MD Dermatology

MD Dermatology at Birat Medical College is a three-year postgraduate medical program affiliated with Kathmandu University. The program provides advanced medical education in the diagnosis, investigation, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails, together with sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy.

Birat Medical College is located in Tankisinuwari, Biratnagar, Morang, Koshi Province. Postgraduate medical education at the college follows the academic framework of Kathmandu University, while entrance, merit, selection, and seat allocation are administered through the Medical Education Commission.

MD Dermatology is intended for qualified medical graduates who have completed MBBS or an equivalent recognized medical degree, hold the required professional registration, meet the applicable experience requirement, and qualify through MECEE-PG.

Course Overview

The program is conducted under the postgraduate medical education framework of Kathmandu University.

What is MD Dermatology?

Dermatology is a branch of medicine concerned with diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails.

The MD Dermatology program builds on the medical knowledge and clinical preparation completed during MBBS and moves into specialist-level education.

The program addresses conditions such as:

• eczema;

• acne;

• psoriasis;

• skin allergies;

• nail infections;

• other skin-related diseases;

• sexually transmitted diseases; and

• leprosy.

The academic scope extends beyond identifying a disease. Postgraduate trainees are expected to develop the ability to investigate, diagnose, manage, and apply preventive approaches to conditions within the specialty.

Duration

MD Dermatology has a duration of three years.

The program is undertaken after completion of an eligible MBBS or equivalent medical qualification.

During postgraduate study, academic progression, examinations, and degree completion follow Kathmandu University rules and regulations.

The three-year MD course is separate from the undergraduate MBBS program and represents specialist postgraduate medical training.

Objectives of MD Dermatology

The program is designed to develop specialist knowledge and clinical capability in dermatology and related areas.

Its stated objectives include preparing postgraduate trainees to:

• diagnose and manage common skin diseases;

• diagnose and manage sexually transmitted diseases;

• diagnose and manage leprosy;

• manage medical emergencies related to skin diseases, leprosy, and venereal diseases;

• apply preventive measures at individual and community levels;

• develop relevant laboratory knowledge and skills;

• teach medical and paramedical team members;

• approach patients and families with appropriate professional care; and

• initiate investigations for problems involving skin and related diseases.

These objectives place diagnosis, treatment, investigation, prevention, communication, and teaching within the postgraduate learning process.

Skin, Hair, and Nail Disorders

Skin disease is the central area of the MD Dermatology program.

The field covers a range of conditions involving the skin and associated structures. Examples identified within the course include eczema, acne, psoriasis, skin allergies, infections, and cancers affecting the field of dermatology.

Hair and nail disorders are also included within the specialty.

Postgraduate dermatology education therefore extends beyond one type of skin condition and requires the trainee to develop a structured approach to different presentations within the specialty.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Leprosy

The course objectives specifically include sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy.

Postgraduate trainees are expected to develop the ability to diagnose and manage these conditions and to recognize situations requiring prompt medical attention.

Preventive measures are also included at both individual and community levels.

This gives MD Dermatology a clinical and preventive dimension rather than limiting study to skin disorders encountered only in outpatient practice.

Clinical Investigation

Investigation forms part of specialist dermatology training.

The program expects trainees to evaluate clinical problems and initiate appropriate investigations for diseases involving the skin, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy.

This connects clinical examination with laboratory and other diagnostic processes.

The program also includes the development of laboratory knowledge and skills relevant to medical and paramedical education.

Preventive Approach

Prevention is included among the formal objectives of the program.

Postgraduate trainees are expected to apply preventive measures at both individual and community levels, particularly in relation to communicable conditions, venereal diseases, and leprosy.

This means the program combines treatment of established disease with attention to prevention and community health concerns.

Teaching and Academic Responsibility

MD Dermatology also includes an educational component.

Postgraduate trainees are expected to develop the ability to teach relevant knowledge and laboratory skills to medical and paramedical team members.

This reflects the academic role that postgraduate medical doctors may undertake within teaching hospitals and medical colleges.

Teaching ability sits alongside specialist clinical knowledge, investigation, patient care, and professional communication.

