How a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) Membership is a game-changer for Indian doctors? As laudable as it is to be a doctor, the aspiration to serve the community and make it into a lucrative career poses numerous challenges while opting for a post-graduation in India.

With increased possibilities to attain post MBBS, doctors in India have increasingly begun to opt for PG through Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) Programs.With a population of over 1.25 billion people, India produces less than 50,000 medical specialists each year. A meager 315 seats to do PG in cardiology against a need of 3,375 and 120 PG seats in nephrology against a need of 2,000 kidney specialists a year, shows the dismal figures that paint India’s healthcare crisis and how far the government initiatives have fallen short. India also has a dismal doctor-patient ratio of less than one doctor for 1,000 people, the country lags far behind in the number of seats made available for post-graduate studies in medicine. Presently, after completing MBBS, students start their practice as junior doctors in public and private hospitals undertaking a strenuous job. There are 479 medical colleges in India, in the hands of government and private domains. The average admission capacity for post-graduate seats clocks at 31,415 across the country. In addition, there are 6,848 DNB seats – considered MD/MS equivalent.

Bridging supply and demand

The necessity to bridge this gap in available seats against growing need for more specialists opens new avenues, such as an international degree in post-graduation – one that is recognized by international professional bodies, most notably by Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons in the United Kingdom. Among Commonwealth countries, a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons is technically a college with Royal patronage and permission to use the prefix Royal. The educational institute is usually granted permission through a Royal Charter.

Although incorporation is obtainable more easily, the distinction of a Royal Charter makes it still the most sought by and granted to educational institutions, those specifically considered to professional societies in the public interest. As its recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI), a certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) is considered as an equivalent to a post-graduate medical degree in India.

Localizing international recognition

Gone are the days when one had to travel overseas to take these examinations, anyone wanting to appear for a PG diploma from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) can attend at any of the metropolitan cities such as New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata. To ease the number of candidates appearing in each schedule, dates are allotted 2 -3 times a year in these centres, often falling on February, May and November each year. Details on enrollment and examination schedule are rolled out 3 months in advance before the exams are held. The following are the various Royal College (UK) Memberships awarded for Physicians and Surgeons: 

•  MRCP – Member of the Royal College of Physicians
• MRCS – Member of the Royal College of Surgeons
•  MRCOG – Member of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
•  MRCPCH – Member of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
• MRC Path – Member of the Royal College of Pathologists
•  FRCR – Fellow of the Royal College of Radiologists
•  MRC Psych – Member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists

Indian doctors who wish to get the above-mentioned certifications need to enroll as soon as the dates are announced to ensure they are not pushed to the next intake.Each of the aforementioned qualifications has two or three theoretical papers which a doctor has to pass before appearing for a final oral and clinical exam. Fee to take these tests are ranging 500 to 1000 British pounds per exam. Doctors with one year of experience at a clinic, preferably associated with a teaching hospital such as DNB approved or affiliated to a medical college, can attempt the first part of each of these exams individually. However, a total of 3 to 4 years clinical experience is necessary in the same specialty to appear for the final examination and subsequently qualify for the degree.

Those who ponder on the various advantages of gaining certification from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) often need to direct to the simple facts, where NEET PG is yet to build a reputation of fierce competition in quality, rather in the number of people competing in its pool. A NEET PG exam has multiple choice questions (MCQs), single best answers (SBAs) and extended matching questions (EMQs), giving ample opportunity for any candidate to ace the exam.

In stark contrast, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) does not shy away from criticism of being competitive in quality, which is amplified in the increased awareness among doctors wanting a PG qualification outside NEET PG. This is strongly supported by the astounding career path and job opportunities in:

• Multi-specialty hospitals catering to their rich and elite patients coming from different parts of India and overseas.
• This further validates the global recognition and reputation these qualifications garner in other countries.

 An Indian doctor with certification from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) has the unique opportunity and ability to practice across South East Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and Middle East. With a striking alternative to NEET PG, preparing for PG certification from Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) becomes paramount of importance. Coaching and training for this particular field of PG equivalent takes more than a cursory online research.

Global recognition for Indian doctors

Texila American University, located in Guyana and overseas presence in India and Zambia, is renowned for its record of accomplishment in prepping Indian doctors appearing for these qualifications.The university has bespoke programmes based on Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) modules to suit Indian doctors, along with attractive stipend while studying, exclusive training and assessment by Royal College consultants and a plethora of opportunities to have hands-on practical knowledge.

In partnership with the Central University of Nicaragua (UCN), their tried and tested method in training as well as in its well-researched literature are testament to its insightful success among the Indian diaspora qualifying for Master of Medicine/Master of Surgery – upon completion of Thesis.

 Dr. Ranjan Venkatesan

Dean, Post-graduate Medicine at Texila American University. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, London

The post How a Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (UK) Membership is a game-changer for Indian doctors? appeared first on Health Vision.

RTI registration number MEDCI/R/2018/51942 states that during the period 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2018, a total 17, 504 eligibility certificates have been issued by MCI. It is to be noted that there has been a constant increase in the number of students going abroad since 2015. As per the numbers available from RTI no. MCI- 201 (E-RTI)/ 2018- Eligi./, the number of students who applied for the mandatory eligibility certificate from MCI to study medicine abroad almost doubled in the year 2017-18 from 2016-17. Year 2018 saw a further hike in the numbers.

The mandate of getting an eligibility certificate to study medicine abroad came into force only from January 2014. The notification stated that Indian national/ overseas citizen of India who has taken admission in a medical university/ institution outside the country on or after January 4, 2015.

As per the information provided in the previous RTI communication, MCI issued a total of 8,737 eligibility certificated in the year 2016-2017 while 14,118 eligibility certificates were issued in 2017-18. The number of eligibility certificates issued also includes pending of the previous years suggested the RTI reply.

“As per the recent data, nearly two lakh more candidates are going to take the NEET exam in 2019, a growth of 14.4% from last year. The entrance test for MBBS/ BDS aspirants saw registrations soar to a record 15.19 lakh candidates as against 13.26 lakh. The number of students has increased but the number of seats remain the same leading to tougher competition. It is for sure that students who will not secure a Government seat are likely to go to foreign medical colleges owing to lower fees, good quality education and better opportunities,” said the President & Founder of MCI recognized, Caribbean based medical college, Texila American University, Saju Bhaskar.

The post 24% spike in foreign medical aspirants in 2018 appeared first on Health Vision.