DrNB Neonatology: Admissions, Medical Colleges, Eligibility Criteria, Fee Details

DrNB Neonatology or Doctorate of National Board in Neonatology also known as DrNB in Neonatology 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 diagnosis and treatment of new-born with conditions such as breathing disorders, infections, and birth defects.

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 are Sir Ganga Ram Hospital Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi, Bai Jerbai Wadia Hospital for Children Institute of Child Health and Research Centre, Mumbai, Maharashtra, and more.

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 (Neonatology) varies from accredited institute/hospital to hospital and may be around Rs. 1,25,000 per annum.

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.5,00,000 to Rs.22,00,000 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 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 teaching also.

What is DrNB in Neonatology?

Doctorate of National Board in Neonatology, also known as DrNB (Neonatology) or DrNB in (Neonatology) is a three-year super specialty program that candidates can pursue after completing a postgraduate degree.

Neonatology is the branch of medical science dealing with diagnosing and treating new-born with conditions such as breathing disorders, infections, and birth defects along with coordinating care and medically managing new-born born premature, critically ill, or in need of surgery.

The National Board of Examinations (NBE) has released a curriculum for DrNB in Neonatology.

The curriculum governs the education and training of DrNB in Neonatology.

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 Neonatology 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 Neonatology

Eligibility Criteria

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

Note:

· The feeder qualification for DrNB Neonatology 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 by 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 with 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 Neonatology. Candidates can view the complete admission process for DrNB in Neonatology mentioned below:

• The NEET-SS or National Eligibility Entrance Test for Super specialty courses is a national-level master's level examination conducted by the NBE for admission to DM/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 group 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 Neonatology 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 Neonatology is around Rs. 1,25,000 per year.

Colleges offering DrNB in Neonatology

Various accredited institutes/hospitals across India offer courses for pursuing DrNB in Neonatology.

As per the National Board of Examinations website, the following accredited institutes/hospitals are offering DrNB (Neonatology) courses for the academic year 2022-23.

Syllabus

A DrNB in Neonatology is a three years specialization course that provides training in the stream of Pediatrics Neonatology.

The course content for DrNB in Neonatology is given in the NBE Curriculum released by the National Board of Examinations, which can be assessed through the link mentioned below:

Since the students are trained with the aim of practicing as independent specialists, this course content will be mainly a guideline. They have to manage all types of cases and situations and seek and provide consultation. The emphasis shall therefore be on the practical management of the problem of the individual cases and the community within the available resources.

1. Basic Sciences

i. Basic genetics

ii. Fetal and neonatal immunology

iii. Applied anatomy and embryology

iv. Feto-placental physiology

v. Fetal growth

vi. Neonatal adaptation

vii. Drug formulary and neonate

viii. Physiology and Development of Respiratory system

ix. Physiology and development of Cardiovascular system, developmental defects, physiology and hemodynamics of congenital heart disease.

x. Physiology and Development of the Nervous system

xi. Physiology and Development of the gastrointestinal system

xii. Physiology and Development of Renal system

xiii. Physiology and Development of Hematopoietic system

xiv. Physiology and Development of Endocrinal system

xv. Metabolic pathways about glucose, calcium, and magnesium

xvi. Biochemical basis of inborn errors of metabolism

xvii. Electrolyte balance

xviii. Development pharmacology

xix. Mechanism of disease

xx. Science and the Emergence of Neonatal Medicine

xxi. Fetal and neonatal immunology

xxii. Mechanism of disease

xxiii. Applied anatomy and embryology

xxiv. Feto-placental physiology

xxv. Neonatal adaptation

xxvi. Outcome following Preterm Birth

xxvii. Developmental Care

xxviii. Counseling and Support for Parents and Families

xxix. Ethical and Legal Aspects of Neonatology

xxx. Ethics and the law

xxxi. Antenatal Diagnosis and Fetal Medicine

xxxii. Fetal Growth, Intrauterine Growth Restriction and.

