MCC NEET PG Counselling 2024: Check list of required documents

Delhi: For MD, MS, PG Diploma, and DNB admissions this year, the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has released the list of required documents for candidates who seek to appear in NEET PG counselling allotment process for AIQ, deemed, central state quotas..

All the concerned candidates are advised to take note of the information released by the MCC as follows:

ADMISSION

If the Candidate is satisfied with his/her allotment he/she may approach the allotted college/institute for completing the admission formalities. Original documents required at the time of joining in allotted Medical/Dental College are as mentioned below:

i. Allotment Letter issued by MCC (Essential document).

ii. Admit Card issued by NBE.

iii. Result/Rank Letter issued by NBE.

iv. Mark Sheets of MBBS 1st, 2nd & 3rd Professional Examinations.

v. MBBS Degree Certificate/ Provisional Certificate. (Essential document).

vi. Internship Completion Certificate/Certificate from the Head of Institution or College that the candidate shall complete the Internship by 31st March, of the year of admission/ or if required the date as decided by the Competent Authority. However, for this academic year the internship completion date may be treated as15th August, 2024 as approved by the competent authority, MoHFW.

vii. Permanent / provisional Registration Certificate issued by MCI/NMC. Provisional Registration Certificate is acceptable only in cases where candidate is undergoing internship and likely to complete the same on or before 15th August, 2024 (for this academic year). (Essential document)

viii. High School/Higher Secondary Certificate/Birth Certificate as proof of date or birth. (Essential document)

ix. Candidates allotted seat must carry one of the identification proofs (ID Proof) to the allotted college at the time of admission (as mentioned in the information Bulletin published by the National Board of Examinations (NBE) for NEET i.e. PAN Card, Driving License, Voter ID, Passport or Aadhaar Card).

x. The Candidate should also bring the following certificates, if applicable:

a) SC/ST Certificate issued by the competent authority (in the format as specified in the Information Bulletin) and should be in English or Hindi language. Sub caste should be clearly mentioned in the certificate. The translated certificate must be certified by a Gazetted Officer. (Essential document)

b) EWS Certificate as per the Central Govt. Norms (in the format as specified in the Information Bulletin) and should be in English or Hindi language. The translated certificate must be certified by a Gazetted Officer. (Essential document)

c) OBC certificate issued by the competent authority. The sub-caste should tally with the Central List of OBC. The OBC candidates should not belong to Creamy Layer.

The OBC certificate must be in the format as mentioned in the prospectus. The translated certificate must be certified by a Gazetted Officer. (Essential document).

d) Disability Certificate issued from a duly constituted and authorized Medical Board for 21 Benchmark Disabilities as per the Rights of Persons with Disability Act,2016 and NMC Norms. No other certificate, issued by any other Authorities/Hospital will be entertained. The format of Certificate of Disability is annexed (1,2) in the Information Bulletin. (Essential document)

e) NRI/OCI candidates to bring sponsorship certificates, relevant documents etc. in original (same as uploaded on MCC mail) at the time of reporting/ admission.

The physical verification of the documents will be done by the respective college authorities and MCC has no role to play in the same. However, it is once again clarified that, the allotment made by MCC in any of the rounds is purely provisional subject to physical verification of documents of the candidate by the allotted college authorities.

Also, the information regarding Stipend/fee structure/course duration/bond amount/rendering of service in rural/tribal area/other conditions etc. has been provided by Medical Colleges. MCC/ DGHS takes no responsibility regarding the said information including Fees/Bond/Mode of Payment or any typographical error/ data etc. Candidates are advised to visit College website or contact the College Authorities directly for any query regarding above information before filling choices.

RESULT

The counseling for NEET-PG is conducted by MCC based on the result of qualified candidates sent by NBE. The whole counseling process in completely automated without any manual intervention.

MCC uploads the provisional result initially in every round for verification of the candidates/college/institute based on their choices, merit and eligibility. They will also be given an opportunity to reach out to MCC if there is any discrepancy in the result. If no discrepancy is found or if the discrepancy is rectified, then the final result is uploaded on the MCC website. The provisional result is only indicative in nature and is subject to change. It may not be utilized for any legal purpose. Candidates are advised not to proceed for booking tickets after the declaration of the provisional result. They should wait for the final allotment letter to be issued by the MCC of DGHS.

Once the Candidates are allotted a seat based on their merit, choice & eligibility, in any of the Rounds of counseling conducted by MCC, the Candidates will be required to download their ‘allotment letter’ from the MCC website. If the Candidate is satisfied with his/her allotment he/she may approach the allotted college/institute for completing the admission formalities within the reporting time schedule.

