DNB Geriatric Medicine: Admissions, Medical Colleges, Fees, Eligibility criteria details
DNB Geriatric Medicine or Diplomate of National Board in Geriatric Medicine also known as DNB in Geriatric Medicine 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 diagnosis, treatment and management of diseases in older population. It aims to provide rehabilitation with the multidisciplinary team to an older patient in an inpatient, home, hospital and community setting.
Admission to this course is done through the NEET PG Entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations, followed by counselling based on the scores of the exam that is conducted by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities.
The fee for pursuing DNB (Geriatric Medicine) from accredited institutes/hospitals is 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 DNB Geriatric Medicine is a feeder qualification. Candidates can take reputed jobs at positions as Senior residents, Junior Consultants, Consultants, etc. with an approximate salary range of Rs. 8,00,000 - 25,00,000 per year.
DNB is equivalent to MD/MS/DM/MCh degrees awarded respectively in medical and surgical super specialties. The list of recognized qualifications awarded by the Board in various broad and super specialties as approved by the Government of India are included in the first schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
The Diplomate of National Board in broad-specialty qualifications and super specialty qualifications when granted in a medical institution with the attached hospital or in a hospital with the strength of five hundred or more beds, by the National Board of Examinations, shall be equivalent in all respects to the corresponding postgraduate qualification and the super-specialty qualification granted under the Act, but in all other cases, senior residency in a medical college for an additional period of one year shall be required for such qualification to be equivalent for the purposes of teaching also.
What is DNB in Geriatric Medicine?
Diplomate of National Board in Geriatric Medicine, also known as DNB (Geriatric Medicine) or DNB in Geriatric Medicine is a three-year postgraduate programme that candidates can pursue after completing MBBS.
Geriatric Medicine is the branch of medical science dealing with the prevention and treatment of diseases in older people; it is thus a part of the broader field of gerontology.
The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has released a curriculum for DNB in Geriatric Medicine.
The curriculum governs the education and training of DNBs in Geriatric Medicine.
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 Geriatric Medicine 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 speciality.
The candidate should be a highly competent specialist in Geriatric Medicine possessing a broad range of skills that will enable her/him to practice Geriatric Medicine 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 DNB in Geriatric Medicine
| Name of Course | DNB in Geriatric Medicine |
| Level | Postgraduate |
| Duration of Course | Three years |
| Course Mode | Full Time |
| Minimum Academic Requirement | MBBS degree obtained from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (now NMC) |
| Admission Process / Entrance Process / Entrance Modalities | Entrance Exam (NEET PG) |
| Course Fees | Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 4.86 Lakh per annum |
| Average Salary | Rs. 8,00,000 - 25,00,000 per year |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for DNB in Geriatric Medicine 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) now NMC.
- 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) now NMC.
- 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).
- Candidates who have passed the final examination, leading to the award of a Post Graduate Degree (MD/MS) from an Indian University, which is duly recognized as per provisions of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019 and the first schedule of the IMC Act can apply for the DNB Final examination in the same broad specialty.
Admission Process
The admission process contains a few steps to be followed in order by the candidates for admission to DNB in Geriatric Medicine. Candidates can view the complete admission process for DNB in Geriatric Medicine 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.
| S.No. | Category | Eligibility Criteria |
| 1. | General | 50th Percentile |
| 2. | SC/ST/OBC (Including PWD of SC/ST/OBC) | 40th Percentile |
| 3. | UR PWD | 45th Percentile |
Fees Structure
The fee structure for DNB in Geriatric Medicine varies from accredited institute/hospital to hospital. The fee is generally less for Government Institutes and more for private institutes. The average fee structure for DNB in Geriatric Medicine is Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 4.86 Lakh per annum.
Colleges offering DNB in Geriatric Medicine
The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) has launched 14 new courses in 2022 for the Diplomate of National Board (DNB)/Fellowship of National Board (FNB). Currently, according to the NBE website, the Board has not allotted any colleges for the Geriatric Medicine course.
Syllabus
A DNB in Geriatric Medicine is a three years specialization course that provides training in the stream of Geriatric Medicine.
The course content for DNB in Geriatric Medicine is given in the NBE Curriculum released by National Board of Examinations, which can be assessed through the link mentioned below:
The broad outline of the course contents is given below:
1. Basic Sciences: Biology of human ageing, Epidemiology of human ageing, Immunology of human ageing, Effect of ageing on different organs, death.
2. 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.
3. Preventive geriatrics: Rehabilitation, end of life care, legal, ethical and economic aspects.
Basic Sciences of the following systems:
a. Anatomy
b. Physiology
c. Biochemistry
d. Pharmacology
e. Microbiology
f. Pathology
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), Corpulmonale, Acute and Chronic Respiratory Failure, Neoplasm of lung, Diseases of Pleura, Mediastinum and Diaphragm Diseases of the Gastrointestinal System = Diseases of the esophagus, Gastroesophageal 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 Reticuloendothelial 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
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 Embolism 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, Fractures, 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 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 and 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 - 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 a DNB in Geriatric Medicine, 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, including Registrar, Senior Resident, Demonstrator, Tutor, etc.
While in the Private sector the options include Resident Doctor, Consultant, Visiting Consultant (Geriatric Medicine), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Geriatric Medicine), Consultant Geriatric Medicine Specialist, etc.
Courses After DNB in Geriatric Medicine Course
DNB in Geriatric Medicine is a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing MBBS. After pursuing a specialization in DNB (Geriatric Medicine), a candidate could also pursue super specialization courses recognized by NMC, where DNB (Geriatric Medicine) is a feeder qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DNB in Geriatric Medicine Course
Question: What is a DNB in Geriatric Medicine?
Answer: DNB Geriatric Medicine or Diplomate of National Board in Geriatric Medicine also known as DNB in Geriatric Medicine is a Postgraduate level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their MBBS.
Question: Is DNB in Geriatric Medicine equivalent to MD in Geriatric Medicine?
Answer: DNB in Geriatric Medicine is equivalent to MD in Geriatric Medicine, the list of recognized qualifications awarded by NBE in various broad and super specialties as approved by the Government of India are included in the first schedule of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.
Question: What is the duration of a DNB in Geriatric Medicine?
Answer: DNB in Geriatric Medicine is a postgraduate programme of three years.
Question: What is the eligibility of a DNB in Geriatric Medicine?
Answer: Candidates must be in possession of an undergraduate MBBS degree from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (now NMC).
Question: What is the scope of a DNB in Geriatric Medicine?
Answer: DNB in Geriatric Medicine offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.
Question: What is the average salary for a DNB in Geriatric Medicine postgraduate candidate?
Answer: The DNB in Geriatric Medicine candidate's average salary is between Rs. 8,00,000 - 25,00,000 per year depending on the experience.
Question: Are DNB Geriatric Medicine and MD Geriatric Medicine equivalent for pursuing teaching jobs?
Answer: The Diplomate of National Board in broad-speciality qualifications and super speciality qualifications when granted in a medical institution with attached hospital or in a hospital with the strength of five hundred or more beds, by the National Board of Examinations, shall be equivalent in all respects to the corresponding postgraduate qualification and the super-speciality qualification granted under the Act, but in all other cases, senior residency in a medical college for an additional period of one year shall be required for such qualification to be equivalent for the purposes of teaching also.
