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DrNB Critical Care Medicine: Admissions, Medical Colleges, Fees, Eligibility criteria details
DrNB Critical Care Medicine or Doctorate of National Board in Critical Care Medicine also known as DrNB in Critical Care Medicine is a super specialty level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their postgraduate medical degree course. The duration of this super specialty course is 3 years, and it focuses on the study of patients who have sustained or are at risk of sustaining acutely life-threatening single or multiple organ failures due to disease or injury.
The course is a full-time course pursued at various accredited institutes/hospitals across the country. Some of the top accredited institutes/hospitals offering this course include Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, St.Stephen's Hospital, New Delhi, P.D. Hinduja National Hospital, and medical research Centre, Mumbai.
Admission to this course is done through the NEET-SS 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 DrNB (Critical Care Medicine) varies from accredited institutes/hospital to hospital and may range from Rs.1,05,000 to Rs.1,25,000 per year.
After completion of their respective course, doctors can either join the job market or can pursue certificate courses and Fellowship programs recognized by NMC and NBE. Candidates can take reputed jobs at positions as Senior residents, Consultants, etc. with an approximate salary range of Rs.10 lakhs to Rs. 45 lakhs per annum.
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 DrNB in Critical Care Medicine?
Doctorate of National Board in Critical CareMedicine, also known as DrNB (Critical Care Medicine) or DrNB in (Critical CareMedicine) is a three-year super specialty program that candidates can pursue after completing a postgraduate degree.
Critical Care Medicine is the branch of medical science dealing with the study of patients who have sustained or are at risk of sustaining acutely life-threatening single or multiple organ failure due to disease or injury.
The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has released a curriculum for DrNB in Critical Care Medicine.
The curriculum governs the education and training of DrNB in Critical Care Medicine.
The postgraduate students must gain ample knowledge and experience in the diagnosis, and treatment of patients with acute, serious, and life-threatening medical and surgical diseases.
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 Critical Care Medicine 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 specialty.
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 DrNB in Critical Care Medicine
Name of Course | DrNB in Critical Care Medicine |
Level | Doctorate |
Duration of Course | Three years |
Course Mode | Full Time |
Minimum Academic Requirement | Postgraduate medical degree obtained from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (Now NMC)/NBE. The feeder qualification mentioned here as of 2022 is MD/DNB Emergency Medicine/Anaesthesiology/General Medicine/Pediatrics/Respiratory Medicine. For any further changes to the prerequisite requirement please refer to the NBE website. |
Admission Process / Entrance Process / Entrance Modalities | Entrance Exam (NEET-SS) INI CET for various AIIMS, PGIMER Chandigarh, JIPMER Puducherry, NIMHANS Bengaluru Counselling by DGHS/MCC/State Authorities |
Course Fees | Rs.1,05,000 to Rs.1,25,000 per year |
Average Salary | Rs.10 lakhs to Rs.45 lakhs per annum |
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for DrNB in Critical Care Medicine are defined as the set of rules or minimum prerequisites that aspirants must meet in order to be eligible for admission, which include:
Name of Super Specialty course | Course Type | Prior Eligibility Requirement |
Critical Care Medicine | DM/DrNB | MD/DNB (Emergency Medicine) |
MD/DNB (General Medicine) | ||
MD/DNB (Respiratory Medicine) | ||
MD/DNB (Anaesthesia) | ||
MD/DNB (Paediatrics) |
- Note:
- The feeder qualification for DrNB Critical care medicine is defined by the NBE and is subject to changes by the NBE.
- The feeder qualification mentioned here is as of 2022.
- For any changes please refer to the NBE website.
- The prior entry qualifications shall be strictly in accordance with Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2000, and its amendments notified by the NMC and any clarification issued from NMC in this regard.
- 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 Postgraduate Degree courses 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 DrNB in Critical Care Medicine. Candidates can view the complete admission process for DrNB in critical care Medicine mentioned below:
- The NEET-SS or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Super specialty courses is an anational-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to/MCh/DrNB Courses.
