What's in store for the elective student ?

• Experience the clinical medicine as it is practiced in Sri Lanka
• A blend of medicine with history, nature and fun
• The elective program
• Useful information
• How to apply
• Check these sites out for more information !

Learning Clinical Medicine

You will have the opportunity of seeing a wide spectrum of tropical and non-tropical conditions and many clinical signs you have hitherto seen on colour atlases ! You will have a first-hand experience in clinical decision making, interacting with the students of the Colombo Medical Faculty, participating in bed-side teaching sessions and in grand-rounds. The atmosphere is friendly and stimulating.

Inspite of being a developing country, Sri Lanka, with its highest literacy rate and the lowest mortality rate in the South East Asia, possesses a health system that tries to keep abreast with the advances in technology in the West.

Blending with history, nature and fun

This sunny, exotic island paradise with a 2500 year old rich history, golden beaches, unique flora and fauna and colourful sub-marine life is the ideal back-drop to learn tropical medicine while relaxing. From the central location of the Colombo Medical Faculty, you will be able to relax on the beach, visit the ancient cities, enjoy the cool climate of the mountains amidst tea estates and taste the delicious Sri Lankan cuisine.

Sri Lanka Photo Gallery at INFOLANKA

The Elective Program

Elective attachments of 8-10 weeks are available in Clinical Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Psychological Medicine and Community Medicine.

The Department of Clinical Medicine offers 2 - 8 week attachments

• Professorial Medical Unit in the National Hospital of Sri Lanka
• Ward rounds with the academic and clinical staff
• Attending bed-side teaching sessions with final year medical students
• Particpating in integrated ward classes, clinical meetings, radiology sessions etc
• Visits to special clinics
• Genito-urinary medicine (STD)
• Leprosy clinic
• Dermatology clinic
• Cardiology and thoracic surgery units
• Neurology
• Chest Hospital, Welisara
• Rheumatology and Rehabilitation
• Others - nephrology, haematology, endocrine etc
• Special arrangements to suit any particular requirements of the elective student

Useful information

• Arrival: By air. Many airlines service Colombo. The journey from the airport to the city of Colombo takes about 30-45 min by taxi.
• Climate: Usually hot and humid. Rain is expected during the months of April-May and Sept-Oct
• Dress: Light weight and informal most of the time. However, in the hospitals and in the clinics, a more formal attire with white overcoat is worn.
• Accommodation: Hostel accommodation in the medical school is restricted. A list of places of accommodation can be obtained by writing to the Registrar.
• Visa: Entry visa is obtained at the airport. The government may request the elective students to produce evidence of adequate funds for maintenance during their stay in Sri Lanka.
• Registration: If you are accepted for an elective attachment, you are required to remit US$ 55 to the University of Colombo. On arrival, you are expected to report to the Registrar of the Faculty of Medicine.

How to apply

You may PRINT OUT THE APPLICATION FORM and fax or post it to the Registrar at the address below.

Please remember:

• to attach a passport size photograph
• to enclose a letter from the Dean of your medical faculty confirming your student status
• to provide documentary evidence of having commenced clinical work in your hospital

All enquiries should be directed to

• The Registrar, Medical Faculty, POBox 271, 25 Kynsey Road, Colombo 8, SRI LANKA
• Fax: ( 94 1) 691581
• Tel ( 94 1) 695300 (extensions to all units)

Visit Sri Lanka on the Internet

• Sri Lanka Web Server

• Sri Lanka Info Page

• National Web Page