MD Geriatrics In India: Check Out Admission Process, Fees, Medical Colleges To Apply, Eligibility Criteria

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 JSS Medical College (Mysore), Institute of Medical Sciences (BHU, Varanasi), 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 (Geriatrics) varies from college to college and is about Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 4.86 Lakh per annum.

After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or pursue a super-specialization course where MD Geriatrics is a feeder qualification. Candidates can take reputed jobs in positions as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, Consultants, etc. with an approximate salary range of around Rs. 35000 to Rs. 60,000 per month.

What is MD in Geriatrics?

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

Geriatrics is the branch of medical science dealing with the prevention and treatment of diseases in older adults.

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

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

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 Geriatrics would help the specialist recognize the community's health needs. The student should be competent to handle medical problems effectively and should be aware of the recent advances in their specialty.

The candidate should be a highly competent doctor possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Geriatrics independently. The PG candidate should also acquire the basic skills in teaching 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

Here are some of the course highlights of MD in Geriatrics: 

Eligibility Criteria

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

• 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 Geriatrics. Candidates can view the complete admission process for MD in Geriatrics 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 counseling towards PG seat allotment conducted by the concerned counseling 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 Geriatrics 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 Geriatrics is around Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 4.86 Lakh per annum.

Colleges offering MD in Geriatrics

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

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

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

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

The broad outline of the course contents is given below:

A) Basic Sciences: Biology of human ageing, Epidemiology of human ageing, Immunology of human ageing, Effect of ageing on different organs, death.

B) Clinical Geriatric Medicine: General Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Cardiology, Pulmonary Medicine, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Neurology, Rheumatology, Hematology and Oncology.

Allied specialties: Orthopedics, Urology, Gynecology, Ophthalmology, ENT, Dentistry, Psychiatry, Pre - and post - anesthetic evaluation and management.

C) Preventive geriatrics: Rehabilitation, end of life care, legal, ethical and economic aspects

The details of the course contents under each of the four papers are outlined herewith:

Paper I: Basic Sciences of the following systems:

1. Anatomy

2. Physiology

3. Biochemistry

4. Pharmacology

5. Microbiology

6. Pathology

Paper II: General Medicine and Psycho-Geriatrics Introduction to Clinical Medicine:

• Headache

• Chest pain

• Chills and Fever

• Lassitude and Asthenia

• Cough

• Nausea and Vomiting

• Dysphagia

• Ascites

• Weakness, Tremor

• Dizziness, Vertigo, Disorders of Sensation, Seizures

Immunological Factors in Disease:

• Components of immune system

• Mechanism of the immune response

• Immune deficiency and lympho-proliferative disorders

• Types of immune reaction and their relation to disease

• Suppression of immune reactions and its effects

Infection and Diseases:

• Nature of microorganisms

• Epidemiology and spread of infections

• Immunity and Immunosenescence

• Diagnosis and management of infections

• Pyrexia of unknown origin

Chemotherapy of Infections:

• Antibiotics and other antibacterial agents

• Anti-virals

• Anti-fungals

• Anti-retroviral therapy

Disturbances in Electrolyte and Water Metabolism:

• Hypernatremia and hyponatremia

• Hyperkalemia and hypokalemia

• Calcium-phosphate and magnesium metabolism

• Disturbances in H+ ion concentration

Diseases of the Cardiovascular System:

• Cardiac Arrhythmias

• Cardiac failure

• Valvular Heart Disease

• Ischemic Heart Disease

• Pericardial diseases

• Cardiomyopathies, Myocarditis

• Atherosclerosis, hypertension

• Diseases of the aorta

• Peripheral Vascular Disease

Diseases of the Respiratory System:

• Disease of the Upper and Lower Respiratory Tract

• Bronchial Asthma, chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), Cor pulmonale

• Acute and Chronic Respiratory Failure

• Neoplasm of lung

• Diseases of Pleura, Mediastinum and Diaphragm

Diseases of the Gastrointestinal System:

• Diseases of the esophagus, Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disorder (GERD)

• Peptic Ulcer, Gastritis and other diseases of the stomach

• Inflammatory diseases of small and large intestine

• Diverticulosis

• Malignancy of stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum

• Mal-absorption syndrome

• Diseases of the peritoneum

Diseases of the Liver and Biliary Tract:

