Associate Professor - Ophthalmology

Job Title Associate Professor

Department Ophthalmology

Reporting To Head of the Department / Professor

Location Northeast India

Institution Type Premier 500-bed NABH-Accredited Multi-Super

Speciality Teaching Hospital.

Employment Type Full-Time | Teaching Faculty

Regulatory Framework National Medical Commission (NMC) Compliant

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Professor in the Department of Ophthalmology will serve as a senior academic and clinical faculty leader at SMIMS & Central Referral Hospital, Gangtok, Sikkim. The incumbent will be responsible for delivering advanced undergraduate and postgraduate medical education in ophthalmology, providing specialist eye care across OPD, IPD, emergency, and Operation Theatre settings, and contributing meaningfully to research and publication activities. This role demands an accomplished ophthalmologist with strong academic credentials, surgical expertise, and a demonstrable commitment to shaping the next generation of eye care specialists in a NABH-accredited, NMC-compliant teaching hospital environment.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

A. Academic & Teaching Responsibilities

Deliver undergraduate (MBBS) theory lectures, tutorials, and clinical classes in Ophthalmology as per university curriculum requirements.

Conduct postgraduate (MS/DNB) classes, bedside clinics, case presentations, seminars, and journal clubs for PG students and interns.

Participate in ward rounds with PG trainees and interns to develop clinical reasoning and examination skills.

Mentor postgraduate residents in thesis formulation, surgical skills, and research methodology.

Participate in curriculum development, examination setting, and academic assessment processes.

Cover duties of other Associate Professors when required to ensure academic continuity.

B. Clinical & Surgical Responsibilities

Attend and manage Outpatient Department (OPD) patients during assigned slots providing specialist ophthalmology consultation, diagnosis, and management.

Manage inpatients admitted under the unit and attend to inpatient referrals from other departments requiring ophthalmic consultation.

Attend to emergency ophthalmic patients during assigned on-call duties including ocular trauma, acute angle-closure glaucoma, and other ophthalmic emergencies.

Attend scheduled Operation Theatre sessions perform ophthalmic surgical procedures independently and supervise and train postgraduate students in surgical techniques.

Provide specialist ophthalmology services across the full spectrum of OPD, IPD, and emergency ophthalmic care.

Participate in ward rounds and case discussions with junior faculty, residents, and students.

Ensure accurate clinical documentation, NABH protocol compliance, and high standards of patient safety.

C. Research & Publications

Publish a minimum of two research papers in indexed national or international journals as per NMC requirements, with the candidate among the first three authors.

Submit articles and medical commentary to professional media and publications on a regular basis.

Lead or participate in departmental research projects in clinical ophthalmology, surgical outcomes, and ophthalmic sciences.

Guide postgraduate thesis work and support research training of PG residents.

D. Administrative & Other Responsibilities

Assist the Head of Department in departmental administration, academic planning, and resource management.

Participate in NABH accreditation activities, hospital quality improvement committees, and patient safety initiatives.

Engage in Continuing Medical Education (CME), national ophthalmology conferences, and professional development activities.

Undertake any additional duties assigned by the Head of Department or institutional management.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATIONS & ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

Educational Qualifications

MBBS from a recognized medical institution.

Postgraduate degree: MS / DNB / MD in Ophthalmology from a recognized institution, as per NMC regulations.

Teaching Experience (as per NMC Regulations)

Candidates must meet one of the following experience criteria:

(a)(i) Minimum 4 years as Assistant Professor in Ophthalmology at a recognized medical institution; OR minimum 5 years for those directly appointed as Assistant Professor in a Government medical institution; OR

(a)(ii) Specialist Medical Officer of the Armed Forces with at least 5 years post-PG clinical experience in Ophthalmology, of which at least 3 years as Assistant Professor in an Armed Forces teaching hospital; OR

(b) Non-teaching Consultant / Specialist / Medical Officer with a PG medical degree and at least 10 years of experience in a Government hospital of at least 220 beds (must complete Basic Course in Medical Education and Basic Course in Biomedical Research within 2 years of appointment).

Note (Aviation / Marine Medicine): Up to 4 years of experience in Flying Squadrons or Diving/Escape Training Schools counts as equivalent to 2 years of teaching experience for Associate Professor eligibility.

Research & Compliance Requirements

Minimum 2 research publications in indexed journals after becoming Assistant Professor (first three authors).

Completed Basic Course in Biomedical Research from an NMC-designated institution.

Must have undergone (or be willing to undergo) the Basic Course in Medical Education, as Ophthalmology is covered under undergraduate training.

Valid registration with the State Medical Council or National Medical Commission.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & COMPETENCIES

Clinical & Surgical Expertise

• Cataract surgery (phacoemulsification)
• Glaucoma diagnosis & management
• Retinal disease management
• Ophthalmic emergency care
• Slit-lamp & fundus examination
• Surgical training & OT supervision

Academic & Research

• UG & PG medical teaching

• Bedside clinical teaching

• NMC regulatory compliance

• Indexed journal publication

• PG thesis guidance & mentoring

• Curriculum development

Interpersonal & Soft Skills

• Excellent interpersonal skills

• Strong verbal & written communication

• Team leadership & collaboration

• Organised & detail-oriented

• Patient-centric approach

• Adaptability in teaching hospital