xxxiii. Small-for-Gestational-Age Babies

xxxiv. Maternal Illness in Pregnancy

xxxv. Care around Birth

xxxvi. Resuscitation and Transport of the Newborn

xxxvii. Stabilization and Resuscitation of the Newborn

xxxviii. Neonatal equipment

2. Mendelian inheritance

i. Autosomal dominant

ii. Autosomal recessive

iii. X-linked recessive

iv. X-linked with incomplete penetrance

v. X-linked dominant

3. Multifactorial inheritance

4. Mitochondrial inheritance genetic diagnosis

i. Chorionic villus sampling

ii. Amniocentesis

iii. Prenatal umbilical blood sampling

a. Noninvasive

b. Ultrasonography

c. Maternal blood screening

iv. Postnatal

a. Karyotyping

b. Fluorescent in situ hybridization

c. Comparative genomic hybridization

d. Molecular analysis

e. Metabolic analysis

f. Newborn screening

5. Chromosomes abnormalities

i. Autosomal

a. Trisomy

b. Deletions

c. Translocations

d. Duplications

e. Inversions

f. Contiguous gene syndromes

ii. Sex chromosomes

a. Turner syndrome

b. Klinefelter syndrome

6. Genetic abnormalities

i. Short stature

ii. Overgrowth syndromes

iii. Neuromuscular disorders

iv. Facial and limb abnormalities

v. Osteochondrodysplasia

vi. Craniosynostosis

vii. Storage disorders

viii. Connective tissue disorders

ix. Hamartoses

7. Miscellaneous

i. Pharmacogenetics

ii. Trinucleotide expansion

iii. Imprinting

iv. Anticipation

v. Associations

vi. Sequences

vii. Genetic counseling

viii. Embryonic basis of malformation

ix. Environmental factors in fetal development

x. Ethical and social implications of genetic testing

8. Perinatology

i. Perinatal outreach services

ii. Perinatal and neonatal mortality,

iii. Morbidity, epidemiology (Perinatal Audit)

iv. High-risk pregnancy & impact on the fetus

v. Fetal monitoring

vi. Intrapartum monitoring and procedures

vii. Genetic counseling

viii. Diagnosis and management of fetal diseases

ix. Fetal intervention

x. Fetal origin of adult disease

xi. High-risk pregnancy-detection monitoring and management.

xii. Fetal monitoring-clinical and electronic invasive and non-invasive

xiii. Assessment of fetal risks and decision for termination of pregnancy

9. Fetus

i. Intrauterine growth and role of the placenta

ii. Fetal assessment

iii. Fetal diagnostics

iv. Fetal therapy

v. Prevention of fetal disease

vi. Gestational age determination

10. Mother

i. Maternal screening

ii. Effects of maternal systemic disease on the fetus and newborn

iii. Oligohydramnios and polyhydramnios

iv. Impact of maternal medications on fetus and newborn

v. Impact of maternal substance use and abuse on fetus and newborn

vi. Aspects of pregnancy, labor, and delivery that affect the newborn

vii. Risk determinants for preterm delivery (maternal and fetal)

viii. Impact of multiple gestations

ix. Impact of reproductive technologies (including ethical issues)

11. Normal newborn infants

i. Nomenclature and definitions

ii. Delivery room management

a. Temperature control

b. Assessment

iii. General examination of a neonate

iv. Transition and neonatal adaptation to extrauterine life

a. Maturational assessment

b. Appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA)

c. Large-for-gestational-age (LGA)

d. Small-for-gestational-age (SGA)

e. Preterm, term, post-term

12. Routine care

i. General

ii. Vitamin K

iii. Eye prophylaxis

iv. Feeding requirements

v. Calories

vi. Fluid

vii. Screening

viii. General

ix. Glucose

x. Hematocrit

xi. Serologic test for syphilis

xii. Expanded metabolic screening

xiii. Thyroid function

xiv. Phenylketonuria

xv. Hearing

xvi. Umbilical cord care

xvii. Physiologic events

xviii. Stool

xix. Urination

xx. Vital signs

xxi. Spitting vs vomiting

xxii. Jaundice

a. Aspects of drug therapy unique to the newborn

b. Discharge plans (including nutritional counseling)

c. Home birth

d. Identification of danger signs

e. Newborn immunizations/infection prevention and control

f. Determinants of neonatal mortality (local and global)

g. Growth charts (see also Growth and Development)

