MD Dermatology

A two-year NMC-certified postgraduate medical degree focused on diagnosing, treating, and preventing disorders of the skin, hair, nails, and sexually transmitted diseases, with additional clinical training in dermato-emergencies, surgical dermatology, and community skin-health programs.

Description

MD Dermatology under Kathmandu University trains physicians to become competent dermatology specialists capable of handling complex dermatological conditions, venereal diseases, leprosy, diagnostic procedures, and therapeutic interventions.
The curriculum blends outpatient and inpatient dermatology, procedural dermatology, dermatopathology exposure, STI and leprosy management, preventive dermatology, emergency dermatology, and inter-disciplinary case work.
The program aims to build clinicians who are scientifically trained, ethically responsible, clinically competent, and capable of teaching and mentoring future healthcare professionals. The training structure aligns with national health priorities and Medical Education Commission standards.

Curricular Structure (table)
(Based on competency domains and MEC exam orientation—KU does not publish semester-wise structure publicly)

Features

• MEC-regulated national entrance (MECEE-PG) mandatory
• 200-question single-best-response exam format
• Strong clinical workload in OPD, IPD, emergency, and procedure rooms
• Training aligned with NMC requirements for specialist registration
• Opportunities for research in dermatology, venereology, and leprosy
• Graduates eligible for consultant positions and future subspecialty fellowships (cosmetology, trichology, dermatopathology, pediatric dermatology)
• Employment mobility across hospitals, academic institutions, NGOs, and private practice

Fee

• Approx. NPR 2,381,760 (tentative; varies by institution)

Eligibility

• MBBS or equivalent from a recognized institution
• Registered with Nepal Medical Council
• Foreign candidates: registration in home-country medical council
• Minimum one-year experience (internship + additional posting as mandated; exceptions per MEC rules)
• At least 50% in MECEE-PG entrance exam (qualifying score)

Admission process (point form)

• Ensure NMC registration and required clinical experience
• Apply for MECEE-PG (national centralized entrance exam)
• Sit for 3-hour, 200-MCQ exam
• Achieve ≥50% to qualify for merit list
• Participate in counseling and seat-allocation rounds under MEC
• Select KU-affiliated institution during matching
• Complete institutional admission formalities and fee payment

Job prospects

• Dermatologist in private or government hospitals
• Specialist in skin, hair, nail, and venereal diseases
• Consultant dermatologist in clinics and medical centers
• Academic dermatologist in medical colleges
• Research dermatologist in biomedical or pharmaceutical sectors
• Specialist in cosmetic and procedural dermatology (post-training)
• Dermatopathology support roles (with further subspecialty training)
• Public-health dermatologist in leprosy and STI programs
• Independent practitioner in dermatology and cosmetology