Professional Approach to Patient Care

The program identifies appropriate professional care toward patients and their families as part of specialist development.

Dermatology can involve long-term, recurrent, infectious, visible, or otherwise sensitive medical conditions. The course therefore includes attention to professional conduct and patient interaction alongside diagnosis and treatment.

Communication is also part of the wider MECEE-PG professional development framework.

Eligibility for MD Dermatology

Candidates applying for MD Dermatology must meet the postgraduate medical eligibility requirements.

The stated requirements include:

• MBBS or an equivalent qualification from an institution recognized by the Government of Nepal;

• registration with the Nepal Medical Council for applicable Nepali candidates;

• registration with the respective medical council of the applicant's own country for foreign candidates;

• one year of experience; and

• the required qualifying score in the Medical Education Commission entrance examination.

MD Dermatology is a clinical postgraduate specialty and is not included among the Basic Medical Sciences programs exempted from the one-year experience requirement.

Applicants must satisfy all applicable academic, professional, experience, and entrance conditions.

Professional Registration Before Admission

Professional medical registration is part of the eligibility requirement.

Nepali medical graduates applying for the program must meet the applicable registration requirements of the Nepal Medical Council.

Foreign candidates must hold registration with the relevant medical council of their own country where required under the admission criteria.

Professional registration should be distinguished from the postgraduate entrance examination. Both are separate requirements within the admission pathway.

MECEE-PG Entrance

Admission to MD Dermatology follows the Medical Education Common Entrance Examination for Postgraduate Level, or MECEE-PG.

The Medical Education Commission conducts the postgraduate entrance examination and administers selection according to the applicable MEC framework.

The admission process involves:

• meeting postgraduate academic eligibility;

• meeting professional registration requirements;

• completing the required experience;

• appearing in MECEE-PG;

• obtaining the minimum qualifying score;

• entering the merit process; and

• receiving selection through the applicable MEC procedure.

Birat Medical College does not replace this national postgraduate entrance framework with an independent admission examination.

Minimum Entrance Requirement

Candidates must score at least 50 percent in the entrance examination to become eligible for inclusion on the merit list.

The 50 percent requirement is the qualifying threshold for the merit process.

Reaching the minimum score does not itself guarantee admission. Selection also depends on merit position, seat availability, category, and the applicable MEC matching and admission procedures.

MECEE-PG Examination Format

The postgraduate entrance examination follows a single-best-response multiple-choice format.

The stated structure is:

• 200 questions;

• four answer options for each question;

• single-best-response format;

• three-hour examination duration; and

• recall, understanding, and application questions in a 30:50:20 distribution.

The examination includes a one-time voluntary toilet break after the first hour.

MECEE-PG Subject Distribution

The entrance examination covers the wider MBBS knowledge base rather than testing Dermatology alone.

Dermatology carries 7 marks within the clinical section of the entrance examination.

Other clinical areas include Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paediatrics, Orthopedics, Otorhinolaryngology, Ophthalmology, Anaesthesiology, Psychiatry, and Radiology.

The Basic Medical Sciences section covers Anatomy, Physiology, Pathology, Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Microbiology.

Mandatory CPD areas include medical ethics, rational use of drugs, infection prevention, BLS/ACLS, and communication skills.

Seat Allocation at Birat Medical College

The stated allocation for MD Dermatology at Birat Medical College is one seat.

The seat is categorized as open in the stated postgraduate seat distribution.

Postgraduate seat allocation is determined through the Medical Education Commission and may change between admission cycles.

Clinical Learning Environment

Birat Medical College conducts postgraduate medical education in connection with Birat Medical College Teaching Hospital.

The hospital provides inpatient, outpatient, emergency, diagnostic, surgical, and specialist services. This clinical setting supports postgraduate medical education across the college's specialty departments.

MD Dermatology is a clinically oriented postgraduate program, so specialist education is connected with patient assessment, investigation, management, and clinical decision making.

Detailed year-wise rotations or department-specific posting schedules are governed by the applicable postgraduate academic framework.

Relationship With Other Medical Specialties

Dermatology operates as a distinct medical specialty but remains part of the wider clinical environment.

