Method of Study:	Master in Minimal Access Surgery is one year degree course to add on the professional skill in Minimal Access Surgery. This course is open to qualified professional Surgeons, Gynaecologist, Pediatric Surgeon and Urologist. This course offers an exciting insight into technological advances in Minimal Access Surgery as well as a practical multidisciplinary approach to implementing this technology. Candidates for the degree will be required to have extensive hands on training and they will also undertake a research program and will be required to submit a thesis for examination. The thesis should embody the results of an investigation carried out by the candidate, under supervision, which shows independence of thought and which demonstrates the candidate's ability to carry out research in the discipline of minimal access surgery. Candidate has to spend initial three month training at Laparoscopy Hospital, New Delhi. During this three month they will get extensive "Hands On" training at laparoscopic lab of Laparoscopy Hospital. They will also get clinical attachment in various hospitals in New Delhi including Laparoscopy Hospital. This three month extensive training will be followed by 9 month clinical attachment in their respective country or state. The clinical attachment in respective country will be under supervision of senior member of World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeon in that country. World Association of laparoscopic Surgeons members are in almost all the country of the world and the supervisor of the clinical attachment will be decided by WALS and TGO University. During this 12 month candidate will do research and they have to submit dissertation at the end of course. After submission of thesis university will take final exam. At the time of final exam and evaluation of dissertation the candidate has to come again to New Delhi. The candidate has to maintain day to day log book of theirs clinical attachment signed by their laparoscopic instructor and it should be sent by mail to TGO University, Delhi head office, A/14 Paryavaran Complex, South of Saket, New Delhi - 110030. The Course Director of this course is Prof. Dr. R. K. Mishra, Professor and Head of Minimal Access Surgery. For Thesis seperate instructor will be appointed by the university on recomendation of governing body.
Duration of Study:	One year full-time research project and practical skills rehearsal followed by clinical attachment and Thesis submission
Entry Requirements:	Candidates must hold MBBS or equivalent and at least 3 years post-registration experience in General surgery or Gynecology.
Aims of the Programme:	To promote a deeper knowledge and understanding of minimal access surgery, the safe deployment of associated technologies and the implications of its introduction into healthcare services. Laparoscopic surgery adapts poorly to apprenticeship models for general surgical training. Standardized skill acquisition and validation programs, targeted performance goals, and a supervised, enforced, skill-based curriculum that readily can be shared between trainee and instructor must replace the observation and incremental skill-acquisition model used in an open surgical environment.
Programme Content:	The Masters in Minimal Access Surgery consists of five core on-line modules covering research methodology, ergonomics, instrumentation and technology, minimal access dissection techniques and tissue approximation methods. Two additional modules (from a range of topics) must also be completed on-line. Students who successfully complete the the module will entail completion of a research project and dissertation, clinical observation and practical skills rehearsal in the skill lab of Laparoscopy Hospital.
Methods of Assessment:	The Masters will be assessed by literature review, oral presentation, practical skills assessment and research dissertation.

	Who are eligible?

This one year masters course is designed for medical graduates with an interest in minimal access surgery. The Laparoscopy Hospital is based at New Delhi, and is an International training centre with expertise in providing practical courses in laparoscopic surgery. The degree is awarded by the TGO University after successfully completing the course designed by World Association of Laparoscopic Surgeons.

	What are the benefits?

The course provides a period of study and academic research to gain an in-depth understanding of Minimal Access surgery and the safe implementation of associated technologies. Participants are expected to develop their research methodologies, presentation skills, and analytical and critical abilities, and to gain a degree of competence in information technology. Admission to higher surgical training posts is highly competitive, and the M.MAS gives a competitive advantage. Dissertations, which are prepared as part of the course, are regularly published by graduates or form the basis of presentations at national and international venues.

	What does it entail?

The course runs over one academic year starting from January. There are three terms, followed by three months for dissertation writing.

The course modules comprise: research methods, information technology, statistics and presentation techniques, ergonomics and human reliability analysis, visual technology, safe endoscopic practice, access and tissue approximation, modes of dissection, flexible endoscopy, laparoscopic oncological survey, and clinical application of specific techniques.

The course requires submission of an assignment at the end of each module and completion of a research project. Every week participants have the opportunity to help consultants with laparoscopic procedures in theatre. In addition, three hours of practical instruction must be attended, covering the full range of laparoscopic skills.

Teaching skills are developed by assisting in various laparoscopic courses held by the Laparoscopy Hospital.

	How much time is needed?

The course is a full time programme.

	Is the course assessed?

The aggregated result of assignments represents 50% of the overall course requirements. The remaining 50% comes from submission of the research project, which is assessed by a supervisor and an external examiner. Participants may be required to provide clarifications or corrections. If a dissertation falls short of the exam criteria, a viva may be required. Alternatively, participants may opt to have a diploma awarded.

	What are the fees?

The fee for Masters in Minimal Access Surgery Course is 15,000 USD for overseas candidate and 3,50,000 INR for Indian Surgeons and Gynaecologists. This fee includes accommodation during course period in air-conditioned single room for three month near to institute premises. Please note that living expenses (Food, Travel, Stationary, and Laundry etc.) are not covered in the course fee. There is no extra charge to utilize hospital resources like internet, laparoscopic instruments, O.T. Dress, Library, Videos, CDs. Please note that if you dont want to stay in hostel 600 USD will be reduced from the total fee.

	Recommendations for a thesis?

The topic for a thesis should be carefully chosen by candidate, either from an area of intended specialisation or in preparation for an MD or MS thesis. A laboratory based topic generally gives participants a higher degree of control than a clinical project.

	Was it worth it?

The course definitely improves the candidate's ability to apply the fundamental ergonomics of laparoscopic techniques in a varied clinical environment. Minimal Access Surgical skill of candidate will definitely improve par excellence after this Master course. During training in M.MAS program, responsibilities of candidate will increase with experience, capability and performance. There is opportunity to increase your surgical, supervisory and teaching and administrative skills.