Is geriatric medicine a good choice post D.N.B. family medicine?

Dear friends,
    In recent time few D.N.B. family medicine aspirants and few D.N.B. family medicine residents asked me  how about geriatric medicine course post family medicine? To be honest I myself did a course after my family medicine degree last year and I am expecting a degree by university soon if I mange to pass exam  gave last month.I did my course as distance education via NIMS university Rajasthan. It was 1 year course all self learning.I opt to do it within  6 months time and I must share it was not so tough as I have worked lot with geriatric problems in my residency days.I use CMDT geriatrics and textbook of geriatrics by Dr.Gupta who is associated with geriatric society India.Other than this course IGNOU also has a course on geriatrics which D.N.B. is recognizing as entry point to D.N.B. family medicine secondary.About course I am not so sure but you can get information about it from IGNOU study center near you.Geriatric courses as distance education is a good move as in your practice you face lots of geriatric patients and there problems.These kind of courses also help you to get attachment to old age homes which are on rise in cities and metro.Chennai has few geriatric coursed of various duration but they are full time courses.One boy ask me can we do simultaneously with D.N.B.Well you can but will be a gamble and hectic thing as residency as D.N.B. is hectic job.so if you are sure you can balance both and you institute is not having problem you can.So all the best friends who want expand there horizon as gerontologist with primary care physician approach. all the best.Almighty bless us all.:-).

How to prepare for practical D.N.B. family medicine

Dear friends,
           Few of you asked me mam how to prepare for practicals as our results are on the way and we may get max 3 weeks time in between results and practical dates?
           As  many of you are balancing last few days of residency & work simultaneously,basically you need to be focused while preparing for pracs.Divide your days or any format your are comfortable with and do daily bedside presentations to your seniors,juniors,consultants and if  no one available to mirror.:-).
      Read Kundu in detail both volumes for medicine as two cases there which you need to finish in 20 mins each.Read Das clinical for surgery cases .Read Julius Scott and Santosh Kumar for pads as again two case will be there.Learn all signs,d/ds,Demonstrations well.Read park selectively and obs esp for contraception part.All national programmes ,vaccines,E.C.G.s ,X Rays ,common drugs,instruments you should know.Its an easy exam if you have worked well in wards.Keep family physician in you awake while answering so they may like your approach and confidence.So all the best.let Almighty bless us all.All the best.:-).

Feedback from our users on book 'Family medicine Question Booklet'

1. I received the book. Thanks a lot .Really nice book. Keep up the good work.It is really helpful-Dr.Ayesha,Kolkata.
2. Thank you mam for your book.I really like the way you have designed subject wise questions.thank you for sending it to me in right time.-Dr. Mahima,Pune.
3. Hi Smruti. Received the books. Looks like they are going to be very useful. Wish u the best for the future.-Dr.Sabah,Mysore.
4. Hi mam.recived book.looks useful.thank u.-Dr. Ekal ,Delhi.
5. Mam it looks good ,sure we will find it useful.-Dr. Sangeeta,Banglore.
6. Got the book.Its helpful.thanks for efforts.-Dr. Meghana,Pune.
7.  I did like it very much..the effort u took is praiseworthy.. Really ma'am, ur good will and efficiency are clubbed together..God bless....-Dr.Manju Rose,Kerala.
8. Its a good book.Its in a proper way to collect all questions and make your notes for the final exam.-Dr.Rajat,Pondechery.
9. Its an excellent compilation ans a real guide for us.-Dr. Subha,Kolkata.
10. Thank you Dr Smruti Mandar Haval.The Family Medicine Question Booklet is really praiseworthy.It will be really helpful for all DNB Family Medicine PGTs in their preparation.I hope that I will benefit a lot from your book.My exam is in June.-Dr.Sumana Datta.
11. This is a really good book.Your efforts are commendable mam.Thank you for this effort.-Dr.Sadhana,Hyderabad.
12. This book is really helpful.Great efforts.Waiting for next book by you mam.-Dr.Varun,Delhi-NCR.
13. Its a very good doctor-.Dr.T.Thomas,Mysore.
14. Got the book.Its helpful.I only had few years questions not a question collection.It also have family case study proforma..its nice.-Dr.Gourab,Kolkata.
15. Book is really great regarding compilation and assembly. started marking according to it.Its worth to have that book.-Dr. Smita,Kerala.
16. Your book is quite good di for exam oriented preparation.-Dr.Ritwik,Kochin.
17. Your question bank is really awesome.Very useful.Nice work.Thank you.-Dr. Sumana Datta,Kolkata.
18. .Book is very good and useful for us.-Dr. Sakshi,Delhi.
19. The question bank is really helpful.Thank you mam.-Dr.Dhanya,Trivendrum.
20. Books made study of family medicine exams much easy.Very helpful.Will try to contribute i n revised editions of book.- Dr.Paul.
21. Books really helped me in clearing my theory exam.Worth reading. - Dr. Afzal.