However, it is clarified that, the allotment made by MCC in any of the rounds is purely provisional subject to physical verification of documents of the candidate by the allotted college/institute authorities.

Important Information and Guidelines for Candidates

All the participating Candidates are hereby informed that all important communications issued by the Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) are posted on the official website of MCC. The authenticity of communication may be confirmed from the official website of MCC/Intra-MCC before relying upon any message circulating in social media.

All questions in the scheme of counselling are mandatory in nature and not optional. Candidates are advised to go through these important questions related to the scheme of counselling (refer Bulletin) before registering on MCC website, in order to understand the scheme of counseling.

Candidates are deemed to have read, agreed and accepted the Scheme of Counselling and the terms and conditions of the counselling scheme for NEET-PG Counselling, 2024 on completing the online submission of application/registration form.

Registration for NEET – PG Counselling conducted by MCC can only be submitted online through Medical Counselling Committee website. Registration submitted through any other mode shall be summarily rejected.

Candidates are further advised to fill the application form on their own/self on the MCC website and not through any agent or third party.

A candidate can submit NEET-PG Counselling application/registration form only once. Any candidate found to have submitted more than one application/registration form for NEET-PG Counselling shall be debarred from NEET-PG Counselling allotment process, his/her candidature shall be cancelled and further action as deemed appropriate by the MCC of DGHS, MoHFW shall be taken.

The Security Deposit of candidates who have been allotted a seat in the Second Round or subsequent rounds but do not join the respective institution or surrender the seat due to any unforeseen reason, will be forfeited. Also, the Security Deposit will be forfeited if the admission gets cancelled due to any reason. E.g. in case the candidate gives wrong information at the time of registration on the basis of which a seat may be allotted and later cancelled by the Admission Authorities or fails to produce the required documents at the time of admission (within stipulated time).

Candidate may kindly note that registering for NEET-PG Counselling does not confer any automatic rights to secure a Post Graduate seat. The selection and admission to Post Graduate seats in any medical Institution recognized for running Post Graduate courses as per Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 is subject to fulfilling the merit, admission criteria, eligibility, and such criteria as may be prescribed by the respective universities, medical institutions, Medical Council of India, State/Central Government.

Candidate should ensure that all the information filled during the online submission of application/registration form is correct and factual. Information provided by the candidates in the online application/registration form shall be treated as correct and self certified and MCC shall not entertain, under any circumstances, any request for change in the information provided by the candidates.MCC does not change/ edit /modify/alter any information entered by the candidates at the time of online submission of application/registration for Counselling under any circumstances. (refer to NBE for any query)

The information regarding Stipend /fee structure/ course duration / bond amount / rendering of service in rural / tribal area/other conditions etc. has been provided by Medical/Dental Colleges on MCC website. MCC/ DGHS takes no responsibility regarding the above information including Fees/Bond/ Mode of Payment or any typographical error/ data etc. Candidates are advised to visit College website or contact the College Authorities directly for any query regarding above information before filling choices. Choices once locked cannot be modified and any request to MCC/DGHS regarding change/alteration of choices will not be entertained.

Candidates are advised to confirm their eligibility/domicile status before registering on MCC website for Institutional Quota seats of Central Universities/Institutes/ Deemed University before opting for their seats.

Candidates are advised to confirm the fee structure/ any other additional fee from the colleges especially Deemed Universities before filling up choices for the same. Some AllIndia Quota collegesmight have high fee structure, therefore confirmation about the fee should be made before hand, MCC of DGHS takes No responsibility of the fee structure of the colleges and will not entertain any request or complaint regarding Fee Structure. The above information may be confirmed by the candidate before filling the choices.

Candidates are advised to be in touch with the MCC website for Schedule / latest updates / Results / Notices / News & Events pertaining to counselling as MCC /DGHS will not be individually contacting the Candidates for the same.

No communication will be directly sent to the Candidate(s). They are advised to be in touch with the website on regular basis for any updates.

It has come to the knowledge of the Authorities that there have been instances wherein some persons/agents have claimed to provide a seat in any of the participating colleges in the Counselling process. The Candidates are advised not to fall prey to the said claims as there is no direct entry/nomination in any of the participating colleges in the NEET Counselling. MCC of DGHS will not be responsible for any such type of fraud/treachery/ trickery.

