Share This Article
NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
M.M. Joshi Eye Institute (MMJ), Hubli, Karnataka
(A prominent tertiary referral center in North Karnataka with a strong DNB program.)
STIPEND & FEES
- Monthly Remuneration: Graduated scale.
- Months 1–6: ₹30,000
- Months 7–12: ₹40,000
- Months 13–18: ₹50,000
- Admission Fee: None.
- Security Deposit: ₹1,00,000 (Upfront; refunded upon completion).
- Leave Policy: No paid leaves. Any leave taken results in a stipend deduction and a mandatory extension of the fellowship duration at the end.
DURATION
18 Months (1.5 Years)
HONEST REVIEW
- Selection: A yearly MCQ exam is held following PG results. However, applicants applying at other times may be inducted solely based on a personal interview.
- Rotations: Fellows rotate through three core departments: General Ophthalmology, Oculoplasty, and Glaucoma. Postings vary from 1 to 4 months per department.
- Surgical Training:
- Cataract (SICS): The primary focus. Training starts in the 2nd month at the trust hospital (Camp OT). Volume increases based on confidence.
- Phacoemulsification: Generally introduced after one year. It begins with steps, progressing to full cases. Note: Phaco volumes are significantly lower than SICS volumes, and there is no topical phaco training.
- Specialty Procedures: Fellows perform YAG Capsulotomies, YAG PIs (Glaucoma), lid tear repairs, and excision biopsies (Oculoplasty).
- Clinical Workflow:
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (often extending to 7:00 PM; OTs may run until 10:00 PM).
- Peripheral Postings: MMJ has 7–8 peripheral centers. Fellows are posted for 1–2 months at these sites, which feature standalone OTs for independent SICS.
- Duties: * One overnight emergency duty (8 PM – 8 AM) per month (no compensatory off).
- 1–2 enucleation calls per month.
- Weekly evening shifts (5 PM – 8 PM) at a nearby peripheral clinic.
- Academics: Strong academic culture. Fellows attend daily DNB classes (8 AM – 9 AM) for the first 6–8 months. A short-term thesis and a publication/presentation are mandatory for certification.
PERSONAL OPINION
M.M. Joshi is a “Clinical Powerhouse” for North Karnataka. This fellowship is ideal for those who want to master SICS and gain a solid footing in multiple sub-specialties. It is a rugged, high-volume environment that prepares you well for independent practice in tier-2 or tier-3 cities. A unique advantage is the potential to transition into a specialty fellowship internally if a vacancy arises after the 18-month term.