Skin-related diseases can require interaction with areas of medicine such as:

• Internal Medicine;

• Paediatrics;

• Pathology;

• Microbiology;

• Pharmacology; and

• other clinical services.

Postgraduate training within a medical college and teaching-hospital environment therefore places Dermatology within multidisciplinary medical care.

Academic Environment at Birat Medical College

Birat Medical College provides a broader academic setting that includes undergraduate and postgraduate medical education.

The campus includes:

• academic buildings;

• laboratories;

• practical spaces;

• departmental facilities;

• a central library;

• administrative facilities; and

• student support infrastructure.

The Central Library provides wired and Wi-Fi internet access, HINARI access, faculty space, photocopying facilities, and study capacity for more than 150 users.

These are college-wide resources available within the wider medical education environment.

Research and Medical Education

Birat Medical College supports research activities among faculty and students and is associated with the Birat Journal of Health Sciences.

The college also has a Health Professions Education Department involved in:

• faculty development;

• curriculum development and review;

• medical education research;

• assessment;

• student-centred learning; and

• feedback systems.

These academic activities form part of the wider environment in which postgraduate medical programs are conducted.

Kathmandu University Academic Framework

After admission, the academic program is governed by Kathmandu University.

The responsibilities of the relevant bodies can be separated as follows:

MECEE-PG is therefore an admission examination, while the examinations completed during MD Dermatology are university academic requirements.

Degree Award

Students who successfully complete the prescribed postgraduate curriculum, examinations, and academic requirements receive the MD degree under Kathmandu University.

Degree completion is separate from qualifying through MECEE-PG.

The entrance examination determines eligibility for postgraduate admission, while Kathmandu University determines successful completion of the academic program.

Professional Direction After MD Dermatology

MD Dermatology provides specialist postgraduate medical education in diseases affecting the skin, hair, and nails, together with sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy.

Subject to professional registration, institutional requirements, experience, available positions, and the permitted scope of practice, graduates may work in areas such as:

• hospitals;

• health centres;

• medical colleges;

• clinics;

• research settings;

• medical foundations or trusts;

• healthcare organizations; and

• specialist medical practice.

Graduates may also take part in teaching and academic work where they meet the requirements of the institution concerned.

The degree does not guarantee employment, appointment, or private practice.

Who May Consider MD Dermatology?

MD Dermatology is intended for medical graduates who want specialist postgraduate education in dermatology.

Applicants should be prepared for:

• specialist clinical study;

• diagnosis and management of skin disease;

• sexually transmitted disease and leprosy care;

• medical emergencies within the specialty;

• investigative work;

• preventive medicine;

• patient and family communication;

• teaching responsibilities; and

• postgraduate examinations.

Entry requires prior medical education and professional preparation, so this is not a direct-entry program after Grade 12.

Key Points About MD Dermatology

• MD Dermatology is a postgraduate medical specialty.

• Birat Medical College offers the program under Kathmandu University affiliation.

• The duration is three years.

• The program covers diseases of the skin, hair, and nails.

• Its objectives also include sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy.

• Applicants require MBBS or an equivalent recognized medical qualification.

• Professional Medical Council registration is required.

• One year of experience is required.

• Admission follows MECEE-PG.

• Candidates must score at least 50 percent in the entrance examination to become eligible for the merit list.

• The MECEE-PG examination contains 200 single-best-response questions.

• Dermatology accounts for 7 marks within the clinical entrance section.

• The stated BMC allocation is one open seat.

• Seat allocation remains subject to MEC determination.

• Curriculum, examinations, academic progression, and degree award follow Kathmandu University regulations.

• Professional practice remains subject to Nepal Medical Council requirements.

MD Dermatology at Birat Medical College at a Glance

MD Dermatology at Birat Medical College is a three-year Kathmandu University postgraduate medical program for qualified doctors seeking specialist education in diseases of the skin, hair, and nails, together with sexually transmitted diseases and leprosy. Admission requires the applicable medical qualification, professional registration, one year of experience, and qualification through MECEE-PG. The stated intake is one open seat, while curriculum, examinations, progression, and degree award follow Kathmandu University regulations.