MD in Pathology is a Postgraduate degree after completion of MBBS. This course includes elaborative study topics including neurology, immunology, neuroscience, etc. This branch of Doctor in Medicine deals with diagnostic, testing, and treatment methods using genetic technologies, thus underpinning the concept of patient care and prevention of diseases. Along with this, the course constantly aims to provide knowledge about tissue, body fluids, examinations of organs, etc.
MD in Pathology primarily focuses on the Cause of illness, Mechanism of origin, and outcomes of changes. There are multiple job opportunities available after completion of an MD in Pathology, graduates can choose to work as Clinical Pathologist, Medical Pathologist, Veterinary Clinical Pathologist, or Forensic Pathologist.
Course Duration
MD (Pathology) degree is for a total duration of 3 years. This course gives equal importance to both theoretical learning and practical hands-on exposure.
Salient Features
- MD in Pathology provides a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of various diseases, including their causes, progression, and manifestations at the cellular and molecular levels.
- Pathologists develop strong laboratory skills, enabling them to perform various diagnostic tests and interpret results accurately. They become proficient in handling and analyzing biological specimens.
- Pathology offers several subspecialties, such as surgical pathology, cytopathology, hematopathology, forensic pathology, and molecular pathology. MD students may choose to specialize in one or more of these areas.
- MD students in pathology often have opportunities to engage in research projects, advancing the understanding of disease mechanisms and contributing to medical knowledge.
MD Pathology Specializations
- Hematopathology
- Cytopathology
- Dermatopathology
- Neuropathology
- Forensic Pathology
- Gastrointestinal Pathology
- Renal Pathology
- Pulmonary Pathology
- Musculoskeletal Pathology
- Molecular Pathology
- Clinical Pathology
- Cytogenetics
Syllabus
The MD pathology program encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical application. This curriculum is structured to facilitate candidates in swiftly adapting to new situations and earnestly engaging with resources, individuals, and diverse contexts. The syllabus for MD pathology courses, organized by semesters, includes:
| Pathology syllabus |
| Semester 1 |
Semester 2 |
| Biostatistics-P & S.M |
Systemic pathology |
| Basic Sciences |
General pathology |
| Orientation to service departments by a clinical and paraclinical doctor |
Blood Banking and Transfusion Medicine |
| Biomedical Ethics |
Hematology |
| Semester 3 |
Semester 4 |
| General Pathology, Clinical Pathology |
Hematology, Immunopathology |
| Cytopathology, Histopathology |
Systemic Pathology |
| Pathology |
Clinical Pathology |
| Bio-Waste disposal- Microbiology |
Cytopathology |
| Semester 5 |
Semester 6 |
| Organization of the laboratory including quality control |
Medical autopsy: Techniques and interpretation |
| Clinical Biochemistry |
Histopathology |
| Immunopathology |
Anatomical pathology |
| Clinical Pathology |
- |
Eligibility Criteria
- Students must have passed the MBBS degree (50% for the General quota and 40% for SC/ST/OBC)
- They must have completed the 1-year rotary internship and should have the completion certificate for the same issued by 31st March of the Academic year
- Students should have obtained a provisional or permanent registration certificate from State Medical Council (SMC)
- They must also qualify for the NEET-PG entrance exam conducted by the National Board of Examinations or Private Institute Exams like AIIMS, JIPMER, etc followed by the counseling conducted by the state authorities.
Selection Criteria: NEET PG (Qualify)
Admission Process:
Fulfilling the eligibility criteria and successfully passing the annual NEET PG examination conducted by the NMC are prerequisites for getting admission into the MD Pathology program at Deemed, Government, or Private colleges. For instance, in the case of Karnataka, KEA (Karnataka Examination Authority) oversees admissions to both private and government colleges within the state. For admission to these colleges, candidates need to register for the state counseling process organized by their respective state's medical education council or committee.
For admission to Deemed colleges across India, candidates are required to register with the Medical Council Committee (MCC). The allocation of seats hinges on the NEET qualifying scores and cutoffs established by individual colleges. These criteria meticulously dictate the seat allotment process.
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State-specific Counseling Board
| State |
Governing Council Board |
| Karnataka |
Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) |
| Tamil Nadu |
Directorate of Medical Education (DME), Chennai |
| Maharashtra |
State Common Entrance Test Cell, Maharashtra(MH CET) |
| UP |
Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET), Uttar Pradesh |
| Andhra Pradesh |
Dr. YSR University of Health Sciences (YSRUHS) |
Entrance Exams for Admission to MD Colleges
Candidates must take the NEET PG or INI CET entrance test if they intend to enroll in an MD or Doctor of Medicine program. INI CET and NEET PG are MD Entrance Exams. Based on the NEET PG scores, several states hold MD Admission, which is followed by counseling sessions at the state level and central.
- The NEET PG is a national exam administered by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) to applicants seeking admission to medical schools. An annual online exam of 3.2 hours is required.
- The PG Institute of Medical Education and Research provides an MD program every year. The online admission exam takes three hours.
- MD programs are offered by the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, or JIPMER PG. These programs, which are privately run, have an annual intake. This online admission exam takes three hours.
- The All India Institute of Medical Sciences, which is affiliated with AIIMS PG, accepts students for MD programs on an annual basis. The admissions exam for these schools is three hours long and is taken online.
1. Employment Opportunities -
Upon successful completion of an MD Pathology program, individuals become eligible for junior-level positions in both private and government sectors within India and abroad. The course's aspirants are poised for a promising future with an abundance of job opportunities. MD Pathology is a field characterized by its perpetual evolution, entailing the continuous incorporation of numerous technologies and expansive networks.
Trending Career Profiles
- Anaesthesiologist
- Bacteriologist
- Cardiologist
- Chief Medical Officer
- Chiropodist
- Anatomical Pathologist
- Forensic Pathologist
- Chemical Pathologist
- Clinical Pathologist
Areas of Recruitment
- Pathology Clinics
- Govt. Healthcare Services
- Hospitals
- Military Services
- Medical Laboratories
- Research & Medical Colleges
2. Venture into Self-Employment -
Engaging in self-employment presents its own set of challenges, encompassing responsibilities such as administrative duties, marketing endeavors, and proficient financial management. For those considering self-employment possibilities within the field of pathology, several avenues worth exploring include
- Private Pathology Practice
- Telepathology Services
- Expert Witness and Consultation
- Medical Writing and Publications
- Diagnostic Laboratory Services
- Healthcare Entrepreneurship
3. Higher Studies & Research Opportunities -
After completing an MD in Pathology, there are several options for higher studies and career advancements.
Some common paths that pathologists pursue after their MD
- Doctorate(Ph.D)in Pathology
- Postdoctoral Fellowships
- Specialization in Pathology Sub-Disciplines
- Continuing Education and Workshops
- Pathology Diplomas and Certifications
- Advanced Training in Autopsy Techniques
- Legal Medicine and Medico-Legal Expertise
- Courtroom Presentation and Expert Testimony
- Research Methodology and Publication Skills
Top MD Colleges PAN-INDIA
- Akash Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
- MVJ College of Nursing
- Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
- BGS Global Institute of Medical Sciences
- Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Medical College & Hospital
- Sapthagiri Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
- KLE Society’s Institute of Dental Sciences
- EastPoint College of Medical Sciences and Research Centre
- RajaRajeswari Medical College and Hospital
- Sridevi Medical College
- Dayanand Sagar Medical College
- M.S.Ramaiah Medical College
- Siddaganga Medical College and Research Institute
- KIMS, Bangalore
- Devraj Urs Medical College
- JJM Medical College
- SS Institute of Medical Sciences
