Dr. Thurayratnam Chenthuran

Dr. Thurayratnam Chenthuran

PhD

Senior Lecturer (Grade 1)
Department of Anatomy,
Faculty of Medicine,
University of Jaffna,
Sri Lanka.

tchen@univ.jfn.ac.lk
+94212222073 ext. 135
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Positions
Qualifications
Publications
Research Interests

Academic positions at the Department of Anatomy, University of Jaffna

Senior Lecturer (Grade 1) from 03.08.2017 to date
Senior Lecturer (Grade II) from 01.08.2013 to 02.08.2017
Lecturer (Probationary) from 01.12.2005 to 31.07.2013

 

Academic Administrative positions at the Department of Anatomy, University of Jaffna

Head of the Department from 01.08.2015 to 31.07.2018
Acting Head of the Department from 01.05.2015 to 31.07.2015

 

Teaching Positions/Appointments  

A. International level

  • Appointed as a Visiting Professor at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India (2018 – 2021).

 

B. National level (other Universities / Institutions etc.)

  • Serve as a Visiting Lecturer at the Faculty of Health-Care Sciences, Eastern University, Sri Lanka (from 08.06.2023 to date).
  • Resource person for the “Postgraduate Diploma in Anatomy” course at the Post Graduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (2019)
  • Resource person for the “Training Program in Clinical Genetics” organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka (2021 – 2023).
  • Resource person for the “Public Health Diploma” course, Sri Lanka (batch 2015/2017).

 

C. Inter – Faculty teaching (at the University of Jaffna)

C.1. At the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Jaffna

Teaching the following subjects at the above Faculty

  • Basic Anatomy in the Bachelor of Pharmacy, Bachelor of Nursing, and Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Science courses (first year first semester) (2011, 2013 to 2018).
  • Biotechnology and Molecular Biology II in the Medical Laboratory Science course (fourth year second semester) (2015 to 2023).
  • Pharmaceutical Biotechnology for the Bachelor of Pharmacy course (fourth year first semester) (2012).
  • Biotechnology and Molecular Biology for the Bachelor in Medical Laboratory Science course (third year second semester) (2012 and 2023).

 

C.2. At the Unit of Siddha Medicine, University of Jaffna 

  •  Teaching Anatomy for the Bachelor of Siddha Medicine (BSMS) course (traditional medicine) (2017/2018 and 2023/2024).

 

Current Positions/ Appointments

  • Member of the Board of Study in Basic and Medical Sciences at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo from 1st June 2024.
  • Founder member and the Council (committee) member of the Human Genetic Society (HGS) of Sri Lanka.
  • Member of the committee of Postgraduate courses of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (April 2023 to date).
  • Member of the Editorial Board of the Faculty Journal (July 2022 to date).
  • Member of the Advisory Committee on Personal and Professional Development Stream [PPDS] at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2016 to date).
  • Member of the Publicity and IT Committee of Research Conference of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (RCFMJ 2024).
  • Life member of the Jaffna Science Association, Jaffna.
  • Appointed as a member of the PPDS committee in August 2022 with the objective of updating the curriculum of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna from traditional model to a modular curriculum.

 

Past Positions/ Appointments

 National / International

  • Appointed as a member of the International Advisory Board of Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research, India.
  • Anatomical Society of Sri Lanka (ASSL)
    • The President Elect (2023/2024).
    • The Assistant Secretary (2019 – 2021).
    • Council (Committee) member (2018 -2019).
  • Representative of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna to the Board of Study in Basic and Medical Sciences at the Postgraduate Institute of Medicine (PGIM), University of Colombo (2018 – 2021).
  • Member of the Management Committee of the Forum for Ethics Review Committees of Sri Lanka (FERCSL) (2012 – 2013 and 2018 – 2019).
  • Member of the Ethics Review Committee (ERC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo (2008 – 2010).
  • Appointed to serve as a member in the Ethics subcommittee for Postgraduate Diploma in Health Development (2009/2010) of the Ethics Review Committee (ERC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
  • Appointed to serve as a member in the Animal Research and Welfare Sub Committee of the Ethics Review Committee (ERC), Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
  • Significantly contributed to organize the workshop facilitated by the ERC/ Colombo and FERCSL – focused on developing a national guideline for research involving animals in Sri Lanka. The workshop was held in July 2008 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
  • Survey trainee in the International Course on Surveying and Evaluating Ethical Review Practices, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo in June / July 2012 for extending SIDCER (Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review) recognition. The survey was conducted by the Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asia & Western Pacific (FERCAP).
  • Survey trainee in the International Course on Surveying and Evaluating Ethical Review Practices, Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medicine and Allied Sciences, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka in August 2017 for granting SIDCER (Strategic Initiative for Developing Capacity in Ethical Review) recognition for the first time. The survey was conducted by the Forum for Ethical Review Committees in Asia & Western Pacific (FERCAP).

