M.D. in Preventive and Social Medicine: What is it about?
Preventive and Social Medicine (PSM) is a newly introduced division of medical science, which focuses on the measures taken to prevent various communicable and non-communicable diseases, more than finding a cure for them, and promoting health in the society.
Postgraduates interested in pursuing further higher studies and going for research and development (R&D) in the field can also opt for higher degree courses (D.M. and Ph. D).
The program is designed to equip candidates with an in-depth knowledge about various epidemiological principles and measures taken to promote health, outbreaks, investigation & prevention of diseases. The course offers education in medical services ranging from curative to rehabilitative health services, involving statistics, psychology, sociology, law, engineering and economics as well as clinical sciences and biological sciences.
One of the major objectives of the course is to provide patient-centered comprehensive primary health care including follow-up and referral. The course provides highly efficient doctors who can successfully operate in and contribute largely to the society by promoting healthy lifestyles. The course’s curriculum integrates theoretical and practical components of the study.
Highlights
| Course Level |
Doctorate Degree |
| Duration |
Two Years |
| Minimum Qualification Required |
A graduation degree in M.B.B.S. or equivalent. |
| Examination Type |
Semester System |
| Admission Procedure |
Counseling after taking Entrance Exam |
| Total Course Fee |
INR 1 Lakhs to 6 Lakhs |
| Top Recruiting Areas/Fields |
Research Institutes, Medical Colleges, Government Hospitals, Military Health care Services, Medical Labs, Private Hospitals, Healthcare Institutions, Private Clinic, etc. |
| Job Positions |
Epidemiologist, Health Specialist, National Consultant, Technical Assistant, Specialist Physician, Research Associate, Junior Research Scientist, Lecturer, Professor, Associate Lecturer, etc. |
| Average Initial Annual Salary |
INR 3 Lakhs to 12 Lakhs |
| Major Entrance Examinations |
NEET PG, AIIMS PG, PGIMER Entrance Exam, CMC Vellore PG, JIPMER PG, UPSEE, etc. |
Sure, here is the information you requested about Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine(MD-S&PM/CM):
Benefits:
- A career in Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine offers a variety of benefits, including:
- The opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others
- A stable and secure job
- A good salary
- The chance to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and government agencies
Syllabus:
The syllabus for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine typically includes the following topics:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Disease prevention
- Health policy
- Health planning
- Health education
- Environmental health
- Occupational health
- Mental health
- Social work
A semester-wise breakup of the course’s curriculum is tabulated below.
| FIRST SEMESTER |
SECOND SEMESTER |
| Social Science |
Health Education |
| Genetics |
Occupational Health |
| General Medicine applied to the field of Public Health |
Public Health Chemistry |
| Maternal and Child Health Rehabilitation |
Communicable and Non- Communicable Diseases |
| Public Health Administration |
Vital Statistics |
| Seminar 1 |
Seminar 2 |
| THIRD SEMESTER |
FOURTH SEMESTER |
| Industrial Toxicology and Occupational Physiology |
Biostatistics |
| Entomology |
Nutrition |
| Parasitological Study |
Epidemiological Techniques |
| Public Health Laboratory Practices |
Research Methodology |
| Environmental Health |
Demographic Techniques |
Fee:
The fee for a Master of Medicine in Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine varies depending on the institution. In India, the fee ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 200,000.
Skills Required:
The following skills are required for a career in Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine:
- Strong communication skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Leadership skills
- Teamwork skills
- Data analysis skills
- Public speaking skills
Cut off:
The cut off for admission to a Master of Medicine in Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine varies depending on the institution. In India, the cut off is typically around 50% for general category students and 60% for reserved category students.
Specializations:
There are a number of specializations available in Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine, including:
- Epidemiology
- Biostatistics
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Disease prevention
- Health policy
- Health planning
- Health education
- Environmental health
- Occupational health
- Mental health
- Social work
Top Recruiters:
Some of the top recruiters for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine graduates include:
- The World Health Organization (WHO)
- The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)
- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- The World Bank
- The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- The Government of India
- The Government of the United States
- The Government of the United Kingdom
- The Government of Canada
- The Government of Australia
Salary:
The salary for a Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine graduate varies depending on the level of experience and the type of work. In India, the average salary for a Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine graduate is around INR 5 lakhs per year.