• Diagnostic procedures in liver disorders

• Derangement of hepatic/biliary metabolism

• Acute Hepatitis

• Chronic active hepatitis

• Cirrhosis of liver

• Tumors of liver

• Liver Abscess

• Infiltrative and Metabolic diseases of liver

• Disorders of Gall Bladder and Bile Duct

• Ascites

Diseases of the Pancreas:

• Diagnosis of pancreatic diseases

• Acute and chronic pancreatitis

• Tumors of pancreas

Diseases of the Kidney and Urinary System:

• Acute Renal Failure

• Chronic Kidney Disease

• Glomerulonephritis

• Nephrotic syndrome

• Vascular diseases of the kidney

• Infections of the urinary tract

• Obstructive Uropathy

• Urinary Incontinence

• Nephrolithiasis

• Renal Cell Carcinoma

Diseases of the Endocrine System:

• Thalamus and pituitary gland

• Diseases of the Anterior Pituitary

• Disorders of the neuro-hypophysis

• Hyper thyroidism and hypo -thyroidism

• Hyper parathyroidism and hypo -parathyroidism

• Diabetes Mellitus

• Hyperinsulinism /Glucagon and its effects

• Diseases of the Adrenal Cortex and Medulla

• Diseases of the testes and ovaries

Diseases of Blood and Blood Forming Organs:

• Blood formation and destruction

• Anemia

• Bone Marrow Failure

• Blood Groups and Blood Transfusion

• Myeloproliferative disorders

• Abnormal hemoglobins

• Disorders of platelets

• Hemorrhagic disorders

• Leukemia

• Lymphomas

• Diseases of Spleen and Reticulo-endothelial system

Diseases of Connective Tissue, Joints and Bones:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis, including Late Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis (LORA)

• Ankylosing spondylitis

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus/ Vasculitis

• Scleroderma

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica

• Gout/ Pseudogout

• Osteoarthritis

• Diseases of bone - Metabolic and Endocrine

• Tumors of Bone

Diseases of the Nervous System:

• Diagnostic methods in Neurology

• Coma

• Headache

• Epilepsy

• Sleep Disorders

• Diseases of Cranial Nerves

• Cerebro-vascular Diseases

• Diseases of the Spinal Cord

• Diseases of the Peripheral Nervous System

• Pyogenic infections of the CNS

• Viral Infections

• Multiple Sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases

• Metabolic and Nutritional diseases of brain

• Degenerative diseases

Diseases of the Skin:

• Skin lesions of general medical significance

• Generalized pruritus

• Pressure ulcers

• Pigmentation of the skin

• Disorders of Melanin Metabolism

• Photosensitivity and other reactions to light

• Hirsutism and Alopecia

• Cutaneous manifestations of internal malignancy

• Psoriasis

• Scabies

• Fungal infections of skin

Psycho-Geriatrics:

• Epidemiology of Mental Disorders in the elderly

• Definition and Classification of Psychiatric Disorders

• Delirium /Acute confusional state

• Dementia

• Depression in old age

• Bipolar disorder

• Functional psychiatric disorders in old age

• Personality and behavioral disorders

• Psychogeriatric service - Principles of treatment

• Management of Psychiatric Illness

• Alcoholism and the elderly patient

• Care-giver problems

Paper III: Geriatric Medicine General:

• Demography, World Trends

• Trends in India and Developing countries

• The Aged and Society - Past and Present

• The evolution of Geriatric Medicine

Gerontology:

• Normal and abnormal aging

• Theories of aging

• Metabolic and Structural aspects of aging

• Biochemical changes in the Normal aging Brain

• Aging in tissues and cells

• Atherosclerosis and aging

• Ecology of Human Senses

• The milieu interior and aging

Geriatric Medicine:

• How are older patients different?

• Common patterns of disease in old age

• Alteration in pain and temperature responses

• Missing Symptoms

• Complications of Illness

• Non-specific presentations

• Masking by known disease

• History taking in the elderly

• Physical Examination of the old patient

Investigations in the elderly:

• Policy and interpretation

• Radiological, Hematological & Biochemical investigations

• ECG

• Urinalysis

• Radio isotope tests

• Bone Scan

• Imaging – Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI

• How much to investigate?

