Hello, I’m Dr. Wesley Joyal. I completed my DM in Clinical Haematology at Christian Medical College, Ludhiana (Jan 2023 to Jan 2026)
Coming from a background in MD Internal Medicine, choosing haematology was a journey of rediscovery for me, and training at CMC Ludhiana made that journey truly meaningful.
What stands out most about this program is the balance between responsibility and support. From early on, especially in the OPD, we are encouraged to make our own clinical decisions, which are then thoughtfully corrected, refined, or appreciated by our Head of Department. This approach builds confidence and sharpens clinical judgment.
Academically, the environment is very structured and consistent. We have teaching sessions every day, along with weekly classes and journal clubs. In addition, we have regular masterclasses where we are exposed to pioneers in haematology like Dr. Mammen Chandy, Dr. Vikram Mathews, and Dr. Naveen Khattry, which is truly inspiring.
The clinical exposure is vast. We see a wide spectrum of cases—from common to rare, both benign and malignant—in both adults and children. Working with Dr. Shruti, our pediatric hemato-oncologist, was especially valuable for me. Coming from an adult medicine background, it gave me great confidence in managing pediatric patients as well.
The department has a very unique and inclusive culture. Every Wednesday, the entire team—including faculty, residents, nursing staff, physician assistants, and ward helpers—comes together to discuss challenges and identify practical solutions. It fosters teamwork and continuous improvement.
Transplant exposure here is comprehensive and hands-on. We have dedicated BMT postings, regular weekly transplant meetings, and exposure to matched related, matched unrelated, haploidentical, alpha-beta T-cell depletion, and autologous transplants. We are also actively involved in stem cell collection.
We also have a one-month external posting at CMC Vellore, which provides an excellent learning experience at one of the leading hematology centers in the country.
Laboratory training is another strong pillar, with dedicated postings where we learn peripheral smear examination, blood banking, flow cytometry, and coagulation studies—including specialized tests like two-stage assays.
We get extensive procedural exposure, including bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, intrathecal chemotherapy, central lines, and PICC line insertions. The dedicated daycare also helps us understand chemotherapy preparation, including drug reconstitution and safe administration.
Hemophilia care is another highlight. We see a large number of patients and manage different types of hemophilia through a multidisciplinary clinic involving orthopedics, physiotherapy, vascular surgery, and rehabilitation—giving us a very holistic approach to patient care
We are also regularly exposed to conferences, both national and international, where we get opportunities to present papers and participate in quizzes. In addition, regular research meetings guide us in writing case reports, conducting research, and publishing scientific work.
A special mention about our Head of Department, Dr. Joseph John—he has been more than just a teacher. He is a mentor, a guide, and at times, even a friend. He creates an environment where we feel comfortable asking questions, making decisions, and learning from our mistakes. His approach to teaching encourages independent thinking while always being there for support. That balance has played a huge role in shaping not just our clinical skills, but also our confidence as individuals.
Beyond academics, the department shares a strong sense of bonding. We have informal get-togethers at our HOD sir’s house, and also a yearly sports day where the entire department—including both academic and non-academic staff—comes together. These moments build a sense of family that stays with you even after training.
This training has shaped me not only as a clinician but also as a person—how I think, approach challenges, and work within a team.
To anyone considering DM Clinical Haematology, I would say—CMC Ludhiana is a place that will challenge you, support you, and ultimately transform you into a confident and compassionate haematologist.