Candidates are advised to use the Mobile number/email id used by them during registration on NBE website for MCC counselling registration process. The said Email ID and Mobile number shall only be used/pre-populated during the Counselling registration process. OTPs etc. will only be sent to the registered mobile number and email ids.

Refund process will commence only after the completion of all the rounds of Counselling. MCC will not entertain any query either through email or phone call with regard to refund before the completion of all the rounds of counseling.

Candidates are informed that they will be shown only the Clear-cut Vacancies in Round 1. Also, the vacancy position of the seats will be shown in three categories during Round 2, which are as follows:

a) Clear-cut vacancies- The seats which have not been allotted in Round 1.

b) Virtual Vacancies- Any Candidate who has been allotted a seat in Round 1 and has opted for up- gradation in Round 2, the allotted seats of Round 1 will be shown as virtual vacancy in Round 2 and Candidates can fill the said seat during the choice filling in Round

However, such seats will be allotted in Round 2 if the allottee of Round 1 vacates/upgrades in Round 2.

c) The candidate is now allowed to upgrade seat from second round to third round (refer chapter -8)

Each round of counselling is a separate round and the rules of each round are different. Once any round commences, the rules of that round will apply to all the candidates even if they were allotted/admitted in the previous round(s) of counselling. Once round 2 commences the rules of Round 2 shall apply and the rules of round 1will not apply. Similarly, the rules of third round will apply only in third round and the rules of Stray Vacancy round will apply only on stray vacancy round.

Only Qualified/ eligible candidates are required to register on the MCC website to participate in the counselling process for allotment of seat. MCC does not allot any seat either on nomination basis/ manually or on offline mode

No Offline admissions and no offline resignations- all admissions and resignation (if provided) will be made through online mode. Any admission or resignation taken in offline mode will not be accepted. Colleges taking offline admission or resignation may face the legal action or any other consequences at their own level. The seat will be considered as vacant for the next round of counselling where offline admission is taken. The vacated seat due to offline resignation will not be taken in the next round of counselling.

Candidates should make sure that while taking admission/resignation in the allotted college their admission/resignation is generated through online mode i.e. through intramcc portal by the college authorities. Any other letter of admission/resignation will not be accepted.

Candidates who have international number must provide an alternative Indian number at the time of registration for the counselling process.

Disability certificate- the Candidates must obtain their online disability certificate from designated disability board in an online mode generated by the disability Centre as per the NMC norms before the choice filling commences. Only Candidates who have made their disability certificate through online mode from the designated centres will be eligible to fill in the PwD choices. MCC of DGHS does not issue/authenticate/verify and has no role in generation of online Disability certificate.

The MCC, DGHS reserves its absolute right to alter, amend, modify or apply any or some of the instructions/ guidelines contained in this information bulletin.

In case of any ambiguity in interpretation of any of the instructions/ terms/ rules/criteria regarding the determination of eligibility/conduct of counselling/ registration of candidates/ any information contained herein, the interpretation of the MCC, DGHS shall be final and binding in nature.

Court cases w.r.t. counselling must be in Delhi jurisdictions only.

MCC AIQ Schedule:

Round-1
Sl. No. Verification of Tentative Seat Matrix by the participating Institutes Registration/Payment Choice Filling/ Locking Processing of Seat Allotment Result Reporting/ Joining Verification of Joined candidates Data by institutes Sharing of data to MCC
1 7th Nov,2024 20th Sept. to 17th Nov. 2024, up to12:00 NOON only (as per Server Time) * Payment facility will be available up to 03:00 PM of 17th Nov., 2024 (as per Server Time) 8th Nov. 2024 to 17th Nov., 2024 (Choice Filling will be available upto 11:55 P.M of 17th Nov, 2024 (as per Server Time) Choice Locking will start from 04:00 P.M of 17th Nov. 2024 upto 11:55 P.M of 17th Nov. 2024 (as per Server Time) 18th Nov.., 2024 to 19th Nov., 2024 20th Nov. 2024 21st Nov., 2024 to 27th Nov., 2024 28th Nov., 2024 to 29th Nov., 2024
(1- Day) (59-Days) (10-Days) (2-Days) (1-Day) (7-Days) (2-Days)
Round-2
2 4th Dec., 2024 4th Dec., 2024 to 9th Dec., 2024 Upto 12:00 Noon as per Server Time * Payment facility will be available up to 03:00 PM of 9th Dec., 2024 as per Server Time 5th Dec., 2024 to 9th Dec., 2024 (Choice Filling will be available upto 11:55 P.M of 9th Dec., 2024) as per Server Time Choice Locking will start from 04:00 P.M of 9th Dec., 2024 upto 11:55 P.M of 9th Dec., 2024 as per Server Time 10th Dec., 2024 to 11th Dec., 2024 12th Dec., 2024 13th Dec., 2024 to 20th Dec, 2024 21st Dec.,2024 to 22nd Dec., 2024
(1-Day (6-Days) (5-Days) (2- Days) (1-Day) (8-Days) (2-Days)
ROUND-3
3 26th Dec., 2024 26th Dec., 2024 to 1st Jan., 2025 (12:00 NOON as per Server Time) * Payment facility will be available till 03:00 P.M of 1st Jan., 2025 (as per Server Time) 27th Dec, 2024 to 1st Jan., 2025 (Choice Filling will be upto 11:55 PM of 31st Dec., 2024) as per Server Time Choice Locking from 04:00 P.M of 1st Jan., 2025 upto 11:55 P.M of 1st Jan., 2025as per Server Time 2nd Jan., 2025 to 3rd Jan., 2025 4th Jan., 2025 6th Jan., 2025 to 13th Jan., 2025 14th Jan., 2025 to 15th Jan., 2025
(1-Day (7-Days) (6-Days) (2-Days) (1-Day) (8-Days) (2- Days)
ONLINE STRAY VACANCY ROUND
4 18th Jan., 2025 18th Jan., 2025 to 21st Jan., 2025 (upto 12:00 P.M of 21st Jan., 2025 as per Server Time) * Payment facility will be available upto 03:00 P.M of 21st Jan., 2025 ) as per Server Time 18th Jan., 2025 to 21st Jan., 2025(Choice Filling will be available upto 11:55 P.M of 21st Jan., 2025) as per Server Time Choice Locking will start from 04:00 P.M of 21st Jan., 2025upto 11:55 P.M of 21st Jan., 2025 as per Server Time 22nd Jan., 2025 to 23rd Jan., 2025 24th Jan., 2025 25th Jan., 2025 to 30th Jan., 2025
(1-Day (4-Days) (4-Days) (2-Days) (1-Day) (6 -Days)

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Dr Rekha Arcot appointed as Dean of Dr DY Patil Medical College Hospital and Research Centre

Pune: Dr Rekha Arcot has been
appointed as the new dean of Dr D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune. Dr. Arcot’s leadership
will help to continue to provide excellent medical education and
patient care, drawing on his over 30 years of expertise in medical academia,
clinical research, and healthcare management.

As she served as Dean of Academics and
Clinical and Medical Superintendent at Melmaruvathur Adhiparasakthi Institute
of Medical Sciences (MAPIMS), Dr Arcot has extensive knowledge of an institution’s administrative operations.

She specialized in
general surgery, and breast and endocrine surgery. She is trained in laparoscopic
surgery from Strasbourg and trauma from Johannesburg. She has administrative
experience as Dean of Medical College, Associate Dean of Accreditation and International Affairs, and Assistant Controller of
Examination. She has held several posts including Associate Editor of the University
Journal, member of IQAC, and worked on mortality audit and women’s advancement
committees.

According to MediaBrief, Dr Rekha Arcot said,
“I am deeply honored to join such a prestigious institution. I look forward to
collaborating with the talented faculty and students to uphold and elevate our
standards in medical education and research. Together, we will continue to
foster a culture of innovation and excellence that advances both patient care
and academic leadership.”

Other medical
professionals have also complemented Dr Arcot while welcoming her on board as a
new member of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre. Dr
P. D. Patil, Chancellor of Dr D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, said, “We
are delighted to welcome Dr Rekha Arcot as our new Dean. Her extensive
background in medical education, research, and leadership will be instrumental
in driving our institution forward. I am confident that her expertise will
inspire both faculty and students as we strive for continued academic and
healthcare excellence.”

Dr. Bhagyashree Patil,
Pro-Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune referred to her as a
visionary leader. “Her approach to integrating clinical expertise with academic
rigour aligns with our mission to provide world-class education and healthcare
services,” she added.

Dr. Yashraj Patil,
Trustee, and Treasurer Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, said, “We are
pleased to welcome Dr. Rekha Arcot as Dean. Her extensive experience and
passion for medical education align with our core values of excellence and
integrity. I am certain that her leadership will propel our institution’s
impact on healthcare and education to even greater heights.”

