DNB degree-holders can now teach in medical colleges

Updated on: Friday, October 29, 2010

Trying to address the shortage of faculty in medical colleges, the Union Health Ministry has decided to allow doctors with a Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examinations (DNB) degree to teach medicine.

Till date, DNB was not recognised to be on par with other post-graduate medical degrees like MD or MS.

The move will help the nation get 3,000 new medical teachers who obtain a DNB degree in 54 subjects.

The latest rule, which was proposed by the Medical Council of India (MCI) and cleared by the Health Ministry, will allow those DNB degree-holders, who have been teaching for several years, to be automatically recognised as faculty members. Those doctors who pass out with DNB degree from a medical college will get the same status, official sources said.

However, DNB degree-holders who have passed out from private or non-MCI recognized medical colleges will have to have experience of an additional year of senior residency in a teaching medical institution to be on a par with a qualified MD or MS candidate, the sources said.

"The ministry has been wanting to allow DNB doctors to teach. However, earlier the MCI Board didn't approve it. DNB doctors can not only start teaching but also perform surgeries soon after passing out," Dr Devi Shetty, Member of MCI, said.

Dr K Srinath Reddy, president of the National Board of Examinations (NBE) which grants DNB degrees, also welcomed the ministry's decision.

DNB degree-holders can now teach in medical colleges

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