 

Institutional level

  • Member of the Board of Study in Medical Sciences of the Faculty of Graduate studies of the University of Jaffna (2017 – 2021).
  • Representative of the Board of Study in Medical Sciences for the University Business Linkage Cell (UBL Cell) of the Faculty of Graduate studies of the University of Jaffna (2019 – 2021).
  • Representative of the Board of Study in Medical Sciences for the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of the Faculty of Graduate studies of the University of Jaffna (2020 – 2021).
  • Student Counselor of the University of Jaffna (2019 – 2021).
  • Representative of the Faculty of Medicine to the Senate of the University of Jaffna (2006).
  • Representative of the Faculty of Medicine to the “Sports Advisory Board” of the University of Jaffna (2006 and 2017 – 2018).
  • Chairman of the Annual Board of Survey (2004 – 2005).
  • Person in charge (PIC) for the Activity 1 of the IRQUE/QEF (World Bank Funded Project)/ Medical Study Program (2005 to 2007).
  • Chairperson of the Information Technology and Library monitoring and Development committee (2018 – 2020).
  • Convener of the Sub-committee to establish the Human Genetics Unit at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2015).
  • Member of the Ethics Review Committee (ERC) of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2012 – 2019).
  • Member of the Research and Higher Degrees Committee (RHDC) of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2018 – 2020).
  • Member of the Medical Education Cell (MEC) of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2013 – 2014, 2016 – 2017 and 2018 – 2020).
  • Member of the Research and Development Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2020 – 2023).
  • Member of the Student Welfare and Wellbeing Committee (SWWC) of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2020 – 2023).
  • Member of the Sub-committee on Quality Assurance of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2015 – 2016).
  • Member of the Scholarship and Fellowship Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2006).
  • Member of the Publicity Committee for the Research Conference of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (RCFMJ 2022).
  • Mentor for the undergraduate Medical students of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (2010 – 2011, 2013 – 2014 and 2021- 2023).
  • Member of the Interim Group to solve the medical students’ issues.
  • Member of the committee to revise the mandate for the Faculty Development Fund.
  • Member of the team that evaluates the foreign collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
  • Coordinator for the Department of Anatomy for the Exhibition Committee for the Medical Exhibition and Fair in Jaffna (2016).
  • Member of the subcommittee which was appointed by the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna to introduce a new degree programme titled as “Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy” (2015).
  • Contributed in the development of the proposal for the introduction of a new degree programme titled as “Bachelor of Science in Radiography (2017).
  • Visited to the Medical schools in the United Kingdom including Cambridge University to study their Curriculum and Educational system, etc. as nominated by the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna in 2016.
  • Member of the subcommittee appointed by the Faculty Board to develop the English curriculum for Medical undergraduates (Pre-clinical section) (2017).
  • Facilitated the Laboratory Training of the students who followed B.Sc. (Hons.) in Medical Laboratory Sciences course at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, University of Jaffna. They were trained at the Human Genetics Unit (HGU), Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo from 2015 to 2019.

 

Other Notable Contributions to the Institution

  • Prepared the existing written guidelines named as “Body donation programme” for the whole-body donation to the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna which has been approved by the 413th meeting of the Senate of the University of Jaffna held on 21st June 2016.
  • One of the three members who edited the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) (version 3.0) for the Ethics Review Committee (ERC) of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna which was approved by the Senate of the University of Jaffna held on 20th February 2018 [ISBN: 978-955-0585-17-5].
  • Prepared the proposal for the establishment of Human Genetics Unit at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna which was approved by the Faculty Board of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna at its 304th meeting held on 8th April 2015.