13. Abnormal newborn infants

i. General

ii. Resuscitation

a. Ventilation

b. Suctioning

c. Perfusion

iii. Major patterns of malformations

iv. Neonatal birth injuries and trauma

v. Very-low-birth-weight infant

vi. Conditions, diseases

a. Hypoxia, ischemia, asphyxia

b. Polycythemia, hyperviscosity

c. Neonatal jaundice

d. Intracranial hemorrhage

e. Respiratory distress

f. General

g. Respiratory distress syndrome

h. Pneumothorax

i. Meconium aspiration syndrome

j. Congenital pneumonia

k. Transient tachypnea of the newborn

l. Persistent fetal circulation (pulmonary hypertension)

m. Cyanosis (nonpreparatory)

n. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease

o. Sepsis (including meningitis

p. TORCH infections, including HIV

q. Recognition and stabilization of surgical emergencies

r. Necrotizing enterocolitis

s. (m)Intestinal obstruction

t. Tracheoesophageal fistula

u. Abdominal-intestinal wall defect

v. Infants affected by maternal disorders (eg, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematous)

w. Anemia (hemolytic anemia including blood group incompatibility)

x. Multiple congenital anomalies

y. Apnea

z. Deformations (amniotic bands, positional deformations)

vii. Congenital/acquired hydrocephalus

viii. Congenital hip dislocation/dysplasia

ix. Ambiguous genitalia

x. Abnormal skin findings (rashes, nevi, vascular malformations)

a. Retinopathy of prematurity

b. Hypothermia and cold injury

c. Hypoglycemia (including refractory hypoglycemia)

d. Acute respiratory failure including ventilatory support

e. Neonatal transport and pre-transport stabilization

xi. Comprehensive discharge planning and follow-up plans

a. Outcome for survival and factors influencing the outcome

b. Care and follow-up of low birth weight and high-risk infants

14. Neonatology

i. Neonatal resuscitation

ii. Management of normal newborn

iii. Management of LBW, VLBW, ELBW infants

iv. Management of sick neonate

v. Emergency neonatal care

vi. Thermoregulation

vii. Neonatal transport

viii. Fluid & electrolyte management

ix. Neonatal ventilation

x. Blood gas and acid-base disorders

xi. Neonatal assessment

xii. Assessment of gestation, neonatal behavior, neonatal reflexes

xiii. Developmental assessment, detection of neuromotor delay, stimulation techniques

15. Respiratory system

i. Neonatal airways: physiology, pathology; management

ii. Pulmonary diseases: hyaline membrane disease, transient tachypnea, aspiration Pneumonia, pulmonary air leak syndromes, pulmonary hemorrhage, developmental defects

iii. Oxygen therapy and its monitoring

iv. Pulmonary infections

v. Miscellaneous pulmonary disorders

vi. General

a. History

b. Physical Examination

c. Interpretation of laboratory results

d. Therapeutic approaches

vii. General signs and symptoms (including distress and severe respiratory distress)

a. Stridor

b. Respiratory failure

c. Cough (acute and chronic)

d. Apnea (including sleep apnea)

e. Wheezing

f. Tachypnea

g. Hemoptysis

h. Cyanosis

i. Clubbing

j. Danger signs for respiratory compromise

k. Snoring or features of sleep obstruction

viii. Upper airway

a. General

b. Croup

c. Epiglottitis

d. Foreign body

ix. Lower airway

a. Vascular anomalies

b. Congenital malformations

c. Bronchiolitis

d. Aspiration syndromes

e. Bronchiectasis

f. Tracheomalacia

g. Tracheitis

h. Foreign body aspiration

i. Pulmonary syndromes related to disorders such as sickle cell disease

x. Infectious disorders

a. Tuberculosis

b. Pertussis

c. Others (eg, bronchitis, tracheitis, epiglottitis)

xi. Parenchymal

a. Pneumonias

b. Trauma

c. Drowning, near drowning, acute respiratory distress syndrome

d. Hypoplastic lung

e. Malformations of lung

f. Lung abscess

g. Hydatid cyst

h. Pulmonary eosinophilia (Loeffler's syndrome)

xii. Newborn infants

a. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (chronic lung disease of infancy)

