Fellow of the Indian Society of Malaria and other Communicable Diseases (FISCD)

The Fellow of the Indian Society of Malaria and other Communicable Diseases (FISCD) is a specialized course focused on public health. It primarily addresses the prevention, control, and management of malaria and other communicable diseases. The course typically lasts for one to two years, depending on the institution. Participants gain in-depth knowledge of disease epidemiology, diagnostic techniques, and treatment protocols.

The Fellow of the Indian Society of Malaria and Other Communicable Diseases (FISCD) is a qualification that confers mastery of skills. It is a rigorous journey of hard work that leads to a global career. The course is mainly for professionals who truly want to move beyond basic and achieve distinction in public health, focusing on real-world challenges of tropical illnesses in managing vector-borne like malaria, dengue, and other communicable diseases, signifying that they have met the rigorous national standards of employers' commitment to the highest standards of patient care, continuous learning, and ethical practice in general practice. Going deep into the traditional principles of treatment, this degree award for exceptional and sustained contributions to science serves as an opportunity to explore the fascinating scope of focusing on health, preventive care, and signifying a professional’s expert competence by validating your advanced clinical knowledge to meet the highest national benchmarks for specialist knowledge, clinical skill, and ethical practice. The degree is that prestigious door that opens into the profound realm, offering its clients a truly transformative path for physicians, equipping them with the skills to handle everything and making them a vital asset in today's world. This degree is earned through specialized training, examinations, and a demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of practice, and establishes them as experts.

The requirements for getting into this course include candidates having an MBBS degree from an institution recognized by the Medical Council of India, along with a valid registration with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or a state medical council.

The course is usually conferred for 3 to 6 months.

The cost of this course typically ranges between ₹50,000 to ₹1,50,000 for the entire course duration.

Having such a prestigious degree offers exposure to several opportunities. Candidates who want to excel in their fields and get a good boost to their careers through the knowledge and skills gained in this course. Professionals with a strong interest in this field and seeking to advance their careers can opt for the course. The details are given below:

• MBBS doctors aiming to specialize in public health.
• Medical officers working in government health services.
• Physicians seeking to build a career in epidemiology or disease control.
• Doctors interested in working with NGOs or global bodies like the WHO.
• Anyone passionate about tackling infectious diseases at a community level.

Getting the degree is incredibly empowering. Candidates transition from managing general health to becoming the master of a life-saving domain. You learn to perform and interpret sophisticated operations/ tests, making it the backbone of your clinical decisions. This course is your passport to leading diagnosis and pioneering new treatments. The intellectual challenge, the direct impact on saving lives, and the prestige that comes with being a super-specialist make it immensely worthwhile in addressing the related challenges through this course. The course opens the doors to working in niche roles. Furthermore, this course is essential for skill enhancement and a career boost. Below are some of the key points provided:

• Gain authoritative knowledge in vector-borne and tropical diseases.
• Enhance career prospects in the government and global health sectors.
• Acquire valuable tropical medicine public health credentials in India.
• Become a recognized expert in a high-demand medical field.
• Open doors to impactful research and policy-making roles.

Getting into this course requires dedication, a strong academic background with a credible portfolio, and passing the interview.

The detailed process for admission is as follows:

• Interested doctors need to apply directly to the Indian Society of Malaria and Other Communicable Diseases or its recognized training centers.
• This involves submitting an application form, academic documents, a registration certificate, and any required fees.
• Shortlisted candidates are then invited for an interview before the final selection.

The syllabus covers the following areas:

• Epidemiology of malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and other communicable diseases.
• Training in vector control strategies
• Disease surveillance methods
• Outbreak investigation
• Public health management
• Laboratory diagnostics

Below are certain colleges, where the courses are provided:

• National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), New Delhi
• National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), New Delhi
• All India Institute of Hygiene and Public Health, Kolkata
• Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore
• King George's Medical University (KGMU), Lucknow
• JIPMER, Puducherry
• Madras Medical College, Chennai
• Seth G.S. Medical College, Mumbai
• Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh

The scope of jobs is diverse and expanding rapidly across multiple career paths, driven by the rising demand for specialists. This course also serves as a knowledge booster and a skill enhancer, with immense applications in current educational systems. Graduates are almost relaxed in terms of career opportunities, as after pursuing this course, it enhances employability in different fields, such as research and academia. Moreover, the increasing demand for specialists opens the door for national and international opportunities, thereby enhancing employability. Below are some of the career options that a candidate can check after this course:

• Medical Officers in charge of communicable diseases
• Epidemiologists
• Public Health Consultants
• Program Managers in health departments
• Research roles and advisory positions in agencies like the WHO and UNICEF.

Typically, the completion of this course helps the candidate to gain a demanding salary between ₹6-15 LPA or more, and this steadily increases with experience. Furthermore, in the UK NHS and in the Gulf region, packages can be equally attractive.

The completion of this course is itself rewarding, as professionals are already well-trained and equipped with advanced degrees and the required specialized skills. However, there is no limit to learning, and hence, for further enhancement, professionals may opt for additional education. Some of the options are given below:

• Pursue a Doctorate of Medicine (MD) in Community Medicine or a Diploma in Public Health (DPH)