FMT
FORENSIC MEDICINE AND TOXICOLOGY (FMT) IS A MULTIDISCIPLINARY BRANCH OF MEDICINE THAT APPLIES MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM. IT INVOLVES THE STUDY OF MEDICAL ASPECTS OF LAW, INCLUDING THE INVESTIGATION OF CAUSE OF DEATH, INJURIES, AND THE EFFECTS OF POISONS OR TOXINS ON THE HUMAN BODY. FMT PLAYS A CRITICAL ROLE IN MEDICO-LEGAL CASES, CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS, AND PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUES RELATED TO TOXICITY AND POISONING.
Key Topics Covered: FMT includes the study of post-mortem examination techniques, forensic pathology, death investigation, medico-legal aspects of injuries, sexual assault, drowning, burns, and toxicology (including poisoning, drug overdose, and alcohol intoxication). It also covers criminal law, court procedures, and the role of medical professionals in providing expert testimony in legal cases.
Importance: FMT is essential for understanding the medical aspects of legal cases and providing evidence that can help solve crimes and determine the cause of death. It helps to ensure justice in criminal cases by enabling accurate diagnoses and proper legal procedures. Knowledge of toxicology is also critical for recognizing and treating poisoning cases, particularly in emergency medicine.
Learning Methods: FMT is taught through lectures, case discussions, autopsy demonstrations, toxicology lab exercises, and courtroom scenarios. Students learn to perform post-mortem examinations, study toxic substances, and understand medico-legal reporting. Practical sessions include investigating injuries, learning about forensic techniques, and gaining insight into the interplay between medicine and law.