b. Diaphragmatic hernia

c. Respiratory distress syndrome

d. Tetralogy of Fallot

e. Pulmonary maladaptation

xiii. Cystic fibrosis

xiv. Primary ciliary dyskinesia (dysmotility cilia syndrome)

xv. Extrapulmonary

a. Pleural fluid/empyema

b. Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum

c. Thoracic deformities

d. Mediastinal masses including lymph nodes

xvi. Pulmonary hypertension and corpulmonale

xvii. Respiratory sleep disorders

xviii. Sudden infant death syndrome

xix. Diagnostic testing

a. Pulmonary function testing

16. Immunodeficiency Disorders

i. History

ii. Physical Examination

iii. Interpretation of laboratory

iv. Symptoms of potential immunodeficiency

v. Screening tests

vi. Immune deficiency disorders

vii. Immune dysregulation syndrome

viii. Care of the immunocompromised child

a. Prevention

b. Management

c. Nutrition

d. Immune deficiency

ix. HIV infection

x. Auto-immune disorders

xi. General

a. History

b. Physical Examination

c. Interpretation of laboratory results

d. Therapeutic approaches

xii. Signs and symptoms of potential immunodeficiency

xiii. Screening tests

xiv. Immune deficiency disorders

xv. Immune dysregulation syndrome

xvi. Care of the immunocompromised child

a. Prevention

b. Management

c. Nutrition

d. Immune deficiency

xvii. HIV infection

xviii. Auto-immune disorders

17. Cardiovascular system

i. Fetal circulation, the transition from fetal to neonatal physiology

ii. Examination and interpretation of cardiovascular signs and symptoms

iii. Special tests and procedures (Echocardiography, angiography)

iv. Diagnosis and management of congenital heart diseases

v. Rhythm disturbances

vi. Hypertension in neonates

vii. Shock: pathophysiology, monitoring, management of Gastrointestinal system

viii. General

a. History

b. Physical examination

c. Interpretation of laboratory results

d. Therapeutic approaches

ix. General issues

a. Blood pressure measurement

b. Chest pain

c. Syncope

d. Murmur

e. Circulatory failure and shock

x. Congestive heart failure

a. Diagnosis

b. Management

xi. Congenital heart disease

xii. General

xiii. Cyanotic disease

a. Diagnosis

b. Management

xiv. Acyanotic disease

a. Diagnosis

b. Management

xv. Antenatal management

xvi. Acquired heart disease

a. Infectious and post-infectious diseases

b. Infective endocarditis

c. Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease

d. Myocarditis

e. Pericarditis/pericardial effusion

f. Post-cardiac surgery disorders

g. Kawasaki disease

xvii. Rate and rhythm disorders, ischemia

xviii. Systemic diseases affecting the heart (including metabolic disorder

18. Disorders of the liver and biliary system

i. Bilirubin metabolism

ii. Neonatal jaundice, Prolonged hyperbilirubinemia, Kernicterus

iii. Congenital malformations

iv. Necrotisingenterocolitis

19. Gastroenterology and Hepatology

i. General

a. History

b. Physical examination

c. Interpretation of laboratory results

d. Therapeutic approaches

ii. Abdominal pain

a. Acute

 General

 Appendicitis

 Cholecystitis, cholelithiasis

 Pancreatitis

 Intussusception, volvulus, malrotation

 Trauma

 Obstruction

iii. Chronic

a. Functional

b. Irritable bowel syndrome

c. Peptic disorder

d. Helicobacter pylori

iv. Abdominal distention (mass, ascites)

v. Vomiting/esophageal disorders

a. Gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal causes of vomiting

b. Vomiting from infectious and noninfectious causes

c. Structural causes of vomiting

d. Disorders associated with chronic vomiting

e. Motility disorders (including trauma)

f. Caustic ingestion, foreign body

g. Gastroesophageal reflux

h. Eosinophilic esophagitis

vi. Diarrhea

a. Diarrhea caused by infectious mechanisms (acute, prolonged, and persistent diarrhea)

b. Diarrhea caused by noninfectious mechanisms/chronic nonspecific diarrhea

c. Dysentery

d. Management of diarrhea

vii. Constipation/encopresis (see Psychosocial)

