Psychiatry is one of the branches that has often been neglected for many years by the medical fraternity and postgraduates. Fortunately for the very reason its suddenly becoming a popular choice in various councellings as there is a extreme scarcity of psychiatrists in the country. There are only about 4000 psychiatrists in the country as opposed to lakhs of other specialists. This branch also promises a balanced lifestyle when compared to other branches which are hectic and have a lot of risks involved. Despite the demand & benefits it is hard to imagine that very few hospitals offer DNB Psychiatry and amongst them only a handful provide good training to their students. Asha hospital is one such place, and has the reputation of being a good institute for DNB psychiatry. Dr Bharat Kondavalapuri who is a first year resident there answers some key questions to give you and overview of the hospital. If you still have doubts about this hospital , feel free to talk to him on 7729096272.
DISCLAIMER : This information is for Guiding DNB /MD Aspirants only. This is not a review of Overall Patient care in These hospitals which may not be affected by what is being discussed here. The Information Provided here cannot be used for any other purpose or to asses the patient care in these hospitals. This is just a review of a postgraduate course running in the mentioned hospital and is meant for guiding medical aspirants only.
What was Your rank in DNB and your colleagues rank in DNB if any?
Mine was 4738 in Jan 2015 session. My colleague’s rank was 5300.
How many consultants are there in your department in the concerned specialty?
We have 8 full time consultants and more than 10 outside consultants (send their inpatients here)
What are the usual working hours??
8am-5pm from Monday to Saturday. Only rounds on Sundays. 1-2 of us are posted under a consultant for 3-6 months. We see new cases in OPD and follow up the inpatients admitted under that consultant.
How many emergency duties per week and describe work if possible?
We have 10 residents. Each of us gets 3-4 night duties a month. We admit emergency cases and manage any complaints in the ward.
Are you allowed to touch the patient?? Please describe the procedures you have done ?
Each resident has ECT duty for a month. ECTs are given on all days in the morning.
How are the academics? Any case presentations done?
Seminars on Tuesdays and case presentations on Thursdays from 9-10 am. Apart from this, we have classes occasionally in the evenings.
How is the pass rate?? Have your seniors passed?
Pass rate is not so good but is improving.
How satisfied are you with your choice?
Very satisfied
Any other departments at your institution good for DNB??
It is an exclusively psychiatric hospital.
Stipend and accomodation details
Accommodation is provided. For male residents, it is 4 kms away from hospital (vehicle mandatory!) and for females, it is next to the hospital.
Stipend is according to DNB guidelines.
Any other info you would like to give ?
Our hospital also runs a Rehab center and a deaddiction centre where we get posted occasionally.
Why did you chose this hospital?
I didn’t do well in other exams. My only option was psychiatry and there aren’t many options in DNB. I wanted an institute only in TN/AP/Karnataka as psychiatry requires good command over language (my hindi is so bad it’s hilarious). Hyderabad is an awesome city and Asha is a reputed hospital with many patients coming from neighbouring states too. We get a huge variety of cases.
For a comparison of Asha hospital with other hospitals offering DNB Psychiatry Click here
