MD Dermatology is offered at Maharajgunj Campus, Kathmandu. This program has a total of three seats. It involves advanced training in diagnosing and treating skin-related conditions. Dermatology is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and management of skin, nail, and hair disorders such as cancer, eczema, acne, psoriasis, allergies, and infections.

Objectives of the course:

• To identify and treat common skin diseases, sexually transmitted infections, and leprosy.

• To effectively manage medical emergencies associated with dermatological conditions, STDs, and leprosy.

• To promote preventive strategies against communicable diseases, STDs, and leprosy at both personal and community levels.

• To provide knowledge and laboratory skills to medical and paramedical team members.

• To develop a caring and empathetic approach toward patients and their families.

• To assess and investigate cases related to dermatological and venereal conditions, including leprosy.

Salient Features
Academic and administrative regulations for postgraduate students and residents include:

• Postgraduate students must undergo full-time residential training.

• All trainees must strictly follow the rules and regulations set by the Institute of Medicine (IOM).

• Students in clinical and para-clinical programs (MD/MS, MDS, and MD Ayurveda) are allowed only two weeks of leave annually.

• For other postgraduate programs, leave is granted according to Tribhuvan University policies.

• Students are not allowed to engage in private practice or any external work during the course.

• All clinical programs include a mandatory three-month community-based learning component as required by the Nepal Medical Council.

• According to the Ministry of Health and Population, Nepali students must complete a one-year government service after finishing the program.

Eligibility

• Applicants must hold an MBBS or equivalent degree from a recognized institution.

• Registration with the Nepal Medical Council is mandatory.

• Foreign candidates must be registered with the medical council in their own country.

• A minimum of one year of clinical experience is required (except for those applying to MDGP or Basic Medical Sciences).

• A minimum of 50% in the Medical Education Commission’s entrance exam is necessary to qualify for the merit list.

Exam Format

• The exam uses multiple-choice questions with a single best answer format.

• Each question has four options (A, B, C, D).

• A total of 200 questions must be completed within 3 hours. One voluntary toilet break is allowed after the first hour.

• Question distribution: Recall – 30%, Understanding – 50%, Application – 20%

Weightage

Clinical Subjects

Medicine – 18
Surgery – 18
Obstetrics and Gynecology – 12
Pediatrics – 12
Orthopedics – 10
ENT – 10
Ophthalmology – 7
Anesthesiology – 7
Psychiatry – 7
Radiology – 7
Dermatology – 7
Subtotal – 115

Basic Medical Sciences

Anatomy – 12
Physiology – 12
Pathology – 10
Pharmacology – 10
Biochemistry – 8
Microbiology – 8
Subtotal – 60

Community Medicine + Research Methodology – 10
Forensic Medicine – 5
CPD-related Topics (ethics, rational drug use, infection control, BLS/ACLS, communication) – 10
Total – 200

Admission Criteria

• All applicants, both Nepali and international, must take the common entrance exam.

• Separate merit lists will be issued for Nepali and foreign candidates.

• A score of at least 50% in the entrance test is required to pass.

• Admission is granted based on merit through open house counseling (when applicable).

Job Prospects

Graduates of dermatology have multiple career paths. They may work in government or private hospitals, clinics, and health centers. Opportunities also exist in academic fields as lecturers or researchers in medical colleges and universities.