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Violation of PGMER for NEET PG Admissions! NMC spells out much harsher penalties

New Delhi: Medical Colleges running postgraduate medical courses may lose double the number of seats for one or more years if they violate the Postgraduate Medical Education Regulations (PGMER) rules, 2023.

Laying down the rules and regulations for postgraduate medical admission, the Apex Medical Education Regulatory Body i.e. NMC on December 29, 2023 released the PGMER 2023 Regulations.

In these regulations, NMC had specifically prohibited admission of any student in any way other than Counselling. It had clarified that medical colleges would be fined Rs one crore per seat for granting admission to any student in contravention of these regulations. 

For any subsequent non-compliance, the medical institute would be barred from granting admissions to any student for a minimum of two academic years from the next academic year. 

On the other hand, such students admitted in violation of these guidelines would be discharged from the Medical College and double the number of seats shall be reduced for one or more years.

“No medical institution shall admit any candidate to the Post-Graduate Medical Education courses (including super-speciality medical courses) in contravention of these regulations. Provided the medical institution granting admission to any student in contravention of these Regulations, shall be fined rupees one crore per seat for non-compliance,” mentioned the PGMER 2023 regulations.

“For any subsequent non-compliance or continued contravention, the medical institution shall be barred from granting admissions to any student in the subject for minimum two academic years from the next academic year. Provided further that such Student admitted in contravention of this mandate shall be discharged from the Medical College and double the number of seats shall be reduced for one or more years,” it further added.

Also Read: Why was NEET PG 2024 Counselling delayed? Explains NMC Secretary

After much await, the Medical Counselling Committee announced the counselling schedule for NEET PG 2024. As per the official notice, the Counselling began November 7, 2024 when the Round 1 counselling started. All the rounds of counselling including the Online Stray Vacancy Round will be completed on January 30, 2025.

Also Read: NEET PG Counseling Schedule Announced for 2024: Key Dates and Details

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Medical Bulletin 09/ November/ 2024

Here are the top medical news for the day:

Petticoat Cancer: How Your Saree Could Affect Skin Cancer Risk?
A tightly tied waist cord of the underskirt (petticoat) traditionally worn under a saree, particularly in rural parts of India, may lead to what has been dubbed ‘petticoat cancer,’ warn doctors in the journal BMJ Case Reports after treating two women with this type of malignancy. The petticoat is usually tied very tightly around the waist with a cord. The tight cord of the petticoat often leads to dermatoses related to chronic friction and maceration, resulting in dermatitis and depigmentation. In rare cases, chronic friction may lead to the development of squamous cell carcinoma.
This phenomenon has previously been described as “saree cancer,” but it is the tightness of the waist cord that’s to blame, researchers point out. The first case concerned a 70 year old woman who sought medical help because of a painful skin ulcer on her right flank that she had had for 18 months and which wouldn’t heal. The skin in the surrounding area had lost its pigmentation. She wore her petticoat underneath her saree which was tightly tied around her waist. A biopsy specimen revealed that she had a Marjolin ulcer, also known as squamous cell carcinoma.
The second case concerned a woman in her late 60s who had had an ulcer on her right flank that wouldn’t heal for 2 years. She had worn a traditional type of saree called a ‘lugda’ every day for 40 years, tied very tightly around the waist without an underskirt. A biopsy specimen revealed that she too had a Marjolin ulcer. The cancer had already spread to one of the lymph nodes in her groin when she was diagnosed.
Authors recommend wearing a loose petticoat beneath the saree to ease pressure on the skin, and to wear loose clothing if skin problems develop to allow the area to heal.
Reference: Rusia K, Madke B, Kumar P, et al, Petticoat cancer: Marjolin ulcer of the waist in South Asian women (a site-specific malignancy), BMJ Case Reports CP 2024;17:e262049.
Study Shows 80 Minutes of Weekly Exercise Eases Postpartum Blues
Exercise-only programmes help cut the severity of the ‘baby blues’ and the risk of major clinical depression in new mums, finds a pooled data analysis of the available evidence, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
But at least 80 weekly minutes of moderate intensity exercise, such as brisk walking, water aerobics, stationary cycling, and resistance training with bands, weights, or body weight are needed to achieve the effects, the findings show.
The researchers looked for relevant studies published up to January 2024 that compared various interventions, including nothing, education, and standard care with exercise to treat depression and anxiety, 12 weeks after, and within the first 12 months of, giving birth. In all, 35 unique studies out of an initial haul of 1152, involving 4072 participants from 14 countries, were included in the systematic review.
The frequency of exercise interventions ranged from 1 to 5 days a week, lasting anything from 15 up to 90 minutes a session. They included aerobic exercise, strength training, stretching, yoga as well as combinations of these. Pooled data analysis of the study results showed that compared with no exercise, exercise-only interventions were associated with less severe symptoms of depression and anxiety after giving birth and an almost halving in the odds (45%) of developing major postpartum depression. Starting the intervention before 12 weeks had elapsed after giving birth was associated with a greater reduction in depressive symptoms than starting it later.
And the greater the exercise volume the greater was the reduction in the severity of depressive symptoms. But the minimum threshold required for achieving a moderate reduction in symptom severity was clocking up at least 80 weekly minutes of moderate intensity exercise, on at least 4 days of the week. The researchers note the considerable variability among the tools used to assess depression and anxiety outcomes in the included studies, and the fact that most of them were carried out in high income countries. Depression and anxiety can also occur together, and it’s not clear how exercise affects this combination, they add.
Reference: Deprato A, Ruchat S, Ali MU, et al, Impact of postpartum physical activity on maternal depression and anxiety: a systematic review and meta-analysis, British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 05 November 2024. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-108478
Clinical Trial Unveils Potential of Psilocybin Therapy for Anorexia Nervosa
A trial published in Nature Medicine that had shown how psilocybin therapy affects individuals with anorexia nervosa. In a recent study researchers explored psychedelic medicine’s potential for treating one of psychiatry’s most challenging conditions. This new Emerging Topic review reveals both promising outcomes and important limitations that could shape future treatment approaches.
The study published in Psychedelics, offers a unique first-hand perspective on how psilocybin treatment impacts patients with anorexia nervosa, a condition that maintains the highest mortality rate among psychiatric illnesses and has historically resisted conventional treatments.
“Our findings suggest that psilocybin may be helpful in supporting meaningful psychological change in a subset of people with anorexia nervosa,” says Dr. Stephanie Knatz Peck, lead author of the study. “What’s particularly interesting is that 60% of participants reported a reduction in the importance of physical appearance, while 70% noted quality-of-life improvements and shifts in personal identity.”
Key findings from the trial include:
• 90% of participants ranked their psilocybin session among their top five most meaningful life experiences
• Four out of ten participants showed clinically significant reductions in eating disorder psychopathology
• Treatment effects were most pronounced in shape and weight concerns
• Changes in psychological outlook didn’t automatically translate to weight restoration
The study employed a single 25mg dose of psilocybin combined with specialized psychological support before, during, and after administration. While the results show promise, they also highlight the complexity of treating anorexia nervosa, suggesting that psychedelic therapy might work best as part of a comprehensive treatment approach rather than a standalone intervention.
Reference: Stephanie Knatz Peck et al, Psychedelic treatment for anorexia nervosa: A first-hand view of how psilocybin treatment did and did not help, Psychedelics (2024) url.genomicpress.com/2p8c5kp3

Do No Harm: What Researchers Say Doctors Should Avoid Telling Patients

In a recent paper published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings researchers describe clinicians must engage in “compassionate communication” as part of the treatment process. They have identified so-called “never words” that should not be said under any circumstances; offer methods for clinicians to identify their own never words; and provide more helpful language to use instead.
“Communicating the nature, purpose and intended duration of often complex treatments, and setting realistic expectations about what they offer still comes up against timeless patient experiences: fear, intense emotions, lack of medical expertise, and the sometimes unrealistic hope for cure,” researchers write. The “intense, daunting nature of these conversations” may cause clinicians to resort to learned communication habits or declarative statements.
Even a single word may scare patients and families, make them feel disempowered, and possibly negate the effectiveness of shared decision making.
“Never-words are conversation stoppers,” the researchers write. “They seize power from the very patients whose own voices are essential to making optimal decisions about their medical care.” Utilizing clinician surveys, the researchers identified never words, including:
“There is nothing else we can do.”
“She will not get better.”
“Withdrawing care.”
“Circling the drain.”
“Do you want us to do everything?”
“Fight” or “battle.”
“I don’t know why you waited so long to come in.”
“What were your other doctors doing/thinking?”
In another study specific to cancer care, clinicians were asked for words or phrases they would never use with a patient, with the top results including:
“Let’s not worry about that now.”
“You are lucky it’s only stage 2.”
“You failed chemo.”
Health care professionals can start a dialogue by inviting honest, thoughtful inquiries and responses from patients and families. “They should learn to recognize words and phrases that unintentionally frighten, offend, or diminish agency and work to reimagine their own communication,” the researchers stated. Medical groups and educators can bring attention to never words in multiple ways, the researchers said, including by integrating the discussion into courses and professional development.
Reference: Never-Words: What Not to Say to Patients With Serious Illness, Lee Adawi Awdish, Rana et al., Mayo Clinic Proceedings, Volume 99, Issue 10, 1553 – 1557

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Trial finds exercise during cancer treatment reduces cardiovascular risk

A new randomized controlled trial out of the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute has found that combining structured exercise training with reductions in sitting time protects against heart damage and declines in cardiovascular fitness in adults receiving stem cell transplantation for blood cancers.