• Concept of normal range

Immunology:

• Genetic aspects of Immunity and Immunological Diseases

• Mutation

• Alternative theories of Aging

• Cancer

• Immunological Surveillance

Nutrition

• Nutritional requirement

• Changes in total body mass and body composition

• Nutritional Assessment

• Nutritional deficiency in old age

• Osteoporosis

• Osteomalacia and Vitamin D

• Iron and Vitamins

• Recommended intake of nutrients

• Prevention of nutritional deficiency

Cardiovascular System:

• Physiology and Pathology of Cardiovascular system in old age

• Investigation of Heart Diseases in old age

• Cardiac Arrhythmias

• Coronary Artery Disease and Acute Myocardial Infarction

• Hypertension and Hypertensive Heart Disease

• Postural Hypotension

• Valvular Heart Disease

• Chronic Congestive Heart Failure

• Aortic aneurysm

• Bacterial Endocarditis

• Peripheral Vascular Disease

• Deep Venous Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolis

Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders:

• Changes with aging

• Diabetes Mellitus

• Diseases of the Pituitary, Parathyroid and Thyroid

• Obesity

• Sexual dysfunction

• Disorders of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium and Zinc

• Disturbances of Fluid Metabolism

• Hyperpyrexia / Heat Stroke

Central Nervous System:

• The Aging Brain

• Vascular lesions of the Central Nervous System

• Dementia

• Degenerative disorders including Parkinsonism

• Head Trauma

• Infections of the Nervous System

• Epilepsy

• Peripheral Neuropathy

• Disorders of Spinal cord and Nerve Roots

• Neoplasia

Genitourinary System:

• Structural changes with aging

• Acute and Chronic Renal Failure

• Infections of the Genito-urinary Tract

• Diseases of the Bladder and Prostate

• Urinary Incontinence

• Aging changes in the Genital Tract

• Post-menopausal bleeding

• Gynecological disorders in the elderly

Disorders of the Special Senses:

• Disorders of the Eye

• Hearing Disturbances

• Disturbance of Taste and Smell

• Dental Problems

Infections in the Elderly:

• Host Defenses - Natural Barriers

• White Cell response, Immune mechanism

• Diagnosis of Fevers

• Urinary Infection - Diagnosis and Treatment

• Pneumonias - Cause, Diagnosis and Treatment

• Septicemia

• Bacterial Endocarditis

• Antibiotic Treatment

• Rational Use of Antibiotics

Gastro-intestinal system:

• Changes with age

• Investigations of the Gastro-intestinal tract

• Disorders of the mouth

• GERD / Hiatus Hernia

• Acid Peptic Disease

• Disease of the Pancreas

• Diseases of the small Intestine

• Diseases of the large Intestine

• Fecal Incontinence

• GI Malignancy

• Disease of the liver and Biliary System

• Constipation – Prevention and Management

Respiratory System:

• Changes with age

• Infections of the Respiratory System

• Bronchial Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease, Cor Pulmonale

• Bronchogenic carcinoma

• Respiratory Abnormalities in Extra-pulmonary conditions

• Respiratory Failure

Musculoskeletal System:

• The aging joints

• Degenerative Joint Disease

• Gout/ Pseudo-gout

• Rheumatoid Arthritis

• Infective Arthritis

• Myositis/ Myopathy

• Polymyalgia Rheumatica/ Temporal Arthritis

• Osteoporosis

• Osteomalacia

Hematopoietic System:

• Changes with aging

• Anemia in the elderly

• Leukemias and Lymphomas

• Para-proteinaemia

• Myelodysplastic syndromes

• Disorders of Hemostasis

Dermatology:

• Aging skin

• Senile purpura

• Bed sores

• Pruritus/ Intertrigo

• Cancers/benign lesions

• Pemphigus/ pemphigoid

• Herpes Zoster

• Leg ulcer

Malignancy in old age:

• Incidence, Clinical Significance

• Presentation

• Investigation and Management

• Counseling

Pharmacological Aspects of Aging:

• Pharmacokinetics in the elderly

• Pharmacodynamics

• Drug Selection and Dosage

• Drug Interactions

• Adverse Drug Reactions

• Drug Compliance

• Drug Misuse/Drug abuse

Surgery in the Elderly:

• Pre-operative Assessment

• Priorities for surgery

• Surgical Emergencies

• Fracture

• Pathological fractures

• Benign lesions

• Gangrene - Amputation

• Elective Surgery

• Post-operative problems and Management

• Anesthesia in old age

Special Problems:

• Pressure Sore

• Care of the Chronically ill

• Care of patients with terminal illness

• Religion and Illness

• Falls

• Nursing home placement

Paper IV: Social and Preventive Geriatrics including Rehabilitation, and Advances in Geriatrics

Social Geriatrics:

• Types of Family - Joint family system- promotion of Joint Family System

– Role of Elders and the younger generation

• Isolation, loneliness and dependency - Dependency ratio - Generational equality

• Social changes due to urbanization and industrialization with respect to Elders

• Financial aspects - sources of income, old age pension

• Role of Government and NGOs in up-liftment of socio-economic status of older people

• International and national policies on ageing and old age care

• Geriatric Service for the Elderly in Western Countries and in India - Structure of geriatric Service - Family as basic Unit - Models of Geriatric Service

• Day Hospital, Day Care Centre, Long Stay Care Institution, Home for the Aged

Functions of the Day Hospital - Staff and patients of day Hospital

• Nursing Home in Western Countries - Goals of Geriatric Care - Need for similar services in India

• Psycho-geriatric services - structure and facility - Domicilliary Assessment and community Care

• Terminal Care Services - social and Spiritual problems in Terminally ill

• Ethical Issues in Geriatric Medicine - Self determination an decision making in treatment options - Informed Consent - Quality of life - Age limits on health care

• Euthanasia - Acts of Omission and Commission

Preventive Geriatrics:

• Preventing Diseases and promoting health in old age - Types of preventive activities - Risk factor management in elderly - screening

• Health belief model - General Health practices in elderly

• Exercise in the elderly - Physical and Mental domain - Benefits of Exercise

• Development of Anticipatory Care and its Rationale - methods of Anticipatory Care

• Health promotion and Health Education in the Elderly

• Anti-Aging interventions

Rehabilitation:

• The concepts and History of Rehabilitation

• The goals of Rehabilitation

• Principles of Rehabilitation - Assessment, goals, priorities and monitoring progress

• Rehabilitation in old age - Special features in relating to aging, multiple pathology, Policies, expectation, carers, acute illness, social and financial support

• Clinical evaluation of rehabilitation - impairment, disability and handicap

• Prevalence of disability, types of disability

• Rehabilitation as Team work - Team leadership, therapist, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social worker, physician and nursing personnel.

• Self care evaluation and management of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) - Self Care Assessment Tools

• Aids and application - tools for living

• Role of physiotherapy in the elderly

• Contractures and other deleterious effects of immobility

• Pressure Ulcer - factors, prevention and management

• Rehabilitation of Stroke in the elderly

• Rehabilitation of specific diseases - Parkinsonism, Paraplegia, Fracture neck of femur, acute and chronic arthritis, lower limb amputation, low back pain

• Organization and effectiveness of rehabilitation services - Community Services

• Geriatric Unit, Day hospital, Day Care Centre, Long Stay Care Institution - the role of rehabilitation in the above services

Advances in Geriatric Medicine:

• Alzheimer's Disease

• Parkinsonism

• Osteoporosis

• Urinary Incontinence

• Falls / Prevention of Fractures

• Parenteral Nutrition

• Stroke Clinic and Memory Clinic

• Anti-aging research

Career Options

After completing an MD in Geriatrics, 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 Geriatrics, Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant Geriatrics, Consultant Geriatrics Specialist, counselor, etc.

Courses After MD in Geriatrics Course

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

Frequently Asked Question (FAQs) – MD in Geriatrics Course

Question: What is an MD in Geriatrics?

Answer: MD Geriatrics or also known as MD in Geriatrics 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 Geriatrics?

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

Question: What is the eligibility of an MD in Geriatrics?

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 Geriatrics?

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

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

Answer: The MD in Geriatrics candidate's average salary is around ₹35k per month.

Question: What is the scope of geriatric medicine?

Answer: Geriatrics is a specialized branch of medicine that caters to the health care needs of senior citizens. Geriatricians ideally deal with preventive, curative, and rehabilitation aspects of the health of the elderly. Health issues faced by senior citizens are very different from those of younger people.

Question: At what age should you consider a geriatric doctor?

Answer: There's no right age to start seeing a geriatric specialist, a geriatrician can be helpful to you if you suffer from multiple medical conditions.