MCh. degree: Things you should know

The MCh. degree: Things you should know

MCh Degree (Master of Chirurgiae)

It is tailored to each profile. MCh degree programs are available in several specializations. The program provides research knowledge and technical knowledge related to the relevant concentration. To prepare individuals for working in intensive care units, operation theatres, emergency rooms, and trauma centers, universities use tools such as seminars, long-term placements, assistance programs, study advisors, research projects, and dissertations. 

Master of Chirurgiae (general Surgery) is the full form for MCh Degree, it is considered the highest master’s degree in Surgical Science.  The Master of Surgery (MCh) is a very advanced and selective postgraduate degree that equips a surgeon with the technical skills and knowledge of complex surgical procedures. Graduates are expected to work in an extremely challenging environment, so the degree includes a lot of research and practical training. An MCh degree is an excellent choice for someone who has recently completed their MS in Surgery and wants to explore further into the field.

Specialization

A student seeking a MCh degree must select a specialization according to which he or she will receive coursework and clinical placement assignments. According to the field that a candidate chooses, their career path will be determined.  

• Neuro Surgery- A neurosurgeon practices the specialty of neurological surgery, which consists of preventing, diagnosing, surgically treating, and rehabilitating disorders of the nervous system. These disorders include those affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebrovascular system.
• Cardio-Thoracic Vascular Surgery -This specialty includes the surgical removal of organs located inside the chest. Heart and lung conditions are generally treated with this technique.
• Plastic Surgery- Surgery that involved the restoration, reconstruction, or alteration of the human body falls under this specialty. Cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery can be categorized separately. A reconstructive surgery specialist may perform craniofacial surgery, microsurgery, burns treatment, and hand surgery.
• Urology- An alternative term for this is genitourinary surgery. Male and female urological and reproductive diseases are treated with this branch of medicine.
• Surgery for children, adolescents, and young adults is possible to pursue as a specialty in pediatric surgery. A subspecialty of medicine

Eligibility Criteria

The prospective student must meet certain parameters just as he or she would for any other Medical Science course.

• The candidate must have a master’s degree or provisional pass certificate (or an equivalent degree) by the deadline. They will also likely have the documents by the deadline.
• Candidates are also required to be registered with the Medical Council of India (MCI)/State Medical Council (SMC). A document proving the degree will also be required at the test center on the day of the exam.
• Candidates need to receive their qualifying examination results before the cutoff date, otherwise, their candidature will be canceled.

The candidate who falls into the category of foreign nationals does not need to be registered with MCI. This registration will be temporary for these candidates during the M.Ch degree program. Registration fee must be paid before temporary registration can be granted. It will only be valid for the medical college or institution where foreign nationals get admission and the temporary registration that foreign nationals will receive. Applicants must also be registered with the appropriate authority in the country where the MS degree is obtained.

Admissions

The majority of MCh programs in the country will admit students based on their NEET-SS scores. There are no entrance exams for AIIMS and JIPMER, as these two institutes conduct their own entrance exams. Computerized exam for NEET-SS is conducted by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) in a single shift.

In addition to the merit ranking of candidates in NEET-SS, the choice of course and the availability of seats will also play a role in the allocation of seats. Documents regarding the NEET-SS examination center are required of medical graduates. They are as follows:

• Photocopy of Permanent or Provisional SMC/MCI Registration.
• Admit card with photo
• A valid and original photo ID – PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, Passport, or Aadhaar Card

Candidates who qualify for admission to NEET-SS can fill out the application form. In addition, candidates should keep in mind that eligibility for admission to the super-specialty course will depend on their previous education. As per their broad specialty qualification, candidates can enroll in a maximum of two super specialty courses.

Top Colleges Offering MCh in India

Here is a list of top colleges offering MCh and the courses available:

• Christian Medical College, Vellore

Established in the year 1942, the college is affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Dr.MGR Medical University, Chennai. It is ranked 3rd in the NIRF Ranking 2020 and 2nd in India Today Ranking 2020

Courses offered are:

Cardio-Vascular and Thoracic Surgery

Endocrine Surgery

Gynecological Oncology

Hand Surgery

Neurosurgery

Paediatric Orthopaedics

Reproductive Medicine and Surgery 

Hepato Pancreato Biliary Surgery

• Madras Medical College, Chennai

Established in 1835, it is a government college affiliated to the Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University, Chennai. It is ranked 12th at the NIRF Ranking 2020. 