- Qualifying Criteria-Candidates placed at the 50th percentile or above shall be declared as qualified in the NEET-SS in their respective specialty.
- The following Medical institutions are not covered under centralized admissions for DM/MCh courses through NEET-SS:
1.AIIMS, New Delhi, and other AIIMS
2.PGIMER, Chandigarh
3.JIPMER, Puducherry
4.NIMHANS, Bengaluru
- Candidates from all eligible feeder specialty subjects shall be required to appear in the question paper of the respective groups if they are willing to opt for a super specialty course in any of the super specialty courses covered in that group.
- A candidate can opt for appearing in the question papers of as many groups for which his/her Postgraduate specialty qualification is an eligible feeder qualification.
- By appearing in the question paper of a group and on qualifying for the examination, a candidate shall be eligible to exercise his/her choices in the counseling only for those super specialty subjects covered in the said group for which his/ her broad specialty is an eligible feeder qualification.
Fees Structure
The fee structure for DrNB in Critical Care 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 DrNB in Critical Care Medicine is around Rs.1,05,000 to Rs.1,25,000 per year.
Colleges offering DrNB in Critical Care Medicine
There are various accredited institutes/hospitals across India that offer courses for pursuing DrNB in Critical Care Medicine.
As per the National Board of Examinations website, the following accredited institutes/hospitals are offering DrNB (Critical Care Medicine)courses for the academic year 2022-23.
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Syllabus
A DrNB in Critical Care Medicine is a three years specialization course that provides training in the stream of intensive care medicine.
The course content for DrNB in Critical Care Medicine is given in the NBE Curriculum released by the national board of Examinations, which can be assessed through the link mentioned below:
The document provided is a structured syllabus that consists of three segments i.e. Domains, Competencies and Aggregated syllabus. Domains consist of a broad skill set that needs to be acquired during the three years training period. Competencies are general skill set within each domain that needs to be acquired to become competent in the Domain requirement. These competencies may further be acquired through specific skill sets enumerated in Aggregated syllabus which is classified systematically and within each system consisting of Basic and Applied Anatomy and Physiology, Pharmacology, Clinical examination skills, Procedural skills, Data interpretation, Equipment knowledge, Disease management skills. A comprehensive list of knowledge set is enumerated within each of these sections in Aggregated syllabus. Critical Care is a broad super specialty and some of the knowledge and skill set may not have been fully covered in this Syllabus. Moreover, as critical care is a rapidly advancing science with emerging evidence, knowledge, and newer strategies of management, the trainees are encouraged to use this syllabus as a guide in their training program and not as an all-inclusive document.
1. Domains
a. Resuscitation
b. Disease Management: Diagnosis/Monitoring/Supportive care/Definitive care
c. Procedures
d. Perioperative Care
e. Transport
f. Ethics/End of Life Care/Prognostication
g. Quality and Patient Safety
h. Administration/Clinical Governance
i. Research/Teaching
j. Professionalism /Communication
k. Medico Legal
l. Organ donation
2. Competencies
a. Resuscitation
Assess and stabilize patients with Shock/Respiratory failure/other organ failure
• Assess and stabilize patients with acute physiologic derangement/Rapid response
• Manage Cardiorespiratory arrest and post-arrest care
• Manage Trauma/ Burn/Environmental hazards
