Doctorate of Medicine (Nephrology) Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

DM in Nephrology is a 3-year, full-time post-graduate course divided into 6 semesters. Nephrology is the branch of medicine dealing with the study of the diseases and functions of kidneys.

This study aims at producing skilled Nephrologists who can efficiently:

• practise the discipline.
• become consultants in Nephrology.
• teach the subject as Research Scientists.  

Doctorate of Medicine in Tamil Nadu

Doctorate of Medicine in Karnataka

Doctorate of Medicine in Kerala

Doctorate of Medicine in Maharashtra

Students enrolled to the course are taught to:

• perform diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
• efficiently treat various kidney ailments by relevant therapeutic methods.
• carry out research proposals in the Nephrology super specialty
• pursue clinical and or academic Nephrology on an advanced level.
• perform a range of different tests across patients of all ages.
• perform activities such as attaching electrodes to the patient and encouraging co-operation before the recordings can be made.
• professionally function as experts in hospitals and neurological centres.

Most of the investigations in neurophysiology are:

• recorded in dedicated environments.
• also performed at the patient’s bedside.
• also conducted at intensive care, special baby care units, and also in the operating theatre.

Such professionals are responsible for:

• measuring the function of the peripheral nerves, those responsible for movement and sensation.
• testing nerves by applying a small electrical current to them and recording the response.
• using such tests in neurological and other conditions that affect the function of the peripheral nerves.
• investigating the function of the nervous system.
• diagnosing and monitoring neurological disorders, including:

1. epilepsy
2. dementia
3. strokes
4. nerve and muscle dysfunction
5. multiple sclerosis.

• making a vital difference to the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.
• monitoring and treating conditions that affect the spinal cord, the brain, and even the body's smallest nerves.

The average annual course fee in India ranges between INR 5,000 and 20 lakhs, depending upon the institute offering the course. The average annual salary offered in India to successful postgraduates of the course ranges between INR 5 and 30 lakhs, depending upon the candidate’s expertise in the field.

DM in Nephrology: Course Highlights

Tabulated below are some of the major highlights of the course.

DM in Nephrology: What is it About?

Nephrology is derived from the Greek words nephros meaning kidney. The discipline deals with the kidneys, and especially their functions or diseases. This is the medical specialty which focuses on:

• kidney conditions and abnormalities.

• kidney problems, involving the study of normal kidney function.
• treatment of kidney problem.
• pathophysiologic and clinical issues in the major areas of nephrology
• renal replacement therapy.
• acid-base and fluid and electrolyte disorders.
• glomerular disease.
• management of chronic kidney diseases.
• hypertension.
• renal transplantation, dialysis, and other renal complications.
• kidney-related medical complications and recommendations for optimal care.
• dialysis and kidney transplantation, etc.

Practical components of the course include:

• case-based workshops
• lectures
• interactive sessions
• sessions in use of the Audience Response System.

Top Institutes offering DM in Nephrology

Some of the top institutes offering the course in the country with the corresponding locations and fees charged by the respective colleges are listed below.

Eligibility for DM in Nephrology

Candidates aspiring for admission to the course are required to fulfill the following minimum eligibility criteria.

• Post-graduation (MBBS or equivalent degree),completed from an institute recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI) or any of the State Medical Councils.
• A minimum aggregate score of 55% (50% for SC/ST/OBC candidates) at the level of post-graduation.
• 1- year compulsory rotating internship.

• Preferably, a minimum of 12 months of professional experience, as most reputed institutes prefer candidates with work experience.

DM in Nephrology: Admission Process

Generally, in most of the colleges and institutes offering the course, admission is provided based on the candidate’s performance in a relevant entrance test, conducted at any of State and national levels, followed by a subsequent round of counselling.

The round of counselling involves two additional rounds of Group Discussion and Personal Interview, wherein candidate’s general aptitude for the course is examined. A merit list is subsequently released issued by the institute allocating available seats to the qualifying candidates.

DM in Nephrology: Syllabus and Course Description

A year - wise breakup of the course’s syllabus is tabulated below.

DM in Nephrology: Career Prospects

The discipline acquires relevance owing to:

• increased use of alcohol and tobacco.
• consumption of pesticide-sprayed food products.

Nephrologists may further specialize in:

• Paediatric nephrology, which is the treatment of kidney diseases in children
• Adult nephrology.

Paediatric nephrology deals with diseases of infants, kidney structure, children and adolescents. This was developed from two branches of internal medicine-nephrology and paediatrics. Paediatric nephrology offers the opportunity to care for children with a wide range of disorders including those with transient conditions such as acute kidney injury or chronic conditions such as hypertension and chronic kidney disease that require long-term follow up. These specialization courses are available only abroad. One can go for DM in Nephrology or DNB in Nephrology.

Nephrologists find work across:

• Nephrology departments of hospitals
• Kidney and dialysis centres
• General medical centres
• Nephrology healthcare service facilities.
• Nephrology-based consultancies.
• Private clinics.
• Medical schools and colleges.
• Nephrology-based research.

Some of the top professional profiles open to such postgraduates are listed below with the corresponding salaries offered for the respective positions.

Aspirants seeking admission to 3 year Full-time Program must have MD / MS Post Graduate Degree or equivalent recognized qualifications in the respective subject.