The Chronicle - Vol 3, Issue 2 - Apr-Jun-09

O F F I C I A L N E W S L E T T E R F R O M M G M C R I , S S S M C R I , I G I D S A N D K G N C

VOLUME 3ISSUE 2

APR-JUN2009

Sri Balaji VidyapeethUniversity News

In this edition’s

‘ Reflections’,

we explore Acu-

puncture, a tra-

ditional medicine

that may yet have

mordern uses

Page 15

Are there alterna-

tives to preser-

vation of tissue

specimens in

formalin?

Page 7

CASE STUDY:

SEMS in Inoper-

able Esophageal

Carcinoma

Page 3

F ollowing the declaration of this Institute as Deemed University (Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth), Postgraduate courses were started in various clinical disciplines with effect from the Academic year 2008-09. Postgraduate seats

in certain clinical departments viz. General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Orthopedics and Radiology were increased from the Academic year 2009-10 onwards and new courses in Non-clinical departments, viz. Anatomy, Biochemistry, Community Medicine, Microbiology and Physiology have been introduced from the Academic year 2009-10. It is proposed to start post-doctoral degree courses in Neurology, Neurosurgery, Cardiology, Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Urology, Pediatric Surgery and Surgical Gastroenterology.

The Board of Studies constituted by the Deemed University for different subjects, convened their meetings in the respective departments for framing of regulations, syllabi, and curricula in respect of Undergraduate courses and finalized the same. Formulation of the curricula for Postgraduate courses are in progress. Heads of the Departments are working towards starting of new courses.

DEVELOPMENTSFirst Examinations

T he first university examinations by the Deemed University, Sri Balaji

Vidyapeeth, for the First year MBBS stu-dents of MGMCRI were conducted suc-cessfully and results published.

University Grants Commission (UGC) inspected both Kasturba Gan-dhi Nursing college and Indira Gandhi Institute of Dental Sciences at MGM-CRI campus for awarding deemed sta-tus and to bring these two colleges also under the ambit of Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth University. Approval for commencement of M.Sc(Nursing), in addition to B.Sc Nursing course in the five disciplines, viz., Medical & Surgical Nursing, Men-tal Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Obstetric and Gynaecologic Nursing and Child health Nursing, was received and the admissions are underway for the academic year 2009-10.

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095 Sri Balaji Educational & Charitable Public Trust

MGMCRI SSSMCRI IGIDS KGNC

Tertiary care services

REPORT ON MASTER HEALTH CHECK-UP UNIT

T he Master Health check-up unit (MHCU) has successfully entered into its third year of ser-

vice, since its inception in March 2007. A steady increase has been observed during this period , with regard to the number of individuals who have under-gone these tests, as also the public and private sectors who have empanelled with MGMCRI.

During the quarter, April -- June 2009, MHCU had examined a total of 444 cases, with a a peak of 183 cases in the month of April. During this quar-ter, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry has entered into a health-care agreement with MGMCRI and 124 staff from the Pondicherry University, underwent the check-up.

Employees and their spouses from the private sector companies, FOSECO India Ltd, PIPDIC Industrial Estate, Mettupalayam, Puducherry were the beneficiaries at the comprehensive health check-up facility. Additional tests including Prostate Specific Anti-gen (PSA) test for detecting cancer and Mammogram have also been included. Asian Paints, SIPCOT, Cuddalore is another company that has arranged for the check – up of its employees.

Cy to geneticsKaryotyping has become an impor-

tant diagnostic tool that enables clini-cians to identify the chromosomal

disorders. The use of tissues and cord blood cells obtained from aborted fetuses, in karyotyping has opened newer vistas, with regard to the understanding of the genetic factors responsible for causing repeated spontaneous abortions.

Down’s Syndrome (Trisomy 21) ,Turn-er’s Syndrome (Monosomy 45XO), Turner’s Mosaic Syndrome (46XX / 45 XO), Edward’s Syndrome (Trisomy 18) are some of the chromosomal disorders that have thus been identified.

The CenTral researCh laboraTory, in The firsT half of 2009

has karyoTyped 31 Cases.

Other findings include complex con-genital anomalies such as chromosomal breaks (Blepharophimosis syndrome), acrocentric associations indicating DNA damage (Rubella syndrome), Breakage syndrome & Structural aberrations (Fanconi’s anemia). The karyotype of four mentally retarded children referred from the department of Pediatrics revealed fragmentations, minute breaks and gaps.

AccreditationMGMCRI is well on its way to

acquiring the accreditation of its hos-pital and laboratories, by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Health Care Providers (NABH) and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) respectively. Towards this direc-tion, identification of gaps and a compre-hensive gap analysis have already been completed. Gap rectification/ remedial measures are underway in all earnest and that pertaining to all the chapters, standards and objective elements. It is hoped that the institute would be fully

geared up for the process of accreditation by December 2009.

Drug Information Services

This service was inaugurated on 26-06-2009 at the Department of Phar-macology. The objective is to provide information on any drug(s) the clinician is interested in. Pertinent queries may reach the department through:

1. Exclusive Phi-Sci drop boxes fixed in the Hospital (at Cafetaria) and College (Ground Floor) Blocks. Enve-lopes may also reach the Office, Depart-ment of Pharmacology directly or by

2. E-mail : [email protected]

The immediate objective would be to provide solutions within 48 hours of receipt of the query. The faculty hope that over a period of time and with an augmented infrastructure and optimal manpower, the turnaround time would be reduced to within an hour.