Publications in the refereed journals

  1. Chenthuran, T., Galhenagey, G.H., Jayasekara, R.W. and Dissanayake, V.H., 2014. Polymorphism in the epidermal growth factor gene is associated with pre‐eclampsia and low birthweight. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research, 40(5), pp.1235-1242. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/jog.12362

  2. Chenthuran, T., Sivaganesh, S., Abirami, C. and Thujeevan, J., 2023. Students’ perception on cadaveric dissection in learning gross anatomy for clinical application: Development of a tool using DELPHI technique. Sri Lanka Anatomy Journal, 7(1):20-30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/slaj.v7i1.154

  3. Chenthuran, T., Development of a core curriculum for anatomy in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Anatomy Journal, 4(1):5–9. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/slaj.v4i1.106

  4. Chenthuran T. Donation of body for anatomical dissection in Sri Lanka: a review. Sri Lanka Anatomy Journal. 2021;5(1):5–12. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/slaj.v5i1.118

  5. Rajendraprasad, R. Pancharajah, Chenthuran T. Bilateral variation in the Arterial pattern of the upper limbs in a cadaver. Anatomical Adjuncts. 2 September; 5 (1): 1- 4. (ISSN:0971 – 7870).

  6. Chenthuran T. Teaching anatomy in Sri Lanka: past, present and future. Sri Lanka Anatomy Journal. 2021;5(1):73–7. DOI: http://doi.org/10.4038/slaj.v5i1.138

  7. Chenthuran T. Legislation for cadaver procurement for teaching anatomy in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka Anatomy Journal. 2022; 6(II):13-21. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/slaj.v6i2.161 

  8. Chenthuran T. A Snapshot Summary and Comparative Analysis of Selected Ethics Review Committees Reviewing Clinical Trials in Sri Lanka. Vingnanam Journal of Science, 2023; 18 (1): 23-28. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4038/vingnanam.v18i1.4225

 

Publication of Books

  1. Chenthuran T. Human Anatomy in Medical Education. Published by the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (2024). ISBN 978-624-6150-30-3.

  2. Chenthuran T. Applied Anatomy of Abdomen. Published by the University of Jaffna, Sri Lanka (2024). ISBN 978-624-6150-29-7.

  3. Dissanayake VHW, Gunatilake M, Chenthuran T, Jayamanne NMM [Editors]. Guidelines for Ethics Review of Research Proposals Involving Animals in Sri Lanka. Forum of Ethics Review Committees, Sri Lanka.Colombo.2009. ISBN 978-955-51696-0-9.

 

 Published as conference proceedings

  1. Chenthuran T. Ethics in Medical Research. International conference of Anatomy on Subsuming Research in Medical Education RIMED 2018, June 22 – 23, 2018, Chennai, India. (Proceedings of the Conference: 3).

  2. Chenthuran T, Jayasekara RW, Dissanayake VHW. Association of epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene variations and pre-eclampsia. International conference on Frontiers in Molecular Life Sciences. September 16 -18, 2009. Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Abstracted in the Proceedings of the Conference:32).

  3. Chenthuran T, Jayasekara RW, Dissanayake VHW.  Association of variants in the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) gene with birth weight of babies. 42nd Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. November 13-15, 2009. Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Abstracted in the Sri Lanka Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2009. 31(1):74).

  4.  Chenthuran T, Jayasekara RW, Dissanayake VHW. Association of epidermal growth factor (EGF) gene variations and pre-eclampsia. 122nd Annual Scientific Sessions of the Sri Lanka Medical Association. March 18-21, 2009. Colombo, Sri Lanka. (Abstracted in the Ceylon Medical Journal 2009. 54 (supple 1):34).

  5.  Nilojan JS, Nagatheesan S, Niranjan R, Chenthuran T. A rare anatomical variation of extensor digitorum longus: a cadaveric case report: Annual Scientific Sessions of the Jaffna Medical Association. August 4 – 6, 2019. Jaffna, Sri Lanka. (Abstracted in the Proceedings of the Conference: 68).

