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NAME OF THE INSTITUTE
Sadguru Netra Chikitsalaya (SNC), Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh
(A globally recognized high-volume charitable institution, famous for its massive surgical throughput and humanitarian eye care.)
STIPEND & DEPOSITS
- Previous Stipend (3-Year Track): ₹50k (Year 1), ₹60k (Year 2), ₹80k (Year 3).
- 2026 Revised Structure: Now a 2+1 Year Program (2 years Fellowship + 1 year Consultancy). The salary for the final consultancy year is significantly higher, aligning with junior consultant grades.
- The “Trial” Month: Fellows have a 1-month observation period after joining. You can exit without penalty during this window.
- Bond: If you resign after the first month, a penalty of ₹2,00,000 is enforced.
- Accommodation: Provided on the massive SNC campus.
DURATION
36 Months (3 Years)
HONEST REVIEW
- Mentorship: Training is led by Dr. Narendra Patidar (HOD), who is noted for being highly approachable and a strong advocate for fellows’ academic growth, particularly encouraging the FAICO exam.
- Surgical Hands-on (Oculoplasty & Oncology):
- Standard Procedures: Massive volume of DCR, DCT, Evisceration, Entropion/Ectropion repairs, and Excision biopsies.
- Advanced Procedures: Independent hands-on for LPSR (Ptosis), Sling surgeries, and Lid reconstructions.
- Complex Orbit/Oncology: Access to Enucleation, Exenteration, and Orbitotomy is skill-dependent but frequently available due to the high referral rate for malignancies.
- Surgical Hands-on (Cataract):
- The “Sadguru” Advantage: Oculoplasty fellows at SNC are also elite cataract surgeons.
- Total Volume: After 3 years, an average fellow completes 3,000–4,000 SICS and 500–600 Phacos. High-performers have been known to cross 8,000 SICS and 1,000 Phacos.
- Complexity: You will master complicated cataracts, though certain “ultra-complex” cases remain exclusive to the IOL specialty fellows.
- Clinical Exposure: Exceptional. The institute sees roughly 2,200 daily OPD patients. You will encounter a vast range of oncology cases rarely seen in such density elsewhere.
- Work Culture & Schedule:
- Hours: Long and disciplined (7:30 AM – 7:00 PM).
- Environment: Described as very non-toxic and supportive.
- Duties: A major pro is the absence of night duties and outreach camp duties for fellows.
- Academics: Structured with a dedicated Department Class every Tuesday and a Multi-Specialty Grand Class every Saturday.
PERSONAL OPINION
SNC Chitrakoot is a “Surgical Powerhouse” for Oculoplasty. It is one of the few places in the world where you can become a sub-specialist in Ophthalmic Plastic Surgery while simultaneously reaching the surgical speed and volume of a high-end comprehensive surgeon. If you are prepared for the rural location and the 3-year timeline, you will graduate as a highly “rugged” surgeon capable of handling massive volumes in any setting.
