Radiology Residents

Radiology as a Branch: Pros & Cons and A Complete Guide

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Radiology is often a misunderstood branch of medicine. While clinicians may view radiologists as “photographers,” and surgeons might assume they lead a relaxed lifestyle, the truth is far more complex. Radiology stands at the confluence of technology, intellect, and medicine, thereby providing a unique perspective regarding patient care through imaging.

Here is detailed discussion on the pros, cons, and intricacies of radiology as a career.

Introduction to Radiology

Radiology is not all about the interpretation of images, it’s about visualization beyond what the eye will capture. A popular saying sums interpret it beautifully enough:

“The clinician sees the patient and imagines the lesion. The radiologist sees the lesion and imagines the patient.”

Unlike other discipline radiology has a different approach, as it mainly focus on pattern recognition, logic, and analytical thinking. Radiology residents are trained to deliver critical diagnoses that determine many treatments, surgeries, or even interventional procedures. 

However, this focus on imagining rather than direct interaction with patients.

Radiology Residency: The Base Building of a Radiologist Career

To become a skilled radiologist, one goes through radiology residency training, which equip future radiologist with the required knowledge and skills to excel in the field of radiology.

radiology residency program is challenging and focuses on X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, among other modalities, such as interventional radiology or IR.

Why choose a Radiology Residency?
  • Dynamic Exposure: Learning the latest new technologies and evolving modalities are used in this residency.
  • Global Acceptance: Eligibility for radiology residency in India and abroad like FRCR (UK), USMLE (USA).
  • Flexibility: Training for diagnostic imaging and interventional procedures
  • Best Radiology Residency Programs: For a prospective radiologist, there are best radiology residency programs by AIIMS, PGIMER, and SGPGI to provide wide training and exposure.
Pros of Radiology:

Radiology has several advantages over other medical disciplines which make it most desirable branch among the other residencies:

  • Work-Life Balance: Radiology provides flexibility unmatched by any other medical specialty after residency. The radiologist can determine his working hours to accommodate personal interests. Unlike many clinical specialties, most work in radiology does not follow you home, and hence, provides mental peace.
  • Intellectual Variety: Each case is unique, and diagnostic puzzles differ. Thai ensure radiology will never become mundane.
  • Variety in Job Roles: Radiology has many modalities, including X-rays, ultrasound, CT, MRI, and interventional radiology (IR). Emerging fields of radio genomics and AI integration make the specialty dynamic.
  • Economic Security: Radiology ensures a steady income, especially during the initial years. Although income stabilizes with time, the lifestyle of radiologists remains good.
  • Freedom to Pursue: The flexibility of radiology allows professionals to explore hobbies, research, or even entrepreneurship.
Cons of Radiology

However, radiology does not come without its difficulties:

  • Lack of Patient Contact: For those who have a need for direct contact with patients, radiology can feel isolating. The art of healing in medicine can sometimes be missing.
  • Residency Burden: Radiology residency is challenging. Long hours, intense learning, and mastering complex imaging techniques can overwhelm.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Approach: Radiologists don’t receive thanks from the patients, as their work is behind closed doors.
  • Income Plateau: In the short term, radiologists earn well, but the income may not grow with the same speed as that of the clinical counterparts, such as surgeons.
  • AI Integration: Job security has been a concern in the light of AI. Though AI is a supplement to radiology, some standalone imaging tasks, like reading basic CTs, may face competition.
Radiology Subspecialties and Career Opportunities:

Radiology offers diverse subspecialities and career opportunities:

  • Interventional Radiology (IR):

Has both vascular (angioplasty, embolization) and non-vascular (biopsies, ablations) procedures

  • Surgical-like skills: Need tremendous training but highly rewarding.
  • Diagnostic Radiology: Exposure to a broad number of imaging modalities such as MRI, CT, and ultrasound; hence work varied and intellectually stimulating. 
  • Emerging Field: Recently emerging subspecialties concentrating on niche areas, but with the opportunity for more fellowships.
  • Teleradiology: Radiologists can work from home, which provides flexibility, but the returns are less than in the conventional environment.
AI in Radiology: A New Frontier

Artificial intelligence is changing the face of radiology but will not replace the radiologist. Instead, AI is a super powerful tool:

Applications: 
  • Helps in pattern recognition, segmentation, and triaging of urgent cases.
  • Supports fields like radiogenomics, which help predict genetic mutations and thus help in personalized medicine.
Limitations:
  • AI cannot perform tasks like interventional procedures or handle patient-specific complexities.
Advice for Radiologists:
  • Focus on skills that AI cannot replicate, such as interventional techniques and advanced diagnostic interpretation.
Financial Insights

Radiology provides financial security, but expectation must be realistic:

  • Government Sector:

Salaries range from ₹1.2-2.5 lakhs/month, with limited growth in senior roles.

  • Private Sector:

Imaging centers offer ₹2.5-4 lakhs/month, while corporate hospitals may go up to ₹8 lakhs/month for senior roles.

  • Diagnostic Centers:

Owning a center is lucrative but requires substantial investment and experience.

Suitability for Radiology
Radiology is ideal for those who:
  • Enjoy technology, logic, and problem-solving.
  • Preferred more academic and image-based work over direct patient contact.
  • Want work-life balance and career flexibility.
It may be not so great for:
  • Those who thrive on patient care, surgeries, or bedside medicine.
  • Those who are driven only by early financial rewards or have limited career options.
Why Radiology Is Exceptional?

Radiology is one of the most exciting medical careers despite its challenges:

Exciting and Challenging:

Every day presents a new puzzle, which means no dull routine.

Diagnostic Power:

Radiologists are the “doctor’s doctor,” guiding crucial clinical decisions.

Adaptability:

The field evolves with technology, offering endless learning opportunities.

Final Thoughts

Radiology is not for everyone, but for those drawn to technology, logic, and diagnostics, it offers an intellectually rewarding and flexible career. Whether you’re solving complex cases, exploring emerging technologies, or finding balance between work and life, radiology opens doors to a unique and fulfilling journey in medicine.

