MD in Psychiatry – Tribhuvan University

The MD in Psychiatry program is conducted by the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health at the Institute of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University, Maharajgunj. It was established in 1977 and awards successful candidates with the degree of Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Psychiatry upon completion.

Program Objective

The MD Psychiatry is a comprehensive three-year residency program designed to equip postgraduate students with the clinical knowledge, practical skills, and professional attitude necessary to diagnose and treat mental health conditions independently. The program emphasizes competence in managing mental health services in Nepal's diverse settings.

Core Competencies

Upon completion of the residency, graduates will be able to:

• Independently assess and manage various mental health conditions.

• Conduct thorough psychiatric evaluations using clinical interviews, physical exams, and diagnostic tools.

• Apply knowledge, skills, and ethical understanding to promote and develop mental health services in Nepal.

• Organize and deliver training to healthcare professionals and community-level workers in the field of mental health.

• Manage mental health services for specific communities or geographical regions.

• Align their clinical practice with the health policies and priorities of the Government of Nepal.

• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams while effectively leading mental health initiatives.

• Uphold personal and professional standards that reflect international medical norms.

Key Features of the Program

The MD in Psychiatry is a full-time residential training program lasting three years. Each resident is assigned a preceptor (mentor) responsible for their clinical and academic supervision. The program incorporates various learning concepts tailored to postgraduate education, with a focus on hands-on clinical experience, seminars, case discussions, and research.

Eligibility Requirements

To apply for the MD in Psychiatry, candidates must:

• Hold an MBBS degree or an equivalent qualification from a government-recognized institution.

• Be registered with the Nepal Medical Council.

• Foreign candidates must also be registered with the medical council in their respective countries.

• Have completed at least one year of clinical experience (exceptions apply for MDGP and basic science specializations).

• Score a minimum of 50% in the common entrance examination conducted by the Medical Education Commission to be eligible for the merit list.

Entrance Examination Details

• Exam Type: Single-best answer multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

• Total Questions: 200

• Options per Question: Four (A, B, C, D)

• Time: 3 hours (including one voluntary toilet break after 1 hour)

• Question Format:

  • Recall: 30%

  • Understanding: 50%

  • Application: 20%

Subject-wise Weightage (Total: 200 Marks)

Clinical Subjects (115 Marks)

• Medicine – 18

• Surgery – 18

• Obstetrics & Gynecology – 12

• Pediatrics – 12

• Orthopedics – 10

• ENT – 10

• Ophthalmology – 7

• Anesthesiology – 7

• Psychiatry – 7

• Radiology – 7

• Dermatology – 7

Basic Medical Sciences (60 Marks)

• Anatomy – 12

• Physiology – 12

• Pathology – 10

• Pharmacology – 10

• Biochemistry – 8

• Microbiology – 8

Additional Topics (25 Marks)

• Community Medicine & Research Methodology – 10 (6+4)

• Forensic Medicine – 5

• CPD-Related Topics – 10 (Medical ethics, infection prevention, BLS/ACLS, communication skills, rational drug use)

Academic Curriculum and Evaluation

First Year

• Theory Courses:

  • Paper I: Basic Neuroscience, Neuropathology, Epidemiology, Biostatistics

  • Paper II: Behavioral Sciences, Psychopathology, Phenomenology

  • Paper III: Basic Sciences

• Practical Component: Clinical and practical examinations related to core subjects

Second Year

• Thesis Work:
  Residents are required to complete a research project under faculty guidance. The thesis should be submitted at least six months before the final examination. Approval of the thesis is mandatory for eligibility to sit for the final exam.

Third Year

• Theory Subjects:

  • General Psychiatry

  • Child & Adolescent Psychiatry

  • Neuropsychiatry

  • Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry

  • Neurology

  • Addiction Psychiatry

  • Forensic Psychiatry

  • Community and Social Psychiatry

  • Geriatric Psychiatry

  • Psychopharmacology

  • Alternative and advanced treatment methods

• Practical Examination:
  At the end of the third year, residents must undergo a clinical/practical assessment based on their training.