.

• Question: What is the eligibility of an MD in Anatomy?

Answer: Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India.

• Question: What is the scope of an MD in Anatomy?

Answer: MD in Anatomy offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.

• Question: What is the average salary for an MD in Anatomy postgraduate candidate?

Answer: The MD Anatomy candidate's average salary is between Rs. 2.4 Lakh - 19 Lakh Per annum depending on the experience.