On 06 September 2024, as part of the Memorandum of Understanding between our institution and Father Muller Medical College, a group of 22 final-year students attended a session at 2:30 PM. The session was conducted by Dr.Hareesh Gowda, Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Father Muller Medical College. The focus of the lecture was on two critical topics: Medical Records and the History of Forensic Medicine.
In the first part of the session, Dr. Gowda discussed the importance of Medical Records in both clinical and legal contexts. He emphasized that proper documentation is essential not only for patient care but also for protecting healthcare professionals from legal liabilities. Dr. Gowda explained how medical records serve multiple purposes, including patient care, research, education, and medico-legal purposes. He also highlighted the various judgments that have stressed the need for maintaining accurate records. Additionally, he touched on issues related to improper documentation and the consequences it can have in a legal setting. He concluded this section by outlining the general principles and legal aspects of documentation that medical practitioners should follow to ensure compliance with the law.
In the second part, Dr. Gowda provided an insightful overview of the History of Forensic Medicine, beginning with ancient references such as the Code of Hammurabi, which laid down penalties for medical negligence. He discussed the Julius Caesar case, emphasizing how the autopsy performed on Caesar helped establish the cause of his death. Moving on, Dr. Gowda spoke about Hippocrates, whose contributions to medico-legal aspects and medical ethics remain foundational to this day. He also detailed the first recorded autopsy performed by Bartolomeo da Varignana, which marked a significant milestone in forensic medicine.
Dr. Gowda then highlighted Paulus Zacchias, who is regarded as the father of forensic medicine and forensic psychiatry, for his significant contributions to the field. He also discussed Kautilya'sArthashastra, which included references to different methods of death and suspected poisoning, and the Charaka Samhita, which emphasized the importance of training in medical practice. Dr. Gowda also spoke about Dr. Edward Bukley, who performed the first autopsy in India, and Sir William Herschel, who contributed to the development of Dactyloscopy (the study of fingerprints), a key technique in modern criminal investigation. Finally, the session concluded with a discussion on Dr.Jaising Modi, who is known as the father of Indian Forensic Medicine for his pivotal role in shaping the field in India.
After the session, the students were given the opportunity to visit the Forensic Museum at Father Muller Medical College. This visit was a fascinating extension of the lecture, as we got to witness a variety of exhibits first-hand. The museum housed an array of weapons used in criminal cases, human skeletons, and preserved specimens of different animals and reptiles, including snakes and arthropods. Among the most intriguing displays were the preserved organs such as infected lungs, hearts, stomachs, livers, and kidneys, each showing distinct pathological conditions. Additionally, we observed the preserved forms of human fetuses, which in some cases could have been related to homicides, providing a vivid illustration of prenatal and forensic pathology. There were also exhibits showcasing various types of poisons and their effects on the human body. This visit was an eye-opening experience, reinforcing the practical aspects of forensic medicine and its application in understanding causes of death, medical conditions, and the tools used in criminal activities.
Overall, the session was highly informative, providing us with a detailed understanding of the significance of medical records in medico-legal contexts and the rich history of forensic medicine. The lecture reinforced the critical role these areas play in the intersection of medicine and law.
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