Interesting queries would be pub-lished in Phi-Sci wall journal.

reporTing of adverse drug reaCTions (adr)

Any medical personnel of the medi-cal college hospital or dental hospital, including students can report an adverse drug reaction (ADR) incident to the Department of Pharmacology. These reports would be suitably analyzed and sent to the regulators (Drug Control-ler General of India) or to the regional pharmacovigilance center.

The results of ADR analysis would be published periodically in the Phi-Sci wall journal.

MAHATMA GANDHI MEDICAL COLLEGE & RESEARCH INSTITUTE

3 Apr-Jun, Vol 3 |ssue 25 Sri Balaji Educational & Charitable Public Trust

2009

2009


B reathing and eating are the very essentials of life, as every-one would agree unanimously.

Now, imagine if you were not able to do either properly ! This was the fate of Mr. S, a 62 year old gentleman, whose recent inability to swallow water as well as food was worrisome. A rather nasty cough, which came up with each swallow compounded the symptoms.

These distressing problems led him to seek attention at MGMCRI, where in the Department of Surgical Gastroen-terology, he was comprehensively evalu-ated, with a Barium swallow, upper GI endoscopy and CT scan of the chest.

These investigations revealed an esophageal carcinoma (cancer of the food pipe) in the middle third. Further-more, this tumor had grown and invaded the lungs and lymph nodes. The involve-ment of lung produced a fistula (a com-munication between the tumor and the

It was deployed under endoscopic guidance. The delivery system (with the stent mounted over it) was rail-roaded over a guidewire, and the stent released at a pre-determined site to encompass the entire length of the tumor as well as a short dis-tance above and below the tumor. As soon as the stent is released, it starts expanding to a preset calibre, enlarg-ing the esophageal lumen and sealing off the fistula, thus effectively reliev-ing dysphagia and cough.

This is the first time in this insti-tute, that such a procedure has been undertaken and it marks the entry of MGMCRI into the realm of mini-mally invasive palliative care.

CASE REPORTself-expandIng MetallIc stent

In Inoperable esophageal carcInoMa

Above: Endoscopic view of the Stent in situ

Department of Surgical gaStroenterology

lung). This was the cause of his annoy-ing cough. This, unfortunately for him, signified that the disease was advanced and beyond cure. Surgical resection was contraindicated. The only concern now was relief of dysphagia, its accompany-ing cough and to curb further spread by chemoradiation (palliation).

A Self-Expanding Metallic Stent (SEMS)[Ultraflex, Boston Scientific, USA], was placed in the area of the tumor, to keep the lumen patent and close the fistula. It would also facilitate further chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

seMs is a kniTTed Meshwork, shaped like a CylindriCal Tube

ConsisTing of niCkel-TiTaniuM ‘shape MeMory alloy’ wiTh a polyureThane Cover over iT To

prevenT TuMor ingrowTh.

Contrast Study of the Esophagus before (1) and after (2) stenting

1 2Above: Cross sectional CT view of the Chest. The arrow shows the markedly reduced esophageal lumen. Arrowhead marks the cavity in the lung with air-fluid level

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Orations

D r. Ravishankar M, Professor and Head of Anesthesiology, delivered the Annual Alumni

Oration at JIPMER Scientific Society, JIPMER, Puducherry on 03-04-2009. The Oration was delivered on the topic “Towards improving safety in anesthetic practice” in which he stressed on the importance of developing ‘Nontechnical skills’ for improving patient safety in the operation theatre.

Prof. Mothilal S N, Professor and Head, Department of Orthopaedics delivered the Sixth Dr. Rajagopal S endowment lecture at the department of Orthopedics, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu on 06-06-2009. The lecture was on “Surgical Manage-ment of Poliomyelitis” .

S cientific publicationsAnand Lingeswaran, Vinayak Vijay-

akumar, John Dinesh. ‘Entomophagy and Coprophagy in Undifferenti-ated Schizophrenia (Case report)’. Indian Journal of Psychological Medi-cine. 2009; 31(1): 52-53.

Sharbari Basu, Uma Rani P and Srinivasan A R. Association of cre-atine Kinase (MB) and Troponin (I) with electrocardiographic changes, in acute myocardial infarction. Biomedical Research. 2009; 20(2): 84-86.

Shanthi Ananthakrishnan and Gunasekaran D. Etiology and risk factors for early onset neonatal sepsis. Indian Journal of Medical Micro-biology 2009; 27; 279.

Srirangaraj S, Venkatesha D. Cir-culating phage type of Vibrio cholerae in Mysore. Indian Jour-nal of Medical Microbiology 2009; 27 (2) : 166- 75.

Selvasundari S, Ashok Kumar M, Srikanth, John, Srikanth K MS, Shruthy K. Angioid streaks in pseudoxan-thoma elasticum – a case report. Tamil Nadu Journal of Ophthalmology. 2009; 46(4): 57 – 58.

S cientific presentations

Dr. Pajanivel R, Associate Professor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine gave a talk on “Spirometry in prac-tice”, for the General Practitioners of Puducherry region on 24-05-2009 at Puducherry. It was followed by a live demonstration of spirometry.

Dr. Anand Lingeswaran, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, delivered a guest lecture on “Role of students in Suicide Prevention” for the benefit of the students of the Department of Sociology, Tagore Arts College, Lawspet, Puducherry, on 16-04-2009. The lecture was followed by an interactive session, with the students and faculty.

Officiation as resource personnel

Dr. Ananthakrishnan N, Professor of Surgery and Coordinator of Post-graduate studies attended the NIH, USA /ICMR sponsored “Centrally Coordinated Bioethics Educa-tion for India” project at Shillong, Meghalaya from 15-06-2009 to 17-06-2009 as an invited expert for evaluation

of project work of trainees. Projects of over 50 participants were critically ana-lyzed and approved and certificates of completion issued to these participants by the Secretary, Department of Health, Government of India and the Director General of ICMR.

