Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine

Vision and Mission

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (PALM) vision is to be recognized for excellence in pathology education, diagnostic pathology service and research.

The missions of the department are:

1. To provide outstanding undergraduate and postgraduate education in the fields of pathology
2. To provide the highest quality of laboratory medicine service
3. To lead and support scientific research
4. To integrate Islamic values in all activities in order to promote personal and professional development

Introduction

The Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine of the International Islamic University Malaysia was established in 2015. It is responsible for academic training in basic medical sciences, clinical and allied health sciences for undergraduate and postgraduate students in IIUM. The department is providing medical laboratory service which forms an integral part of its activities in Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre (SASMEC) @IIUM. It also fosters basic sciences, clinical and translational research through multidisciplinary collaborations with the clinical as well as other departments.

PALM Organizational Chart

Academic

Undergraduate Programme

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine is heavily involved in the management and teaching-learning activities of the Phase I Undergraduate Medical Programme. The academic staff conduct the teaching-learning activities for all courses in the Phase I which include MBBS 1109, MBBS 1210, MBBS 1311, and MBBS 1410 of the Year 1 and MBBS 2109, MBBS 2210, MBBS 2310, and MBBS 2410 of the Year 2. These courses comprise of general pathology, anatomic pathology, haematology, transfusion medicine, chemical pathology, medical microbiology and medical genetics subjects. The academic activities conducted include lecture, practical session, quiz/tutorial, problem-based learning, seminar, case discussion and clinical skills session. The department is also involved in the teaching-learning activities of the clinical phases (Phase II and III) related to pathology subjects as well as the Islamic Input in the Medical Programme (IIMP) for all phases.

Postgraduate Programme

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine offers postgraduate programmes by research, providing candidates with opportunities to develop advanced knowledge, research skills, and expertise in pathology, laboratory medicine, and related health sciences. Candidates undertake independent research under the supervision of experienced academic staff within the Department.

Master of Health Sciences

The Master of Health Sciences is a postgraduate programme offered by research mode, designed to provide candidates with the opportunity to undertake independent research in selected areas of health sciences.

The programme enables candidates to develop competencies in research methodology, critical analysis, laboratory techniques, data interpretation, scientific writing, and research dissemination. Through their research projects, candidates are encouraged to contribute to the advancement of knowledge and practice in their chosen field.

Areas of research include:

Clinical Pathology
Medical Genetics

Doctor of Philosophy (Health Sciences)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Health Sciences) is an advanced postgraduate programme offered by research mode, designed for candidates who wish to undertake in-depth and original research in health sciences.

Candidates work closely with their supervisors to develop and conduct an independent research project, applying appropriate research methodologies and analytical approaches. The programme aims to develop independent researchers with advanced capabilities in critical thinking, scientific investigation, academic writing, and dissemination of research findings.

Area of research includes:

Clinical Pathology

Both programmes provide candidates with opportunities to engage in research within the Department’s areas of expertise, supported by an academic and research environment within the Kulliyyah of Medicine.

Current Active Students

Graduated

Postgraduate Activities

Diagnostic Laboratory Service

In addition to contributing towards the undergraduate and postgraduate academic activities, the department provides diagnostic laboratory service for the clinical departments of Sultan Ahmad Shah Medical Centre (SASMEC) @IIUM. The laboratory also serves the IIUM Family Health Clinic and IIUM Medical Specialist Centre. The diagnostic service provided is in the fields of chemical pathology, microbiology, anatomic pathology, transfusion medicine, haematology and medical genetics. The diagnostic laboratory is equipped with high end facilities for this purpose. The department is in the process of acquiring accreditation MS ISO 15189:2014 for quality and competence in medical laboratories.

Research Laboratory Service

Laboratory service related to research works are also provided by the department. The service includes the following:

Histology / Histopathology

Routine Histo (H&E Stain), Special Stain (Masson Trichrome, Van-Giesson, PAS stain etc), Immunohistochemistry, Slide Image Scanning, Teaching Slide Preparation