Medico-legal courses being offered in India
Pervin Malhotra
Q. I have just completed my MBBS and I wish to explore courses in medico-legal systems other than LLB. Are there any such options in India, preferably short-term?— Damini Rohatgi
A. Healthcare is among the few disciplines that have set a code of conduct for its practitioners although medico-legal issues are still a somewhat grey area at present. There are a range of issues concerning ethics and medical practice that are increasingly coming before the courts.
Medical law concerns the rights and duties of the medical profession and the rights of the patient. There are three main areas within medical law: the law on confidentiality, negligence and other torts related to medical treatment and criminal law in relation to medical practice and treatment.
Here are some of the courses that are listed in my database (do check out for more):
- National Law School of India University, Bangalore
Course: PG Diploma in Medical Law & Ethics (Dist). (1-yr)
- National University of Juridical Sciences, Kolkata
Course: PG Diploma in Public Healthcare & Medical Laws (1-yr)
- Symbiosis Centre of Healthcare, (Symbiosis International University, Pune
Course: PG Diploma in LMS (1-yr FT/Dist).
www.schcpune.org
- ILS Law College, Pune
Course: Diploma in Medical Jurisprudence & forensic Science (www.ilslaw.edu)
- Tamil Nadu Dr Ambedkar Law University
Course: PG Diploma in Medico-Legal Aspects
- Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (Deemed University), Karad
Course: PG Diploma in Medico Legal Systems
www.kimsuniversity.in
- IGNOU
Course: PG Certificate in Medical Laws (6 months)
Job prospects after BTech in Electronics and instrumentation
Q. Our son is doing BTech (Electronics & Instrumentation). Could you please tell us about the job prospects in this field? — MN Sarkar
A. In simple language, Instrumentation is all about the art and science of measuring and control of process variables within a production or manufacturing area. Typically, the process variables used in industry are Level, Pressure, Temperature, Humidity, Flow, pH, Force, Speed etc. Understandably therefore, Instrumentation is a multi-disciplinary stream that includes subjects from various branches such as chemical, mechanical, electrical, electronics and computers.
Instrumentation engineers design, develop and maintain instruments, and instrumentation systems that are vital to all industrial undertakings and specifically in the Process Controls industry.
As part of the Process Engineering team in industry, instrumentation engineers determine the type of instruments and tools needed to ensure quality and efficiency of the end product.
Instrumentation engineers also work in R&D units of public and private sector companies.
Heavy industries such as manufacturing, oil & petroleum and chemical industries, thermal power stations, steel plants, refineries, cement and fertiliser plants, defence, biomedicine, and government, employ these specialists.
They also work in laboratories, hospitals, petroleum and chemical industries, and in all fields where automation has to be effected. All of which means that your son has a good career ahead of him. An add-on course in AI will keep him abreast of current technologies. Let him test the waters as it were, before deciding whether to go for further specialisation etc
Change of course after a law degree
Q. After doing my BSc, I completed my LLB last year in the first division. But after seeing this field from up close, I now realise that I am not really cut out for the thrust and parry of active legal practice. What should I do? — Sohela Khanna
A. So you have a law degree but now realise that you don’t want to be a practicing lawyer? Don’t panic. Your legal education will prove to be an asset in just about any activity — from management to civil services.
Armed with rigorous training of the mind, your study of Law will help you think logically and analytically besides keenly dwelling on the written and spoken word. After all, familiarity with the law is necessary in just about every field.
Obviously you’ve considered options like corporate law, mediation, arbitration etc which are hot fields today. Then too you must look at Judicial Services, the JAG (Armed Forces), Company Secretaryship, or legal consulting as alternative options.
Legal KPOs are also hire lawyers who do not wish to practice, in large numbers.
And how about teaching or research? If you’re academically inclined, as is apparent from your grades, the LLM route may be worth considering. Legal researchers are employed in large law firms and government ministries for providing legal advice. And the profusion of Law Schools requires people who can teach law in equal measure
If you have good communication skills, you could also consider journalism and reporting on legal issues.
