“Medical Mycology” is not a new entity in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka being a tropical country, fungal infections were common for many years. But now the trend has taken a different pathway as the demographic factors have changed. With the surge of patients with chronic kidney disease, solid organ transplantation, cancer patients on chemotherapy, uncontrolled diabetes patients, patients who are on broad spectrum antibiotics for long durations, patients who are on prosthetic devices etc. has increased the number of patients with fungal infections enormously. With the start of bone-marrow transplantation in the country, new patient population with a high risk of fungal infections posed a new challenge. Not only immunocompromised, but the immunocompetent individuals are diagnosed of having fungal infections. Different presentations of common fungal infections are another critical point to consider.
Medical Mycology is one of the key components in infectious diseases and all branches of medicine. Antifungal therapy is used in many clinical specialties. Therefore, it is important to train adequate number of MD qualified Medical Mycologists to fulfil the national need.
The following is an outline of the in-service program of training following successful completion of the MD in Medical Microbiology of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine of the University of Colombo and Board Certification as a Consultant in Medical Mycology.
The Board of Study in Microbiology reserves the right to change the program from time to time. Due notice will be given of such changes.
At the end of the training program the trainee should have acquired adequate knowledge, skills and attitudes to enable him/her
(a) to have a comprehensive knowledge in the field of Medical Mycology and allied specialties
(b) to be competent in diagnosing and managing Medical Mycology problems in a global setting with special reference to mycological diseases relevant to Sri Lanka
A candidate should successfully complete the MD in Medical Microbiology examination conducted by the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine.
Disclaimer: 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.