Current & Future Trends of
Forensic Medicine Education in Asian Countries |
Mohammed Nasimul Islam, MD, PhD
Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology MARA |
Forensic Medicine & Toxicology or Forensic Pathology is one of the subjects being taught under M.B.B.S curriculum in medical education all over the world. In current situation there are two types of course curriculum in M.B.B.S is being taught in Asian countries are Vertical system and Horizontal system. Somewhere Forensic Medicine is being taught after one year study of Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry on other side where Forensic Medicine is being taught in 6th & 7th semester after study of Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Pathology, Introduction to Clinical Medicine, Community Medicine and Introductory study of Surgery, Medicine, Paediatrics, Ob & Gyn. Regarding mode of implementation of curriculum there are two types are present in Asian sub continent are General System and Problem Based Learning system. Somewhere written examination consists of 40 marks and Practical is of 40 marks and Viva consists of 10 marks and internal assessment of 10 marks. In some places, where theory consists of 80 marks where 30 marks in objective type, 25 in problem based learning and 25 in conventional type.
It has also observed in undergraduate level study of Forensic Medicine or Forensic Pathology most of the students are not considering the subject seriously as they are not finding the subject as suitable for earning their livelihood. Students are inclined towards selective study and reluctant towards mini research works. In most of the Asian countries Post Graduate course either in Forensic Medicine & Toxicology or Forensic Pathology where absolute trace laid on Medical ethics, Forensic Pathology and Recent trends. It has also observed that there is lack of deficiencies in implementation of law part in post graduate level for which a post graduate qualified person after completion of the course finds problematic situation at the courst of law while deposing as an expert.
Therefore for proper development of the subject essential tasks that is needed to be done with an object to fulfil the need of society are-
- Implementation of problem based learning system in Asian countries
- Implementation of M.C.Q pattern in U.G. level syllabus for certain marks.
- Implementation of video aided demonstration of cases to the students before handling real life problems.
- Introducing in-depth law course for U.G & P.G. with an object to make them more comfort while deposing at the courts of law.
- More over bridging between Forensic Pathology and Forensic Science is indeed necessary for fruitful end of justice.
- Branches of forensic science which are directly associated with medico-legal case works like toxicology, biology and serology to be handed over to the medico-legal institutions.
- Regular interaction between legal authorities , forensic pathology experts and forensic science experts to be carried out for the proper implementation of criminal justice delivery system
- Text books are to be more interactive to attract the students.
- Introduction of mini research projects in U.G. level
Therefore to implement such goal any medical education curriculum must maintain the following objectives-
- Attitudes: Excellence in the practice of a set of personal and professional attitudes which enable competent, responsible and lifelong performance as a physician.
- Knowledge: Excellence in understanding the science of human biology and behaviour.
- Skills: Excellence in applying human science to the health of the individual, the family, the community and society at large.
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