• Disaster management and Mass casualty initial Management
• Triaging
• Resuscitation in special situations: Obstetrics/Paediatric
b. Disease Management: Diagnosis/Monitoring/Supportive care/Definitive care
History taking
Focused physical examination
Relevant investigation/imaging
Provisional and Differential diagnosis
Interdepartmental consultation
Documentation
General monitoring
Organ-specific monitoring
Hemodynamic support
Respiratory support
Renal support
Nutritional support
Neurological support
Hematological support
Metabolic support
Immunological support
Definitive care
Physiotherapy
c. Procedures
Organ-specific procedures
d. Perioperative care
Perioperative care of high-risk surgical patient
Perioperative care in cardiac surgery
Perioperative care in neurosurgery
Perioperative care in Transplant surgery
Perioperative care in Thoracic surgery
Perioperative care in Trauma surgery
Post -operative analgesia
DVT prophylaxis
e. Transport
Intra-hospital transport of a high-risk patient
Inter-hospital Ground/Air Transport of High-risk patient
Transport of patients with a contagious disease
Documentation/Handover
f. Ethics/End of Life/Prognostication
Prognostication Scoring systems
Withholding and Withdrawing life support: Communication
Principles of medical ethics
Palliative care
Empathy toward Family, Social and Religious belief
g. Quality and Patient safety
Structure, Process and Outcome data on Quality
Root Cause analysis of Near Miss and Medical errors
Medication safety and Adverse drug reaction monitoring
Auditing and Benchmarking performance
Environmental hazards and safety of patient and healthcare staff
Infection control measures
h. Administration/Clinical Governance
• Human Resource/Design/Equipment/Budgeting
• Conflict resolution
• Team leader role
• Critical Care Outreach team
• Critical Care follow up clinic
• Admission and discharge planning
• Developing ICU policies and Protocols
i. Research /Teaching
Plan Research Project
GCP training
Critically appraising a research paper
Participate in departments teaching/research programs
Simulation training
Teaching Nurse/Allied health care Professional
Presentation in Scientific meetings
j. Professionalism
• Professional attitude/communication toward patients, family, and colleagues
• Patient care-related documents
• Respects the privacy, and confidentiality of patients' data
• Involves patient and family in decision making
• Promote team management and multidisciplinary care
• Patient and Family centered care
• Understand principles of reducing cost while maintaining quality
k. Medico-legal
• State and National laws
• Medical negligence
• Informed consent
• Medical indemnity
l. Organ Donation:
• Certifying Brain Death
• Managing Organ donor/Organ Transport
3. Aggregated Syllabus
a. Cardiovascular system
• Basic and Applied Anatomy and Physiology of the Cardiovascular system
Coronary circulation
Surface marking of the Heart, Major vessels, and Landmarks for vascular access
Cardiac conduction system
Cardiac muscle, Valve, Chambers, Pericardium
Cardiac innervation
Hemodynamics
Cardiac output
Starling curve
Oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption
Oxygen debt
Control of blood pressure
Preload, afterload, transmural pressures
Systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance
Heart-lung interaction
Flow-dependent oxygen delivery changes in diseased states
Regional circulations in shock
Arrhythmia
Starling's law of movement of fluids
Guytonian theory of circulation
Circulatory changes during ECMO and cardiopulmonary bypass
Microcirculation
Neurohumoral control of the cardiovascular system
b. Pharmacology of Cardiovascular Drugs
• Inotropes and Vasoactive agents
• Antiarrhythmics
• Antihypertensives
• Diuretics
• Resuscitation Fluids
• Antiplatelets, Anticoagulants, and Thrombolytics
c. Examination of Cardiovascular systems