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Liquid biopsy shows potential for pancreatic incidentaloma detection

In recent research published in eGastroenterology, Dr. J-Matthias Löhr and colleagues provide an in-depth review of diagnostic methods for pancreatic incidentaloma—incidental findings often detected during imaging scans intended for other conditions.

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An emotional connection: Study finds heart rate variability syncs between dogs and owners

Emotional connection enhances interaction in human relationships. Emotional synchronization in the interaction between a child and a parent is essential for affective attachment. The relationship between a dog and its owner is also based on attachment, but little is known about its physiological mechanisms.

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Biomarker study confirms HNL Dimer’s efficacy in monitoring sepsis treatment

The biomarker human neutrophil lipocalin HNL was previously shown to be a useful indicator of bacterial infections. Now, the dimeric form of HNL may also be used to effectively monitor the success of antibiotic treatment in sepsis.

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Why health and price, not sustainability, drive US meat consumption choices

Environmental sustainability isn’t a major factor influencing meat consumption decisions for most Americans, despite increasing awareness of the climate impacts of red meat production, according to Rutgers researchers.

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Fact Check: Can Putting Alcohol On Neck Make Your Cough Disappear?

A viral Instagram reel claims that Putting Alcohol On Neck can Make Your Cough Disappear. This claim by the Instagram user is False

Claim

In a viral Instagram reel, it is claimed that Putting Alcohol alcohol on neck can make your cough disappear. The reel by user letsmakeez is titled “When did you learn that alcohol can make your cough disappear?” and features a woman applying alcohol to a cloth and wrapping it around her neck. “If coughing so much and don’t know what to do. Do that, and you will see the coughing going away. If you 0ut some alcohol in a cloth and put it around your neck, it will make the cough reduce a lot. I remember my mother doing that when I was younger!” The reel has 50,002 likes and can be accessed here.

Fact Check

The claim by Instagram user that Putting Alcohol On Neck can Make Your Cough Disappear is False. Consuming alcohol might help suppress a cough, but applying it to the neck won’t make the cough disappear.

What is Cough?

A cough is an involuntary reflex action. When irritants like mucus, germs, or dust affect your throat and airways, your body instinctively reacts by coughing. Just like other reflexes such as sneezing or blinking, coughing serves to safeguard your body. 

There are various coughs, each with unique characteristics that can help doctors determine the underlying cause. A cough that produces phlegm or mucus is known as a productive cough and may indicate conditions like pneumonia, bronchitis, or the flu, with mucus color potentially signaling more severe issues. It is important to consult a doctor if the cough produces yellowish-green phlegm or blood. Conversely, a dry or nonproductive cough does not generate mucus.

Can Cough Disappear?

Coughs are generally classified as either acute or chronic. Acute coughs, which last up to three weeks, are generally the least concerning and often resolve without medical intervention. However, medical attention is advised if accompanied by symptoms like fever, headache, drowsiness, or shortness of breath. Additionally, coughs that produce distinct sounds such as whooping, wheezing, or barking may point to more serious conditions. Chronic coughs, persisting for over eight weeks, can be indicative of serious or long-term lung diseases.

Acute coughs may resolve on their own and disappear, while chronic coughs typically persist and require targeted medical treatment for resolution.

Dr. Mrigakshi Aggarwal, MBBS, DNB – Respiratory Diseases, Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD), Pulmonologist, Sanjeevan Hospital, Delhi explained, “A cough can often disappear on its own, especially if it’s acute—lasting less than three weeks—typically due to a mild infection or irritant like dust or a cold. The body can often clear these issues with rest, hydration, and simple remedies like warm teas or honey, with over-the-counter medications providing additional relief. However, if the cough becomes chronic, lasting over eight weeks, or is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain, fever, or shortness of breath, consulting a healthcare provider is essential. Chronic coughs may indicate conditions such as asthma, GERD, or infections that require targeted treatment.”