Dr. Narasimhan R, Professor Emeri-tus of Pathology was a guest resource person for the workshop on “Training of Trainers on Educational Tech-nology” held at Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences, Puducherry from 22-06-2009 to 25-06-2009.

Officiation as chair-person in Academic/S cientific Events

Prof. Surendra Menon K, Head, Department of Pulmonary Medicine chaired two sessions on “Bronchiec-tasis and Pulmonary Hyperten-sion” and “Food habits in Asthma” at RESPICON-2009, a state level meet organized by the Association of Chest Physicians of Kerala, on 23-05-2009 and 24-05-2009 at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Participation in Academic/ S cientific Events

Prof. Surendra Menon K, Head and Dr. Pajanivel R, Associate Profes-sor, Department of Pulmonary Medicine attended the Zonal level workshop on

“Pulmonary Hypertension”, held under the auspices of the American Col-lege of Chest Physicians (West India Chapter), on 20-06-2009, at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

The faculty and the postgraduate students from the Department of Phar-macology attended a “Workshop on Phase 1 Clinical trials”, organized by Drug Information Association (DIA) on 09-06-2009 at Tamil Nadu AIDS Control Society, Chennai.

IN PURSUIT OF PROFESSIONAL EXCELLENCE


2009

2009


Miscell anyDr. Narasimhan R, Professor emeri-

tus, Department of Pathology conducted the surveillance audit of Apollo hospi-tal diagnostic laboratory (Chennai) and Sundaram Medical Foundation (Chen-nai) for NABL (National Accredita-tion Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories).

Dr. Shiva Murthy N, Associate Professor of Pharmacology has been included in the Advisory Board of The online Journal “Clinical Trial Magnifier” published by the Clinical Trial Center University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.

Dr. Pajanivel R, Associate Professor and RNTCP Coordinator, participated in the State Task Force meet on RNTCP, held on 12-06-2009 at the office of the Directorate of Health Services, Puduch-erry. The meet was held to discuss the role of Medical colleges in the effective implementation of RNTCP.

Dr. Srinivasan A R, Associate Pro-fessor of Biochemistry presented a series of talks in Tamil on Biochemical analysis of Blood and its constituents with ref-erence to diagnosis and prognosis. The talks were broadcast on five successive days (01-06-2009 to 05-06-2009) by All India Radio, Pondicherry (Prasar Bharathi Corporation of India).

Seminar HallThe Department of General Sur-

gery and Obstetrics & Gynecology have recently acceded two fully air-condi-tioned lecture halls, endowed with the state-of-the-art audio visual facilities. These halls would primarily cater to the academic needs of the postgraduate students, besides providing a venue for seminars and clinical discussions.

ACADEMIC EVENTS

A panel discussion on Glaucoma was held on 30-04-2009, at the

department of Ophthalmology. Dr. Vela-yutham, Professor of Ophthalmology, Chettinad Medical College, Chennai and Dr. Renuka Srinivasan, Professor of Ophthalmology, JIPMER were the coordinators. The discussion threw light on this important topic of contemporary interest and was widely appreciated. The final year post-graduate students par-ticularly benefited from this academic program.

Workshop for Post-graduate students on C oncept of ‘E ssential Drugs’A Workshop on “Concept of Essen-tial Medicines and Factors influencing choice of drugs in specific situations” for the postgraduate students was organized on 21-04-2009 and 22-04-2009, in the institute premises. It was coordinated by Dr. N. Ananthakrishnan, Professor of Surgery and Coordinator

of Postgraduate studies, in collabora-tion with the department of Pharma-cology and Medical Education Unit, MGMCRI.

The topics covered included Intro-duction to concept of essential medicines, Factors influencing the essential drug list at various levels of health care and Intro-duction to factors influencing choice of drugs for prescribing.

The workshop format was adopted in each session beginning with an intro-duction by a resource person followed by group tasks to get the Postgraduate students actively involved.

In addition to the faculty of the Pharmacology Department of MGM-CRI and Dr. Ananthakrishnan N, there were two visiting faculty members, Dr. Balakrishnan, Prof. of Pharmacology, PIMS, Puducherry and Dr. Ratinder Kaur, Associate Professor of Pharmacol-ogy, PKMC, Puducherry.

The sessions were attended by 44 and 35 postgraduate students on the first and second days respectively. The feedback was encouraging; over 90% of the participants found the program ‘helpful’ or ‘very helpful’ demonstrating their enthusiams for workshop mode of teaching.

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PG students’ news » RESPICON-2009, a state level

meet organized by the Association of Chest Physicians of Kerala was attended by the PG students from the depart-ment of Pulmonary Medicine - Dr. Jijo Oommen Roy, Dr. Jerryl Maclean, Dr. Ramanathan R, and Dr. Jawad Ali, on 23-05-2009 and 24-05-2009, at Coim-batore, Tamilnadu.

» Dr. Harish M, Post Graduate stu-dent, Department of Pulmonary medi-cine, attended an oration by Dr. Pajanivel R. on “Spirometry in Practice”, held at Puducherry, on 24-05-2009. It was primarily organized for the benefit of the consultants in General Medicine, of Puducherry.

» A zonal level workshop on “Pul-monary Hypertension”, was held on 20-06-2009, under the auspices of ACCP (West India Chapter), at Chen-nai, Tamilnadu. This was attended by the PG students of Pulmonary Medi-cine viz Dr. Jawad Ali, Dr. Harish M and Dr. Sidharth S Ajay.