• Clinical assessment of the hemodynamic status
d. Practical Skills
• CPR/Defibrillation/Cardioversion/Pacing (Transvenous /External)
Cannulation
Venous: Central /Peripheral
Arterial
PICC line
Ultrasound-guided
• Hemodynamic monitoring (Invasive/Non-Invasive)
• Echocardiography
• Setting up of invasive monitor
• Invasive/Minimally invasive cardiac output
• Intra-aortic balloon pump
• Pulmonary artery catheter
• Assist in ECMO cannulation
e. Data Interpretation
• Central Venous pressure Waveform
• Arterial Waveform
• Chest X-ray/Electrocardiography/Echocardiography
• Hemodynamic monitoring
Cardiac output
Pulse pressure variation
Stroke volume variation
SCVO2/SVO2
Arterio-Venous PaCO2 Gap analysis
Lactate
Tidal volume challenge
Plethysmographaic variability index
Capillary refill time
Passive Straight Leg raising
• Analysis of PA waveform
f. Equipment Knowledge
• 12 lead ECG machine
• Continuous ECG monitor
• Cardiac arrest tray
• Defibrillator
• NIBP
• Pressure Transducers
• Syringe pump
• Volumetric infusion pumps
• Pressure bag for rapid fluid infusion
• Temporary pacemaker: transvenous/transcutaneous device/paddles
• Blood warmer
• Cannulae: Venous/Arterial/Introducer sheath
• Cardiac output monitor
• Calibrated
• Non-Calibrated
• ECMO machine
• IABP
• PA catheter
• ECHO machine
g. Clinical Management Skill
• Shock (all categories)
• Acute/Acute on chronic heart failure
• Arrhythmias
• Acute coronary syndrome
• Hypertensive urgencies/emergencies
• Pericardial tamponade
• Aortic dissection
• Pulmonary embolism
• Invasive management of cardiogenic shock
ECMO
IABP
Ventricular assist device
• Acute Valvular emergencies
• Heart failure in Pregnancy
• Cyanotic and acyanotic congenital heart disease
• Cardiomyopathy and Myocarditis
• Air, Fat and Amniotic fluid embolism
• Acute Aortic and Peripheral vascular disorders
4. Respiratory System
a. Basic and Applied Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory system
• Anatomy
Upper and Lower airway
Pleura, mediastinum
Lungs, lobes, the microstructure of lung
Diaphragm, and other muscles of respiration
Sternum and Rib cage
• Surface marking /Landmarks
Lung/Pleura
Tracheal Cartilages
Thoracic Procedures
Thoracocentesis
Tension Pneumothorax
Percutaneous tracheostomy
Cricothyrotomy
• Lung Ultrasound
• Lung Mechanics
Work of breathing
Central control of respiration
• Oxygenation and Ventilation
Hypoxia/Hyperoxia/ Hypo/Hypercarbia
V/Q mismatch/Shunt/Dead space/Diffusion defect
Oxygen and Carbon dioxide dissociation curve
Respiratory Quotient
Compliance and Resistance
Oxygenation and Ventilation Indices
• West Zones
• Effect of IPPV and PEEP on lungs and circulation
• Heart-lung interactions in health and disease
b. Pharmacology of Drugs in the Respiratory system
• Bronchodilators
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mucolytics
• Oxygen
• Pulmonary vasodilators
• Steroids
• Neuromuscular blocking agent
c. Examination of Respiratory systems
• Clinical assessment of Respiratory failure
Upper airway obstruction
Exacerbation of Obstructive airway disease
Collapse/Consolidation
• Clinical assessment of Pleural effusion/Pneumothorax/Hemothorax/ Flail chest
d. Practical Skills
• Airway Management
• Non-invasive ventilation
• Prone ventilation
• Invasive ventilation
• Thoracic procedures
Thoracocentesis
Chest tube placement
• Cricothyroidotomy
• Tracheostomy
• Bronchoscopy
• Chest Ultrasound
• Chest Physiotherapy
• Intercostal nerve block
• ECMO
e. Data Interpretation
• Arterial Blood Gas
• Pulse Oximetry
• Capnography
• Ventilatory graphics
• Imaging
Chest X-ray
Chest CT Scan
• Pulmonary Function test
f. Equipment Knowledge
• Oxygen delivery systems
• Pulse oximeter
• Oxygen cylinder/Flow meter/Concentrator
• Capnograph
• Airway management devices
• Non-invasive ventilation devices with interface
• Invasive ventilators
• Chest drain system
• Bronchoscope
• Nebulizers
