Doctorate of Medicine in Rheumatology Top Colleges, Syllabus, Scope and Salary

DM in Rheumatology is a 3-year full-time post-graduate course divided into 6 semesters. Rheumatology is a subspecialty of internal medicine concerned with:

• identification
• diagnosis
• medication,

of disorders relating to joints and adjourned tissues. The discipline is a specialty of medicine dedicated to disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Enrolled students are taught to treat such patients of all age groups.

Rheumatic disorders are one of the commonest causes of physical impairment in the community.

Doctorate of Medicine in Karnataka

Doctorate of Medicine in Tamil Nadu

Doctorate of Medicine in Uttar Pradesh

Doctorate of Medicine in Maharashtra

Rheumatologists are physicians who specialize primarily in:

treating patients with diseases affecting the joints.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Fibromyalgia
• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Back Pain
• Lupus
• Osteoporosis
• Tendonitis.

Though Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy go hand in hand as one division of the Internal Medicine department in hospitals, training and theory for the streams are different.

Rheumatologists are responsible for:

• researching to determine the cause of, and better treatments for, these disabling and sometimes fatal diseases.
• often acting as consultants to other physicians in the diagnosis and management of such diseases.
• treating patients referred to them by general physicians.
• conducting numerous diagnostic methodologies including:

1. X-rays,
2. laboratory tests of the rheumatic system
3. chemical pathology in order to identify the problem. 

Unlike many other medical specialties, they essentially depend upon intensive clinical approach and tools to diagnose and monitor serious disorders. Such candidates are trained in:

• basic clinical knowledge and clinical skills required for practicing rheumatology.
• management of serious multisystem rheumatology disorders.
• conducting tests for neurological and other conditions that affect the function of the peripheral nerves.
• performing tests as professional healthcare scientists in neurophysiology.
• working closely with patients of all ages to investigate 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.

The average annual course fee in India ranges between INR 5,000 and 20 lacs, depending upon the institute offering the course. The average annual salary offered in India to successful postgraduates of the course ranges between INR 2 and 10 lacs, depending upon the candidate’s expertise in the field.

DM in Rheumatology: Course Highlights

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

DM in Rheumatology: What is it About?

Rheumatology in India is still a budding specialty, and is faced with the enormous challenge of providing treatment of the huge burden of rheumatic diseases in the population. It acquires relevance because:

• More community-based studies are needed to assess the exact burden of different rheumatic disease.
• Innovative formulation of multiple-level strategies is needed to meet this challenge. There is an urgent need to train more rheumatologists from India to cater to the growing populace.
• There is a need to enhance collaborative research in the field, both nationally and internationally.

Top Institutes offering DM in Rheumatology

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 Rheumatology

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 Rheumatology: 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, such as NEET PG, conducted at the national level, 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 Rheumatology: Syllabus and Course Description

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

DM in Rheumatology: Career Prospects

Qualified Rheumatologists can find lucrative career opportunities across both government and private hospitals. They may;

• head the Rheumatology department and become medical directors after gaining experience in the field.
• open their own clinic.
• pursue teaching in medical colleges.
• pursue advanced research in the subject.

Rheumatology is a rapidly growing medical specialty with advancements owing to new scientific methodologies for prior identification of diseases pertaining to rheumatology and immunology.
Some of the top professional avenues 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.