Calicut Medical College - My surgery post-graduation

College management is excellent. They have always been supportive in any issues or problems whenever encountered. The management has provided all the facilities required for successful accomplishment of the course. There has seldom been any scarcity in the basic needs of the students.

The course curriculum of general surgery has provided me with all the essential basics in the field of surgery. We were imparted with updated surgical knowledge and skills as junior residents. Curriculum is research-driven and fair. Academic teachings were provided by well-experienced staff. Surgical skills are imparted under the guidance of seniors as well as expert surgeons. I have been a thorough professional as a General Surgeon by virtue of the knowledge and skills that I have learnt from this prestigious institution.

The outgoing batch of Calicut Medical College has huge influence on all the hospitals all over Kerala. One can easily settle in any hospital (private or corporate setup) anywhere in Kerala after they complete their post-graduation in this institution, as it is known to produce great and competitive surgeons. Our batch of surgery residents (2014-2017) was a trendsetter batch with 100% pass. And it is certain that almost everyone of the batch has been well-placed after passing MS in this institution.

The college has student's union which often organizes various events like cultural fests and competitions. We had a PG fresher's day during our first year of postgraduation. I have participated in dances and fashion shows throughout my postgraduation.

Fee structure for our course was feasible and reasonable, amounting to about 1,80,000 for the whole course of 3 years. The payments are to be made at the beginning of every academic year, and the college provides transparency in the fee-breakdown by providing a legible bill and other documents. The residents are paid monthly stipends (43,000-45,000/month) for junior residents and about 50,000-60,000 for senior residents.

I did not opt for any scholarship or education loan for my surgery course. I secured the seat in general merit category through my ranking in All India PG Medical Entrance Test 2014.

The gender ratio was 2:1 (male:female). The male predominance was pretty evident, as the hostel was co-ed, with separate sections for males and females. However there was common mess, reading room and gym facility. Students from various states were seen and there was unity in diversity. Politics was not really obvious among student groups, nor was there any discrimination. There was a common TV room with tables filled with newspapers and magazines. Table tennis and carrom were often played in the common room. The hostel alos has a kiosk to provide basic stationeries and tea-snacks to residents.

I had opted for Hostel. The hostel rooms were clean and tidy. I lived in a double-room sharing my room with a colleague. The room had bed, study table with chair, racks for keeping books and clothes, well-ventilated with windows, a ceiling fan, good light source, and electricity switch board. Shared toilets and bathrooms are present. Hostel is attached with a mess which provides good quality typical Kerala food. Seniors can allot for single rooms with attached bathrooms. Internet Wi-fi connection was optional for every room. The hostel and mess fees would come to around 10000-20000 annually.

Seniors have been helpfully guiding throughout our course academics. I had no much contact with the alumni of the college though, yet I had heard about their excellence.

I secured a decent ranking at All India PG Medical Entrance Examination and opted for General Surgery specialty in Calicut Medical College for the batch 2014-2017. I got interest in surgical field during my MBBS (undergraduate) days. While I was confused between the Mumbai and south medical colleges, I learnt that Mumbai is seen as 'temple of surgery'. I also learnt that Calicut is as good as Mumbai for learning surgery. So i preferred the latter. The institution was about 50 years old with good infrastructure and facilities. After securing my seat at entrance counselling, I entered the college administration and secured my admission by paying the course fees.

The faculty of the department of General Surgery consists of highly trained and experienced staff. Eminent surgeons headed the department in various posts, including Head of the department, unit chiefs, associate professors, assistant professors, lecturers, & senior residents. About 20-30 faculty members comprised the department. The teaching experience of faculty was great, and the guidance received was helpful. The faculty made every efforts that the residents learnt the most effective and advanced surgical skills & techniques.