Curriculum for Fellowship in Neurosurgery (Brain and Spine)

 

Program Overview

The certificate programme in Neurosurgery envisages to impart comprehensive clinical and research interest in Neuro surgery.

Objectives:

- To provide advanced training in Neurosurgery (Brain and Spine) - To develop expertise in managing patients with Brain and spine disorders.
Curriculum Structure

The programme typically spans one year and is divided into several postings.

Clinical Postings:

  • Neurotrauma ( Brain and Spine Trauma)
  • Neurointensive care
  • Neuroimaging
  • Brain & Spine Clinics
  • Neurosurgery Operation Theatre
  • Neuro- rehabilitation
Curriculum:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
    • Intensive trauma care
    • Decompressive craniectomy
    • ACF repair
    • Cranioplasty
  • Traumatic spine injuries
    • Percutaneous pedicle screw fixation ( MISS)
    • Laminectomy and decompression
    • Minimally invasive fixations
  • Stroke
  • Vascular Neurosurgery
    • DSA
    • Coiling
    • Clipping
    • AVM management – Surgery/Embolisation/ SRS
  • Brain tumours
    • IONM ( Intraoperative Neuro Monitoring)
    • Awake craniotomy
    • Neuro Navigation based biopsy
    • Meningioma surgery
    • Glioma surgeries
  • Skull base surgeries
    • Skull base surgeries
    • Transnasal Transsphenoidal endoscopic surgery
    • Extended skull base endoscopy
    • CP angle surgeries
    • Microvascular decompression
    • Supraorbital mini craniotomy procedures
    • ACF repair
    • Optic nerve decompression
  • Spine tumours
    • IONM
  • Degenerative spine disorders
    • ACDF
    • Anterior corpectomy and fusion
    • TLIF
    • Microdiscectomy( Tubular/ Endoscopic interlaminar)
    • Transforaminal endoscopic discectomy
    • UBE (Unilateral biportal endoscopic discectomy)
    • MISS
    • Percutaneous fixation with bone cement augmentation
    • Vertebroplasty/ kyphoplasty
  • Congenital spine disorders
    • Chiari malformations
    • Myelomeningocele
    • CV junction anomalies
    • Split cord malformation
  • Hydrocephalus
    • Endoscopic 3rd ventriculostomy
    • VP shunt
    • Programmable shunt
    • other CSF diversion procedures
  • Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
    • Stereotactic biopsy
    • Deep Brain Stimulation
    • Epilepsy surgery
  • Emergency bed side procedures
    • Intubation
    • Central line insertion
    • EVD
    • Tracheostomy
    • t drill
  • Electrolyte disturbances
  • Seizures
  • Neural Rehabilitation and Neurophysiotherapy
  • Neuro imaging
    • Brain and spine imaging
    • DSA
  • Case-based discussions
  • Journal Club
Teaching Methods:

  • Lectures
  • Case discussions
  • Journal clubs
  • Clinical rotations
  • Hands-on training in procedures
Core Competencies

Candidates should acquire the following competencies:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of neuro anatomy and neurophysiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of brain and spine disorders
  • Skills in interpreting and explaining various Neuro imaging modalities
  • Proficiency in the diagnosis and management of Traumatic Brain and Spine injuries.
  • Expertise in diagnosing, evaluating and planning management of
    • Neurovascular disorders including aneurysms and AVMs.
    • Brain and spine tumours
  • Exposure and assisting skills in
    • Endoscopic skull base procedures
    • endoscopic spine and MISS
    • Stereotaxy and Deep brain Stimulation
  • Ability to perform and assist bed side procedures like intubation , central venous catherisation, EVD
  • Diagnosis and management of Electrolyte disturbances
  • Proficiency in Neurointensive Care
  • Proficiency in Neuro rehabilitation.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Evaluation

Candidates will be evaluated through a combination of:

  • Clinical evaluations by attending Neurosurgeons
  • Log Book
  • Publications
Additional Considerations

  • Interprofessional Collaboration: Foster collaboration with other healthcare professionals (e.g., Neurointensive care team, Trauma team, neurology nurses, dieticians, social workers)
  • Quality Improvement: Encourage participation in quality improvement initiatives
  • Patient Education: Emphasize the importance of patient education and counselling
  • Ethics: Address ethical issues in Neurosurgery practice.
  • Simulation-based Learning: Incorporate simulation for procedural skills and crisis management

By following this curriculum and emphasizing core competencies, the certificate program will produce well-rounded Neurosurgeons capable of providing excellent patient care and contributing to the field of Neurosurgery.

No. of Seats : 2

Eligibility : MCh/ DrNB (Neurosurgery)

Course Coordinators :

  • Dr. Ipe V George (Senior consultant –Neurosurgery),
  • Dr. Shyam Balasubramanian (Senior Consultant – Neurosurgery),
  • Dr. Jijo J Joseph (Consultant – Neurosurgery),
  • Dr. Abdul Rahim Shaan (Consultant – Neurosurgery)

Disclaimer : This programme is not recognised by NMC/State medical councils and intended only for skill upgradation.