Forensic Medicine, or Medical Jurisprudence, is the science of applying medical facts to legal problems. It applies medical knowledge to criminal and civil law. Areas of medicine commonly involved in Forensic Medicine include Anatomy, Pathology, Psychiatry, and Ethics. This typically involves cases concerning blood relationships, mental illness, injury, or death resulting from violence.

The Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology was established in 2008 and is located on the 1st floor of the college block of the Medical College building. The department is highly equipped to impart training for undergraduate and postgraduate students in performing medico-legal work and conducting research, and it is taught in the second and third professional part one MBBS curriculum. The department supervises medico-legal work at SIMS Hospital and extends help in complicated medico-legal problems. It features state-of-the-art equipment and a highly developed museum where poisons, soft tissues, and weapons are exhibited along with models. The mortuary attached to the department has a cold storage facility along with state-of-the-art post-mortem facilities.

Teaching Faculty

SR. NO.	Name	Designation	Qualification
1	Dr. Barkha Gupta	Prof. & HOD	M.B.B.S., MD
2	Dr. Pankaj Malia	Asst. Prof	M.B.B.S., MD
3	Dr. Shikha Agarwal	Demonstrator	M.B.B.S.
4	Dr. Pranav Raghav
5	Dr. Prakram Kasana
6	Dr. Akanksha Mishra
7	Dr. Gaurav Singh
8	Dr. Piyoosh Verma

The faculty members share vast teaching experience for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. Several papers and research articles have been published by the faculty.

Facilities of the Department

• Clinical Forensic Medicine
• Supervising medico-legal autopsy
• Supervising medico-legal work in Casualty
• The department conducts CME programmes for faculty, residents, and staff in the hospital

Functioning of the Department – Teaching and Other Activities

Forensic Medicine is a part of the 2nd and 3rd phase part 1 professional subjects for MBBS students at SIMS, where a batch of 150 students learn through theory classes and practicals.

Demonstration and tutorials are conducted with constant supervision from faculty members throughout the two-year course. Students are evaluated through regular theory, practical examinations, and oral tests.

Interns posted in the department throughout the year for one week receive training in certifiable competencies.

The faculty members regularly attend CME, medical education teaching, national conferences, seminars, and workshops.

Research Activities

Ongoing Research

• Comparative evaluation of video demonstration and manikin training on examination of sexual assault survivors for MBBS students.
• Study at SIMS of autopsy cases in Hapur District reflecting patterns of medicolegal deaths: A Retrospective Study.

Vision

The vision is to provide excellence in medical education pertaining to the subject of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology and equip medical graduates to handle medico-legal issues during clinical practice.

Mission

To produce physicians who are well-informed about medico-legal responsibilities in the practice of medicine, capable of logical deductions in criminal matters and related medicolegal problems. Students will acquire knowledge of law in relation to medical practice, medical negligence, and respect for the code of conduct.

Objectives

At the end of the course in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, MBBS students will be:

1. Able to understand the basic concept of the subject and its importance.
2. Aware of inquest, legal, and court procedures applicable to medico-legal and medical practice.
3. Able to perform medico-legal post-mortem/autopsy findings and other relevant investigations for logical conclusions.
4. Able to diagnose and manage cases of acute and chronic poisoning and carry out medico-legal duties.
5. Aware of general principles of analytical, environmental, occupational toxicology including toxicovigilance and predictive toxicology.
6. Aware of the latest advances in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology and their medicolegal importance.
7. Able to reserve and dispatch various articles, trace evidence including viscera in poisoning cases in medico-legal cases/autopsy examination.
8. Able to identify medicolegal cases, carry out medical examinations, and prepare medico-legal reports as per the law.
9. Aware of code of ethics, duties, and rights of medical practitioners, duties towards patients and community, and forms of medical negligence.
10. Aware of recent amendments in laws and their application in medical practice.

Recent Achievements in the Department

• Dr. Barkha Gupta is doing a six-month Advanced Course in Medical Education with a project titled Comparative evaluation of video demonstration and manikin training on examination of sexual assault survivors for MBBS students.
• Workshop on Sexual Harassment conducted by the Dept. of Forensic Medicine on 02/02/24 with Guest Speaker Dr. Sumit Tellewar and Dr. Lalit Kumar.
• Dr. Barkha Gupta gave a Guest Lecture on “Human Rights in Medical Context” at Santosh Medical College on 16th May 2023.

Testimonials

As a final year medical student at Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, I had the privilege of studying in the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department. The department’s commitment to integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills has been instrumental in my education. The faculty’s expertise is unparalleled, fostering an environment where inquisitive minds can evolve into the complexities of forensic science and toxicology. Their guidance has been a true inspiration for my achievement. The department’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources have provided me with hands-on experience that is vital for any aspiring medical professional. The rigor and depth of the curriculum have equipped me with a robust foundation, preparing me to tackle the challenges of the medical field with competence and ethical diligence. I am immensely grateful for the mentorship and knowledge imparted by the department, which has been a cornerstone of my medical journey.

As a final year medical student at Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, I have had the privilege of engaging with the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, which stands out as a beacon of excellence. The department’s commitment to integrating theoretical knowledge with practical skills has been instrumental in my education. The faculty’s expertise is unparalleled, fostering an environment where inquisitive minds can delve into the complexities of forensic science and toxicology. Their guidance has been pivotal in honing my analytical abilities. The department’s state-of-the-art facilities and resources have provided me with hands-on experience that is vital for any aspiring medical professional. I am immensely grateful for the mentorship and knowledge imparted by the department, which has been a cornerstone of my medical journey.

The dedication and expertise of the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department at Saraswati Institute of Medical Sciences have profoundly impacted my education. The practical sessions, especially those involving autopsy procedures, have been immensely educational, allowing me to grasp the precise nature of forensic examinations and the importance of attention to detail in medico-legal investigations. The hands-on experience in autopsy procedures and the analysis of toxic substances have provided me with a solid foundation for my future career. I am truly thankful for the unwavering support and high-quality education provided by the department, which has been immeasurable in my growth as a medical professional.

Faculty List

SR. NO.	Name	Designation	Qualification
1	Dr. Barkha Gupta	Prof. & HOD	M.B.B.S., MD
2	Dr. Pankaj Malia	Asst. Prof	M.B.B.S., MD
3	Dr. Shikha Agarwal	Demonstrator	M.B.B.S.
4	Dr. Pranav Raghav
5	Dr. Prakram Kasana
6	Dr. Akanksha Mishra
7	Dr. Gaurav Singh
8	Dr. Piyoosh Verma