a. Jaundice and liver diseases

 Neonates and infants

 Bilirubin metabolism

 Breast-milk jaundice

 Infectious and noninfectious causes of jaundice

b. Young children and adolescents (infectious and noninfectious causes of jaundice, obstructive jaundice)

viii. Gastrointestinal bleeding

a. Upper versus lower gastrointestinal bleeding

b. Polyps

c. Meckel diverticulum

d. Ulcer disease

e. Hepatomegaly (caused by viral hepatitis, chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver, portal hypertension, etc)

ix. Malabsorption

a. General

b. Mucosal disease (celiac disease)

c. Pancreatic insufficiency (cystic fibrosis, Shwachman syndrome)

d. Enzyme deficiency (lactase, sucra/se-isomaltase)

e. Short-gut syndrome, including bacterial overgrowth

f. Fat malabsorption and chronic liver disease (biliary atresia, cystic fibrosis)

x. Inflammatory bowel disease

20. Neurology

i. Clinical neurological assessment

ii. EEG, ultrasonography, CT scan

iii. Neonatal seizures

iv. Intracranial hemorrhage

v. Brain imaging

vi. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

vii. Neuro-muscular disorder

viii. Degenerative diseases

ix. CNS malformation

21. Renal system

i. Development disorders

ii. Renal functions

iii. Fluid and electrolyte management

iv. Acute renal failure (diagnosis, monitoring, management).

A. General

• History

• Physical examination

• Interpretation of laboratory results

• Therapeutic approaches

B. Normal function, physiology, and developmental issues

C. Common manifestations of neurologic disorders

• Proteinuria Hematuria

• Persistent microscopic hematuria

• Causes of gross and microscopic hematuria

• Nonhematogenous etiology of red urine

• Dysuria

• Voiding problems

• Nocturnal

• Organic

• Functional, daytime incontinence

• Voiding dysfunction

D. Congenital neurologic disorders

• Renal dysplasia

 Unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney

 Autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease

 Autosomal-recessive polycystic kidney disease

 Renal agenesis

• Structural abnormalities

 General

 Hydronephrosis

 Hydroureter and megaureter

 Ureterocele

 Vesicoureteral reflux

• Abnormalities of the urethra

 Posterior urethral valves

 Urethral stricture

• Hereditary nephropathy (e.g., familial nephritis, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, autosomal-recessive polycystic kidney disease)

E. Acquired neurologic disorders

• Infection of the urinary tract

 Pyelonephritis

 Cystitis

• Acute glomerulonephritis

• Nephrotic syndrome

• Hemolytic-uremic syndrome

• Henoch-Schoenlein purpura

• IgA nephropathy

• Acute non-traumatic renal injuries

• Disorders secondary to metabolic diseases and other systemic disorders

F. Nephrotic syndrome

G. Other renal conditions

• Renal failure

 Acute renal failure

 Intrinsic renal failure

• Chronic kidney disease (chronic renal failure)

• End-stage kidney disease and transplantation (including renal replacement therapy)

• Trauma

 Renal injuries

 Urethral injury

• Toxins Urinary tract stones

• Renal tubular disorders

• Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus

• Renal rickets

H. Blood pressure/hypertension

• Normal vs abnormal blood pressure

 Complications of blood pressure measurement (eg, "White Coat")