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Radiology Residents

Imaging of Craniovertebral Junction(CVJ) by Dr. Zainab Vora

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Estimated reading time: 9 minutes

In today’s class, we are going to be discussing CVJ craniovertebral junction, which I believe is a difficult topic for most of us until we remember the line then it is something that you do not really have to memorize, keep it handy and then whenever you are reporting a case, just quickly have a little bit of lag, I do not know, but it should settle soon. So let us begin, we will briefly discuss the anatomy in the beginning and then I will jump off to the craniometry and then we will look at the cases, so that is how the class is going to run. So this is the part that we have to discuss, so I have the CT and the MRI images here.

So, let us start, you guys have to tell me the answers, okay, so a few of the things are pretty basic stuff only. So what is this point here, anybody can tell me what is point A, what is this point where the frontal bone meets here, yeah big frontal beak, but what do we call this? Yeah, this is the nasion, right, where the frontal beak meets the ethmoidal bone, so this is the nasion, correct. What is point B here? What is this anterior wall of the cella, what do we call that, the anterior wall? It’s the tuberculum cella, good, what is the posterior wall? Obviously, that is the dorsum cella, so point B here is the tuberculum cella.

What is point C? So this is the basioxyput or the clivus, so what is the most posterior part of the clivus called as? That is the basion, so that is something which is very important, so this is the basion point. So what is point D here? What is point D? That is the basion opisthion, right, so you must have heard basion opisthion line, so D is opisthion. Where is point E? What is E? E is the hard palate, all of these points are very important because all the lines that we are going to learn are going to run from these points, so it’s very important that you recognize what all of these points because these are the lines that I’m going to teach you, okay.

So E is hard palate, what is F here? Yes, F is atlas, what atlas? interior arch of the atlas, right, so F is the interior arch of atlas and what would be G? G is the posterior arch of the atlas, fine. What is H? Pretty easy stuff, so that’s C2, what part of C2? That is the dens, right, dens or odontoid of the C2 and I is the body, body of C2, yeah, so this is something which all of us understand. Coronal, same, let’s see coronal, what is point J, the topmost point? This is the hypoglossal canal, so what is this beak which is forming the hypoglossal canal, the eagle appearance that we have learned? It is the jugular tubercle, so J, J for jugular tubercle, it’s the jugular tubercle which is going to form the beak, the eagle’s beak in which the hypoglossal nerve is going to run.

What is K here? What do you think is the point K? So that is the occiput, right, so this is what is the occipital bone, so this is the occipital condyle, so point K here is the occiput or the occipital condyle. What is point L? L for L only, what are these? These are the lateral masses, yeah, we saw the interior arch and posterior arch of the atlas, so these are the lateral masses of the atlas, so L for lateral mass, okay and finally we have H which is odontoid or the dense and I is the body of C2, so this is what is the normal anatomy, all of you following from first year till final year, everybody got this, okay, so this is what you have to understand. 

One quick refresher, one more time very quickly, nasion, anteriorly, tuberculum, hard palate, these are the anterior points, keep that in mind, basion, opisthion, atlas, anterior, posterior, dense, coronal, jugular tubercle forming the occiput, lateral masses and here we have C2, so basically occiput, atlas and C2, these are the two joints and you always have to see the symmetry in terms of the distance on both the sides and in terms of the joint space on both of the sides, no need to memorize here, this is all about symmetry, okay, so this is how we have to approach the CT.

MRI, same bony points, very quickly, so see the same bony points, so we don’t have to run through the points again, this is the hard palate point, this is the tuberculum cellae, this is the basion, this is opisthion here, can you all see the anterior arch of atlas and posterior arch of atlas, can you all see the dense and C2, yeah, so pretty simple here. Let’s look at the coronal image, again same, can you all see the jugular tubercles, can you all see the occipital condyle, lateral masses, body of C2, and dense of C2, yeah, okay, one quick question, what is this ligament, can you see this ligament going laterally, anybody can tell me what this is? So next we are going to venture into the ligaments, Which ligament is best seen in the coronal view? correct, this is the alar, audio is a problem, this is the alar, let me pull the mic closer, this is the alar ligament, good, alright, this is not the cruciate ligament, okay, this is alar, jo aise lateral hi jata hai, cruciate should be cruciate, no, it should be cross, this is lateral, aise slanting, that is how you will remember alar. So now let’s venture into the ligaments, before just for your theory purposes CVJ will most of the time come as a theory answer, I haven’t seen anybody being so unlucky to get a long case in their final exam from CVJ, that is pure bad luck, if you are very very unlucky you will get, otherwise you usually don’t get that, okay, so plane radiographs are the ones which we don’t really do nowadays because it can show us very very severe anomalies but minor anomalies we will miss, so we don’t really use it, we can use it as a preliminary investigation in trauma if we don’t have anything else, so lateral and AP are the two minimum views we want and we usually do an open mouth for the odontoid, in trauma we wouldn’t do flexion extension but if you have a congenital case where you are suspecting dislocation, atlantoaxial dislocation, then only we will do flexion extension views on x-ray, okay.

For a CT scan, it is the best investigation to show us the bony anatomy, to pick up congenital anomalies and throughout this lecture we are going to talk about CT. MRI, two things only, it tells us about the ligaments which CT can’t, and it tells us about the spinal cord which CT can’t, a lot of times in the spinal cord we will have compression and this is how all of these CVJ are going to present, they’re going to present with occult, either it’s occult neck pain or if there is spinal cord compression then they’re going to present with spastic paralysis, right, so that’s how they’re going to present, very sudden presentation when the cervical-medullary junction gets compressed, so you have the history for a long time they would have neck pain and then suddenly there is spastic paralysis, that’s how these guys tend to present. So MRI is mainly cord and ligaments, right, flexion extension MRI can be done again congenital atlantoaxial dislocation, we can do that, okay, so this is the role of different investigations.

Let’s go on to ligamentous anatomy. So now we’ll do this in parts, okay, first look here, here what we have are the ACT structures, how you’re going to remember is ACT, okay, ACT, interior most are the smallest most useless ligament, flexion-extension MRI or flexion-extension X-ray both of them have only one role which is to pick up atlantoaxial dislocation, okay, I’ll talk about that once we go forward, it is the most sensitive investigation to pick up atlantoaxial dislocation, so that is what is the role of any dynamic X-ray or MRI. 

Yes, Hirayama MRI, I was about to say that, Hirayama is a very rare indication where we will do flexion-extension MRI, that’s the only indication, that’s the only disease that is picked up on flexion-extension MRI, yeah, Hirayama disease, okay.

