In the view of increasing concern regarding climate change worldwide, the Department of Physiology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Pondicherry, organized a day-long National CME-cum- Workshop on “Environmental Challenges to Cardiovascular Health” on 1st October 2019. The CME-cum-workshop was envisioned to highlight the role of environmental pollutants as a major cause of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in India.
In the inaugural session, Dr. Jeneth Berlin Raj, Professor and Head, Department of Physiology welcomed the august gathering while Dr. A.R. Srinivasan, Registrar, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth, Dr. Adithan, Dean Research, SBV, and Dr.Seetesh Ghose, Vice-Principal (Curriculum), MGMCRI delivered the opening remarks. Renowned personalities involved in environmental research, Dr. R.Padmavathi, Associate Dean & Professor of Physiology SRMCRI, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, Dr. K.N Maruthy Professor & Head of Physiology, Narayana Medical College Nellore, Andhra Pradesh & Mr. A.V Sivaumar, Assistant Professor, Narayana Medical College Nellore, Andhra Pradesh enlighted the participants on the emerging area of impact of environmental pollutants on cardiovascular health. The participants were further enriched through a post-CME hands-on workshop which spotlit the use of novel cost-effective technologies for environmental research related to cardiovascular function.
A poster competition was also held for MBBS students to promote awareness and interest of the younger generation which is likely to be most affected by the imminent challenge of an increase in environmental pollution. Mr. Siddarth, II MBBS, Vellammal Medical College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, and Mr. J. Jeshanth, II MBBS, MGMCRI, Pondicherry won the first and second prize in the poster competition. In the feedback session, the participants from various institutions expressed their views about the CME-Cum-Workshop. The delegates congratulated the organizers for the scientific feast and suggested the Department of Physiology conduct more CME/Workshops/Seminars on such burning issues.