What next after D.N.B.Family medicine

Dear friends,
    One very common inquiry we are getting these days by new aspirants who want to develope career in family medicine by choice is what next after D.N.B. family medicine.Are we eligible for any DM or fellowships?See to be frank DM is not so easy after family medicine due to not so clear norm on that by many universities.You can do fellowships in diabetology,geriatric medicine,emergency medicine,infectious diseases,NRP which is kind of extension to your knowledge you gain during learning family medicine.Certain institutes like CMC Vellore allow family medicine graduate to apply for there fellowship in diabetology/Geriatrics.Many distant education courses are there in India and abroad which offer you degree in geriatric medicine,occupational health,industrial health and you can start corporate tie up and collaborate more with IT sector and industries.You can join national programmes,teaching in various international universities where you can teach family medicine.You can also go to Gulf,Canada,Australia to practice as family physicians  as demand is more there with lot of respect.many medical colleges are now opening geriatric medicine departments.D.N.B.family is eligible to join as faculty position like assistant professor/senior resident.So do choose wisely this field and if u enter do fight ,be a graduate and explore new horizons.No branch on earth is superior or inferior .You have to put your efforts to make it best on earth.Let Almighty bless us all.All the best.:-).

How to write theory paper

Dear friends,
         How to write theory paper is an important tension in p.g. student's life.After almost a gap of 3-4 years your in a mood to write 3 hr long paper that to in two sessions which is equal to 6 hrs in a day sitting on a grill almost.Also next day you need to write again 6 hrs. Hands & fingers give up big time.Only saviour for new batches is last paper total MCQs and only one paper in theory form on last day.We will suggest you to start department level exam practice minimum 6 months before exams.Request your teachers to set paper for you.You can also request your rotational teachers to set a exam for you at end to not only assess your knowledge but also a writing practice to you.During the preparation time keep writing.Making your own notes is good than taking some one else ready notes.Also solve at least 4 papers before you go for exam 1 week before.Its a kind of warm up to your hands.Also remember you need to plan and go for exam.Don't write to much or too less.Stick to specific points.Draw  diagrams,tables,make flow charts where ever relevant.Also one common mistake is you may write in wrong section while your are in tension. Plz don't do that.You may lose time there.Read question care fully before write.They are very specific now a days about what and how much they want you to write.Also try to write all questions answer and don't leave any answer.As you may loose marks.So have happy study time. All the best.:-).

How to study medicine

Dear friends,
           Medicine is the most tough subject in family medicine.Its main soul of your course and it is the similar link between you and your medicine counterparts.But yours may be bit easy in theory as compared to them.Work you both do is almost same in wards.But while preparing for via or theory your approach need a change.As a family medicine you need breadth of the the subject first than depth.If time permits do enjoy depth also but don't forget you have to reach island safely too.Try to start studies from day one but its practically impossible.As your drained with your ward work.Best way I feel to study medicine is with your medicine colleagues.Try to present one bed side case in a week with them to your teachers,some journal club or seminar or topic discussion will keep you updated and on your toe.You can also start selective study by using question bank.More & more revisions are required for medicine.Also your presentation skills should be smooth.You must know all common drugs,instruments,procedures in wards,their indications contraindications,complications. Also need to know basic X ray reading ,E.C.G. reading too.Sub subjects like geriatric medicine is a part of medicine.Your hospital may or may not have separate ward.But make most of by examining all possible patients in wards.Also do maximum procedures you can.Go to ICU,casualty rotation where you can learn emergency procedures.Which book to follow that's up to you.I personally like API 7 th edition as its good as a family medicine to read.They  gives most things in one place integrate manner.You can read Harrison selectively.Also Kumar and Clerk if your comfort. Ultimately you should have good knowledge and integrated approach towards a case.So all the best.Gear up.Study hard for medicine.:-).

How to make maximum use of my question bank

Dear friends,

                    As I know how tough it is to sum up syllabus of family medicine in short period .So we have attempted to come up with a basic q bank to help budding family physicians like you.