 Definition of hypertension in children and adolescents

• Evaluation of elevated blood pressure in childhood

• Primary/secondary hypertension

• Therapy of hypertension

• End-organ effects of hypertension

22. Diagnostic evaluation (including imaging of renal disorders)

A. General

• History

• Physical examination

• Interpretation of laboratory results

• Therapeutic approaches

B. Disorders of the bladder

• Injury from drugs and how to prevent bladder toxicity

• Cystitis

• Self-induced or factitious bladder injury

• Neurogenic bladder

C. Male

• Congenital abnormalities

 Hypospadias

 Cryptorchidism

 Micropenis

 Phimosis

 Undescended testes

• Acquired abnormalities

 Testicular torsion

• Infection

 Orchitis

 Epididymitis

 Urethritis

• Trauma

• Testicular masses

• Varicocele

• Urethral valve

D. Female

• Congenital abnormalities

 Imperforate hymen

 Labial adhesions

• Acquired abnormalities

 Ovarian torsion

 Ovarian cyst

 Vulvovaginitis

23. Endocrine and Metabolism

i. Glucose metabolism, hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia

ii. Calcium disorders

iii. Magnesium disorders

iv. Thyroid disorders

v. Adrenal disorders

vi. Ambiguous genitalia

vii. Inborn errors of metabolism

i. Physiology

ii. Anemia

iii. Polycythemia

iv. Bleeding and coagulation disorders

v. Rh hemolytic disease

vi. Blood Component Therapy Nutrition

A. General

• History

• Physical examination

• Interpretation of laboratory results

• Therapeutic approaches

B. Erythrocyte disorders

• Nutritional anemias

 Iron deficiency

 Vitamin B12, folic acid deficiency

• Hemolytic anemias

 Membrane disorders

 Enzyme abnormalities

 Hemoglobinopathies

 Immune-mediated anemias

• Aplastic and hypoplastic erythrocyte disorders

 Diamond-Blackfan syndrome

 Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood

 Drug-induced

• Anemias secondary to systemic disorders

• Polycythemia

C. Leukocyte disorders

• Quantitative leukocyte disorders

 Congenital and immune-mediated neutropenia

 Acquired, nonimmune neutropenia

 Sepsis

 Drugs

• Qualitative leukocyte disorders

D. Platelet disorder

• Thrombocytopenia

• Thrombocytosis

E. Pancytopenia

• Decreased production

 Congenital (Fanconi anemia)

 Acquired aplastic anemia

• Increased destruction

F. Coagulation disorders

• Congenital and acquired bleeding and thrombotic disorders

• Thrombophilias

G. Transfusion medicine (including component therapy)

25. Nutrition

A. Normal nutritional requirements

• General requirements

• Mineral

• Vitamins

• Fat

• Protein

• Caloric intake

B. Infant feeding

• Breast-feeding

• Formula-feeding

• Introduction of solid food

C. Deficiency states and hypervitaminosis (including rickets)

• Vitamin deficiency states

• Mineral deficiency states

• Protein, calorie deficiency states (acute and chronic

malnutrition including stunting, wasting, and being underweight)

• Hypervitaminosis

D. Principles of nutritional support

• Infant and young child feeding (IYCF) support

• Tube feeding, enteral nutrition

• Parenteral nutrition

• Weight loss

E. Nutritional problems associated with specific diseases, conditions

• Gastrointestinal disorders

• Renal disease

• Hepatic disease

• Cardiac disease

• Cystic fibrosis

• Hematologic-oncologic disease

• Neurologically handicapped children

• Burns

• Allergies

• Athletes

• Vegetarians

• Failure to thrive (management of moderate to severe malnutrition)

F. Obesity (prevention and management)

G. Weight loss

H. Eating disorders (anorexia nervosa/bulimia)

26. Fetal nutrition

i. Physiology of lactation

ii. Lactation management

iii. Parenteral nutrition

iv. Vitamins and micronutrients in newborn health

v. Human Milk Banking

27. Immunology

A. General

o History

o Physical Examination

o Interpretation of laboratory results

o Therapeutic approaches

B. Signs and symptoms of potential immunodeficiency

C. Screening tests

D. Immune deficiency disorders

E. Immune dysregulation syndrome

F. Care of the immunocompromised child

o Prevention

o Management

o Nutrition

o Immune deficiency

G. HIV infection

H. Auto-immune disorders

28. Surgery and Orthopedics

i. Diagnosis of neonatal surgical conditions

ii. Pre and post-operative care

iii. Neonatal anesthesia

iv. Metabolic changes during anesthesia and surgery

v. Orthopedic problems

29. Neonatal infections

i. Intrauterine infections

ii. Superficial infections

iii. Diarrhea

iv. Septicemia

v. Meningitis

vi. Osteomyelitis and arthritis

vii. Pneumonias

viii. Perinatal HIV

ix. Miscellaneous infective disorders & fungal infections

30. Neonatal ophthalmology

i. Development aspects

ii. Retinopathy of prematurity

iii. Sequelae of perinatal infections

A. General

• History

• Physical examination

• Interpretation of laboratory results

• Therapeutic approaches

B. Normal vision development

C. Extraocular

• Alignment and movement disorders

 Strabismus

 Nystagmus

• Conjunctivitis

• Orbital and periorbital (preseptal) cellulitis

• Stye, chalazion

• Nasolacrimal duct obstruction

• Ptosis

D. Intraocular

• Childhood glaucoma

• The white pupil (retinoblastoma)