Job Profiles:
Some of the job profiles available for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine graduates include:
- Epidemiologist
- Biostatistician
- Public health officer
- Health promotion specialist
- Disease prevention specialist
- Health policy analyst
- Health planner
- Health educator
- Environmental health specialist
- Occupational health specialist
- Mental health specialist
- Social worker
Career Opportunities and Job Prospects:
The career opportunities and job prospects for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine graduates are excellent. There is a high demand for these professionals in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations.
Preventive & Social Medicine specialists are in great demand all over the world, due to the rising population and increasing diseases. So such postgraduates can put a step forward and do a lot for the society and suffering people.
After successfully completing the course, one can work in various Government and Private Hospitals, Military Healthcare Services, Medical Labs, Research Institutes, Medical Colleges, Community Healthcare Centers, etc. where they can expect a monthly pay of INR 50K to 70k in government sectors, and INR 50K to 1 Lakhs in private sectors, which like most other careers is expected to increase with experience and expertise in the field.
Other than seeking for a job one can also opt for a teaching career and become a lecturer or professor in leading universities and medical colleges, and they can be self-employed by starting their own medical clinic or hospital.
Interested postgraduates may later pursue higher degree courses like DM (Doctorate of Medicine), Ph. D. (Doctorate of Philosophy) and other research related studies, for more knowledge in the field, better career options & salary packages.
Some of the popular professional avenues open to such postgraduates are mentioned below with basic job responsibilities and salary associated to each.
Scope:
The scope for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine is vast. These professionals can work in a variety of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Government agencies
- Non-governmental organizations
- Research institutes
- Academic institutions
Employment Areas:
Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine graduates can find employment in a variety of areas, including:
- Public health
- Health promotion
- Disease prevention
- Health policy
- Health planning
- Health education
- Environmental health
- Occupational health
- Mental health
- Social work
Top Colleges in India and Fees:
Some of the top colleges in India for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine include:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS)
- National Institute of Preventive and Social Medicine (NIPSOM)
- Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH)
- National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW)
- Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)
- Jamia Hamdard University (JHU)
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
- Bharathidasan University (BDU)
- University of Kerala (UK)
- University of Mumbai
M.D. In Preventive & Social Medicine: Admission Process
The admission process for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine varies depending on the institution. However, the following are some of the common steps involved in the admission process:
- Eligibility: The candidate must have completed an MBBS degree from a recognized medical college.
- Entrance exam: The candidate must qualify for the entrance exam for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine. The most popular entrance exams for this course are NEET PG and AIIMS PG.
- Merit list: The candidate's name will be shortlisted on the basis of their performance in the entrance exam.
- Interview: The shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.
- Final selection: The final selection of the candidates will be based on their performance in the entrance exam, interview, and other factors.
The application process for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine also varies depending on the institution. However, the following are some of the common steps involved in the application process:
- Filling up the application form: The candidate must fill up the application form for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine.
- Submitting the application form: The candidate must submit the application form along with the required documents to the respective institution.
- Payment of application fee: The candidate must pay the application fee.
The application fee for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine varies depending on the institution. However, the fee is typically around INR 1000 to INR 2000.
Here are some of the documents that are required for the application process:
- MBBS degree certificate
- Provisional MBBS degree certificate
- NEET PG or AIIMS PG scorecard
- Character certificate
- Medical fitness certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Income certificate (if applicable)
The documents required for the application process may vary depending on the institution. It is advisable to check the requirements with the respective institution before applying.
Eligibility For M.D. In Preventive & Social Medicine
Mentioned Below Are The Minimum Qualifications Than Any Candidate Aspiring To Pursue The Course Is Required To Fulfill, In Order To Be Eligible To Apply For The Course.
A Minimum Aggregate Score Of 55% or Equivalent CGPA Is Required At The Level Of Graduation, Which Should Be Completed From A University Recognized By Medical Council Of India (MCI). All SC/ST Candidates Are Given A Relaxation Of 5% in The Minimum Aggregate Criteria.
