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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Susrut Eye Foundation & Research Centre, Salt Lake (Main Campus), Kolkata
(One of Eastern India’s largest tertiary eye care networks, Susrut is a premier hub for high-volume cataract surgery and is a key training partner for global NGOs like Sightsavers.)
STIPEND & SELECTION
- During Fellowship: ₹80,000 – ₹85,000 per month.
- During Bond Period: ₹1,50,000 (1.5 Lakhs) per month with increments.
- Selection Process: Interview-based.
- Intake: Sessions typically start in January and July.
DURATION & BOND
- Fellowship Period: 12 Months (1 Year).
- Bond Period: 36 Months (3 Years).
- The “Sightsavers” Exception: If you are sponsored by Sightsavers or other organizations, the 3-year bond is typically waived.
- Note: While the bond is mentioned in contracts, recent feedback suggests it is not always rigidly enforced if a fellow provides timely notice to management.
HONEST REVIEW
1. Surgical Hands-On (The “Quality with Volume” Track)
- Timeline: You start with SICS (Small Incision Cataract Surgery). Transition to Phaco can happen as early as the second week if you demonstrate proficiency.
- First 6 Months: OT is scheduled 3 days a week, typically with one case per session to ensure perfection in steps.
- Last 6 Months: OT becomes daily, with the caseload increasing based on your speed and skill.
- Bond Phase: Most complicated cases (Hard nuclei, PXF, small pupil) are allotted once you transition into the senior bond/associate consultant phase.
- Cross-Specialty: Interestingly, fellows in other departments (Glaucoma/Cornea) are also guaranteed one cataract case per week to maintain their anterior segment skills.
2. Clinical Exposure & OPD
- Volume: High. You manage Social/Charity OPDs daily, which provides an immense variety of surgical pathologies.
- Branches: Fellows may be rotated through various Susrut branches across Kolkata (e.g., Salt Lake, Kamalgazi, Metiabruz).
- Foreign Trainees: During peak cataract seasons (winters), residents from Saudi Arabia often join for training. They perform 2–3 cases/day, which can sometimes reduce the case allotment for local fellows during their stay.
3. Work Culture & Academics
- Environment: Professional and approachable. You operate under different consultants throughout the week, offering exposure to diverse surgical styles. Consultants are ready to take over if complications arise.
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Education: There are no dedicated fellow classes. You are encouraged to attend the DNB classes (usually after 4:00 PM). The program relies heavily on self-learning and proactive observation.
- Duties: Includes 2 Emergency duties per month and regular outreach camp duties.
PERSONAL OPINION
Susrut Kolkata is the “Financial & Surgical Hybrid.” It offers one of the highest fellowship stipends in India (₹80k+), making it an excellent choice for those who need financial stability while training. While the 3-year bond is a long commitment, the salary jump to 1.5 Lakhs makes it feel more like a “Junior Consultant” role than a trainee position. It is ideal for someone who wants to settle in West Bengal and gain elite speed in Phacoemulsification.