• Cataracts

• Papilledema, papillitis

• Retinopathy of prematurity

• Optic neuritis

• Hemorrhagic problems

E. Miscellaneous

• Amblyopia

• Foreign bodies

• Corneal abrasions

• Trauma to the eye

• Be able to evaluate trauma to the eye; including hyphema

• Recognize the clinical signs of a blow-out fracture of the orbit

• Tumor or hemangioma affecting vision

• Disorders of refraction (including myopia and hypermetropia)

• Blindness and visual defects

• Uveal tract disorders

• Ocular manifestations of systemic disorder

31. Neonatal Hearing Assessment Community neonatology

i. Vital statistics

ii. Health system

iii. Neonatal care priorities

iv. Care at primary, secondary & tertiary levels of care

32. Immunizations

i. Indications and schedules

a. Awareness of local/regional schedules

ii. General contraindications

a. Immune deficiency

b. Egg allergy

c. HIV –positive in household

iii. Prevention by active immunization

a. Influenza vaccine

b. Meningococcal vaccine

c. Pneumococcal vaccine

d. Hepatitis vaccines

e. Tetanus vaccine

f. Diphtheria-tetanus combination

g. Pertussis vaccines (cellular and acellular)

h. DTaP and Tdap vaccines

i. Measles vaccine

j. Rubella vaccine

iv. Poliovirus vaccine

a. Hemophilus influenzae type B vaccine (m)Varicella vaccine

b. human papillomavirus (HPV)

c. rotavirus

d. Specific endemic diseases and schedules (eg, recombinant Calmette-Guerin bacillus (BCG)

e. Catch-up immunizations

f. Live versus killed vaccines

g. Travel indications and needs

v. Screening

a. Principles of screening tests

b. Blood pressure

c. Hematocrit

d. Lead

33. Neonatal Dermatology

i. Organization of neonatal care

a. Community neonatology

b. Vital statistics, health system;

c. Causes of neonatal, perinatal death

d. Neonatal care priorities

e. Care at the secondary level of care

f. Care at the primary health center

g. Role of different health functionaries

h. National Programmes

i. National Neonatology Forum

ii. Neonatal Imaging

a. Neonatal imaging

b. X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT Scan, etc.

c. Developmental aspects

d. Neonatal dermatology

e. Transport of Neonates.

f. Neonatal Procedures

g. Community neonatology

h. Developmental assessment and follow up

i. Organization of neonatal care

j. Adoption

k. Recent Advances

l. Laboratory Medicine

m. Neonatal procedures

n. Therapeutic agents

o. Biomedical equipment, use & maintenance

34. General Topics

i. Research methodology

ii. Teaching methodology

iii. Biostatistics

iv. Epidemiology

v. Ethics and bioethics

vi. Health economics health Information System

vii. Ethics in Perinatology / Neonatology

viii. Medical Education

ix. Computer & Information technology

Biostatistics, Research Methodology, and Clinical Epidemiology

Ethics

Medico-legal aspects relevant to the discipline

Health Policy issues may apply to the discipline

V. COMPETENCIES:

List of Skills

1. Clinical

 Neonatal examination & anthropometry

 Developmental assessment

 Neonatal Resuscitation

 Neonatal ventilation: CPAP, Mechanical ventilation

 Blood sampling: Capillary, venous, arterial

 Insertion of peripheral venous, umbilical venous, and umbilical arterial catheters

 Monitoring

2. Invasive, non-invasive

 Enteral feeding (Katori-spoon, gavage, breastfeeding)

 Lactation management

 Parenteral nutrition

 Endotracheal Intubation

 Lumbar puncture and ventricular tap

 Placing of 'chest tube'

 Exchange transfusion

 Bedside tests: shake test, sepsis screen, hematocrit, glucose estimation, urine examination, CSF examination, Kleihauer technique, Apt test, etc.