Dr. Ananthalakshmi V and Dr. Geethanjali Gupta attended the

“National CME in Pathology” at Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Bel-gaum, Karnataka between 03-06-2009 and 06-06-2009.

» Dr. Geethanjali Gupta, Dr. Ananthalakshmi V and Dr. Shameema S attended a CME on Hematology at Madras Medical College, Chennai, on 04-06-2009.

UG students’ News » Dr. Saravana Kumar R, Junior

Resident, secured the first prize in the Regional Dissertation competition con-ducted by the Department of Anatomy, Kirupananda Variyar Medical College, Hospital, Salem. He was awarded a cer-tificate of appreciation and a cash award for the same. He was ably guided by Prof. Sudha Rao, Head, Department of Anatomy, MGMCRI. The disserta-tion was titled “Surgical spaces of Head and Neck”.

» Ms. Arthi M and Ms Anusha B, students of II MBBS, have been selected for the award of Short term studentship (STS) for the year 2009, instituted by the Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi. Ms Arthi would carry out research on the project tittled “Efficacy of DeRitis ratio in the diagnosis of liver diseases in patients attending MGMCRI clinics”. Her guide is Dr. Srinivasan A R, Associate Professor of Biochemistry. Ms Anusha will be work-ing on the project titled, “Retention of CPR skills in interns at 2 months after beginning” under the guidance of Dr. Hemanth Kumar VR, Asst. Prof. of Anesthesiology.

C ampaigns The Red Ribbon Club of the

Institute organized a quiz competition on the topic “AIDS and blood trans-fusion” on 14-05-2009 for the students of MGMCRI, KGNC and IGIDS. The team from the 9th semester MBBS, com-prising of Ilavarasi V, Eeshwar MV and Ram D, emerged as the winners.

SCHOLARS IN THE MAKING


2009

2009


An Innovative Method of Teaching Pathology

A comprehensive study of Pathology demands a well maintained library with quality

textbooks, peer reviewed journals, and a well organized and adequately equipped museum and quality microscopes. The use of formalin or Kiserling’s solution has long been in vogue for the preserva-tion of specimens in the museum. The use of formalin has inherent demerits- mainly allergy. Further, the fear of break-ing glass is an additional factor which prevents the students from perceiving a three dimensional view of the specimens.

The technique of plastination was identified and developed by Sir Gunther Van Hagens, a German anesthetist in the

year 1977. Replacement of water and fat around the cells by polymers forms the basis of this procedure.

Dr. Pradeep Kumar N, Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology, MGMCRI, undertook plastination to preserve various pathological speci-mens. Plastinized models of cirrhosis of the liver, congested spleen, hydrone-phrotic kidney and fetus with multiple

congenital anomalies have been created.

When a survey was undertaken to compare the two, the majority of the students felt that plastinized models were better than mounted specimens and suggested teaching gross pathology with the aid of the former. The three dimensional characteristics could be appreciated better with the plastinized models. Moreover these are non toxic and could be handled easily.

The department is hopeful that, in future, with more of plastinized models, the museum would attain a unique sta-tus among all the other medical colleges of the country.

an exCellenT and viable alTernaTive To The use of

forMalin for preservaTion of Tissue speCiMen is plasTinaTion.

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OUTREACH SERVICES

Health CampsCommunity based Health Services

are an integral component of MGM-CRI’s initiative towards a healthy and productive lifestyle of the people in and around Puducherry. In order to create a positive impact and health awareness among rural people, a team of dedicated doctors from the Departments of Gen-eral Surgery, Otorhinolaryngology, Oph-thalmology in association with Commu-nity Medicine, conducted eight specialty camps in Cuddalore district, in the sec-ond quarter of 2009. Three camps were organized by the Department of General Surgery at Tiruchopuram, Devanampat-tinam and Andikuzhi. Primary care was provided to the needy patients.

The Department of Ophthalmol-ogy conducted three camps exclusively for the rural people of North Chinoor, Ayyampettai and Kayalpattu to check for any eye infection, disease or defec-tive vision. The Department of Otorhi-nolaryngology organized two camps, at Rosapettai and Utchimedu for screening and preliminary treatment of diseases of ear, nose and throat. General procedures like injection, cleaning and dressing were also done at these specialty camps. Patients in need of tertiary care were advised to attend the out-patient divi-sion at MGMCRI for further treatment.

Awareness P ro gramA health awareness camp was con-

ducted by the Department of Psychiatry in collaboration with the Department of Community Medicine, at Nanjilin-gampet, near Parangipettai, Cuddalore district Tamil Nadu on 24-04-2009. This area was one of the worst affected by Tsunami and floods during 2004 and 2005. A lecture on mental health was given at the camp, to promote mental health awareness in the community.

The event included a special discus-sion on awareness about post-traumatic disorder after natural disasters such as tsunami, earthquake, and exposure to violence. Post Traumatic Stress Syn-drome (PTSS) plays an important role in the aftermath of any trauma. Coun-seling was given regarding maintaining mental stability. The importance of reha-bilitative treatment was highlighted to the people. Health education sessions were also conducted by the Medical Social Worker, Health Educator and Physiotherapist. They kindled the minds of the listeners all about personal hygiene, environmental sanitation and physiotherapy awareness. A good and healthy response was solicited .

