Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology

Courses

The department of Pediatric Gastroenterology offers two courses for the MD pediatrics student

• PDCC Pediatric Gastroenterology Program
• DM Pediatric Gastroenterology Program

PDCC Pediatric Gastroenterology Program

A comprehensive one-year training program designed to equip MD/DNB qualified pediatricians with specialized skills in diagnosing, and managing pediatric gastrointestinal and liver diseases. The program aims to train pediatricians to address the rising burden of pediatric GI and liver diseases in India, including chronic diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, hepatitis, portal hypertension, neonatal cholestasis, etc. Training prepares for local and regional healthcare needs and developing a network for referral and care of patients.

Curriculum Structure and Eligibility Criteria

The program admits four candidates annually with MD (Pediatrics) or DNB qualifications, lasting one year, with monthly stipends, hostel facilities, and standardized entrance and exit exams.

• Four candidates per year
• Duration: One year
• Eligibility: MD (Pediatrics) or DNB
• Training includes clinical, investigative, research, and nutritional components
• Entrance and exit examinations as per institute standards

 Subject-Specific Learning Objectives

We have  teaching sessions on a daily basisutilizing case discussions, seminars, journal clubs, bedside teaching, interdepartmental meetings, and self-directed learning.

The curriculum includes applied anatomy, physiology, pathology, pharmacology, genetics, nutrition, and recent advances in pediatric GI and liver diseases. The students have structured rotations in inpatient and outpatient care, endoscopy, ICU, and emergency management. They are exposed to multidisciplinary care including discussions with surgical and radiology colleagues.

Trainees acquire comprehensive clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic skills including basic diagnostic endoscopies and emergency management. They learn to interpret diagnostic tests, imaging, and histopathology. They develop the ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and demonstrate compassion and ethical patient care.

Various resources including books, journals and online resources are available for the students.

The program encourages students to engage in retrospective and prospective research, writing case reports, or review articles during their tenure.

Evaluation and Assessment

• Continuous assessment through clinical performance, case presentations, procedures, seminars, and periodic exams, with feedback for program improvement. Final theory and practical exams

DM Pediatric Gastroenterology Program

This program offers comprehensive three-year training in Pediatric Gastroenterology, focusing on clinical skills, research, and multidisciplinary approaches to address the rising burden of pediatric gastrointestinal and liver diseases in India.

 Program Structure and Eligibility Criteria

The program is a three-year postgraduate training for MD (Pediatrics) or equivalent candidates, with 4 candidates admitted annually by a national level entrance examination.

• Eligibility: MD (Pediatrics) or equivalent as per NMC rules
• Duration: Three years
• Candidates per year: 4
• Training includes clinical care, research, and academic activities
• Entrance and exit exams are conducted as per institute norms

.Program Outcomes and Regional Disease Burden

The program aims to produce independent, skilled pediatric gastroenterologists capable of managing diverse GI and liver diseases including emergencies. The students acquire skills in diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopies. They also acquire knowledge in research design, ethics, and collaboration..Training is tailored to address high regional prevalence of diseases like portal venous obstruction, functional GI disorders, pancreatitis, neonatal cholestasis, Tuberculosis and viral hepatitis.

The target is to have students with up-to-date knowledge of latest research in the subject, management guidelines and techniques. Development of communication and leadership skills is an important objective of the training.

Clinical and Procedural Training

Residents will manage inpatient and outpatient care, perform endoscopies, interpret investigations, and assist in advanced procedures like ERCP, EUS, and capsule endoscopy, with specified minimum procedure numbers.

• Manage patients in wards and ICU
• Perform diagnostic endoscopies and therapeutic endoscopic procedures
• Assist in advanced interventions and interpret imaging and histology
• Gain skills in equipment maintenance and troubleshooting

 The interdepartmental sessions like Gastropathology, Pediatric Surgery and radiology meeting are an important component of multidisciplinary patient care. -Promotes holistic management through team discussions involving multiple departments’ like Pediatric Surgery, Radiology, and Pathology.

 Evaluation and Certification

 Continuous assessment of clinical, investigative, research, and academic performance, including periodic exams, feedback, and documentation, culminating in final exit examinations. Students have to complete the mandatory courses including BCBR, BLS, competency modules, and other optional courses.

 Log Book Objectives and Maintenance

They are required to maintain a logbook of all their w ork, which serves as a record of training, progress, and assessment tool.

• Records academic presentations, endoscopic procedures, conference participation, courses, awards, publications, and research summaries.
• Facilitates internal evaluation and progress monitoring.
• Cross-checked periodically by faculty.

 Research Requirements and Activities-

Students must submit a research protocol within 6 months of joining. They have to complete the prospective research project and present the results in academic conference as a part of their training. They are also expected to  publish at least one original paper during their tenure.

 Learning Resources

• The well equipped library has essential books covering gastroenterology, hepatology, pediatric gastrointestinal diseases, and related topics. Most journals related to “Gastroenterology," "Hepatology," “Pediatrics," is available. E-learning resources include Clinical Key, Medscape, and specialized websites.