• ECMO
• Hyperbaric oxygen
• High-Frequency Oscillator
g. Clinical Management Skill
• Acute and Acute on Chronic Respiratory failure
COPD exacerbation
Acute severe asthma
ARDS
• Upper airway obstruction
• Massive hemoptysis
• Pulmonary embolism
• Pneumonia
Severe Community acquired
Hospital acquired/ VAP
Aspiration
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Pulmonary vasculitis
• Hepatopulmonary syndrome
• Bronchopleural fistula
• Pleural diseases
• Chest Trauma
5. Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary system
a. Basic and Applied Anatomy and Physiology
• Surface marking
• Abdominal paracentesis
• Acid secretion
• Peristalsis /Digestion/Absorption
• Bile synthesis and excretion
• Ammoniagenesis
b. Pharmacology of Hepatobiliary and Gastrointestinal drugs
• Acid suppressants
H2 blockers
Proton Pump Inhibitor
Antacid
• Pepsin inhibitor - Sucralfate
• Prokinetic/Antimotility / Laxatives and Anti emetics
• Lactulose and other ammonia-reducing drugs
• Vasopressin and analogs: Terlipressin/Octreotide/Somatostatin/Midodrine
• Drug dosing in liver failure
c. Clinical skills
• Focused abdominal examination
• Rectal examination
d. Practical skills
• Insertion of Feeding tubes
Nasogastric
Nasojejunal
• Insertion of Sengstaken Blackmore tube
• Abdominal paracentesis
• Intrabdominal pressure measurement
• Stoma care
• Focused abdominal ultrasound
e. Data interpretation
• Liver function test
• Abdominal imaging
• Intrabdominal pressure
• Peritoneal fluid analysis
f. Equipment knowledge
• Feeding tubes
Nasogastric
Nasojejunal
PEG tube
Surgical feeding jejunostomy
• Sengstaken tube
g. Clinical management skill
• Management of acute abdomen
• Acute pancreatitis
• Acute/Acute on chronic liver failure
Hepatic encephalopathy
Massive ascites
Portal hypertension with variceal bleed
Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis
Hepatorenal syndrome
Hepatopulmonary syndrome
Jaundice in pregnancy
• Upper and lower Gastrointestinal bleed
• Stress ulcer prophylaxis
• Acute colonic dilatation
• Mesenteric infarct
• Management of short gut syndrome
• Postoperative management of major abdominal surgery
• Rupture esophagus
• Cholecystitis
Acute calculus cholecystitis
Acalculous cholecystitis
• Abdominal compartment syndrome
• Corrosive injury
• Tracheo-esophageal fistula
• Inflammatory Bowel disease: Toxic megacolon
• Budd Chiari syndrome
• Hepatitis
• Plasmapheresis in liver disease
• Diarrhea in critically ill
6. Renal system
a. Basic and Applied Anatomy and Physiology of Renal system
• Surface marking
Kidneys: Anteriorly and Posteriorly
AV fistula
• Renal circulation: Macro and Micro
• Role of kidney in homeostasis
• Physiology of formation of Urine
• Basic principles of Dialysis and Hemofiltration
b. Pharmacology
• Diuretics
• Renoprotective agent
• Dose modification in renal failure
• Nephrotoxicity
c. Clinical examination of the renal system
• Kidney palpation/Renal bruit
d. Procedural skill
• Insertion of hemodialysis catheter
• Insertion of temporary peritoneal dialysis catheter
• Measurement of Bladder pressure
• Setting up of Dialysis: Hemo (including CRRT) and Peritoneal
e. Data Interpretation
• Urine dipstick
• Urine routine microscopy
• Urinary electrolytes
• Creatinine clearance
• Renal imaging
f. Use of Equipment
• Hemodialysis catheter
• Temporary dialysis catheter
• Hemodialyser including CRRT machine
g. Clinical skills
• Assesing oliguria
• Managing acute/acute on chronic kidney injury
• Preventing acute kidney injury
• Managing complications of Hemo and Peritoneal dialysis
• Managing electrolyte emergencies
• Managing Plasmapheresis/Hemoperfusion
h. Hematology/Oncology
• Hematology
Physiology
Coagulation system
Life cycle of Blood Corpuscles
• Pharmacology
• Antiplatelets
• Anticoagulants
• Anti Fibrinolytics
• Thrombolytics
• Anticoagulant reversing agents
i. Equipment
• Blood warmer