So we have ACT, so A is the apical ligament, which is the most useless ligament and has the least role in stability, then we have the cruciate ligament behind it which is the most useful ligament, it is the primary stabilizer as the name says cruciate, so it has the vertical band that I see on sagittal and it has transverse bands which I will then see on axial and coronal, okay, so what you will remember cruciate as the name says has a vertical limb which I’m going to appreciate on sagittal and then I’m going to appreciate the transverse part of it on the axial view, okay, so this is the most important. Then look at this, the ALL,  anterior longitudinal ligament is going to continue superiorly as anterior atlanto-occipital membrane, this is the posterior longitudinal ligament, PLL superiorly continues as this T  here, tectorial membrane, okay, so not posterior atlanto, that is what you have to remember, so tectorial membrane is the superior continuation of PLL, it’s one of the notochordal remnants if you remember. Then we have ligamentum flavum, ligamentum flavum here is going to continue as the posterior atlanto-occipital ligament, so ligamentum flavum continues as posterior atlanto-occipital ligament, behind we have the interspinous ligament, the supraspinous ligament which continues as ligamentum nucae, nuchal ligament, yeah, so this is the continuation.

Should I repeat one more time? ALL, anterior atlanto-occipital ligament, PLL, tectorial membrane, ligamentum flavum continue as posterior atlanto-occipital ligament and your supraspinous continues as ligamentum nucae, so these are your ligaments. So continuation you remember separately and ACT you remember separately. Out of all of these, what are the primary stabilizers?

You can watch this insightful session on the eConceptual app and learn more about the Conceptual Radiology click here: Conceptual Radiology

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The CO Trauma Pinnacle Course: Where Learning Meets Practice

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

  • This course has been very beautifully drafted and gross outline has been created by Dr. Shailesh sir and supported by Dr. Fahim and Dr. Vishal. And there are guidance at every step by our senior teachers.
  • Right from Professor S. M. Tulli sir, Dr. Shantaram sir, Dr. Dhal, Dr. Kumar and Dr. Ajit sir, mainly. We will have senior teachers also accompanying us in the course.
  • The foundation course emphasizes understanding the principles of fracture management and applying them to case scenarios to enhance knowledge and understanding.

Note: To know more about the Fist CO Trauma Pinnacle Course: Click Here

  • The Pinnacle course is the natural progression, focusing on practical application through hands-on experience in reducing and fixing fractures using sawbone models.
  • Sawbone models simulate real-life fractures and help participants understand and address intraoperative challenges for optimal outcomes.
  • The Pinnacle course integrates practical skills with the theoretical knowledge gained in the foundation course for a seamless learning experience.
  • The Skills Lab in the Pinnacle course provides hands-on learning through stations, each with a specific learning outcome. Example: Demonstrating the proper use of tools like K-wires versus drill bits, allowing participants to observe the consequences of incorrect tool usage in real-time.
  • The Skills Lab is unique and impactful, offering visual and practical demonstrations not commonly included in other courses.

Note: Visit the CO Trauma Pinnacle Course Official Page know more about the course

  • Participants are divided into batches and rotate through different stations, performing tasks and observing results to enhance their skills.
  • The Pinnacle course features specialized demo tables with clamped instruments and high-quality sawbone models transported from abroad.
  • Various stations are designed to teach specific skills or concepts, ensuring structured and comprehensive learning.
  • The course combines theoretical knowledge and practical experience to improve surgical practices and prepare participants for real-world challenges.
  • The approach ensures a transition from foundational knowledge to mastering practical skills effectively.
  • Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
  • The course helps participants observe failures in a controlled setting (e.g., sawbone models) without harming patients, enhancing practical understanding.
  • Covers trauma management from the clavicle to the talus, with a practical, evidence-based approach rather than an exam-focused perspective.
  • The course provides training on trauma management, including understanding fracture patterns, atraumatic reduction techniques, implant placement, and patient rehabilitation. It also focuses on preoperative preparation like patient positioning, C-arm setup, instruments, implants, and contingency plans.
  • Participants receive a unique textbook designed as a quick reference for operating theaters and outpatient departments. It includes surgical steps, tips, tricks, and QR codes linking to surgical videos for quick revisions before surgeries. The book is tailored to assist with planning and executing procedures effectively.
  • The training builds a strong foundation in trauma, preparing participants to handle complex cases such as periprosthetic fractures.
  • Emphasis is placed on practicing techniques like screw placement, drilling, and using lag screws on sawbone models to ensure real-life application. The course also offers an implant removal module, providing practical training on removing various implants and handling challenges like broken screws, nails, and plates.
  • The implant removal module demonstrates tools and techniques for removing implants, including managing fused or broken heads. Participants learn about instrument sets available in the market and their usage.
  • Interactive elements include small group discussions focusing on intraoperative and postoperative challenges for different fracture types. Case presentation sessions allow participants to share and learn from real cases, with awards for the best presentations.
  • Outstanding participants in case presentations may receive awards, including opportunities to be involved in future courses.
  • The course bridges theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making it ideal for surgeons aiming to enhance their expertise in trauma surgery.

Click Here for Registartion: Fill the Form

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Orthopedics Residents

Varus Knee Overview by Dr. Ashish Taneja

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Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Hello friends, this is Dr. Ashish Taneja. So today I welcome you to the conceptual orthopedics arthroplasty course my talk for today will be about solving various knee and mainly focus on the surgical steps. So the various deformities can be of two types, it can be intra-articular which can be because of cartilage or bone loss, tibia vera, stress fractures, malunion or non-union of the intra-articular fractures of the tibial condyle.

There can be another component to the various deformities as well like extra-articular deformities which can be because of tibial fractures, femoral bowing or tibial bowing, some stress fracture or a prior osteotomy. So we have to solve both these components together. Through our knee replacement surgery, our focus will be mainly on the intra-articular deformity because that is something which we can correct through our knee replacement surgery.

Extra-articular often times do not need surgery per se but if there are severe deformities which are deforming the biomechanics then we may need to correct the extra-articular deformity as well. So how do you see what is intra-articular and what is extra-articular? You have to understand your angles, have to start drawing angles. So the intra-articular deformity is the angle between the femoral joint line, this one and the tibial joint line.