                   Start studies as early as you can.Its never late to begin on a good note.New family medicine papers are more clinical oriented now days. So they basically want to test your ability to approach right to patient with integrated approach.This book will guide you towards more important questions for your exam. Develope  a habit of thinking to treat patient integrated and you will start enjoying the subject.

                We are also providing important proforma to maintain like family case study, thesis protocol writing proforma which will be helpful for you especially for those who don’t have seniors.

Finally we give you last 10 years memory base questions which will guide you in understanding how papers are set for you.So all the best and start your journey as family medicine post graduates with pride.:-).

How to maintain logbook

Dear friends,
      To maintain log book or not is a topic of debate.Many says no need to maintain or make as they don't ask in finals or at any level.But I feel you should be ready for worst.If any strict examiner demand at end exam or new appraisal format you will be in fix.so choice is yours.If you are in  to maintain try to follow guidelines by DNB which I have complied in my q bank book.Try to keep daily activity track.Every post end do take signatures of respective HODs staff then and there ,Don't keep it pending as far as possible.Also a track record for you to see how good your rotation is going and what more I need to learn.Better to make it in tabular form so easy to keep entries.So hope you will get an idea about it.All the best.:-)

How to study Pediatrics

Dear friends,
 Pediatrics is another important subject in family medicine.Both in your practice & exam.Paper 3 has almost 60-40 distribution of gync,obs & pads.Posting is also full 4 months with NICU rotation.During posting do read daily as much as you can.Use method daily you see a case try to read that so you remember same.Visit labour call with peds residents so that you can master neonatal resuscitation skills.Do take ward rounds,learn simple diagnosis skills and compare how it is slightly different from adult.Remember dose in wt/kg is a task but you need to master that.You should know all relevant community aspect of pads so you  need to read Park again here.All nutrition related topics like PEM,vit def and there programmes,recent updates you must know. IMNCI guidelines should be by heart.Also common conditions you should know.Neonate chapters are core of pads.Hence you need to read that well from Ghai or new book Mukesh Aggrawal. You can use Meherban Singh for same.Do read all old questions and likely questions on pads as pattern is changing every paper.You need not to go in deep you,but you can't go wrong with basics and lil above them.You can refer my question bank where we got all essential question we feel are   important.So all the best.Do well.:-). 

How to study Dermatology

Dear Friends,
     
         Dermatology is again a important subject as far as paper 1 is concerned.One 10 marks question
is asked almost each year.Again rotation or posting is short in this and  many people may get it or not.But in either case you have to study.Try to learn,observe how do they diagnose case.You may need to see some atlas or good book like Uday Khopkar. For theory you can refer my question bank where you will see all essential examination questions.Also try to attain some dermat camps if your hospital is hosting.Try to accompany dermatologist when they come for reference round.You may learn lot with them.See this is again a subject will help you lot in your private so study carefully.There you see cases from tinea to psoriasis which are mostly chronic in nature and as family physician patient show them you first.So don't panic.Stay focus.Study well.All the best.:-).

How to study psychiatry

Dear friends,
   How to study psychiatry is another important question in front of us.As many of you even don't get that posting or rotation.One question of 10 marks is expected in  paper 1.So keeping psychiatry at option is a risk.You can read it at last while preparing but do try to brush up your knowledge.Also during your table viva medicine your viva can get diverted to basic psychiatry as for e.g. depression or anxiety management.Our center St John's medicine examiner ask all 6 in my batch question how you mange depression at corporate hospitals ,drug you use there.Hence basic knowledge of psychiatry you must know.Also in your private practice you may have to deal, diagnose many people who has depression,anxiety,somatization .So this knowledge will stay with you for long.Also try to see if your in house psychiatrist allows you to his OPD while he is consulting so that you can learn few basics of counselling.Books to use again dependents on your preference.But from my personal experience I would suggest you can use Ahuja textbook of psychiatry.Also API edition 7 edited by Dr.Sidharth Shah sir where there is a nice dedicated section on psychiatry which has lucid approach to all essential knowledge of psychiatry needed for a family physician.You can refer my question bank on family medicine where we have compiled all essential questions at one place.All the best.Start studies.:-).