• Pheresis machine
• Thromboelastograph
• ACT machine
j. Data interpretation
• Peripheral smear
• DIC panel/Coagulation test
• Thromboelastograph
• Blood grouping and cross matching
k. Procedural skills
• Safe blood and component transfusion
• Iron transfusion
• Blood preservation
l. Clinical skills
• Assessing and Managing
Anemia
Bleeding disorder
Hemolytic disorders
Thrombotic disorders
• Massive Blood transfusion
• Managing TTP/HUS/HIT
• Managing Mismatch blood transfusion
m. Oncology
• Pharmacology
Chemotherapeutic agents
• Clinical skills
Managing oncological emergencies
Tumor lysis syndrome
SVC compression
Spinal cord compression
Hyperviscosity syndrome
• Managing Chemotherapy-induced complications
• Assessing Graft versus Host disease
n. Nutrition/Metabolic /Fluid and Electrolyte
• Physiology
Malnutrition in critically ill
Glucose /Lipid/Protein metabolism
Respiratory Quotient
Water and Electrolyte balance
• Equipment knowledge
Indirect calorimeter (Metabolic cart)
Glucometer
• Data interpretation
Nutrition score
Urinary urea nitrogen
Respiratory quotient
Thyroid function test
Adrenal function test
• Pharmacology
Crystalloids
Colloids
Electrolytes
Micronutrients
• Clinical management skills
Nutrition
Assessing nutritional status
Formulating a nutritional plan in general
Formulating nutritional plans in specific disease states e.g.
Sepsis
Renal failure
Liver failure
Pancreatitis
Hypercapnic respiratory failure
Short gut /Fistula
Burn
Immunonutrition
Principles of Enteral and Parenteral nutrition
Glucose metabolism
Diabetic ketoacidosis
Hyperglycemic, Hyperosmolar state
Glycemic control
Endocrine disorders
Managing Endocrine emergencies e.g.
Thyrotoxic crisis
Myxedema coma
Adrenal crisis
Pituitary apoplexy
Hypercalcemia
Diabetes insipidus
Postoperative management of Parathyroidectomy
Postoperative management of Pheochromocytoma
Hormonal therapy in Brain dead organ donor
Electrolyte /Acid Base
Sodium/Potassium/Calcium/Magnesium/Phosphate balance
Acidotic/Alkalotic states: Respiratory and Metabolic
Osmolar gap
o. Nervous System
• Basic and Applied Anatomy and Physiology
Central/Peripheral and Autonomic nervous systems
Action potential, nerve conduction, Neuromuscular junction
EEG
Surface marking
Lumbar puncture
Spinal,Plexus and nerve block
Intracranial pressure
Cerebral autoregulation
CSF production, circulation and absorption
• Pharmacology
Osmotic agents
Sedatives/Anxiolytics/Antipsychotic/Anaesthetics/Analgesics
Neuromuscular blockers/Anticholinesterases/Anticholinergic
Anticonvulsant
Thrombolytics
• Clinical skills
Focused neurological examination
Coma /Sedation/Delirium scale
Brain death certification
• Practical skill
Lumbar puncture
Neuromuscular junction monitoring
Transducing ICP monitor
Cerebral protection/ Targeted temperature management
• Data Interpretation
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
EEG
Neuroimaging
Transcranial Doppler
ICP waveform analysis
EMG and NCV analysis
Bispectral Index (BIS)
• Use of Equipment
Lumbar puncture needle
Ventriculostomy catheter and drainage bag
ICP monitors and transducers
Neuromuscular junction blockade monitor
Bispectral index Monitor (BIS)
• Clinical management skills
Assessment of Coma /Delirium
Stroke
Ischemic
Hemorrhagic
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
Status epilepticus
Non convulsive status
Meningitis/Meningoencephalitis/Brainabscess/Acute demyelinatingencephalopathy/Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy (PRES)
Toxic/Metabolic/septic/Hypoxic-ishcemic encephalopathy
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis
Head injury
Hydrocephalus
Spinal cord injury
Transverse myelitis
Acute cord compression
Guillain Barre Syndrome
Critical illness neuropathy
Myasthenic crisis
p. Infectious disease
• Microbiology
Principles of collection, storage, transport of microbial samples
Staining
