Summary of "INI SS Pediatric group - what to expect?"

Overview of INI Pediatric Subspecialty Interview

Dr. Ad Gupta, a DM resident in pediatric oncology, provides detailed guidance on what to expect in the INI Pediatric Subspecialty (SS) interview. This advice is especially useful for first-time candidates.

Interview Structure

The interview is divided into three main parts, totaling 20 marks:

1. Clinical Case-Based Scenarios (10-15 marks)

Candidates are presented with clinical cases, usually either:
- Three different cases, or
- One case discussed by multiple faculty members.
Questions focus on:
- Patient examination
- Investigations
- Diagnosis
- Management
Emphasis is placed on practical approaches, especially considering resource-limited settings (e.g., drug availability in low- and middle-income countries).
Example cases include:
- Relapse in acute leukemia
- Neutropenic enterocolitis
- Adrenal mass/neuroblastoma

2. Miscellaneous Questions (about 5 marks)

Often includes biostatistics questions.
Candidates may be asked about their thesis and related biostatistics.
Common biostatistics topics:
- Difference between meta-analysis and systematic review
- Sensitivity and specificity
- Positive and negative predictive values
- Bias
- Funnel plot vs. forest plot

3. Departmental Assessment (about 5 marks)

Questions from other pediatric subspecialties related to your field.
Examples include:
- Genetics of retinoblastoma
- Neurological side effects of chemotherapy drugs
- Management of oncological emergencies such as spinal cord compression or tumor lysis syndrome

Preparation Tips

Brush up on clinical knowledge, especially case management in pediatric oncology.
Review basic and applied biostatistics.
Be familiar with your MD thesis and be ready to discuss it.
Understand interdisciplinary coordination in pediatrics.
Know guidelines relevant to low-resource settings.