Media Release
Mangaluru, Feb 14: The Department of General Medicine, Father Muller Medical College, conducted a one-day CME, ‘FMMC HEMOCON -2026’, on February 14. The theme of the conference was ‘Practical Haematology – Integrating Science with Clinical Care’, aimed at helping practitioners stay updated with continually evolving medical guidelines. Around 275 delegates from in and around Karnataka attended the CME.
The CME began with a session by Dr Rajesh Krishna on “Drug-induced cytopenias and their management”, followed by a session on “A clinical and diagnostic approach to polycythaemia” by Dr Prashantha B.
This was followed by the inaugural ceremony, during which the dignitaries were escorted to the stage by Dr Smitha Bhat, organising chairperson and head of the Department of Medicine; Dr Jeffrey Lewis, organising secretary; and Dr Roshan M, convener and former head of the Department of Medicine.
The dignitaries included Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions; Fr Dr Michael Santhumayor, administrator, FMMC; and Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza, dean, FMMC.
The chief guest was Dr Chakrapani M, Professor of Medicine and medical superintendent of KMC Attavar, and the guest of honour was Dr B Sadananda Naik, senior physician from Alva's Health Centre.
Dr Smitha Bhat welcomed the dignitaries and delegates, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp and a prayer song. Dr Roshan M introduced the chief guest. The keynote address was delivered by Dr Chakrapani M, after which Dr B Sadananda Naik addressed the audience.
Rev. Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo then delivered the presidential address, underscoring the activities of the Department of Medicine and reaffirming the institution’s constant support towards continued academic excellence.
The inaugural ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks proposed by Dr Jeffrey Lewis, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the organising team.
The clinical sessions resumed with a lecture by Dr Chakrapani M on ‘Blood products and their rational and timely use’, followed by Dr Akshatha Nayak U speaking on ‘Peripheral smears – what a physician should focus on’.
The sessions were moderated by faculty from various medical colleges in Mangaluru and Manipal. E-poster presentations by undergraduate and postgraduate students of medicine were also conducted.
The post-lunch session included clinical case presentations by postgraduates from Father Muller Medical College, KMC Mangaluru and KMC Manipal. These were moderated by specialists and faculty from the Departments of Medicine, Pulmonology, Cardiology and Neurology.
The session was reported to be helpful in refining clinical history-taking and examination skills among postgraduates. The CME concluded with an engaging quiz organised by Dr Nithin Yashas Murthy, medical oncologist from Manipal Hospital, which received an overwhelming response. Prizes for the winners of the quiz and E-poster presentations were distributed by eminent physicians from Mangaluru.
Feedback from delegates on the CME was reported to be excellent, and the faculty appreciated the organisation of the programme. The CME was recognised by the Karnataka Medical Council, and delegates were awarded two credit points for attendance.