Culture and Sensitivity interpretation
Molecular based diagnostics
Serological tests
Mechanism of bacterial resistance
Diagnostic stewardship
• Antimicrobials
Antibiotics
Antiviral
Antifungal
Antitubercular
Antiprotozoals
PK/PD of antimicrobials
Antimicrobial stewardship
Therapeutic drug monitoring
• Bacteria/Virus/Fungi/Parasites
Gram positive bacteria
Gram negative bacteria
Drug resistant bacteria
Fungi
Mycobacterium
Virus
Rickettsiae
Parasitic diseases
• Infectious syndrome
Complicated Abdominal/Gastrointestinal infections
Peritonitis
Liver abscess
Cholecystitis
Colitis
Device associated infections
VAP
CRBSI
CAUTI
SSI
Sepsis and Septic shock
Complicated skin and soft tissue infections
Neurological infections
Meningitis
Encephalitis
Brain abscess
Pleuro Pulmonary infections
Pneumonia
Empyema
Genitourinary infections
Pyelonephritis
• Infection Prevention
Prevention of nosocomial infection
Principles of isolation precaution
Environmental disinfection
Autoclaving and Sterilisation
Infection risk to health care workers
• Obstetrical Critical Care
Physiological alterations in pregnancy
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy
Pregnancy induced hypertension
Preeclampsia
Eclampsia
Jaundice in pregnancy
HELLP syndrome
Acute fatty liver
Hepatitis
Respiratory failure in pregnancy
Thromboembolic disease
Asthma
Amniotic fluid embolism
Mechanical ventilation during pregnancy
Peripartum cardiomyopathy
Postpartum hemorrhage
Trauma in pregnancy
Infections in pregnancy
Septic pelvic thrombophlebitis
Cardiac arrest in pregnancy
Pharmacotherapy in pregnancy
q. Trauma/ Burn/Transplant / Environmental hazard/ Toxicology/ Pharmacology /
Transport/ Imaging / Bioengineering
• Trauma
Principles of management of Polytrauma
Head injury
Spinal cord injury
Airway injury / Chest trauma
Blunt and penetrating abdominal injury
Crush injury
Inhalation injury
Major vascular injury
Skeletal trauma
Epidural and patient controlled analgesia
• Burn
Assessment, initial resuscitation
Wound management
Smoke inhalation and airway burns
Detection and management of Infections
Nutrition management
• Transplant
Managing Brain dead organ donor
Perioperative management of solid organ transplant
Managing hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Pharmacology of Immunosuppression
Infections in immune compromised patients
Brain death certification
Transplant immunology
• Environmental hazard
Temperature related injuries
Electrical injury
Radiation /Nuclear hazards
Near drowning
Partial hanging
Disaster management
Mass casualty management
Preventing Fire hazard in ICU
Industrial chemical hazard
Biological hazards
• Toxicology
Management of patients with acute poisoning
Syndromic diagnosis of poisoning
Poisoning and Envenomation
Organophosphorus
Corrosive
Benzodiazepines
Antidepressants
Narcotics
Calcium channel blocker
Beta blocker
Hypoglycemic
Anticholinergic
Salicylates
Alcohol
Cocaine
Acetaminophen
Carbon monoxide
Barbiturates
Snake/Scorpion envenomation
Other animal/insect bites
Plant poisons
Methemoglobinemia
Sulphhemoglobinemia
Metal toxicity
Cyanide toxicity
• Pharmacology
PK/PD principles of drugs
Drug Drug interaction
Adverse drug reaction
Drug reconciliation
Drug dosing in renal and liver failure
Principles of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring
• Transport
Intrahospital and interhospital transport
Air ambulance
Handover and documentation
• Imaging
Portable x-ray
Point of care Ultrasound /Echo
Peripheral venous and arterial doppler
Hazards of contrast
CT scan
MRI/MRCP
Basics of Transcranial doppler
Basics of PET scan
Basics of Nuclear scan
Utilising PACS system
Important interventional radiological procedures
• Bioengineering
Principles of strain gauge transducers
Signal conditioners, gain
Calibration, adjustment, display technique
Electrical safety
Computers
Amplifiers and recorders
Medical gases and pipelines
