UNDERGRADUATE TRAINING IN ENT HEAD AND NECK SURGERY IN NEPAL: IS THERE ANY UNIFORMITY?

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

To compare the ENT-Head and Neck Surgery training program of MBBS students of different universities and institutions of Nepal and India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the form of rolling audit in Ganesh Man Singh memorial Academy of ENT Head and Neck Studies, Kathmandu, Nepal. The undergraduate (MBBS) curriculum of Institute of Medicine (I.O.M), Tribhuwan University (T.U.)., Kathmandu University (K.U.)., BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences(BPKIHS), All India Institute of Medical Science(AIIMS) and other medical colleges under Medical Council of India(MCI) were studied and compared.

RESULTS:

Practical exposure was more in TU training where as more time (almost 50%) were devoted in theory lectures in KU.curruculum. Logbook maintenance and internal examinations were lacking in most universities. ENT training was optional during internship in KU, BPKIHS and AIIMS.

CONCLUSIONS:

As there was  no uniformity in the undergraduate training in ENT Head and Neck Surgery in Nepal, the concerned institutions like Nepal Medical Council and Society of Otolaryngologists of Nepal should take an initiative to make the training uniform which will help to control the quality of ENT Head and Neck Surgery practices in this country.

Keywords: All India Institute of Medical Science, BP Koirala Institute of Health Science, Kathmandu University, MBBS curriculum, Nepal Medical Council, Tribhuwan University