So this is your intra-articular deformity which is mainly because of the cartilage and bone loss here in the middle compartment. For extra-articular or total deformity you will have to have a scanogram with you. Through scanogram you will draw your mechanical axis of the femur and tibia and the fungal between the two which is your total various deformity of the limb.

If your intra-articular component is less as compared to total deformity suppose this is 15 degrees and this is 22 degrees that means there is 7 degree component of the extra-articular deformity as well which will not be corrected by your knee replacement.

So whenever your total deformity is more than the intra-articular deformity you would suspect an extra-articular component as well. In our scenario, especially in Indian settings, there are a lot of patients who come with tibial and femoral bowing that will contribute to the extra-articular deformities but again mostly we do not focus on these deformities unless they are very very substantial.

So how do you classify these deformities? Various deformities has been classified by Thienpont and Parvizi into three main types intra-articular which can be a reducible deformity in early stages can be an antromedial OA or a postomedial OA. You have to understand clearly that till the ACL is intact it starts with antromedial OA. The sequence of deformity always starts with an antromedial OA then the ACL gets damaged and the disease progresses to posterior.

So antromedial OA with ACL intact second will be postmedial OA with deficient ACL. These deformities usually are reducible. The middle compartment deformities are reducible.

You can just do a valvular stress and the deformity corrects because the MCL is not tight. However, when the MCL becomes tight it becomes a fixed deformity. It can be without lateral instability or with lateral instability.

When in the beginning it is just the MCL tightness but when the deformity progresses the LCL becomes latched. That is when it becomes a lateral unstable knee as well. This is the intra-articular deformity.

Then we have the metaphyseal deformity. The metaphyseal deformity is within five centimetres of joint 9 both on the femur and tibial side. So you will see that the wear is extending to the metaphyseal region.

There is tibia or femur wear that is happening. That is a metaphyseal deformity and diaphyseal deformity will be beyond five centimeters away from joint 9. It can be tibial, femoral or both. This is how it is.

This can be an antromedial deformity with intact ACL. This is the intra-articular deformity with postmedial involvement with deficient ACL. How do we say it’s a postmedial involvement? It is this region.

When the wear is in the postmedial aspect then we say that the ACL is now damaged and the disease has progressed to the posterior aspect as well. Then we have the fixed deformities. The fixed wear is without lateral laxity and finally, we have the metaphyseal or the diaphyseal deformities which are within five centimetres or more than five centimetres away from the joint line.

So till there it is metaphyseal and beyond this it is diaphyseal and then there can be some previous osteotomies which will be a part of metaphyseal deformities again. These are deformities, these are osteotomies which are old heel osteotomies or old fractures which will cause a metaphyseal varus deformity. Now for the varus knee, we have to understand the structures causing wearers.

Structures can be static or dynamic. So in the static structures we have the superficial MCL, deep MCL, we have the posterior oblique ligament, PCL and posterior capsule. For dynamic we have the pes anserine tendons and semimembranosus tendon.

The muscular part is the dynamic stabilizer on the medial side and the other structures like ligaments capsule and PCL will be the static components on the medial side. So these structures are mainly responsible for causing wearers. So the MCL, the POL, the posterior oblique ligament, the semimembranosus tendon, and the pes tendons, are all the tendons and muscles that are dynamic remaining are static.

You have to understand one rule regarding the release. Whenever we release the anterior structures right here then we will affect the flexion gap. When we release the posterior structures we will mainly affect the extension gap.

So this is what you have to understand. Anterior release of the medial structures will help in opening the flexion medial gap and release of posterior structures on the medial side will help in releasing the medial extension gap. This is what you should be remembering.

As we discussed, the release of anterior structures will always increase the flexion gap while the release of posterior structures like POL, and semimembranosus will increase the extension gap. Oftentimes the varus knee will always have a flexion contracture as well and by releasing PCL we will increase the flexion gap. So this is what you should be remembering.

Release of anterior structures helps in improving the flexion medial gap. Releasing of posterior structures helps in releasing the medial extension gap and PCL will help in improving the flexion gap. So this is a diagram which clearly states, this is the flowchart which states the effect of structures.

You will see most of the medial structures affect the extension gap.

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OBG Residents

Cervical Cancer Screening and Vaccination with Dr. Aditya Nimbkar

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Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Hi and welcome everyone to today’s episode of Feature of the Day. Today is 9th of April and in a significant part of India, day is celebrated as either we call it Ugadi or we call it Gudipadva. So in Maharashtra, Gudipadva is the new year for Maharashtrians whereas Ugadi for a few other states indicates that it’s a harbinger of joy, it’s a new era, it’s the beginning of spring.

It is basically just a new beginning and hence I decided to choose a topic that has a significant importance and just a couple of days ago, according to a study, India was said to be the cancer capital of the globe and in just an example, in the current ongoing Indian Premier League, there is one feature called as most valuable player. 

Basically, the player who gives the maximum contribution to the team is given that award of MVP or the most valuable player of the team and similarly, in making India get to that first position to be called as a cancer capital of the globe, cervical cancer was the MVP of our country. It is one of most significant cancers, almost 2 lakh cases according to 2023’s WHO report, almost 2 lakh cases are detected every year and we have around 70,000 deaths.

Yes, we do have other cancers, oral cancers, breast cancer, lung cancers but the sad part about cervical cancer is that it’s a vaccine preventable. It is probably the only preventable cancer that we have currently and yet to have these high numbers is a little disappointing. So, I decided to touch down upon a few topics which included cervical screening and cervical cancer screening as well as immunization and its current status in India in today’s topic.

So, to begin with, these guidelines have been taken from FOCSI’s GPCR. GPCR is the good clinical practice guidelines from FOCSI. FOCSI is the association that controls all the gynecological societies in India.

So, it advises three main modalities for screening, cervical cancer screening. So, the first one is cytology and cytology which is probably the most famous of all of these three is the one that is commonly done in our medical colleges and we do it because it’s a very, it is not really a resource sensitive thing to be done and it can easily be interpreted by a mere microscope. It doesn’t even take much to do the sampling and it is something that can be done at every possible hospital, even a small primary health care center.

The numbers that I’ve written in the packets are the number of years at which frequency of these tests should be scheduled. So, for cytology, it has to be scheduled every three years if the tests are negative. The next test is what we call the HPV DNA test.