r. Research/Administration/Ethics/Legal/Quality/Teaching
• Research
Study design, protocol writing and conduct of clinical research
Biostatistics
Presentation to Ethics committee
Manuscript writing
• Ethical and Legal
Principles of medical ethics
Indian laws/acts pertaining to critical care
Communication skills
Handling medical negligence complaints
Documentation
• Administration
Resource allocation
Design of intensive care unit
Performance assessment
Critical pathway development
Electronic medical record
Economics of ICU care
Managing conflict in ICU
ICU burn out
• Quality
Auditing ICU processes and outcome
Clinical governance
Prognostic scores
Key performance indicators (KPI)
• Education
Reviewing literature
Critiquing papers
Presenting paper
Case presentation
Participating in journal club
Simulation training
Teaching skills
Career Options
After completing a DrNB in Critical Care 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 Registrar, SeniorResident, Demonstrator, Tutor, etc.
While in the Private sector the options include Resident Doctor, Consultant, Visiting Consultant (Critical CareMedicine), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Critical Care Medicine), Critical Care Specialist, etc.
Courses After DrNB in Critical Care Medicine Course
DrNB in Critical Care Medicine is a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing a Postgraduate medical course. After pursuing a specialization in DrNB in Critical care medicine, a candidate could also pursue certificate courses and Fellowship programs recognized by NMC and NBE, where DrNB in Critical Care Medicine is a feeder qualification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DrNB in Critical Care Medicine Course
Question: What is the full form of DrNB?
Answer: The full form of DrNB is a Doctorate of National Board.
Question: What is a DrNB in Critical Care Medicine?
Answer: DrNB Critical Care Medicine or Doctorate of National Board in Critical Care Medicine also known as DNB in Critical Care Medicine is a super specialty level course for doctors in India that is done by them after completion of their postgraduate medical degree course.
Question: What is the duration of a DrNB in critical care Medicine?
Answer: DrNB in Critical Care Medicine is a super specialty program of three years.
Question: What is the eligibility of a DrNB in Critical Care Medicine?
Answer: Candidates must be in possession of a postgraduate medical Degree (MD/MS/DNB) in Emergency Medicine/Anaesthesiology/General Medicine/Pediatrics/Respiratory Medicine from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (now NMC)/NBE. These feeder qualification are as of the year 2022/ For further updates please check NBE website.
Question: What is the scope of a DrNB in Critical Care Medicine?
Answer: DrNB in Critical Care Medicine offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.
Question: What is the average salary for a DrNB in Critical Care Medicine candidate?
Answer: The DrNB in Critical Care Medicine candidate's average salary is between Rs.10 lakhs to Rs. 45 lakhs per annum depending on the experience.
Question: Can you teach after completing DrNB Course?
Answer: Yes, the candidate can teach in a medical college/hospital after completing the DrNB course.
Question: What is the difference between DrNB and DNB?
Answer: As of today, DrNB is a super-specialist qualification imparted by the NBE (SS level). Whereas DNB is a specialist qualification. Earlier DrNB used to be called DNB SS but now it is called DrNB.
Fact checking Lead
Nitisha graduated with an MD in Medicine from O.O. Bogomolets National Medical University in Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2024. She joined Medical Dialogues in 2022. Her interests lie in healthcare management, medical writing, and fact-checking to combat the widespread medical misinformation in society.