Fellowship vs Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery — Which Is Right for You?
Which Is Right for You? The Complete Comparison Guide
Diploma in MAS (DMAS) is an advanced, longer-duration programme for doctors ready to perform complex laparoscopic procedures independently, while the Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery (FMAS) is a shorter foundation-level programme for doctors taking their first step into laparoscopy. Both are offered at The Medicity (Gurugram, India & Dubai, UAE) and are Government of India approved.
The right choice depends on three things: your current qualification, how much time you have, and what level of laparoscopic practice you want to reach. This guide covers everything you need to decide.
Quick Snapshot: FMAS vs DMAS
FMAS at a Glance | DMAS at a Glance |
|---|---|
Full name: Fellowship in Minimal Access Surgery | Full name: Diploma in Minimal Access Surgery |
Duration: 1 week daily 10-11 hours of training | Duration: 2 weeks (intensive) daily 10-11 hours of training |
Live cases: Minimum 15 supervised procedures | Live cases: Minimum 30 supervised procedures |
Level: Foundation / Intermediate | Level: Advanced |
Credential: FMAS Certificate | Credential: DMAS Certificate |
Campus: Gurugram, India & Dubai, UAE | Campus: Gurugram, India & Dubai, UAE |
Procedures Covered : Core procedures: cystectomy, salpingectomy, diagnostic lap, basic hysterectomy | Procedures Covered : Full range: hysterectomy, myomectomy, endometriosis, hysteroscopy, uro-gynae |
Who It Is For:MS/DNB/DGO doctors with some surgical exposure; doctors who want to practice independently | Who It Is For:MS/DNB/DGO doctors with some surgical exposure; doctors who want to practice independently |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose DMAS if you... | Choose FMAS if you... |
|---|---|
Have completed MS / DNB / DGO | Are doing your first exposure to laparoscopy |
Want to perform complex lap cases independently | Want to assess if MAS suits your practice before committing |
Are ready to commit 2 weeks of focused training | Have a limited time window (1 weeks available) |
Want to subspecialise in MAS or build a lap-heavy practice | Are an PG or early-career doctor building a foundation |
Fellowship in MAS (FMAS) — Who It Is For & What You Learn
The FMAS is the entry point into minimal access surgery at The Medicity. It is built for doctors who have little or no laparoscopic exposure and want to learn the fundamentals properly — with real patient cases — before deciding how far to take their laparoscopic training.
It is also popular among doctors who have a 1-week window between hospital rotations or a short break from their practice, and want to use that time productively.
What You Will Be Able to Do After FMAS
- Perform diagnostic laparoscopy independently
- Perform laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy and salpingectomy
- Assist in laparoscopic hysterectomy procedures
- Handle basic laparoscopic emergencies under supervision
- Understand port placement, trocar technique, CO2 insufflation, and haemostasis
- Operate basic hysteroscopic procedures: diagnostic hysteroscopy, polypectomy
FMAS is the Right Choice if:
- You are new to laparoscopy and want a structured foundation
- You are an PG or early post-graduate wanting first exposure
- You have only 1 weeks available right now
- You want to assess if laparoscopy is the right subspecialty for you before committing to DMAS
- You are looking for a lower-cost starting point
Related Courses at The Medicity
Fellowship & Diploma Minimal Access Surgery- Dedicated for Gynaecologist
Diploma in MAS (DMAS) — Who It Is For & What You Learn
The DMAS is designed for doctors who want to be laparoscopic surgeons, not just doctors who have attended a laparoscopy workshop. It is a commitment — 2 weeks of intensive, case-based training — and the outcome is the ability to independently list and perform complex procedures on your own patients.
What You Will Be Able to Do After DMAS
- Perform total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and laparoscopic-assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LAVH) independently
- Operate on advanced endometriosis: cystectomy, peritoneal excision, adhesiolysis
- Perform laparoscopic myomectomy for intramural and submucosal fibroids
- Operate hysteroscopically: polypectomy, septum resection, adhesiolysis
- Handle laparoscopic emergencies: ectopic pregnancy, ruptured cyst, adnexal torsion
- List yourself as a laparoscopic surgeon and attract referrals from other OBG doctors
DMAS is the Right Choice if:
- You have completed MS OBG, DNB, or DGO (or equivalent)
- You are currently referring complex gynaecological cases to other surgeons
- You want to build a subspecialty practice in laparoscopic gynaecology or MAS
- You plan to work in a corporate hospital, UAE, or GCC country
- You have 4 weeks (or weekends over 12 weeks) available
Related Courses at The Medicity
Fellowship & Diploma Minimal Access Surgery- Dedicated for General Surgeons
Accreditation — Both Programmes
| Accrediting Body | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India | ✅ Approved | Government-recognized training institute |
| Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (NSDC) | ✅ Accredited | Skill India certification partner |
| National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) | ✅ Certified | Skill development & training programs |
| Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) | ✅ Approved | Large animal research & wet lab training facility |
| Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC) | ✅ Registered | Animal research compliance |
| Committee for Control & Supervision of Experiments on Animals (CCSEA) | ✅ Certified | Research ethics & compliance |
| Accrediting Body | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Korea Accreditation Board (KAB) | ✅ Accredited | International quality standards |
| UK Accrediting Certification Limited (UKAC) | ✅ Certified | British CPD accreditation recognized globally |
| International Board of Medicine and Surgery (IBMAS) | ✅ Accredited | International surgical standards |
| International Accreditation Forum (IAF) | ✅ Accredited | Global quality assurance |
| Egyptian Accreditation Council (EGAC) | ✅ Recognized | Middle East regional accreditation |
| Certification | Details | Certificate No. |
|---|---|---|
| ISO 9001:2015 | Quality Management System | 23ZMZM1313Q |
| Six Sigma Healthcare | Process excellence & patient safety | ✅ Certified |
| British Certified CPD Accreditation | Continuing Professional Development | Globally recognized CPD points |
| Registration Type | Details |
|---|---|
| TAN (Tax Authorities) | RTKM14891C |
| PAN (Permanent Account Number) | AAOCM9820F |