  6. Kalaiyukan S, Niranjan R, Chenthuran T. Variation in the branching pattern of superior mesenteric artery: A cadaveric case report. International Conference on Health Sciences. October 17 – 18, 2019. Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka. (Abstracted in the Proceedings of the Conference: 186).

  7. Ketheeswaran N, Romini N, Chenthuran T. Variation in the venous drainage of the right kidney: A cadaveric case report. Annual Scientific Sessions of the Jaffna Medical Association. September 29 – 30, 2020. Jaffna, Sri Lanka (Abstracted in the Proceedings of the Conference: 86).

 

Research Awards

  • A merit award for scientific publication was awarded by the National Research Council (NRC), Sri Lanka for the article published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research in 2014.

 

Newsletter

  • A scientific article on Down syndrome was published in the e-newsletter of the Human Genetic Society (HGS) of Sri Lanka (“Gene News) (April 2020).

 

Audiovisual Materials

  • Prepared three different audiovisual materials with the common title “How to Learn Anatomy Effectively” with the aim of guiding freshman (first) year undergraduate medical students on “Learning Anatomy”.

  • Prepared an audiovisual materials on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to guide medical students for learning medical genetics effectively.

 

Presentations

“Dissemination of knowledge as an eminent guest speaker/ resource person in the Workshops and Training Programmes”

 

A. International level

  • Served as an eminent guest speaker at the International Conference of Anatomy on Subsuming Research in Medical Education (RIMED 2018) held in June 2018 at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India.

 

B. National level

  • Resource person in the “Training Program in Clinical Genetics” held in October 2023. It was organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
  • Resource person in the “Training Program in Clinical Genetics” held in June 2023. It was organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
  • Resource person in the “Training Program in Clinical Genetics” held in October 2022. It was organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
  • Resource person in the “Training Program in Clinical Genetics” held in April 2022. It was organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
  • Resource person in the “Training Program in Clinical Genetics” held in October 2021. It was organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
  • Resource person in the “Training Program in Clinical Genetics” held in May 2021. It was organized by the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.
  • Resource person for the webinar on “Clinical Genomics for Medical Practitioners” held in July 2020. It was in the pre-congress workshop which was organized as part of the 133rd Anniversary International Medical congress of Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA).
  • Resource person in the Curriculum Revision workshop of the Allied Health Science course held on 25th and 26th July 2019 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (contributed in the curriculum revision of B.Sc. (Hons.) in Medical Laboratory Sciences course).
  • Resource person in the Curriculum workshop of the Unit of Allied Health Sciences held on 18th and 19th July 2019 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna (contributed in the Curriculum Revision of B.Sc. (Hons.) in Nursing course).
  • Resource person in the workshop on Good Clinical Practices organized by the Forum for Ethics Review Committees in Sri Lanka (FERCSL) held in November 2016.
  • A lecture on “an overview on the preservation/ embalming techniques” was delivered in the training programme organized for the non- academic staff of the Eastern University, Sri Lanka held at the Department of Anatomy, University of Jaffna in March 2016.
  • Recognized for valuable contribution to the Curriculum Revision of B.Sc. in Nursing as a resource person. The workshop was held in June 2015 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
  • Resource person in the Bachelor in Pharmacy Curriculum Revision workshop held in March 2015 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna.
  • Resource person in the workshop on Laboratory Animal Science conducted for the MD students (Ayu) at the Institute of the Indigenous Medicine, University of Colombo held in July 2013.
  • Resource person in the International Certificate Course on Laboratory Animal Science (Program based on FELASA Cat. C) held in December 2011 at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo.

 

Coordinator of the Workshops and Training Programmes

  • Served in the capacity of the coordinator at the national level workshop on “Basic Hand Trauma” conducted by the Plastic surgery unit, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna in collaboration with the Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna in August 2016.
  • Coordinator of the workshop on “Integrating Genetics into Clinical Practice” jointly organized by the Human Genetics Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna held in August 2013.
  • Coordinator for the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA) pre-congress seminar on Ethics Review of Research Projects held in January 2012 at the University of Jaffna.
  • Medical Genetics
  • Gross Anatomy
  • Medical education
  • Research ethics