how to study for obs & gynac

dear friends,
      Obs &  gynaecology is again a scoring subject and you have a 2 months long posting in that.You can start studies simultaneously during your posting.Its an easy subject if you enjoy that and has read well in U.G. time.You need to read all relevant important topics from obs and selective clinical topics from gynac. Datta is the book for both as its easy,suitable to Indian needs.Try to learn all basic skills from episiotomy suturing to delivering normal baby.Vacuum delivery they may not give you that easily.Also in gynac do take pap smears,insert copper T,examine ANC .These efforts will help in your future private practice than exams as in practicals usually there is no gynac or obs case.But some gynac complication in medicine patient they can keep.Read properly all previous questions.You can refer my question bank for same where I have tried to compile questions at one place.Common conditions treatment you should know like high risk case screening, approach to CA cervix or severe anaemia in pregnancy or PIH to leucorrhea. Contraception is a topic that should be by heart to you.You are also suppose to know relevant health programmes,community obs & gynac related action plans .Hence for that you need to refer park too.So all the best ,do well.:-)

how to prepare for subject surgery

Dear Friends,

            Just like all allied surgery topics surgery main (general ,GI & Genito-urinary ) is a scoring subject.It forms core of paper 2.Almost 4-6 questions are there from various parts of surgery.To begin with you can read general surgery topics .My personal favourite is DAS textbook as its lucid,easy to retain and sufficient at  post graduate level.Still you can choose one that is suitable to you.After general surgery you can read GI related relevant topics followed by genito-urinary system.You can refer my book question  booklet of  family medicine where we have complied all the essential questions in one place  to reduce your load.During your 2 months rotation in surgery try to attend wads,OPD,causalities so that you can observe maximum. Also try to perform smaller procedures as mention in book.Again in this paper they expect you to develop  correct approach to diagnose,treat & refer in time the patient avoiding unnecessary delay.You can make small point wise notes while studying surgery topics.so enjoy your surgery rotation and studies  and try to get maximum from this scoring paper.All the best.:-).

how to write thesis

     The Basic aim of requiring the candidates to write a thesis/dissertation is to familiarize him/her with research methodology. The members of the faculty guiding the thesis/dissertation work for the candidate shall ensure that the subject matter selected for the thesis/dissertation is feasible, economical and original.

•  The thesis may be normally restricted to the size to 100 pages. 

Guidelines:

For this section you can refer my book family medicine question booklet where we have given all guidelines in detail.Rules for Submission of Thesis/ Dissertation by candidates for DNB. Guidelines for Writing of Thesis/Dissertation.

Title    -

Should be brief, clear and focus on the relevance of the topic.

Introduction –

Should state the purpose of study, mention lacunae in current knowledge and enunciate the Hypothesis, if any.

Review of Literature –

Should be relevant, complete and current to date.

Material and Methods-

Should include the type of study (prospective, retrospective, controlled double blind) details of material & experimental design procedure used for data collection & statistical methods employed; statement of limitations ethical issues involved.

Observations–

Should be organized in readily identifiable sections having correct analysis of data be presented in appropriate charts, tables, graphs &Diagram etc. These should be statistically interpreted.

Discussion- Observations of the study should be discussed and compared with other research studies. The discussion should highlight original findings and should also include suggestion for future.

Summary and Conclusion

Bibliography –

Should be correctly arranged in Vancouver pattern.

Appendix—

All tools used for data collection such as questionnaire, interview schedules, observation check lists etc. should be put in the annexure.

How to Prepare for ophthalmology Section

Dear  Friends,
          How to study ophthalmology is another issue while planning posting time or preparatory leave.Ophthalmology is an important part in paper 2 and one compulsory 10 mark question is expected.While working in posting keep your senses open as again its a short rotation.Read your suitable textbook properly again not too much in depth.All common conditions you should know with there warning or red flag sign.Also learn common procedures like ocular dressing ,diagnosing cataract,foreign body removal properly.Also focus on blindness section from Park along with vitamin A deficiency and programmes  related to that.You must know all differential diagnosis for conditions like red eye and so.This is a scoring part in paper 2.Also don't forget to read question properly while writing. Age of patient again change your approach. You should understand your part as primary care physician and must know when to refer.You also should know when to give steroids and when to restrain.So keep all these points in mind and get started.All the best.:-).

how to study anesthesia in short time

Dear  Friends,
          How to study and how much time to allot anesthesia is a trouble question to to many.Anesthesia is an important part in paper 2 and one compulsory 10 mark question or 5 mark sub question is expected.Hence you can't neglect it.Many students don't get rotation in anesthesia and those who get I am not sure how much they can learn in those 10-15 days.One best way to learn is observe,assist your anesthetist in O.T.during surgery,obs,ortho posting if situation permits.That will help you a lot and when you go back you just have to learn basics.While pre op fitness you can accompany them just the way you accompany your physician for medical fitness.This subject is easy to learn and master as only basics you have to learn.Hope these tips will make your preparation easy.All the best.:-).

how to start study of family medicine subject

       Dear friends,

                         Welcome to world of family medicine-the true gateway to holistic medicine care.as I know how tough it is to sum up syllabus of family medicine.

