Department of Medicine

Welcome to the Department of Medicine

The history of evidence-based medicine dates back to ancient medical traditions, notably the “Charaka Samhita” authored by Charaka, which emphasized systematic clinical observation, diagnosis, and holistic patient care. The foundations of Western medicine were shaped by pioneers such as Hippocrates, often regarded as the father of medicine, who introduced rational clinical observation, and later advanced by William Osler, who emphasized bedside teaching and the integration of clinical practice with scientific evidence. As William Osler famously stated, “The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.” This timeless philosophy continues to highlight the importance of compassionate, patient-centered care alongside scientific and clinical excellence. Today, medicine stands as a cornerstone of modern healthcare, grounded in evidence-based practice, strengthened by continuous research, ethical standards, professionalism, and lifelong medical education, ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care in an era of rapidly advancing medical technology.

The Department of Medicine, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, is dedicated to excellence in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education, clinical service, and research. The department plays a pivotal role in training future medical professionals while delivering high-quality patient care through the University Medical Unit at Teaching Hospital Kurunegala—the premier tertiary care institution in the North Western Province.

With a strong emphasis on evidence-based medicine, clinical competence, professionalism, and ethical practice, the Department of Medicine integrates teaching, research, and service to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare system of Sri Lanka.

Contact Us

Telephone

+(94) 37 3138252

Emails

headmedicine@wyb.ac.lk

Postal Address

Department of Medicine,
Faculty of Medicine,
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, Labuyaya, Kuliyapitiya,60200

Dr. Prabhashini Kumarihamy
Head of the Department

Depatment Head's Message

Welcome to the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.

It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to our department, which is committed to excellence in medical education, patient care, research, and professional development. As one of the key academic departments of the Faculty of Medicine, we strive to cultivate medical graduates who are clinically competent, academically sound, ethically responsible, and compassionate towards the communities they serve.

Medicine is a rapidly evolving discipline that demands lifelong learning, critical thinking, professionalism, and evidence-based practice. In this context, our department is dedicated to providing a stimulating academic environment that integrates strong theoretical foundations with extensive clinical exposure. Through bedside teaching, ward-based learning, case discussions, seminars, and research activities, we aim to develop students into confident and competent future healthcare professionals capable of meeting both national and global healthcare challenges.

Our close affiliation with Teaching Hospital, Kurunegala provides invaluable opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate trainees to gain hands-on experience in managing a broad spectrum of medical conditions. The department actively contributes to undergraduate teaching, postgraduate training, clinical service delivery, and multidisciplinary research activities while maintaining high standards of patient-centered care.

We strongly believe that medical education extends beyond the acquisition of knowledge and clinical skills. Therefore, we emphasize the importance of professionalism, communication skills, teamwork, empathy, ethical conduct, and respect for human values in the practice of medicine. Our academic staff are deeply committed to mentoring students and trainees, encouraging intellectual curiosity, scientific inquiry, and continuous self-improvement.

The department also remains actively engaged in research and academic collaborations that contribute to the advancement of medical knowledge and improvement of healthcare services in Sri Lanka. Through community engagement programs, continuing medical education activities, and professional collaborations, we continue to strengthen our contribution to the healthcare system and society.

I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our dedicated academic, clinical, and non-academic staff whose commitment and hard work continue to uphold the standards and reputation of the department. I also warmly welcome our students, trainees, collaborators, and visitors, and invite you to explore the opportunities and activities offered by our department.

We look forward to continuing our journey of academic excellence, innovation, research, and compassionate patient care while contributing meaningfully to the future of medicine and healthcare in Sri Lanka.