Higher speciality training courses available: M.Ch Head and Neck Surgery and Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Head and Neck Surgery and Microvascular Reconstruction
The M.Ch. Head and Neck Surgery course, the first in the state of Tamil Nadu, was commenced at CMC Vellore in 2022. Post-graduates in ENT are admitted through the National NEET SS examination. Our department also offers a highly specialised, rigorous, two-year fellowship program in Head and Neck Surgery and Reconstruction, one of the unique courses in the country providing training in advanced reconstruction and microvascular surgery. Eligible candidates who have completed MS/DNB in ENT or General Surgery are selected for the course. This course was added nationally under the NMC /MCI in 2013, and the intake of students has increased from one to three per year. We focus on holistic training in the field to provide the best possible clinical, surgical, academic and research experience to our students.
The M.Ch. and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Registrars are an essential part of the department, closely involved in all aspects of outpatient and in-patient care and counselling. They are a crucial part of the operating team, learning to perform surgeries of varying degrees of complexity. Special training programs in microvascular surgery equip them with the necessary skills to perform complex reconstructive procedures. They learn the nuances in decision-making, management of complications and rehabilitation of head and neck cancer patients. They work with various departments in the institution during their peripheral postings to acquire holistic knowledge of multidisciplinary cancer care. They are required to collaborate, complete, and publish research projects during their course. They also teach undergraduate and post-graduate students posted in the unit. Through lectures, seminars, journal clubs, head and neck group meetings, participation in CMEs and conferences, and a dissertation, evidence-based management is emphasised at every step of training.
Undergraduate medical training
Medical students are posted in Head and Neck Surgery as part of their surgical training from the 1st clinical year onwards. The prescribed curriculum teaches them the basic concepts of general and head and neck surgery. Apart from didactic lectures, clinics, and case presentations, the students present seminars, learn the basics of operative surgery and undergo structured evaluations at the end of the posting.
MBBS Students are also posted with us for a special, three-week surgical clerkship, where they are closely involved in the daily activities of the unit, including patient care and follow-up. They are also taught basic surgical skills, participate in surgeries and visit the surgical emergency for hands-on experience. We aim to improve their understanding of the subject and instill in them a lifelong passion for the field of surgery.
M.S. post-graduate training
General Surgery registrars and Otorhinolaryngology registrars are posted to Head and Neck Surgery as part of their speciality postings in their surgical rotation. They are taught on the job, present seminars and papers, and are trained in diagnosing and managing the spectrum of diseases handled by the unit, including basic operative surgery and reconstruction principles. By the end of their posting, they achieve a reasonable level of proficiency in managing various head and neck disorders, which is expected of a competent general surgeon.
Training of Maxillofacial Surgeons
Maxillofacial surgeons under fellowship training in the Department of Dentistry attend as part of their peripheral postings. They participate in the routine activities of the unit and are trained to provide various dental services required during operations, including complex head and neck reconstructions.
Training of Nursing Staff
Members of the faculty conduct regular teaching programs and lectures at Continuing Nursing Education sessions to train nursing staff in efficient nursing care of the head and neck patient. Specialised head and neck surgical nurses in the unit supervise these activities and conduct public awareness campaigns and school health programs.
Head and Neck Oncology Group Meetings
Monthly academic meetings are conducted by the Head and Neck Oncology Group, an interdepartmental effort to update the various departments involved in caring for head and neck cancer patients about current guidelines and new research and to encourage interaction to develop or change management protocols in the institution. The departments included in the group are Head and Neck Surgery, Radiation Oncology, ENT, Pathology, Radiology, Dentistry and Nuclear Medicine.