                   First, don’t get panic that you don’t have seniors, no help from institutions. It’s a natural phenomenon as its new branch to many institutions and they don’t know the correct approach to guide you.’

                  But never forget everything has its first time and you are  your best guide, philosopher & friend.Hence start studies as early as you can.Its never late to begin on a good note.

                    During residency, Focus on your relevant posting you are currently in and try to finish maximum you can in that posting in terms of reading along with the ward work. Never forget more you will see the patients, handle their management, more perfect you become and less time you need to spent reading books.

                       New family medicine papers are more clinical oriented now days. So they basically want to test your ability to approach right to patient with integrated approach. Develope  a habit of thinking to treat patient integrated and you will start enjoying the subject.So all the best and start your journey as family medicine post graduates with pride. Let almighty bless us.

                                                                                                                                            

how is the practical exam pattern?

dear friends,
   As a ground rule by D.N.B. your exam centre is mostly not from the state you  or your institute belongs. Nagpur,St.Johns Banglore, Rohatak,Wardha ,Delhi are some  common centres.Once you clear your theory exam within three weeks of your result,practicals are announced.Usual time you get in between is two weeks.In exam you haver 2 medicine,2 pads & 1 surgery case.Mostly no gynaecology or obs case.But a case having complication of gynaecology may come to you e.g. secondary amenorrhoea in a post tubectomy diabetic 28 yr old female.That was my exam case by the way.Any ways in surgery lump in abdomen is a common case so plz read Das properly for surgery case.pads case can vary from fever ( viral to any cause) to ITP or leukaemia or diarrhoea to  NS.Each case you will get 20 mins only.There will be three table viva one of med covering X ray ,E.C.G.,drugs.instruments.Another will be pads covering immunisation ,instruments etc. Third will be family medicine & community medicine viva where from nutrition to all immunization,national programmes ,contraception can be asked.Exam Qs varies as per examiner  & your viva leading capacity. Don't be over smart or too much under dog.Be clear what you say.They mainly check your understanding of subject and your ability to be a primary care physician.So all the best.gear up December 2014 batch students results will be declared soon.Hence practice of presenting more and more bed side cases to your seniors,teachers is very imp.Its not to late yet.All the best.:-)

how to prepare E.N.T. topics

dear friends,
   From E.N.T. there is no case in practicals. But in paper 2 one 10 marks compulsory question is there.So while preparing choose your suitable book and read all the repeat and new questions.Also read all common conditions we observe and assist in our E.N.T. rotation.Anatomy you can revise but don't go too deep. Remember all relevant applied anatomy e.g.anatomy of nose with blood supply. Commonest question like epistaxis,CSOM,tracheostomy  should be by heart.Also read question carefully before you attempt.As there can be minor variation in forming the question like from 30 yr old individual to 60 yr individual.That changes your answer in terms of approach and priority to differential diagnosis,investigations,treatment relevant to that case.Mostly these are clinical cases testing your approach to handle them in primary care set up.So all the best and gear up to finish E.N.T. fast in your rotations or exam preparation.:-)

how much to read textbook of PSM for finals

while preparing park so far experience is people neglect park or PSM textbooks. don't do that.do read park or PSM books as in paper 1 & 3 they carry Qs. Qs like ICDS,JSSK may come in paper 3 .in paper 1 aids,malaria are Favorite Qs especially with there programmes.In practical exams a table of 100 marks is on family and community medicine where all clinically possible Qs from park asked including nutrition ,immunization,RNTCP kits,malaria kit,contraception .so reading selective park  is imp.all the best.

welcome to world of family medicine India

dear friends,
   I Dr. Smruti Haval is a M.B.B.S.D.N.B.(family medicine).I finished my residency and post graduation in mouth of June 2013.so m fresh from residency.I am currently working as an assistant professor,dept family medicine ,USM-KLE IMP, Belgavi. I am always open to help people  in terms of how to prepare for D.N.B. family medicine.soon we are cumming up with a question bank at reasonable rate.some may say we already have  that whats new in your work.but m sure that my work is honest,time saving and custom made for those who are exam going or start preparing for D.N.B..family medicine.So keep in touch.I will also keep posting how to prepare for D.N.B. family medicine ,what all good sources to prepare and much more.almighty bless us all.