The medical curriculum at Vels Medical College and Hospital (VMCH) adheres to the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME), introduced by the National Medical Commission (NMC) in 2019. CBME represents a paradigm shift in medical education, moving away from traditional, time-based training models towards a more learner-centered approach focused on the acquisition and demonstration of competencies essential for clinical practice. By implementing CBME, the NMC aims to produce competent, skilled, and compassionate healthcare professionals capable of meeting the evolving healthcare needs of society.
1. Competency-Based Approach : Our curriculum is structured around competency-based medical education (CBME), which focuses on the mastery of specific skills and abilities essential for clinical practice. CBME ensures that learners progress at their own pace, demonstrating proficiency in each competency before advancing.
2. Integrated Learning : We offer an integrated curriculum that bridges basic science with clinical practice, promoting a holistic understanding of medicine. This approach allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world patient care scenarios from the outset of their training.
3. Clinical Exposure : Our curriculum emphasizes hands-on clinical experience through early exposure to patient care settings. Students engage in clinical rotations across various specialties, gaining practical skills and insights under the guidance of experienced clinicians.
4. Continuous Assessment : Assessment is an integral part of our curriculum, with ongoing evaluation of students' progress and competence. We employ diverse assessment methods, including direct observation, simulation, and feedback, to provide timely and constructive guidance for learning and improvement.
5. Flexibility and Personalization : We recognize the diverse learning needs and career aspirations of our students. Therefore, our curriculum offers flexibility and customization options, allowing learners to tailor their educational experiences to align with their interests and goals.
6. Lifelong Learning : Our curriculum instills a culture of lifelong learning, equipping students with the critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-directed learning skills necessary for professional growth and adaptation to evolving healthcare challenges.
The undergraduate medical program typically spans a duration of five and a half years, including a one-year mandatory rotating internship. Phase 1 of the study is for 1 year, Phase 2 for 1 year and Phase 3 is divided into two parts. Phase 3 Part 1 is for 1 year and Part 2 is for 1.5 years. However, variations in these durations are observed soon after covid and the actual recommended calendar for each batch may be seen on the NMC website or you may follow the academic calendar given in our Student Handbook which is modeled after NMC recommendations specific to each batch.
The following are typically considered core subjects in the medical curriculum as per the NMC and the same are followed in VMCH:
1. Anatomy : The study of the structure of the human body, including its organs, tissues, and systems.
2. Physiology : The study of the normal functioning of the body's organs and systems, including mechanisms of action and regulation.
3. Biochemistry : The study of the chemical processes and substances that occur within living organisms, including metabolism, molecular biology, and genetics.
4. Pathology : The study of the nature, causes, and effects of diseases, including the structural and functional changes that occur in tissues and organs.
5. Microbiology : The study of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, and their role in causing infectious diseases.
6. Pharmacology : The study of drugs and their effects on the body, including mechanisms of action, therapeutic uses, and adverse reactions.
7. Forensic Medicine and Toxicology : The study of medical and legal aspects of injury, death, and poisoning, including forensic examination and interpretation of evidence.
8. Community Medicine (Preventive and Social Medicine) : The study of public health and preventive medicine, including epidemiology, biostatistics, health promotion, and disease prevention.
9. Otorhinolaryngology : Often abbreviated as ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat), the study of the diagnosis and treatment of disorders related to the ear, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck.
10. Ophthalmology : The study of the diagnosis, treatment, and management of diseases and disorders related to the eyes and visual system.
11. Medicine : The study of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting adults, including internal medicine, dermatology, psychiatry, cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, nephrology, and endocrinology.
12. Surgery : The study of the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases that require surgical intervention and the study of surgical techniques and procedures, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, pediatric surgery, plastic surgery, and cardiothoracic surgery.
13. Obstetrics and Gynecology : The study of pregnancy, childbirth, and female reproductive health, including obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive endocrinology.
14. Pediatrics : The study of medical care for infants, children, and adolescents, including pediatric medicine, pediatric surgery, and neonatology.
VMCH also offers exciting electives in its curriculum that cater to personal needs besides career preparation and diversification of skills and knowledge.
NMC issues guidelines from time to time. VMCH aspires to keep the standards at par with the best in the country without compromising on the minimum recommendations of NMC.
