Conducting viva voce examinations during preclinical years in the faculty of medicine, University of Kelaniya: Is it of relevance?

Abstract

Viva voce (vivas) or oral examinations are an integral part of medical education. During a viva the examiner is given the opportunity to assess the candidate�s knowledge and ability to respond under pressure. For medical students vivas are an opportunity to develop verbal and presentation skills. Vivas were part of the preclinical examinations held in the Faculty of medicine Ragama prior to the introduction of the new curriculum. This research was carried out in order to identify the opinion of lecturers on reintroduction of vivas for preclinical examinations.