Graduation Should Be Completed In M.B.B.S or Any Other Equivalent Degree In A Relevant Discipline.
Candidates Waiting For Their Final Year Examination’s Result Are Welcomed Too, But Admission To Such Candidates Will Be Given On Provisional Basis.
Also, Candidates Should Have Completed A 1- Year Compulsory Rotating internship After Passing The Final Professional Examination Which Is MBBS.
Entrance Test.
conducted Either At National Level (NEET PG) or At Institutional Level. Students Who Have Secured The Qualifying Percentile For The National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (NEET) Or Any Other Equivalent Exam Are Eligible For The Counseling Process.
Listed Below Are Some Of The Major Entrance Examinations Conducted In The Country For Admission To The Respective Course.
- NEET PG (National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test) For Post Graduate Courses
- AIIMS PG (All India Institute Of Medical Sciences) Post Graduate Entrance Exam
- CMC Vellore PG (CMC Vellore Post Graduate Entrance Exam)
- PGIMER Entrance Exam (Post Graduate Institute Of Medical Education And Research)
- JIPMER PG (JIPMER Post Graduate Entrance Exam)
- COMEDK PG Medical Admissions
- UPSEE (Uttar Pradesh State Entrance Exam)
- AIPGMEE (All India Post Graduate Medical Entrance Exam)
Community Medicine For UnderGrads Course Is Bifurcated Into The Following 5 Sections:
- Start early: The sooner you start preparing, the better. This will give you enough time to cover the syllabus and practice for the entrance exam.
- Make a study plan: Create a study plan that works for you and stick to it. This will help you stay on track and make sure you are covering all the important topics.
- Use the right resources: There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine. These include textbooks, online courses, and practice tests.
- Get help from a tutor: If you are struggling with a particular topic, consider getting help from a tutor. This can be a great way to get personalized help and make sure you understand the material.
- Practice for the entrance exam: There are a number of practice tests available for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine. Taking these tests will help you get used to the format of the exam and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Stay positive: Preparing for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine can be challenging, but it is important to stay positive. Believe in yourself and your ability to succeed.
Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:
- Join a study group with other students who are also preparing for the exam. This can be a great way to stay motivated and learn from each other.
- Attend workshops or seminars that are specifically designed for Social and Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine. These can be a great way to learn about the latest trends in the field and get some hands-on experience.
- Get involved in research or volunteer work in the field of public health. This can give you valuable experience and make you a more competitive candidate for jobs in the field.
Why Social & Preventive Medicine / Community Medicine(MD-S&PM/CM)?
- To make a difference in the world: Social and Preventive Medicine/Community Medicine is a field that is dedicated to improving the health of populations. If you are passionate about making a difference in the world, this could be a great career choice for you.
- To work in a variety of settings: Social and Preventive Medicine/Community Medicine professionals can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and non-governmental organizations. This can give you the opportunity to work in a field that you are passionate about and in a setting that is a good fit for your lifestyle.
- To have a stable and secure career: Social and Preventive Medicine/Community Medicine is a field that is in high demand. There are many job opportunities available in this field, and the salaries are typically competitive.
- To learn about the latest trends in public health: Social and Preventive Medicine/Community Medicine is a constantly evolving field. If you are interested in learning about the latest trends in public health, this could be a great career choice for you.
If you are considering a career in Social and Preventive Medicine/Community Medicine, I encourage you to learn more about the field and the different career options available. This could be a great way to make a difference in the world and have a rewarding career.
Here are some of the specific benefits of pursuing a course in Social and Preventive Medicine/Community Medicine:
- You will learn about the social and environmental factors that contribute to health and disease.
- You will learn about the principles of public health and how to apply them to improve population health.
- You will gain skills in epidemiology, biostatistics, and health promotion.
- You will have the opportunity to work with a variety of stakeholders, including policymakers, community members, and healthcare providers.
- You will be able to make a difference in the world by improving the health of populations.
If you are interested in a career in public health, a course in Social and Preventive Medicine/Community Medicine can provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed.
