PGI to start PhD degree in social sciences

The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, has given a go-ahead to candidates with MA/MSc qualification in any social science/social stream for PhD programme under the social science stream.

According to sources, the institute took the decision in a meeting chaired by director of the institute Dr YK Chawla.

The institute said the degree would be categorised as non-medical qualification.

Initially, the PGI will explore the possibility of starting degree in psychology and forensic medicine. The standing academic committee said the postgraduate law - LLM - and its equivalent qualification for admission to PhD programme in the department of forensic medicine might be deliberated.

The committee also said the eligibility criteria of the candidates keen to join PhD, forensic medicine, should be framed. "There are many non-medical subjects which are important for medical
science. Though these degrees will come under non-medical, they will help to expand the realm of medical science as well," said Dr Amod Gupta, dean, PGI.

Significantly, earlier the institute administration had also given a nod to explore the possibility of starting the new MD-PhD combine degree programme at the institute.

The committee in its various meetings reached the conclusion that to give flip to a good quality research at the institute, the PGI must start the said programme.

Gives nod to DM in addiction psychiatry

The department of psychiatry of the institute has also decided to start a DM (super specialisation) course in addiction psychiatry. Initially, the course will be started with three seats. Similarly, another interesting DM course will be started in DM, child and adolescent psychiatry.