An awareness program titled “Par-ent-Child Issues” was organized by the Department of Psychiatry for the benefit of the employees of Integra Software, Lawspet Main Road, Puducherry, on 20-05-2009. Mr. Balasubramanian P, Tutor, Department of Psychiatry eluci-dated issues pertaining to healthy and unhealthy psychosocial development of children. Importance was given to

parents whose office stress allows little time for their children, who then indulge in deviant behavior. The issues which arise out of it and the ways of tackling it were discussed and the employees were helped to follow certain guidelines to pay more attention towards their families.

Medical S creening P ro gram PRO GR AM

In association with Indian Council for Child Welfare, Tamil Nadu, a Medi-cal screening program was organized by the Department of Pediatrics, for the children of Tsunami affected families, in the second week of May 2009 at the Pediatrics Department, MGMCRI.

All the 195 children who attended the camp, were screened for anemia, vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, skin diseases and organ diseases like heart disease. Appropriate investigation and necessary treatment was initiated on site. Four children diagnosed with cardiac disease were directed to the Depart-ment of Cardiology, MGMCRI for further management. Adolescent girls


2009

2009


were interviewed about their menstrual problems and other related ailments. All their queries were answered with neces-sary counseling. Overall, stress was laid on feminine hygiene, balanced diet and ways to reduce anemia.

Activities of the Health C entres

Urban Health Center

Public awareness talk on “Preven-tion of Diarrhea” and “Personal Hygiene and Sanitation” was given by the Medical Social Worker in Arun-thathipuram, Ariyankuppam commune, Pondicherry on the 09-04-2009 and 22-04-2009. The talk highlighted the fact that communicable diseases can be prevented by proper sanitation and personal hygiene.

Health talk by the medical officer regarding the “Importance of Safe Drinking Water” was arranged for the OPD patients and their relatives on 20-04-2009. The audience were shocked to realize that many of the packed drink-ing water cans were filled with unsafe water. People were thus advised to use safe boiled drinking water to prevent water-borne diseases. On the 26-06-2009 an awareness talk on TB and AIDS was organized in the premises.

One health talk was held in PCP Nagar, Ariyankuppam commune, Puducherry, regarding “Child Health Care” for the postnatal mothers on 19-05-2009. The take home message was,

“Breast milk - best immunity provider to the child”. Two health education ses-sions were conducted in Gandhiji Nagar, Ariyankuppam commune, Pondicherry on 08-05-2009 and 19-06-2009 for the antenatal and postnatal mothers about the “Importance of Nutritious Diets” and “Importance of Immu-nization”, laying stress on the fact that immunization for the child is the need of the hour to save children from various deadly diseases and deformities.

Rural Health Center

A health talk on “Prevention of Anemia” was organized for children, adolescents girls, and lactating moth-ers in the Balwadi at Seliamedu, Bahoor commune, Puducherry on 04-04-2009. An awareness talk regarding “Summer season Diseases” was held at Aranga-noor, Bahoor commune, Puducherry on 17-04-2009. The talk concentrated on measles and chickenpox and how they could be medically managed and cured instead of native treatment.

On 06-05-2009, a health talk was given to antenatal and postnatal moth-ers regarding the “Importance of

Nutritional Diet” at Seliamedu Pet, Bahoor commune, Puducherry and on 21-05-2009, another health education talk was given for the benefit of public about “Personal Hygiene and Sani-tation” at Aranganoor, Bahoor com-mune, Puducherry.

Yet another Health talk regarding the “Importance and Uses of Vac-cines” was given to the OPD patients on 5-06-2009 and a health talk to the Public on the “Importance of Regu-lar Health Check–up’ was held at Aranganoor village, Bahoor commune, Puducherry on 23-06-2009.

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T he department of Anes-thesiology and Critical Care, MGMCRI provides safe anes-

thesia services for over 4000 surger-ies annually, across various specialties. The department also operates a well equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU), with modern facilities.

Inception & GrowthFrom its modest beginnings with

just three operation theatres (OTs) and a four bedded ICU in 2001, to a depart-ment consisting of ten well equipped OTs, seven bedded multispecialty ICU and round the clock emergency services, it has taken a quantum leap in just eight years.

The facult yProf. M. Ravishankar, an emi-

nent anesthesiologist, able administra-tor and a strict task-master, who was honored by the “British Association of Indian Anaesthetists” in the year 2007, with the lifetime achievement award for “Advancement of Anes-thesia in India”, heads the department. Quality assurance, safety and continued

care of patients in the peri-operative period is his goal and obsession. He is ably supported by a team of ten dedi-cated, enthusiastic and well trained fac-ulty members who share these ideals.

Many of the faculty members have special training in the fields of cardiac anesthesia, obstetric analgesia , pain & palliative care, emergency and critical care.

Anesthesia servicesThe department runs the “ pre-

anesthetic assessment clinic”, wherein the patient’s underlying disease processes and his/her risk for anesthesia are critically assessed. A plan for the anesthetic management of the patient is formulated and discussed with the patient. The patients are involved in the decision making process and are empowered to decide on their choice of anesthesia, post-operative pain relief and/or pain-free labor.

Effective pre-operative planning, efficient intra-operative implementation and pain-free post-operative care are the key to ‘Stress-free’ Surgery.

T he operating rooms are equipped with advanced Anesthesia worksta-

tions possessing “Anesthesia gas moni-tors” that continuously display the levels of the anesthetic gases in the blood. This helps in maintaining adequate anesthesia using extremely low quantities of anes-thetic gases, minimizing the side-effects to the patients while protecting the environment. An array of airway man-agement devices including “intubating fiberoptic laryngoscope” and “retromolar scope” are available.

