Broaden your horizons at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo

The Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka, established in 1870, is the undisputed premier medical school in the country. The Faculty takes pride in its 150 years of history and tradition, and has the expertise, technology and resources to train post-graduates and other aspiring candidates in the health- related areas to meet the modern- day demands.

Faculty of Medicine Colombo is now accepting applications for the 2023 January intake of the following programmes.

Master of Science in Molecular Pathology

This is for you, with a MBBS, BDS, BVSc or an equivalent degree or a BSc in Biomedical

Science or an equivalent from a recognised institution. The programme covers cytogenetics, molecular genetics, molecular cytogenetics, medical genetics and bioinformatics. Conducted by the Human Genetics Unit, you will be tutored by leading practitioners in genetics and genomics in the country. This is a 2- year programme delivered during weekends both on-line and in person with lectures and practicals during the first year followed by a 1-year research project, dissertation and a viva.

For more information, contact programme coordinator, Dr Dulika Sumathipala on 011 268 9545 or dulika@anat.cmb.ac.lk

Master of Sexual Health

In many settings, sexual health needs are neither ascertained nor appropriately managed. We aim to empower and train candidates to identify, manage and refer on as appropriate, the sexual health needs of the individual and of society. We invite applications from general practionners, Ministry of Health doctors (O&G, family medicine, community health, psychiatry, venereology), nurses, midwives, psychologists, health administrators, lawyers & NGO personnel specialising in sexual & reproductive health & rights (SRHR). Within this Master’s degree, we will take a holistic view of sexual health needs in different age groups and different societal groups, we will examine gender roles & dimensions; psychological dimensions of sexuality, we will include management of sexually transmitted infections, family planning, sexual dysfunction; problematic sexuality. We will also cover public health, sex education and the legal and policy framework pertaining to sexual and reproductive health and rights. This is a 2 year part time programme delivered both on-line and in person via small classes and workshops, with individualized feedback.

For more information, contact programme coordinator, Dr. Neesha Rockwood on 011 269 7513 or msexualhlth@med. cmb.ac.lk

Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety

Designed with doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals in mind, it is a one-year online programme conducted by the De p a r t m e n t of Medical Microbiology and Immunology. It aims to train healthcare professionals about patient safety, including how systems impact on the quality and safety of health care. It also addresses the issues related to communication, medication errors, team work, infection control, safety culture leading to adverse events. The expert resource persons will discuss ways to manage these challenges and how to develop strategies to prevent errors using real time case scenarios. This will enable participants to respond to errors and complications and to evaluate results to improve performance in the long term.

For more information, contact programme coordinator, Dr. Sumudu Suranadee on 011 269 7513 or 0112 695 300 ext. 154 or hqps@med.cmb.ac.lk

Postgraduate Diploma in Gender and Health

This one-year program designed for doctors/health administrators/ allied health professionals/social scientists/ other interest groups explore gender as a social determinant of health, gender differences and inequalities that affect the health of individuals and gendered patterns of morbidity/mortality in specific diseases. It covers the gender differences o healthcare professionals and promote improved output, appropriate responses to gender- based violence and integration of gender as a social determinant of health into policy development, research, and many aspects of health services. You will be tutored by a panel of eminent resource persons who are renowned both nationally and internationally.

For more information, contact program coordinator, Dr. Chathuri Gunasekera on 0112 697 513 or pgdipgh@med.cmb.ac.lk

Postgraduate Certificate/ Postgraduate Diploma in Laboratory Animal Science

Laboratory Animal Science (LAS) is a specialised discipline considered under Biomedical Sciences, and the knowledge and expertise in LAS are required for researchers who are going to engage in animal experiments in order to improve humane care of research animals. In these postgraduate courses more emphasis will be given to non-animal alternatives during skills training. These two courses are the only postgraduate courses available in this discipline in the country.

Those who successfully complete the Postgraduate Certificate in Laboratory Animal Science will be eligible to extend their registration for the Postgraduate Diploma.

For more information, contact program coordinator, Prof. Mangala Gunatilake on mangalag@physiol.cmb.ac.lk

Certificate Course in Postgraduate Research

If you are registered for a postgraduate research degree or a postgraduate interested in research this is for you. This programme conducted by the Research Promotion and Facilitation Center (RPFC) of the faculty, aims to improve the quality of PG research by enhancing research skills, knowledge and attitudes of the students.

The modules include lessons on research methodology and data analysis, writing research projects and applying for grants, research publication and communication skills. This programme will guide you to develop the core elements of a researcher; as a planner, designer, collaborator, information seeker, ethical practitioner, critical analyser, critical thinker and a scientific communicator.

For more information, contact programme coordinator, Dr. Tharanga Thoradeniya on 011 269 5300 or ccpr@ med.cmb.ac.lk

Training Programme in Clinical Genetics

This three-months short course conducted by the Human Genetics Unit is designed to equip medical doctors to integrate genetic and genomic information into their routine clinical practice. It provides training in the core concepts in clinical genetics and genomics and the use of genomic data for guiding clinical decision making in the healthcare setting.

The course contents are delivered under 3 modules; Module 1: Basic cytogenetics and molecular genetics, Module 2: Genetic diagnostics and ethical issues, and Module 3: Genomic medicine and genetic counselling. This programme will enable trainees to understand the effects of chromosomal abnormalities and genetic variations on human health and disease, assess risk of inherited diseases, use clinical evaluation and genetic testing to diagnose genetic disorders, select appropriate genetic diagnostic tests, interpret results of genetic tests, and provide accurate genetic information and advice to patients, their families and the community. A certificate of completion is awarded to trainees who are successful at the final assessment.