In this, from the sample, we check for the DNA of the human papillomavirus, the virus  that causes cervical cancer and we see if it is a high-risk DNA. So, by high-risk, I mean there are around 200 different types of HPVs. Of them, there are few around 15 to 20 of them which are high-risk and by high-risk, I mean they are the ones who are actually causing 90% of the cases of cervical cancer.

The low-risk ones cause genital warts but the high-risk ones are the ones which are dangerous. They directly cause cervical cancer. So, this HPV DNA is used to detect those high-risk DNAs, the significant ones being 16 and 18 and the third one is visual inspection under acetic acid or visual inspection by Lugol’s iodine.

The foxy though recommends this to be done by just acetic acid and not by Lugol’s iodine. In this, there’s the concept that any cancerous cell has a lot of DNA material in it. There’s a lot of chromatin in it.

So, whenever you’re putting any acid on it, in this case, we use acetic acid of almost 0.5% concentration, this chromatin or this DNA material gets coagulated and we can see it as a white spot wherever these cells are present, wherever these malignant cells are present. 

Similarly, by doing it with Lugol’s iodine, therein, the Lugol’s iodine as we have read is the one that stains, it stains glycogen or glucose stores. So, on the contrary to what we had in acetic acid, that it stained the malignant cells, in this, the Lugol’s iodine stains the normal cells and it leaves the patches on places where there are no malignant cells and we call the classic up here the yellowishness, the yellow color that we see with Lugol’s iodine on normal cells, we call it, it’s a mahogany yellow color that we classically see.

In visual inspection with acetic acid, we see classical coagulation, we see white spots. It is also to be done every five years, but it’s a very, it’s very much a thing now that is done only in lower resource settings. We now ideally prefer to do either cytology or HPV DNA or we can combine them both and do something called as a co-test.

It has much higher sensitivity and specificity and it also can be repeated every five years. Now, these were the things that were being done for several years. What are the minor changes that we have gotten? Now, the problem with cytology used to be, we used to collect it with a swab or with an IR spatula, we used to smear it on a slide and then we used to send it to the lab for testing.

Now, there were multiple problems that were arising. The first one was by collection using a swab or an IR spatula. A lot of sample, a lot of cells used to be left behind.

It’s an exfoliative test. Basically, the cells in the cervical area or in the vagina are the ones that we take for testing and a lot of cells would be left behind. So, probably a patient was getting a falsely negative report which meant that the patient probably could have had cancer but it was not being detected because we weren’t collecting the entire sample.

Plus, after putting it on the slide, it used to get dried by the air. So, by the time the sample reached the laboratory, a lot of sample would either be wasted or the sample just would not be adequate enough on the slide to be good enough for interpretation.

So, the amount of inadequate samples was increasing and we just had a 10 to 20 percent yield of good quality reports of this.

So, what we decided to do is we decided to introduce a liquid media. In this liquid media, we use a brush. We use a brush to take a swab.

So, this brush not only collects the endocervical cells but also the ectocervical cells and we put it in a liquid media. Now, in this liquid media, there is no risk of loss of cells because it is getting all adhered to the brush and we are putting it inside a jar that contains the liquid, what we call as LBC, liquid based cytology. LBC is the way we do it now.

LBCPAP or LBC HPV DNA is what we do now. So, liquid based cytology is what we do now. So, in that liquid, the amount of cells that were being wasted was also reduced and so from that 10 to 20 percent of the yield, now we started getting almost 80 to 90 percent of yield of reports and hence it is practiced or it is used now.

The only problem is that it is a slightly expensive test and is not coded at all the centers. So, these are the modalities that are advised in India for screening. The first is cytology wherein you just take a, where is you just take, you collect the cells that have been shedded by the cervix.

It is exfoliated cytology or you test for the HPV DNA by doing a PCR that is polymerase chain reaction test or you do visual inspection with acetic acid. This is about screening. We will be covering about what are the treatments for each modality of screening and what is to be done next in a separate lecture on our application.

Apart from that, in the vaccination, currently our government, just recently in this budget, the budget that was announced by our finance minister, she announced that our country has now not only started producing its own endogenous vaccine called as Cervavac which is a quadrivalent. The numbers here indicate the valency. By valency, I mean how many different DNAs do these vaccines cover.

So, it can be either a bivalent one which covers 16 and 18 or it can be a quadrivalent one which covers 6, 11, 18 and 16. Or it can cover a non-valent one which covers 9 different subspecies which includes which includes 6, 11, 18, 16, 31, 33, 45, 53, many more of them. So, basically 9 major variants and we call it Gardasil whereas the one that is significant over here is Cervavac.

Now Cervavac is a thing that is produced in India by an Indian company and it has now been put into the national immunization schedule as well for girls. Though it is advised that even boys take it because it reduces the risk of penile cancer and also the transmission of this HPV virus to women but currently in the national immunization schedule, it has been introduced for girls in the age of 9 to 15. The significance of this age is that these are the girls who are still yet to have the onset of sexual activity.

So, when you give this vaccine prior to the onset of sexual activity, it has maximum benefit whereas if you are giving it at a later age after a female has had a sexual activity earlier, the efficacy significantly reduces. Also, in this age group, you just need to give 2 intramuscular doses 6 months apart whereas when the patient is more than 15 years till the age of 27, you have to give 3 doses for them at 0, 1 and 6 months of interval. After 27 years of age, most women have had their sexual activity, the onset of sexual activity and it makes no real sense to be giving them these vaccines because the efficacy is going to be very very poor.

So, that is it for this feature of the day. So, we spoke about not only modalities of screening today which included cytology, HPV DNA and visual inspection with acetic acid. We  also spoke of HPV vaccination in that the significant one is Sarvavac that has been introduced by an Indian company and it is now included for free in the national immunization program as well.

It will be given to girls in the age group of 9 to 15 years of age and it will be given in the form of 2 doses 6 months apart. It will be given intramuscularly and will be given for free by the government. So, thank you for your listening today.

I hope with this lecture, we can bring in a new change in our family. We have several girls in our family. We have women in our family.

So, for those young girls, we can definitely advocate this vaccine. We can be the ones who administer them. We can be the one who encourages them to commit it to their friends, into their school and increase the awareness and for the women, we have our aunts, we have our sisters, we have our mothers.

