FELLOWSHIP COURSE IN HOMOEOPATHIC DERMATOLOGY

1. INTRODUCTION

Skin has acquired an important place in our daily life since the beginning of human existence. It is
not only considered important as an organ reflecting external beauty but is also said to mirror the
state of our internal health. The cosmetic market catering to skin and hair care is a multimillion
dollar industry. However, to a clinician, this approach is literally skin deep! Confining one’s
attention only to the exterior ignores the derangement in the interior which in fact may be
responsible for the expressions on the surface.

Due to our grossly unnatural life style which involves a progressive increase in atmospheric,
water and food pollution, use of multiple hazardous fertilizers and chemicals in our day to day life
and consumption of unhealthy artificially flavoured and coloured foods, there is an all round
increase in the incidences of allergic skin disorders. The lesions then become prone to multiple
infections. Stress and strains have also rendered individuals prone to deeper disorders of the skin
which include multiple autoimmune disorders and cancers.

Homoeopathy looks at skin disorders as external manifestations of an internal state. They reflect
the individual, his mental and physical make up and his lifestyle. They also reflect imbalances in
the life and living of man versus his environment. Hence, merely removing or suppressing skin
lesions never cures the disease. Homeopathy with its unique holistic approach is able to deal with
man in its entirety, thereby restoring the internal balance and the health of the skin. Homoeopathy
is recognized and recommended for treatment of a number of skin disorders all over the world and
its popularity is on the rise. Attention is thus needed to standardize and develop a specialized
clinical approach thereby producing physicians who will be able to cater to this demand.

2. DESIRABILITY OF FELLOWSHIP IN DERMATOLOGY

Dermatology constitutes an important part of the practice of any Homoeopath. In the evolution of
key concepts of the homoeopathic approach, considerable importance has been paid to the
concept of chronic disease which is based on the suppression of ‘itch’ as a key phenomenon. The
evolution of disease and the miasm starts from the manifestations on the skin and its disorders.
The remedy response and outcome are many a time guided by how the skin disorders are dealt
with through different therapeutic interventions.

Beside these key concepts, disease expressions of the skin have undergone significant changes.
Currently, the patient comes to the Homoeopath with multiple skin disorders of multiple causes
calling for an in-depth study from the diagnostic and management point of view. A generalist will
have limitation in dealing with these multiple diseases. A Homoeopathic physician trained in
dermatology will be able to devote himself to acquiring greater clinical competence in the subject
will not only be expected to master the diagnostic ability but will help in managing these diseases
with a scientific and evidence base.

Dermatology has now expanded its coverage to cosmetology as well. The commercial angle of
this venture is one where Homoeopathy has an application as evidenced by the number of
Homoeopaths who are already functioning in this area. A homoeopath trained in this speciality
will be able to incorporate these advances by keeping Homoeopathy and its principles in the
centre.

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3. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Candidate will have to learn in greater depth the subject of dermatology and learn the application
of Homoeopathic principles to the management of various dermatological conditions.

a. Common morphological presentation and its correlation with symptomatology and approach
to clinical diagnosis.
b. Understanding the various pathological processes involved in the clinical expression on the
skin and its reflection in the diagnosis of the disease.
c. Integrating (a) and (b) and understanding the dermatological diseases in the homoeopathic
perspective and classifying them according to Hahnemannian classification.
d. Understanding the reflection of Miasms on evolution and progression of various skin
diseases.
e. Developing case taking skills from the Homoeopathic perspective which will incorporate the
diagnostic exploration.
f. Developing case processing skills in terms of classification and evaluation of symptoms in
dermatological disorders.
g. Understanding the basic principles of approach for the general and homoeopathic
management of various dermatological disorders.
h. Understanding the dermatological expressions of various systemic illnesses and approach to
their management.
i. Understanding the crucial role of documentation in the scientific understanding of the clinical
state and scope of Homoeopathy and plan, perform and report specific research projects in the
discipline of Homoeopathic dermatology.

4. TITLE OF THE COURSE:

Advanced Fellowship Course in Homoeopathic Dermatology

5. DURATION OF THE COURSE: One year

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR ADMISSION:

a. MD (Hom) in any of the branches
b. Teachers from recognized Homoeopathic colleges
c. Physicians who have completed Certificate Course in Advanced Homoeopathy
d. Registered homoeopathic physicians with ten years of clinical experience

6. INTAKE CAPACITY:
a. Guide: student ratio would be 1:3
b. Co-Guide as a Consultant Dermatologist with ten years of professional experience is
essential.