The post-operative ward, well fur-nished with a range of multiparameter monitors, a selection of infusion pumps for pain control and fluid administration, specialized staff to detect the minutest of abnormalities, helps the patients in their fragile post-operative state on their road to recovery.

The Department of Anesthesiology & Critical CareSPOTLIGHT

Anesthetists – Are they service providers or cAre givers?


2009

2009


C ritical C are ServicesA seven bedded ICU, endowed

with the state-of-the-art ventilators for respiratory support, invasive monitoring for hemodynamic support, bolster the department’s preparedness for success-fully managing the most challenging of the cases.

Academic ActivitiesThe department has an annual

intake of two students each in Masters degree (MD) and Diploma (DA) post-graduate programs. A well-structured training program, which provides equal importance for acquiring knowledge, clinical and technical skills, attitude and personality changes required for the specialty, is in place. The faculty are totally committed to training the resi-dents in order that they become efficient

and capable “peri-operative physicians”. The faculty members and PG students alike, attend national and regional conferences and workshops at regular intervals . Furthermore, the faculty are actively involved in research and have eight publications to their credit , in peer reviewed journals, in the last five years.

The Fu tureThe department envisions to expand

further into a dedicated “Department of peri-operative medicine and pain relief”. Quality assurance and safety in the peri-operative period is its motto and cherished vision.

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College Day Celebrations

A s is the tradition at MGM-CRI, the annual college festival, ‘Talentia’, was organized with

due pomp and grandeur. It was held on 08-05-2009. Much before the final event, various inter-batch competitions were conducted in the college premises amid great enthusiasm and merriment. Stu-dents eagerly look forward to ‘Talentia’ every year, not only to showcase their talents but also for sheer enjoyment, to be but able to let their hair down for a few days!

The Students’ Council set to work in earnest as soon as the dates for the events were finalised. The Fine Arts and Literary and Debate (L&D) com-petitions were held between 06-05-2009 and 08-05-2009. This year, the Fine Arts committee had organised a new event, called ‘Junk Art’ - where old and dis-carded material had to be used creatively to produce a work of art!. Students came up with innovative ideas and the result was a visual treat. The other events were Face painting, Sketching, Floral arrangement, Vegetable carving, Collage, Mehendi and Rangoli.

The L & D activities began with Debate - The Big Fight. A very lively and thought provoking battle of words ensued on the topic, ‘Youth: Are they to be welcomed or prohibited from entering into Politics?’

A new event called ‘Shipwreck’ was introduced this year: each participant was randomly assigned the name of a famous personality who was assumed to be aboard a ship about to be wrecked. The participant, now the famous person-ality had to plead as to why He or She should be given the last and only life jacket in preference to all others aboard the ship. The justifications were amusing and interesting. The other events were ‘Block & Tackle’, ‘Dumb Charade’, Quiz, Creative writing and Poetry writing.

The music competition ‘Euphony’ held on 07-05-2009 had the audience swaying to a subtle blend of the haunt-ing melodies of yesteryears and the con-temporary ‘masala’ music.

The other cultural events were Skit, Mime, Dance and Fashion-Show. The group dances were spectacular with colourful costumes and deft handling of

props on stage. The Fashion Show was the grand finale and was undoubtedly the crowd puller. It was indeed a fresh change to see the students transformed into glamourous models and stride the ramp!

Finally, it was time for the College Day Ceremony. It was held in the college premises on 08-05-2009. Mr. Ramana-than P R ias, former Chief Secretary, Puducherry Government was the Chief Guest of the evening. He appreciated the good show displayed by the students. The Dean, Prof. Gunasekaran D R deliv-ered the Presidential address. The Medi-cal Superintendent, Prof. Thyagarajan K R also spoke on the occasion. The Chief Guest gave away the prizes to all the winners of the individual events as well as the running trophies/Shields to the Batches scoring the highest points in Fine Arts, L&D activities, Cultur-als and Music. The Shield for the best overall performance was bagged by the organizing batch - The ‘Stallions’.

A grand dinner organised for the stu-dents, faculty and guests was a gourmet’s delight that everybody enjoyed and the partying contined till the early hours... afterall, it was our College Day!

Fine Arts: Stallions 2005

Literary & Debate: Free Radicals

C u l t u r a l s : Mavericks 2006

M u s i c : Mavericks 2006

S p o r t s : Stallions 2005

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Free R adicals

T his year, the Post-graduate stu-dents and CRRIs of MGMCRI,

formed a team(Free Radicals) and par-ticipated in the inter batch competitions held in association with the College Day celebrations.

The first prize in Debate was won by the team comprising of Dr. Jagan Mohan R and Dr. Rahul K K, from the Depart-ment of Pharmacology and the Depart-ment of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology respectively. Dr. Rahul K K, Dr. Jijo Oomen Roy (Departmentof TBCD) and Dr. Velmurugan (CRRI) won the second prize in Quiz.

Dr. Rahul K K won the second prize in the music competition for his soul- stirring western solo performance.Dr. Rahul K K also won the second prize in Block and Tackle, Shipwreck and Cre-ative writing.

