Forensic Medicine deals with the application of principles of medicine, medical knowledge and expertise in the administration of justice. The discipline of Forensic Medicine consists of clinical forensic medicine, forensic pathology including anatomical pathology, forensic histopathology, forensic toxicology and forensic anthropology. Forensic genetics, Forensic Odontology, forensic radiology, forensic psychiatry are some subspecialties essential to the practice of forensic medicine. The M Foren M will be at the Sri Lanka Qualifications Framework (SLQF) Level 9, with one year of full-time course work and the development of an original portfolio by a candidate.
The M Foren M degree which would replace the DLM would be structured and delivered to meet the present-day challenges in medico-legal practice in Sri Lanka. It is also envisaged that the M Foren M would cater to the current medicolegal needs which requires a high level of theoretical engagement and guided independent study. This qualification would enhance the capacity of graduates to advance their knowledge and investigative skills, and other abilities in forensic medicine enhancing managerial, administrative and technological capacity.
To practice Forensic Medicine, a doctor should possess not only adequate knowledge in Forensic Medicine (mainly clinical forensic medicine and forensic pathology) but skills in the examination of the living and the dead (performing autopsies), with a view to providing effective oral or documentary evidence to Court as a competent expert witness. Therefore, it is essential to have specialized training to ensure justice. This program provides an opportunity to medical officers who have undergone basic medico-legal training as undergraduates to acquire in-depth knowledge and expertise. Furthermore, this training allows them to refine their skills and attitudes to function as a non-specialist forensic medical expert.
Therefore, this training program would produce a competent, practitioner of Forensic Medicine who provides medico-legal services to the country in keeping with good medical practice and functions as a competent, independent and impartial expert medical witness in the legal system of Sri Lanka.
- To identify the medico-legal responsibilities in solving a crime.
- To assist the administration of justice by identifying and responding to medico-legal issues of patients
- Appreciate the role of the medical officer in the investigation of medico-legal deaths by identifying, documenting and interpreting the effects/causes of natural disease and trauma for legal purposes while utilizing the appropriate resources.
- To appreciate the ancillary services available for solving crimes and the procedure in utilizing these resources.
- Appreciate the role of the medical officer in the investigation of medico-legal deaths/ intoxicated living by identifying, documenting and interpreting the effects/causes of toxins for legal purposes while utilizing appropriate resources.
- To provide relevant information to court in order to ensure justice
- To apply the principles of ethics, rights and law to solve problems that arise during medical practice and research appreciating the standards set by the Sri Lanka Medical Council.
- Apply principles of radiology, psychiatry, anthropology and odontology to medico legal practice
- Perform medicolegal procedures in an acceptable and efficient manner interpreting available evidence scientifically
- To ensure that MSc holders will be initiators, collaborators and users of research
In order to be eligible sit for the selection examination the candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
- Possess a medical degree with full registration with the Sri Lanka Medical Council.
- Complete one year of work experience in the medical field after internship.
- Comply with any other PGIM regulations.
The criteria prescribed above must be fulfilled by the applicant by the date of closure of applications for the selection examination.
Foreign nationals who wish to sit the selection examination should possess a medical degree registrable with the Sri Lanka Medical Council.
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