For them, we can advise them to start doing these modalities of screening regularly from the age of 30 till the age of 65. That is a very significant point. In India, we started from the age of 30 and we can do it till the age of 65 and it depends on which test you are doing to determine the frequency of those tests.

I hope this lecture helps you understand this topic slightly better and I hope you all are the ones who are leading from the front to bring about this change so that 10 years down the line, we can probably shed this tag of being the cancer capital of the world at least on the front of cervical cancer. Thank you.

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Medicine Residents

First Step Towards Excellence in Medicine: Conceptual Medicine “Where Learning Never Ends!

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Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Medicine is not a career, it’s a calling that demands constant learning, perseverance, and mastery of skills. Access to the right resources, mentorship, and preparation strategies determine the success of medicine residents and young physicians in this demanding landscape of an internal medicine residency. 

Welcome to Conceptual Medicine, a revolutionary learning platform meant to empower residents in medicine, help them do better in their medicine residency programs, MD, and DNB examinations, and more.

What is Conceptual Medicine?

Conceptual Medicine is an all-embracing e-learning platform meant for MD/DNB medicine residents and all aspiring medical specialists. Its core features include cutting-edge technology, faculty-led learning, and interactive resources to revolutionize the delivery of medical education. Whether you have a focus on an internal medicine program, are sitting for an MD exam, or need success in DNB Exam PreparationConceptual Medicine is your guide.

Why Conceptual Medicine is the Game-Changer in Medicine Residency?
1. Faculty-Led Learning

Our curriculum is provided by some of the best-known faculties in the programs of internal medicine. Faculty members at our platform deliver unmatched academic expertise and clinical skills to equip you with insight beyond texts. They can mentor you to success, not just in preparing you for the medicine residency, but in mastering the nuances of advanced concepts relevant to super-specialty medical courses.

2. Flexible Learning Options

We know how busy medicine residents are. That’s why Conceptual Medicine comes to you with a hybrid model of live lectures and on-demand recorded content. Whether you have a hectic medicine residency or in practice, our learning plan is adjustable as per your commitments.

3. Interactive and Engaging Content

Learning complex medical ideas is tough. Conceptual Medicine makes it easy:

  • Interactive case studies
  • 3D anatomical models
  • Dynamic flowcharts

These tools simplify complex topics, thus making them easier to understand and remember. Besides, there is an active community of learners and forums expert-moderated that promote collaboration and knowledge sharing.

4. Comprehensive Coverage

From foundational principles to advanced clinical skills, Conceptual Medicine offers an all-encompassing curriculum tailored to medicine residents and young physicians. You are working towards acing MD exam preparation, excelling in DNB exams, or gearing up for NEET SS Exam success with Conceptual Medicine.

Ensure You Go into Your PG Preparation in Medicine with Full Conviction and Clarity about what you are looking into by using these tools from Conceptual Medicine.

Unleash the Conceptual Medicine Plan

We care about you more than you think and therefore offer two plans with flexible durations ranging from 1 year to 5 years. You get to select the plan most suitable to your needs and requirements.

Premium Plan: It is ideal for single users, as it provides access to live lectures, pre-recorded videos, in-app notes, flashcards, and mock tests to ace exams like MD ExamDNB Exam, and NEET SS Exam.

Click Here: Premium Plan

Buddy Plan: Learn smarter together! Meant for two users, this plan provides all the features of the Premium Plan at a discounted rate. Collaborate, learn, and save while preparing for your medicine residency programs and competitive exams.

Affordable collaborative learning! Ideal for groups of medicine residents who want to study together for exams like the MD exam, DNB exam, or NEET/INI SS exam.

Click Here: Buddy Plan

Premium Plan and Buddy Plan Highlights:

You get unlimited access to :

  • App Live Lectures  
  • Precached Video Lectures 
  • Comprehensive In-App Notes
  • Flashcards of the Day
  • Question of the Day
  • Case of the Week
  • Image of the Day
Conceptual Medicine: Digital learning platform focused on concepts.

Medical Specialist Courses: Ideal for upgrading your knowledge in super-specialty areas.

How Conceptual Medicine Helps Medical PG Students?

1. Internal Medicine Residency Support

Conceptual Medicine is specifically designed to assist those pursuing an internal medicine residency, providing them with resources that enhance both theoretical knowledge and clinical acumen.

2. Super-Specialty Medical Courses

Conceptual Medicine offers resources for those hoping to specialize further and bridge the gap between general practice and niche expertise through super-speciality medical courses.

Why Select Conceptual Medicine to Support Your Residency? 
  • Tailor for Residents in Medicine: Conceptual Medicine is specifically designed for the challenges that medicine residents face in a medicine residency program.
  • Seamless Access on the eConceptual App: Study whenever, wherever, and learn on the go around your schedule.
  • Trusted by Experts: Backed by the vision and expertise of Dr. Dilip Kumar and other esteemed faculty members.
Join the Revolution in Medicine Education

Conceptual Medicine is the only answer to cracking the DNB exam and mastering the medicine courses for those going for super-speciality courses. Designed specifically with the needs of medicine residents in mind, this platform is aimed at ensuring you’re as equipped as possible to make the most of your careers and academic pursuits.

Get Started now!

Download the eConceptual App now and start tapping into the best resources to ensure you excel at medicine residency and beyond!

Discover Affordable Premium Plans and Buddy Plans that suit your learning needs.

Contact for more information:   +91-7428581918 or whatsapp us at: +91-8595682979

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surgical residents

Debunking Common Myths About  Surgery

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

There are numerous stories surrounding surgery. It is important that surgical residents and those entering a general surgery residency not only know the truth in training but also address patient’s concerns effectively. For this reason, Conceptual Surgery intends to dispel some of the myths that abound surrounding surgical fields.

Myth 1: Surgery Is Always the Last Option
Fact: Surgery is often a proactive solution

Most people believe that surgery is only recommended when everything else has failed. While it is true that when non-invasive options, such as precautionary measures, are valid, surgery would not be needed, however, for some conditions, surgery is indeed the best and oftentimes the only solution. Such programs of surgical residency will condition professionals to look at cases in an integrated format and recommend surgery when it best offers a solution.

Myth 2: All Surgeries Are Risky
Fact: Advancements in technology and technique have made surgery much safer.

