Choosing a Doctor
How to Choose the Right Doctor in Sri Lanka
A practical guide to finding a trusted doctor, from confirming SLMC registration to reading genuine patient experiences and checking location.
Docranka Editorial Team6 min read
Understanding Doctor Qualifications and Titles
MBBS, MD, FRCS: what the letters after a doctor's name actually mean, and the one credential to always confirm.
Docranka Editorial Team4 min read
Docranka.com Health Guides
Before you read
General information to help you read a doctor's credentials with confidence, not medical advice.
Why the letters matter
The titles after a doctor's name describe their training. You do not need to memorise them all, but a few key ones help you understand who you are seeing.
The primary degree
- MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) is the basic medical degree that qualifies a doctor to practise.
- BDS is the equivalent primary degree for dental surgeons.
Specialist training
In Sri Lanka, specialist training is largely through the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM) of the University of Colombo.
- MD or MS through the PGIM reflects advanced specialist study.
- Board certification marks a doctor recognised as a specialist, or consultant, in their field.
College memberships and fellowships
- MRCP, MRCS, MRCOG and similar denote membership of a royal college after examination.
- FRCS, FRCP, FCCP and similar denote fellowship, a further senior level.
The one credential to always confirm
Above any title, confirm that the doctor is registered with the Sri Lanka Medical Council (SLMC), the statutory body that maintains the official register of medical and dental practitioners. Registration is what legally permits practice in Sri Lanka. On Docranka, claimed profiles are verified against the SLMC register.
Putting it together
Match the training to your need: more specialist qualification in the relevant area is reassuring. But qualifications are only part of the picture. Communication, experience and fit, which genuine patient reviews help reveal, matter just as much.
Medical disclaimer
Docranka provides healthcare discovery and patient experiences only. It does not provide medical advice or diagnosis and is not a substitute for consulting a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
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