About Alcohol

Alcohol contains ethanol, a psychoactive and toxic substance known for its potential to cause dependence. While alcohol has been consumed across many cultures for centuries, its use is associated with considerable health risks and harm.

As per WHO, “Worldwide, 2.6 million deaths were attributable to alcohol consumption in 2019, of which 2 million were among men and 0.6 million among women. The highest levels of alcohol-related deaths per 100 000 persons are observed in the WHO European and African Regions with 52.9 deaths and 52.2 deaths per 100 000 people, respectively.

The data on global alcohol consumption in 2019 shows that an estimated 400 million people aged 15 years and older live with alcohol use disorders, and an estimated 209 million live with alcohol dependence.”

Can Alcohol Make Your Cough Disappear?

Scientific evidence suggests that moderate alcohol consumption may suppress the cough reflex but increases the risk of lung infections from aspiration. While brief, low-level exposure might benefit airway health by enhancing mucociliary clearance and reducing inflammation, chronic or high alcohol intake disrupts this balance, impairing airway clearance and worsening conditions like asthma and COPD. However, most of the evidence is focusing on consumption or drinking of alcohol. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to support the claim that Putting Alcohol On Neck can Make Your Cough Disappear.

Some studies have indicated that alcohol consumption may provide some relief in cases of cough and cold. H. Berkowitz et. al.’s study showed that moderate amounts of ethanol (alcohol) can significantly suppress the cough reflex. Having said that , this study doesn’t mention anything about the complete elimination or disappearance of cough.

While there is positive evidence of consumption of alcohol on impression of cough, there is also Evidence that shows that consuming alcohol in high doses can have harmful effects on lung health. A study by Joseph H Sisson et. al. revealed that alcohol exposure impacts lung airway functions in a concentration and duration-dependent manner. While brief exposure to low concentrations of alcohol may enhance mucociliary clearance and reduce airway inflammation, prolonged and heavy exposure can impair clearance, complicate asthma management, and worsen COPD outcomes.

Similarly, another article published in the American Review of Respiratory Disease found that lifetime alcohol consumption is linked to an increased risk of chronic cough and phlegm but not wheezing. Additionally, alcohol consumption was associated with lower FEV1 levels, indicating a potential impact on lung function. An unexpected interaction suggested that alcohol may have a protective effect on lung function in heavy smokers, warranting further investigation into these complex relationships.

Studies suggest that short-term, low-level alcohol exposure might help relax the airways and slightly suppress the cough reflex. However, they also highlight that excessive alcohol consumption can negatively impact lung health. Importantly, there is no scientific evidence backing the claim that Putting Alcohol On Neck can Make Your Cough Disappear

Responding to the claim Dr Kamal Kant Kohli, MBBS, DTCD, Chest Specialist, New Delhi said, “Although alcohol might feel temporarily soothing due to its warming sensation, it doesn’t help a cough disappear and may even worsen symptoms. Alcohol can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to increased inflammation, and its dehydrating effects may dry out the throat, making a cough more uncomfortable. Also, there are no studies or positive impacts of topical application of Alcohol on the Neck. It cannot make cough disappear. For effective relief, it’s best to focus on proven remedies: stay hydrated, try warm teas with honey, and get plenty of rest. If your cough lasts more than a few weeks, consider consulting a doctor for targeted treatment.”

Dr. Mrigakshi Aggarwal, MBBS, DNB – Respiratory Diseases, Diploma in Tuberculosis and Chest Diseases (DTCD), Pulmonologist, Sanjeevan Hospital, Delhi further explained, “Applying alcohol to the neck to relieve a cough is not supported by medical evidence. While some believe that the cooling effect of alcohol may provide a soothing sensation, this is purely superficial and does not address the underlying cause of a cough. Effective treatment should focus on identifying and managing the root cause of the cough, whether it is due to a viral infection, allergies, or another condition. It’s important to consult a doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment rather than relying on unproven remedies.”

Medical Dialogues Final Take

Low and short-term alcohol exposure may reduce the cough reflex although it raises the risk of lung infections from aspiration. On the contrary, Lifetime alcohol use is also linked to chronic cough, phlegm, and lower FEV1 levels, showing reduced lung function. Having said this, all the evidence is linked to alcohol consumption. There is no scientific evidence or medical consensus that supports the claim that the topical application or specifically Putting Alcohol On Neck can Make Your Cough Disappear.

Hence, the claim by the Instagram user is False.

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