These days most surgeries are safer than they have ever been, thanks to innovative technologies and techniques in surgical tools and techniques. So, in the general surgery residency programs, residents learn to assess risk and address strategies to ensure patient safety. Proper preparations and adherence to protocols significantly reduce complications.

Myth 3: For Any Surgery, the Recovery Time Takes Forever
Fact: Many new procedures involve shorter recoveries.

Minimally invasive techniques, such as laparoscopic surgery, are changing the game. Often, patients bounce back much quicker than anticipated. General surgical residency programs emphasize training in these advanced procedures, enabling surgeons to offer faster recovery options for their patients.

Myth 4: You’re Awake During Local Anesthesia
Fact: Local anesthesia numbs the area very effectively, so pain is removed and patient comfort is ensured.

Some patients fear they will wake up during the procedure and feel everything. In fact, local anesthesia has its very own ways of ensuring pain at all times is insufferable. Surgery residents are trained in anaesthetic techniques to ensure a stress-free experience for patients. 

Myth 5: Surgeons Only Perform Surgery and Do Not Interact with Patients
Fact: Patient care is an important part of the surgeon’s duty.

Surgeons spend hours listening to their patients’ problems, explaining procedures they will perform, and guiding recovery after surgery. It is a critical aspect of surgical training, they are taught to balance surgical skills with direct patient interaction in general surgery.

Myth 6: All Surgeons Are Similar
Fact: Surgeons specialize in different fields and techniques.

Although general surgery is a cornerstone of the profession, surgeons often subspecialize in trauma, oncology, or pediatrics. In general surgery training programs, residents would be acquainted with the respective subspecialties through their rotations in a bid to prepare them for several surgical career tracks upon completion.

Importance of Debunking These  Surgery Myths

An understanding of these realities of surgery would help to build trust and confidence for scholars and surgery residency programs alike. It allows the surgery residents to deliver very high standards of care with information in-depth and an armoury of newly acquired skills.

How Does Conceptual Surgery Help in Your Surgical Career?

At Conceptual Surgery, we put the power of truth and training behind surgical learners to enable them to achieve the maximum potential in a surgical program. Here’s what we provide to assist you along that journey:

All-Around General Surgery Training: Master the basics and advanced techniques in surgery.

Interactive Learning Modules: Provides engaging content to facilitate accelerated understanding of complex concepts for busy residents.

High-Yield Resources: Access all the materials to help ease the path towards qualifying for general surgery.

Why Choose Conceptual Surgery?

We know how rigorous residency training can be, and we have resources tailored to help sharpen your skills. That moves into general surgical residency, whatever your desired objective, we will provide the best support for you.

Conceptual Surgery is the trusted partner in surgical education. start your journey to excellence as a surgeon today with Conceptual Surgery.

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orthopedics residency programs

Building Your Orthopedic Network: The Key to Success

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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Embarking on a journey in orthopedics residency programs is both a challenging and rewarding experience. As an orthopedics resident, a strong professional network would boost your learning, create opportunities, and help you be ready to be the best in this competitive field of orthopedics. In this blog, we will explore actionable strategies which can help orthopedic surgery residents create a powerful professional network while training.

Why Networking is Important in Orthopedics?

Networking is the most important resource for orthopedics residents, connecting you with mentors, peers, and industry leaders who help guide you through the complexities of the field. Beginning with expanding knowledge of advanced techniques to opportunities in the best orthopedic residency programs, your network is a vital part of your growth.

Strategies for Building Your Orthopedic Network
1. Participate in Residency Programs and Conferences

Participating actively in orthopedic surgery residency programs and conferences will introduce you to leading professionals and keep you abreast of the latest developments. Seek opportunities to present research, workshops, or even join panel discussions at events by the best orthopedic residency programs.

2. Social Media and Professional Platforms

LinkedIn, ResearchGate and speciality-specific forums are excellent for connecting with fellow orthopedics surgery residents and experienced surgeons. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and showcase your achievements to build your online professional presence.

3. Find Mentors in Your Program

The best orthopedic surgery residencies emphasize mentorship. Cultivate relationships with senior residents, faculty, and attending surgeons. Mentors can offer invaluable guidance on surgical techniques, research opportunities, and career pathways.

4. Research and Publication Collaboration

 Part of collaboration with colleagues and mentors in your orthopedic residency programs is a strong bond that enhances your academic credentials. Co-authoring papers with peers and presenting at conferences is a testament to your commitment to the speciality.

5. National and Regional Societies Participation

Memberships in organizations, such as the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) or regional societies, are another excellent means to expand your network outside of your residency program. Members often receive access to formal, tailored resources and events as well as mentorship programs.

Long-Term Value of Orthopedic Networking

Create a rich network during your orthopedic surgery residency to help you get jobs in the top ortho residencies, collaborate on novel discoveries, and obtain leadership opportunities in the field. A strong network will support you through all your experiences during your career and guide you through the most daunting moments and opportunities.

Unleash Success with the Right Tools

Building your professional network is an ongoing process. Engaging with peers, mentors, and professional organizations during your orthopedic surgeon residency or ortho residency programs lays the foundation for a thriving career. At Conceptual Orthopedics, we’re committed to supporting orthopedic surgery residents through our special CO signature program with comprehensive training and unparalleled mentorship opportunities.

Explore Conceptual Orthopedics Today

Ready to take your learning and networking to the next level? Whether you’re pursuing the orthopedic residency programs or orthopedics experts, Conceptual Orthopedics gives you the tools, resources, and community to advance your journey. Visit us today!

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obstetrics and gynecology residency training programs

Free Training Videos: Empower Your OBG Residency Journey

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Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

The Conceptual OBG is the best platform trusted by many users which provides comprehensive resources in obstetrics and gynecology residency training programs.  We’re thrilled to introduce our Free Training Videos section, meticulously crafted to support medical professionals, aspiring OBS-GYN residents, and anyone navigating their obstetrics gynecology residency program.

Why Choose Our Free Training Videos?

We understand well the difficulties in preparing for and succeeding in OBS-GYN residency programs. That is why we have a choice of video recordings based on high-quality content presented by experts who aim to build clinical knowledge and practical skills.

Whether you are currently an OBG resident, looking to get into an obstetrician residency program, or considering other obstetrics and gynecology programs, these videos bring you valuable insights on real-world scenarios, evidence-based practices, and case reviews.