 Neonatal drug therapy

 Nursery housekeeping routines

 Infection control & Universal precautions

 Handling, effective utilization, and troubleshooting of neonatal equipment.

 Decision-making, clinical diagnosis, planning & interpretation of investigations

 Management of Neonatal Problems Communication

 Communication with parents, families, and communities

 Interdepartmental communication

 Human behavior studies

3. Education / Training

 Teaching skills

 Learning skills

 Participatory and small group learning skills

 Preparing learning resource material

4. Self-Directed Learning

 Learning needs assessment, literature search, evaluating evidence Research Method Framing of the research question

 Designing and conducting a study

 Analyzing and interpreting data

 Publication & writing of a paper

 Review & presentation of research findings

5. Training program:

There will be a structured training program. The students are expected to learn in a phasic manner starting with basic care and progressing to advanced care management.

First year: Neonatal resuscitation protocol Care of normal newborn, low birth weight, preterm & sick neonates Neonatal Ventilation Communication Skills Research methodology

Second year: All of the above plus Neonatal Surgery Total parenteral nutrition High-frequency ventilation Neonatal Autopsy Neonatal radiology including imaging techniques Perinatology Community Neonatology Teaching Methodology Analytical & managerial skills

Third year: All of the above plus Recent Advances Fetal Medicine National Programs Rotation Total period of the DNB course is 36 months. Of this, at least 27 – 30 months will be spent in the newborn services, 3 - 6 months will be meant for essential rotations in related specialties and the rest up to three months will be for either optional rotations, extramural rotations, or newborn services as deemed necessary.

6. Essential rotation:

 Perinatology: Obstetrics 1 month

 Neonatal surgery 15 days

 Community neonatology 1 month

 Extramural 2 months

7. Optional Rotations: The department will have the flexibility of additional rotations for up to 3 months in the above-mentioned areas or other relevant areas such as (neonatal cardiology, cardiac surgery, rehabilitation services, genetics, perinatal pathology, imaging, neonatal ophthalmology, epidemiology & biostatistics, information & educational technologies, etc.) depending upon the strength of the disciplines and functional requirements at the concerned institutions.

Extramural rotation Extramural rotations or elective rotations for a maximum period of 2 months will be possible during the end of the 2nd year of training.

The candidates can undertake up to 2 months of elective rotation at the parent or other institutions in the country centers approved by the Department. There will be a continuous interaction between the Neonatology department and the allied departments to ensure that the students achieve these skills during their peripheral postings. Under no circumstances, however, would the training in neonatal services be of less than 27 months (3/4 of the total course) All these postings are desirable but are not mandatory. The department must assess that the departmental work does not get adversely affected on account of the prolonged absence of the residents from the parent department.

Career Options

After completing a DrNB in Neonatology, 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 (Neonatology), Junior Consultant, Senior Consultant (Neonatology), etc.

Courses After DrNB in Neonatology Course

DrNB in Neonatology is a specialization course that can be pursued after finishing a Postgraduate medical course. After pursuing a specialization in DrNB in Neonatology, a candidate could also pursue certificate courses and Fellowship programs recognized by NMC and NBE, where DrNB in Neonatology is a feeder qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DrNB in Neonatology Course

Question: What is the full form of DrNB?

Answer: The full form of DrNB is Doctorate of National Board.

Question: What is a DrNB in Neonatology?

Answer: DrNB Neonatology or Doctorate of National Board in Neonatology also known as DrNB in Neonatology 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 Neonatology?

Answer: DrNB in Neonatology is a super specialty program of three years.

Question: What is the eligibility of a DrNB in Neonatology?

Answer: Candidates must have a postgraduate medical Degree MD/DNB (Pediatrics) from any college/university recognized by the Medical Council of India (Now NMC)/NBE., this feeder qualification mentioned here is as of 2022. For any further changes to the prerequisite requirement please refer to the NBE website.

Question: What is the scope of a DrNB in Neonatology?

Answer: DrNB in Neonatology offers candidates various employment opportunities and career prospects.

Question: What is the average salary for a DrNB in Neonatology candidate?

Answer: The DrNB in Neonatology candidate's average salary is Rs.5,00,000 – Rs.22,00,000 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 (PG level). Earlier DrNB used to be called DNB SS but now it is called DrNB.