Critical Care Medicine is an established specialty in most developed countries. In some countries specialists in other clinical disciplines undergo additional training to become intensivists. In some others it is considered a sub-specialty of Anesthesiology or Internal Medicine. In countries such as Australia critical care specialists are trained through a comprehensive program similar to that of any other clinical discipline.

Diploma in Critical Care Medicine can be considered the first step towards the development of critical care as a specialty in Sri Lanka. This degree program is offered over a one-year period and is mainly designed to suit intermediate grade medical officers serving in the Intensive Care units of this country.

Potential Benefits

Acquisition of this diploma is considered useful to;

• qualify for promotion to grade 1 medical officers in the Ministry of Health
• Improve standards of intensive care through improved knowledge and skills.
• help the private sector ICUs get their medical officers trained in Critical Care

This diploma programme will be offered annually, conducted by PGIM, full-time, over a one-year period, incorporating a hybrid of a competency-based training programme and a credit point scheme for theory. The teachers shall constitute mainly specialists from Anesthesiology, Internal Medicine, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Surgery who has undergone specific training to become trainers or/are considered in-charge officers of a recognized ICU for training. There shall be a component of continuous assessment during hospital-based training in the PGIM recognized units in addition to the end of course final assessment.

Typically, holders of a qualification at this level will be able to:

1 Deal with complex issues systematically, and in collaboration with colleagues, make sound judgments using incomplete data and communicate their conclusions clearly and confidently to a range of audiences

2 Demonstrate self-direction and self-confidence in problem solving and the ability to plan and implement tasks at a professional or equivalent level

3 Demonstrate the ability to advance their knowledge and understanding and to develop new skills;

4 Exercise initiative and personal responsibility;

5 Learn and work independently, when required for continuing professional development.

Prospective applicants must satisfy the following requirements.

(a) A medical degree registered * with the Sri Lanka Medical Council.

(b) Satisfactory completion of internship acceptable to the Sri Lanka Medical Council.

(c) Satisfactory completion of one year of post internship in Medical/ Clinical practice in a university/public/private sector institution in Sri Lanka acceptable to the PGIM.

(d) The criteria prescribed in paragraphs (a) to (c) must have been satisfied by the applicants as at the date of closure of applications, provided that where a short-fall has occurred due to any reasons including Sick, Maternity or Other leave, the doctor concerned should complete such shortfall in order to become eligible to apply for the Selection examination.

(e) Any other requirement/s stipulated by the Board of Study relevant to a particular field of study concerned that has/have been approved by the Board of Management.

Please refer to the relevant prospectus for the most up to date information. The prospectus of a particular programme contains official information pertaining to a programme approved by the Board of Management, University Senate and the University Grants Commission