Courses offered are:

Cardio-Vascular and Thoracic Surgery

Endocrine Surgery

Neurosurgery

Paediatric Surgery

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Surgical Gastroenterology

Surgical Oncology

Urology

Vascular Surgery

• Kasturba Medical College, Manipal

Established in the year 1953, affiliated to Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, it is ranked 9th in the NIRF Ranking 2020 and 13th in the India Today Ranking 2020

Courses offered are:

Cardio-Vascular and Thoracic Surgery

Neurosurgery

Paediatric Surgery

Urology

• Medical College, Kolkata

Established in 1838, it is a government college, affiliated with the West Bengal University of Health Science, Kolkata. It ranked 21 at the India Today Ranking 2020.

Courses offered are :

Cardio-Vascular and Thoracic Surgery

Paediatric Surgery

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Urology

• Grant Medical College, Mumbai

Established in the year 1845, it is a government college affiliated with the Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Nashik. It is ranked 11 in the India Today Ranking 2020

Courses offered are:

Neurosurgery

Paediatric Surgery

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Thoracic Surgery

Urology

• King Georges Medical University, Lucknow

Established in the year 1911, it is a government college affiliated with King Georges Medical University, Lucknow. It is ranked 10th in the NIRF Ranking 2020 and 6th in the India Today Ranking 2020. 

Courses offered are:

Cardio-Vascular and Thoracic Surgery

Endocrine Surgery

Neurosurgery

Paediatric Surgery

Plastic and Reconstructive surgery

Surgical Gastroenterology

Surgical Oncology

Urology

Scope of MCh

Following completion of this advanced surgical programme, the students will have multiple opportunities and more experience within the surgical field.

Cardiothoracic Surgery, Neurosurgery, and several other specializations are available to M.Ch Specialists. As a result of this specialty, doctors are well-versed in particular areas of surgery, so they become better surgeons. Aspirants who complete Master of Chirurgiae can undertake scientific research in a particular field of surgery, too.

As well as specialized skills and research these professionals also have the opportunity to obtain DNB (Diploma of National Board) in Cardiology, Neurology, Cardiac Surgery, Neurosurgery, Paediatric Surgery, etc.

Career Opportunities after MCh

M.Ch (Master of Surgery) degrees require a lot longer and hard work than MBBS and MS degrees. They also come along with several benefits, such as money, fame, career opportunities, and name recognition. Several career opportunities are available to those with an MCh degree, as listed in the following points:

• Medical Clinic- Doctors with an MBBS, MS, or MCH degree may open a medical clinic or work in another clinic. Additionally, this will help them gain practical experience and knowledge from all that they have studied while pursuing the degrees mentioned above. Although there are many such physicians, what sets them apart is their recognition and preference by patients based on their qualifications. Competent candidates who understand this work and are good at them are more likely to surpass others in the field. The fee they charge can be set accordingly. Those doctors who possess higher qualifications are given higher preference by patients.
• Government job – Qualified candidates have the option to work in hospitals and health centers run by the government. All three-degree holders can choose this option, but their degree and qualifications determine their salary and security. Such candidates will need to keep an eye out for the government’s vacancies in their field.
• Private Jobs- MCh graduates are rewarded with a handsome salary by super-specialty hospitals for their MCh degree. Hospital chains like Medanta, Fortis, and Apollo offer super specialty rooms at their facilities throughout the country. MCh degree holders are in high demand in these hospitals. Many patients visit these facilities to undergo various surgeries and treatments, including the best in the area.

MCh Salary Structure

After receiving an MCh degree, a candidate’s salary will depend heavily on the sector they wish to work in as well as their skills. A general overview of average salaries earned by candidates in various employment areas after completing a Master of Surgery (M.Ch) is provided below.

Master of Chirurgiae Salary Structure

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is MCh in degree?

Ans. An MCH (Magister Chirurgiae) or Master of Surgery is an advanced qualification that’s typically pursued after receiving an MS in Surgery in order to obtain an even deeper understanding of this field. It is typically offered as a 3-year, doctoral-level course.

Q. Can MCh be done after MBBs?

Ans. Yes, MBBS-holders can pursue an MCh after completing five years of medical school, provided they are registered doctors with MCI or state medical councils.

Q. What is MCh in neurosurgery?

Ans. A Master of Chirurgiae in Neurosurgery program is a postgraduate surgery program. Surgical procedures can be performed by neurosurgeons.

Q. How do you get an MCh degree?

Ans. A person must have a recognized MS degree by the Medical Council of India in order to pursue a MCh degree in India.

Q. What are DM and Mch courses ?

Ans. DM stands for Doctorate of Medicine while MCh stands for Master of Chirurgiae( General Surgery).