Browsing by Author "Warnasuriya, N."

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Admission to medical schools in Sri Lanka: predictive validity of selection criteria
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2006) de Silva, N.R.; Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, N.; Edirisinghe, J.S.; Kumarasiri, P.V.R.; Parameswaran, S.V.; Seneviratne, R.; Warnasuriya, N.; de Silva, H.J.
OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent to which current selection criteria predict success in Sri Lanka's medical schools. METHODS: The study sample consisted of all students selected to all six medical schools in two consecutive entry cohorts. The aggregate marks of these students at the General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced Level examination, the district of entry, admission category, candidate type (school/private) and gender, were identified as entry point variables. Success in medical school was measured in four ways: the ability to pass the first summative examination and the final examination at the first attempt, and obtaining honours in either examination. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression was used to assess the extent to which these entry point factors predict variability in outcome measures.RESULTS: Aggregate scores among the 1740 students in the study sample ranged from 212 to 356, with a median of 285. The male:female ratio was 1.4:1. Private candidates (taking the examination for the third time) accounted for 22% of students. Being a school candidate, female and having a higher aggregate score, were the only independent predictors of success for all four outcome measures. The aggregate score alone accounted for only 1-7% of the variation in performance in medical school. CONCLUSIONS: Marks obtained at the A Level examination (the only academic criterion currently used for selection of medical students in SriLanka) is a poor predictor of success in medical school.
Limitations of current measures used for selection of students to medical schools in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 2005) Pathmeswaran, A.; de Silva, N.R.; de Silva, N.; Edirisinghe, S.; Parameswaran, S.C.; Seneviratne, R.; Warnasuriya, N.; de Silva, H.J.
INTRODUCTION: Policy regarding selection of students for admission to medical school in Sri Lanka is considered unsatisfactory by many. This study was carried out across all six medical schools in the country, to assess the extent to which selected factors at point of entry predict success in medical School. METHODS: The study sample consisted of all students selected by the University Grants Commission to study medicine in two consecutive entry cohorts. The 'A' level aggregate marks of these students, the district of entry, gender and candidate type (school/private) we're identified as entry point variables. Success in medical school was measured in four ways: the ability to pass the first Summative examination and the final examination at the first attempt, and the ability to obtain a class in either. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the extent to which these entry point factors Could predict variability in outcome measures. RESULTS: The mean 'A' level aggregate among the 1740 students in the study sample was 282 (range: 212-356). The male: female ratios were 1.5 and 1.3 respectively in the two cohorts. 22% of students were private candidates, who were probably attempting the 'A' levels for the third time. Having a high A'level aggregate, being female, and being a school candidate were all independent predictors of success in all outcome measures. However, the aggregate score alone and candidate type each accounted for only 1-7% of the variation in performance in medical school. CONCLUSION: The only measure of academic performance used for selection of medical students is a weak predictor of success in our medical schools.
Single dose treatment of mixed helminth infections--a comparison of three different regimes
(Sri Lanka Medical Association, 1987) de Silva, D.G.H.; Lionel, N.D.; Premaratne, U.N.; Warnasuriya, N.; Soysa, P.E.; Fonseka, P.H.
No abstract available