The MD Medical Virology is the 2nd stage of a 3-part training programme conducted by the PGIM’s Board of Study in Microbiology for those who wish to specialize in the field of Medical Virology. The first MD programme was conducted in the early 1980’s. At the onset there was no separate programme for Medical Virology and it was part of the Medical Microbiology programme. Since then it has been reviewed and revised on several occasions to serve the evolving needs of the country in relation to the field of Medical Microbiology including Virology, and taking into account changes in training capacity. With the development of Virology as a specialized field, a separate MD Medical Virology programme was introduced. The current MD training programme was first put into effect in 2006. It consists primarily of in-service training at the virology laboratories at the Medical Research Institute, supplemented by training in hospital microbiology laboratories and by other activities that reinforce the specific, identified training needs. It is a 3-year programme, conducted by designated trainers in several centers approved by the Board for this purpose.

A. Scientific Basis of Medical Virology

  • Aetiology, pathogenesis, epidemiology and prevention of viral diseases that occur in Sri Lanka
  • Laboratory investigations for the diagnosis of common viral diseases
  • Sterilization procedures and laboratory investigations to check sterility
  • Antiviral agents and antiviral susceptibility testing

B. Laboratory skills

  • Process & carry out investigation of samples sent for routine viral investigations in a diagnostic laboratory, or public health laboratory
  • Report on virus / viral antigen / viral genome / specific antibody in clinical samples
  • Work with due attention to quality assurance and laboratory safety
  • Instruct on collection, storage and transportation of samples for viral diagnosis

C. Laboratory Management

  • Manage the virology laboratory services and the work environment of a virology laboratory

D. Patient management

  • Advise clinicians on the investigation and management of patients with viral infections
  • Use of antiviral agents
  • Advice on pre & post exposure management

E. Infection control

  • Oversee infection control activities in the hospital / research institution / special campaign

F. Public Health

  • Work in an interdisciplinary team to investigate and control viral diseases of public health importance

G. Research

Design, conduct and report on a short, medical microbiology related, research project

  1. Hold a medical degree registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council
  2. Complete an internship recognized by the Sri Lanka Medical Council
  3. Complete one-year work experience in Sri Lanka, after internship
  4. Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Microbiology examination conducted by the PGIM. Not more than 4 years should have elapsed after the trainee has passed this examination.

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

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