PGIM MD Psychiatry
Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Psychiatry (PGIM, University of Colombo)
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ExploreAbout this exam
The Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Psychiatry is a postgraduate training programme and examination conducted by the Board of Study in Psychiatry of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Successful completion leads to board certification as a specialist in psychiatry in Sri Lanka. It is intended for medical graduates who hold a degree registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council, have satisfactorily completed an internship acceptable to the SLMC, and have completed one year of post-internship service in a university, public sector or private sector institution in Sri Lanka acceptable to the PGIM. All three criteria must be satisfied by the closing date of applications for the selection examination in psychiatry, and any shortfall from sickness, maternity or other leave must be made up before applying. Selection is competitive, and non-state sector candidates, including foreign nationals with a degree registrable with the SLMC, are considered under the Guidelines for enrolment of non-state sector candidates for training programmes – 2011, with a quota set each year by the Board of Study and published in the advertisement. The programme is framed around seven expected roles: medical expert, communicator, collaborator, health advocate, manager, scholar and professional. Preparation should therefore combine broad clinical psychiatry, psychiatric rehabilitation and community mental health with communication skills, multidisciplinary teamwork, mental health governance and advocacy, resource and time management, critical appraisal and research principles, and professional, ethical and legal obligations. Candidates should consult the current prospectus and PGIM examination calendar for authoritative details.
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About PGIM MD Psychiatry preparation
Who conducts the MD in Psychiatry examination and what does it lead to?
The Board of Study in Psychiatry of the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, conducts both the training programme and the Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Psychiatry examination. Successful completion of the programme leads to board certification as a specialist in psychiatry in Sri Lanka, which is the recognised specialist qualification in the country.
What entry requirements must I meet before applying?
You need a medical degree registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council, satisfactory completion of an internship acceptable to the SLMC, and one year of post-internship service in a university, public sector or private sector institution in Sri Lanka acceptable to the PGIM. All three must be satisfied by the closing date for applications to the selection examination in psychiatry.
I had maternity leave during my post-internship year. Does that affect eligibility?
Yes. Where a shortfall has occurred for any reason, including sickness, maternity or other leave, the applicant must complete that shortfall to become eligible to apply for the selection examination in psychiatry. Plan your service period so the full requirement is met by the advertised closing date, and keep documentation of your leave and resumption dates.
How are non-state sector and foreign applicants selected?
Sri Lankans in the non-state sector, and foreign nationals holding a medical degree registrable with the Sri Lanka Medical Council, are selected under the Guidelines for enrolment of non-state sector candidates for training programmes – 2011. The quota for the non-state sector is determined each year by the Board of Study and included in the advertisement, and Board of Management decisions are final.
What does the training programme expect of me beyond clinical knowledge?
The programme defines seven roles. As medical expert you must recognise and manage a wide range of psychiatric disorders and know psychiatric rehabilitation and community mental health. You must also function as communicator, collaborator, health advocate, manager, scholar and professional, showing integrity, ethical awareness and insight into your own limitations.
How should I organise my preparation across the seven roles?
Build clinical psychiatry first, since medical expert competence underpins every other role. Then layer in communication and documentation skills, multidisciplinary collaboration, mental health governance and advocacy, resource and time management, critical appraisal and research principles, and professional, legal and ethical obligations. Map each role to specific reading and clinical experience so no domain is neglected.
Where can I find authoritative details on format, dates and fees?
The source material does not state the examination format, question count, duration, passing mark, fee, retake policy or validity period. Consult the PGIM website examination calendar, examination circulars, examination procedures and the relevant prospectus, which contains official programme information approved by the Board of Management, University Senate and University Grants Commission.
Which prospectus should I rely on for eligibility rules?
The psychiatry page links to Prospectus 2013 Amend 1 and advises referring to the relevant prospectus for the most up to date information. Because rules and quotas can change, check the current prospectus and the advertisement for the year you intend to apply rather than relying on older documents or informal summaries.