Featured Videos
  • Evaluation of Post-Menopausal Bleeding By Dr. Aditya Nimbkar

A Complete Study video of evaluation of post Menopausal bleeding by Dr. Aditya Nimbkar.

Watch Now

  • Labor Room Fridays Instrumental Delivery Ventousse/Vaccum

 Instrumental Delivery Ventouse-Vacuum By Dr. Aarti Chitkara

This is an excellent tutorial that one can use to master vacuum-assisted deliveries in the labour room.

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  • Puberty Menorrhagia By Dr. Ankita Sethi

Join for details on how to diagnose and manage abnormal uterine bleeding during this period of pregnancy.

Watch Now

  • Pregnancy of Unknown Location By Dr. Aarti Chitkara

Practical guide to evaluate and manage pregnancies of unclear origin.

Watch Now

  • Ectopic Pregnancy: Etiology & Presentation By Dr. Aarti Chitkara

Key insights into recognizing and treating this critical condition in OB-GYN residency.

Watch Now

  • The Fe-Tale of Survival and Symmetry By Dr. Aditya Nimbkar

In this video, Dr. Aditya Nimbakar explains the differences between symmetrical and asymmetrical FGR, focusing on the head circumference to abdominal circumference ratio and many more. 

Watch Now

  • Diabetes in Pregnancy

Dr. Tejas and Dr. Yasha discuss the critical management of diabetes during pregnancy, providing evidence-based approaches for OBS-GYN residency training.

Watch Now

  • Guideline Review of the Week: Stillbirth

Dr. Aditya Nimbkar reviews the latest guidelines on stillbirth, highlighting key protocols and practices for OB-GYN residents.

Watch Now

  • OBGYnugget: Algorithm of Management of Rh Negative Pregnancy

Dr. Aditya Nimbkar presents a concise and practical algorithm for managing Rh-negative pregnancies, an essential topic for OBS-GYN residency preparation.

Watch Now

Your Learning Partner

Obstetrics Gynecology Residency Training Program is designed to fit seamlessly into your schedule. From foundational topics to advanced clinical techniques, each video is a step closer to mastering your obs-gyn residency program. Click here to learn more about the Conceptual Radiology platform: Conceptual Radiology

Start Your Journey

Don’t miss the chance to learn more about the obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. Look into our Free Training Videos section, and take your OBS-GYN residency to new heights with Conceptual OBG.

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Medicine Residents

Conceptual Medicine: The Budget-Friendly Platform for Medicine Residents

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Embarking on your journey as a medicine resident is both an exciting and challenging experience. With exhausted schedules and academic demands, it seems overwhelming to manage finances. However, proper strategic planning and resources can result in saving money and excelling in medical residency programsConceptual Medicine does not only provide world-class internal medicine education but also helps you maximize your potential without straining your wallet.

1. Affordable Educational Materials

Investing in quality educational materials is essential for medical residents, but that doesn’t mean breaking the bank. Conceptual Medicine has available affordable options with low-cost digital products that offer good learning opportunities for an internal medicine residency program, including:

  • Digital materials that prevent expensive textbooks.
  • Well-rounded internal medicine programs with valuable courses that bring all your academic needs together.

With our curated resources, you’ll save money and time by avoiding fragmented or overpriced content.

2. Use Budget Friendly Practice tools

Accessing quality practice tools is vital during your medicine residency training. At Conceptual Medicine, we offer:

  • Revision sessions and concise modules, you will not need to spend too much money on other supplementary classes elsewhere.
  • Use Conceptual Medicine’s internal medicine residency training bundles, which combine learning materials, live sessions, and test series.
    Conceptual Medicine Offers two Plans for its users:

Such affordable choices ensure that each resident in medicine gets the best preparation without overspending.

3. Take Advantage of Discounts and Packages

Conceptual Medicine frequently offers discounts and special packages for residents in medicine, ensuring you get access to high-quality internal medicine education without straining your budget.

To know about the latest discount visit the official website: Conceptual Medicine

Conceptual Medicine provides an exciting Refer & Earn Program available only for premium subscribers. Spread the benefit of knowledge among your friends and get extra validity in return with your subscription.

Rewards Breakdown:

  • 1 Month Extra for a 1-Year Plan
  • 2 Months Extra for a 2-Year Plan
  • 3 Months Extra for a 3-Year Plan
  • 4 Months Extra for a 4-Year Plan
  • 5 Months Extra for a 5-Year Plan

The extra validity is added to your account once your referred friend subscribes.

Click here to learn more about the plan: Refer and Earn. For multiple referrals, contact our Helpdesk at 7428581918.

Join the program today, grow the learning community, and enjoy extended access!

Why Choose Conceptual Medicine?

At Conceptual Medicine, we understand the specific issues of medicine residents. That’s why we have designed innovative and affordable solutions customized according to the needs of internal medicine residency program participants. 

Here’s what separates us and helps you cut down costs while succeeding in your residency:

  • In-app live lectures: Real-time interaction with experts helps explain concepts and keep you updated on critical topics.
  • Pre-recorded Video Lectures: Access a library of high-yield, on-demand lectures anytime, anywhere, to fit your busy schedule.
  • Comprehensive In-App Notes: Save money on expensive textbooks with expertly curated notes that cover everything you need for internal medicine residency training.
  • Question of the Day: Daily practice tailored to the demands of medicine residency programs, helping you sharpen your knowledge.
  • Case of the Week: Analyze real-life cases to acquire practical skills in addition to development in clinical decision-making.
  • Flashcard of the Day: Revision of key concepts in very little time, ideal for busy resident physicians.
  • Image of the Day: Re-enforce your visual memory with key medical images important for success in internal medicine programs.

These tools are designed to give medicine residents the instruments they need to succeed without overspending, making Conceptual Medicine an excellent partner for your academic and professional journey.

Learn more, spend less. Success is just a click away with Conceptual Medicine!

You can access the YouTube channel and watch the latest videos of the session.

Start Saving and Excelling Today

Your journey as a medicine resident doesn’t have to come with financial stress. With Conceptual Medicine, you get the best of both worlds: high-quality learning and budget-friendly solutions.

Take control of your education and finances with Conceptual Medicine. Your success and savings begin here!

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