The Free Radicals team won the Shield for Literary & Debate

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Dr. Babu Chakkaravarthy

Assistant Professor of Cardiology (01.04.2009)

Dr. Siva P K

Assistant Professor of Medicine (07.04.2009)

Dr. Shanthi Ananthakrishnan

Professor of Paediatrics (08.04.2009)

Dr. Murali C

Assistant Professor of General Surgery (17.04.2009)

Dr. Mukunthan N

Assitant Professor of Anatomy (20.04.2009)

Dr. Pradeep Kumar N S

Associate Professor of Pathology (21.04.2009)

Dr. Reecha Singh

Assistant Professor of Pathology (04.05.2009)

Dr. Valli R

Assistant Professor of Otorhinolaryngology (05.05.2009)

Dr. Harikrishnan E

Assistant Professor of Paediatrics (06.05.2009)

Dr. Noyal Mariya Joseph C

Assistant Professor of Microbiology (22.05.2009)

Dr. Rugmini K P

Assistant Professor of OBGY (27.05.2009)

Dr. Pandurangan R

Professor of Ophthalmology (03.06.2009)

Dr. Manikandan K

Assistant Professor of OBGY (16.06.2009)

Dr. Mugunthan S

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (17.06.2009)

Dr. Satya Bhusan Nayak

Assistant Professor of Radiology (20.06.2009)

Dr. Mary M

Chief CMO/RMO of Casualty (22.06.2009)

Dr. Satyaprakash M V S

Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology (24.06.2009)

Dr. Padmalatha R

Assistant Professor of Anesthesiology (29.06.2009)

Appointments


2009

2009


REFLECTIONS

Alternate Medicine -

Acupuncture

A cupuncture, among the oldest healing practices in the world, is a medical system that

originated in China. According to tradi-tional Chinese medicine(TCM), prac-tices such as herbs, meditation, massage, and acupuncture seek to aid healing by restoring the yin-yang balance and the flow of qi.

Qi, in TCM, is the vital energy or life force that regulates a person’s spiri-tual, emotional, mental, and physical health. It is influenced by the opposing yet complementary forces of yin and yang. Yin represents cold, slow, or pas-sive aspects of the person, while yang represents hot, excited, or active aspects. Health is achieved by maintaining the body in a “balanced state”; disease is due to an internal imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi along pathways known as meridians. The meridians connect the body in a web like interconnecting matrix. Qi can be unblocked by using acupuncture at certain points on the body that con-nect with these meridians, to restore and maintain health. There are 14 primary meridians and at least 2,000 acupunc-ture points.

Acupuncture is based on the prin-ciple that there is a nervous system con-nection between the internal organs and the points on the body’s surface. When an organ is diseased, a corresponding point on the body becomes tender, swol-len or discolored. When the ailment is cured, regardless of the system of

medicine used, the reactive point dis-appears. Conventional doctors use this as diagnostic tools, whereas Acupunc-turists use these points for treatment with needles.

Despite considerable efforts to understand the anatomy and physiology of the “acupunc-ture points”, the definition and characterization of these points remains controversial. Even more elusive is the basis of some of the key traditional oriental medical concepts such as the circulation of Qi, the meridian system, and the five elements theory.

They are difficult to reconcile with contemporary biomedi-cal information but continue to play an important role in the evaluation of patients and the formulation of treatment in acupuncture.

The acupuncture tech-nique that has been most

often studied scientifically involves penetrating the skin with thin, solid, metallic needles that are manipulated by the hands or by electrical stimula-tion. The size and type of needle used, and the depth of insertion, depend on the acupuncture style being practiced. One myth that people harbor about acupuncture is that it is painful. But the acupuncture needles are much thinner than hypodermic needles and are not hollow. Thus, the pain is mild or often nonexistent.

Recent research has confirmed the existence of these famed points using electromagnetic imaging. Studies have confirmed that the points of needle insertion are rich in nerve endings and capillaries. One of the theories on how

acupuncture works, is by release of endorphins (endogenous opiates) from the brain when the points are stimulated leading to alleviation of pain. Research has shown that acu-puncture is effective against certain specific ailments. WHO recom-mends acupuncture for over 100 disorders, ranging from respiratory

illness, disorders of the eye, mouth and stomach to orthopedic disorders and neurological maladies.

Ailments that are commonly treated include back pain, carpal tunnel syn-drome, complex regional pain syndrome, asthma, constipation, ulcers, headache, neuralgias, osteoarthritis, toothache and common cold. Acupuncture has proved useful in treating addiction and appetite suppression.

However, this form of treatment is not without risks. Certain points should not be stimulated in early pregnancy, since they could stimulate oxytocin and ACTH production and lead to abortions. Also there is a possibility of infection with the use of unsterilized needles. It is best to consult a certified acupuncturist before opting for this alternative therapy.

Prof. Ravishankar M Head, Anesthesiology & Critical CareMGMCRI

Qi, is The viTal energy or life forCe

ThaT regulaTes a person’s spiriTual,

eMoTional, MenTal, and physiCal healTh

who reCoMMends aCupunCTure

for over 100 disorders

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Students’ News

Seminar

P re-clinical departments of SSSMCRI conducted seminar

sessions for the I M.B.B.S (2008-2009 batch) students in the Institute premises. These are conducted to explore the tal-ents of the students and also to cultivate the habit of self-study by the students. Three seminar sessions were conducted

Faculty News P ublications

D r. Sembulingam K, Profes-sor of Physiology, published a textbook titled “Essentials of

Medical Physiology” which is widely accepted and followed by National and International Medical, Dental and Para-medical students. The fifth Edition of this book has been published during his tenure at this institute, in June, 2009.

Dr. Prema Sembulingam, Profes-sor of Physiology has co-authored the textbook .

Officiation as C hair-person in Academic Event

Prof. Vasantha N Subbaiah, Dean, chaired a session on “Etiopathogenesis of and Micronutrients in male Infer-tility”. The symposium was organized by OGSSI in April 2009, at Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

SRI SATHYA SAI MEDICAL COLLEGE & RESEARCH INSTITUTE

in the last quarter -two by the Depart-ment of Biochemistry and one by the Department of Physiology.