7. SYLLABUS

The dermatology fellowship student will revise the following topics in detail

1. Anatomy/histology of all structures in human body/organs

SPECIAL emphasis on structure of skin, cells, appendages etc
2. Physiology - emphasis on correlation of skin & other systems like endocrine etc.
3. Psychology & its reflection on skin.
4. Immunological mechanisms and the role of the PNE and RES in coordinating defences of
the individual
5. Genetics-Fundamental / applied aspects related to dermatological conditions

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 In addition, the following topics will form an additional part of his special knowledge and
skills
1. Interpretation of Clinical Dermatology in relation to Homoeopathic Philosophy and
Pathology
2. Clinical case taking and approach to Dermatological conditions
3. Understanding the application of Repertory in the analysis and treatment of patients with
Dermatological disorders
4. Integrated approach to understanding and Homoeopathic management of the following
clinical conditions:
i. Infective conditions
b. Allergic disorders
c. Autoimmune conditions
i. Psoriasis
ii. Lichen planus
iii. Pigmentary disorders
d. General disorders having skin manifestations
i. SLE
ii. Dermatomyopathies
iii. Nutritional disorders
e. Carcinomas
f. Cosmetology

8. METHODS OF TRAINING

This will be a part time course for one year necessitating the attendance of the student in
the OPD of the recognized Hospital/clinic. He may be posted at any Dermatological centre where
diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions/cosmetology is being carried out.
A. On job practical/lab training (300 hours)
o Posting in dermatological OPD where students should get sufficient exposure to see,
understand & diagnose various skin presentations.
o Understanding the biopsy and the results correlating the histopathology
o Learning the use of Wood’s lamp & camera.

B. Teaching sessions (150 hours)

o Subject seminars, lectures from experts in the field of dermatology (MD dermatology) &
interpreting the pathogenesis for insight in to the miasm and susceptibility.
o Clinical case-group discussions.
o Students should be encouraged to attend CME, Workshops,
Conferences & presenting and publishing papers and case reports.

9. EXAMINATION SCHEME

THEORY: Two papers of 100 marks each

Paper-1

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 a) General concepts in Homoeopathic Philosophy and Clinical Dermatology and
interpretation of pathogenesis in relation to Homoeopathic Philosophy. Common diagnostic
and miasmatic understanding.
b) Homoeopathic approach and management of the various infective conditions, occupational
and nutritional disorders.
c) Cosmetology: concept, approach and practice.
Paper-2
a. Homoeopathic approach and management of Dermatological auto-immune disorders,
include psoriasis, lichenplanus and pigment disorders, etc.
b. Systemic disorders with dermatological expressions
c. Abnormal growths and carcinomas.

PRACTICALS: 100 marks whose distribution to be as follows

a. One short case: 20 marks

b. One long case: 30 marks
c. Viva based on assignment: 50 marks

10. ONLINE TRAINING: May be undertaken for giving theoretical inputs but not in lieu of
the clinical posting in a Dermatological unit which is mandatory

11. ASSIGNMENT: A portfolio of 15 cases of different dermatological conditions

successfully treated by the student with photographic evidence of before and after
treatment to be submitted a month prior to the examination. The cases should be
submitted in a format which illustrates the thinking process employed by the treating
physician in arriving at the clinical diagnosis, remedy selection and conducting the
treatment. This assignment will form the basis of the viva examination.

12. EVALUATION
There will be a system of credits throughout the course
 Credits:
i. Lectures - Each 3 Hrs will attract 1 Credit point (maximum of 100 points)
ii. Presentations – 1 Credit point for 2 hours of Individual presentation (maximum of
10 points)
iii. Clinical Training – Each 3 Hrs will attract 1 Credit point (maximum of 200
points)
iv. Cases solved-1 credit points per case to be given by Guide/ co-guide/ Mentor (
maximum of 30 points)
v. Attendance at CME/Conferences related to the subject-Each 3 hours will attract 1
credit points.(Maximum 15 points
vi. Dissertation – A maximum of 30 credit points to be given by the Guide
vii. Internal assessment- maximum of 30 credit points

Student should have minimum of 300 points to be eligible for final exams and should have
submitted his written case work and dissertation.

b. The summative evaluation has been mentioned above.

c. The submission of the project assignment is mandatory to appearance for the
examination.
d. The lab training will be reflected in the lab journal reflecting the work done in the lab

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13. CRITERIA OF THE INSTITUTE TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR ADVANCED
FELLOWSHIP IN HOMOEOPATHIC DERMATOLOGY
a. An active Homoeopathic Dermatology Department having at least an attendance of 30
patients per OPD session and 10 new cases per week.
b. Consultant Dermatologist with ten years experience available who will function as a
Co-guide
c. Laboratory facilities or a tie up with a renowned laboratory for carrying out investigations
d. Access to a histopathologist who is conversant with diagnosis of dermatological disorders
e. Guide/Mentor:
1. Homoeopathic physician with a Post-graduate qualification and having ten years of
experience of treating dermatological conditions/cosmetology.
2. Approved teacher of ten years with experience in Homoeopathic Dermatology
3. Homoeopathic physician with ten years of clinical experience and having done the
MUHS-MET workshop on Research Methodology.