Hello, I’m Dr Kashika Vats. I completed my DM in clinical haematology from CMC, Ludhiana( January 2023 to January 2026)
Choosing to pursue a DM in Clinical Hematology is a significant career milestone, and finding a program that balances rigorous clinical volume with a supportive, academic-rich environment is rare. My time at Christian Medical College (CMC), Ludhiana, provided exactly that—a transformative experience that shaped me into a confident, independent, and compassionate hematologist.
One of the program’s greatest strengths is the perfect equilibrium between benign and malignant hematology. Unlike many centers that skew heavily toward one, CMC Ludhiana ensures deep exposure to both. Transitioning from an MD in Internal Medicine, I found the integrated adult and pediatric exposure particularly empowering. Working alongside specialists like our pediatric hemato-oncologist allowed me to bridge the gap in my training, gaining the same level of comfort treating a neonate with a coagulation disorder as an elderly patient with multiple myeloma.
The “Ludhiana Model” is built on mentored independence. From day one, residents are encouraged to take clinical ownership in the OPD and wards. This is backed by extensive hands-on procedural experience, including:
- Bone marrow aspirations and biopsies.
- Intrathecal chemotherapy and PICC line insertions.
- Central venous access and stem cell collection.
- Laboratory Proficiency: Dedicated postings in the state-of-the-art coagulation lab, blood banking, and flow cytometry ensure we don’t just read reports—we understand the science behind them.
The academic structure is relentless in the best way possible. Daily bedside teaching rounds are supplemented by twice-weekly seminars and journal clubs. A unique highlight is the exposure to “Masterclasses” featuring pioneers of Indian Hematology. Furthermore, the one-month mandatory training at CMC Vellore provides a vital external perspective, allowing us to benchmark our skills against one of the leading centers in the country.
The BMT unit is exceptionally well-run. I gained direct experience in matched related, haploidentical, and autologous transplants, including complex \alpha / \beta T-cell depletion techniques.
As a major referral hub, the department manages a massive volume of hemophilia and thalessemia cases. The multidisciplinary clinic—involving orthopedics, physiotherapy, and vascular surgery—taught me that hematology is rarely a solo sport; it requires a holistic, team-based approach.
The environment is highly conducive to original research. With regular research meetings and mentorship, I felt supported in writing my own papers, presenting at national and international conferences, and staying at the cutting edge of newer drug therapies and monoclonal antibodies.
The heart of this department is its culture. It is a non-authoritarian, non-domineering environment where your voice matters.
Dr. M. Joseph John, our HOD, is the architect of this atmosphere. He is an extremely approachable mentor who acts as a guide and a friend. He creates a safe space to ask questions and learn from mistakes, focusing on building our confidence as much as our clinical acumen.
What stays with you after graduation isn’t just the clinical pearls, but the bond. The sense of community between academic and non-academic staff is palpable.
Final Thought: If you are looking for a program that will challenge your intellect, refine your procedural skills, and support your personal growth, the Department of Clinical Hematology at CMC Ludhiana is the place to be. It doesn’t just produce hematologists; it produces leaders in the field.