Interesting topics of clinical inter-est were given to the speakers. All the students were encouraged and motivated to participate in the seminar and about 25 students took part in the seminar sessions. At the end of the seminar ses-sion, the top three presentations were selected by the panel of judges, and were awarded special prizes and certificates. All the participants were given consola-tion prizes and certificates.

The seminar was attended by the faculty of pre-clinical departments and the students.

Miscell anyProf. Vasantha N Subbaiah, Dean,

has been chosen as the President-elect of Obstetrics and Gynecology Society of Southern India (OGSSI) - for the year 2009 – 2010.

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Faculty NewsC ourses and Work-shops at tended

D r. Gandhimathi D, Reader and Dr. Grace Tara Paul, Senior Lecturer, in the Depart-

ment of Periodontics, Dr. Senthil M, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Health Dentistry and Dr. Sakthi Devi S, tutor, Dr. Shyama Hijam, tutor, attended a Continuing Dental Educa-tion programme titled “Interdisciplinary Periodontics” conducted on 21-06-2009 by the Indian Dental Association [IDA], Puducherry Branch.

C ommunit y Health Services

The department of Public Health Dentistry conducted a screening camp and dental health education program at SOS childrens’ village, Pillaiyarkuppam on 27-05-2009.

This village has 120 orphaned chil-dren, who are tsunami victims. The department has adopted this SOS chil-drens’ village for comprehensive dental health care at IGIDS. All the procedures for these children are provided free of cost at various departments of the dental college. These children attend the out-patient department every Saturday for comprehensive dental care. The program will continue till the need is met.

The department of Public Health Dentistry organized a road rally to mark the “World No Tobacco Day” on 31-05-2009.The theme of the road rally was to emphasize on pictographic warning on tobacco products. About 150 students and 10 staff members of IGIDS par-ticipated in the rally. The rally started

from Anna statue and reached Mahatma Gandhi statue via. Anna salai, Nehru street and Mission street. Posters and pamphlets were distributed to the public to create awareness on tobacco related health hazards. Students carried tobacco placards on health education and raised slogans in the rally. The rally was well covered by the local media and press.

App ointments

Dr. Shivasakthy M, MDS.,

Senior lecturer, Department of Pros-

thodontics (26.06.2009)

INDIRA GANDHI INSTITUTE OF DENTAL SCIENCES

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Faculty Activities

S cientific P ublications Lakshmi R, Rajeswari V. Emergency

services. Pondicherry Journal of Nursing . 2009; 1(4): 21-25.

S cientific P resentations Prof. Kamalam S, Principal, KGNC and Head of Community Health Nurs-ing, presented papers on “Assessment and Utilization of Maternal, Child Health & Family Welfare Services Among Rural Women” and “Family Participation in Mater-nal & Child Health Services”, at the Tamilnadu State Chapter Conference, organized by the Society of Midwives India (S.O.M.I), at Indira College of Nursing, Thiruvallur, Tamilnadu , on 16-04-2009 and 17-04-2009.

A regional conference on “Enrich-ing Community Health Nursing Through Emerging Techniques”, was organized at the Mother Teresa Institute of Health Sciences, Puducherry, on 03.04.2009. Prof. Kamalam S, Prin-cipal, KGNC and Head of Community

Health Nursing was a resource person at the conference and delivered a lec-ture on “Legal Issues in Community Health Nursing”.

Ms.Priscilla Inbarathi R, Vice Principal, KGNC and Associate Profes-sor, Department of Child Health Nurs-ing, presented a paper on “Emerging Trends in Community Health Nursing”.

Ms.Renuka K, Associate Profes-sor, Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, presented a paper on “Public Health Nursing Intervention Model”.

Participation in Academic / S cientific events

Prof.Kamalam S, Principal, KGNC and Head of Community Health Nursing, participated in the “Workshop on E-Resources”, orga-nized by the Ananda Rangapillai Library and College Development Council, Pon-dicherry University, Puducherry, on 27-06-2009.

C ampaigns and C ommemorations

In commemoration of the World Tuberculosis Day, the 4th semester

students of B.Sc (N) staged a role play titled ‘We must stop TB’ . The event was organized in the premises of Medi-cal Records Department (MRD) and Male Medical Ward of MGMCRI, Puducherry.

R ed R ibbon C lub (RRC)

T he B.Sc (N) students of KGNC, participated in the Poster Compe-

tition hosted by the RRC, KGNC, on 06-04-2009. The topics encompassed “HIV / AIDS – Facts & Myths” and “HIV / AIDS – Citizens’ Respon-sibility”. Dr. Ambujam S, Professor and Head of Dermatology, Venereol-ogy & Leprology and Prof. Kamalam S, Principal , KGNC were the judges for the day. Mr. Sachin Antony and Ms. Biji John, 4th semester students of B.Sc (N), won the 1st and 2nd prizes respectively.

The Red Ribbon Club members of KGNC organized a puppet show on “HIV / AIDS awareness” at the

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2009 Apr-Jun, Vol 3 |ssue 2

screening, environmental sanitation, well baby clinic, cancer awareness and several other such events. Volunteers staged a role play and highlighted the non- com-municable diseases caused by altered life-style behaviour besides the harmful effects of alcoholism & smoking. In addi-tion, they conducted a health education program for mothers of under five chil-dren , on various aspects of Maternal and Child Health. All these programs were well received and widely appreciated .

The valedictory function of this

Primary Health Center, Kirumam-pakkam on 16-04-2009. The amusing (amazing) puppets vividly depicted the mode of transmission, prevention and social issues, thereby creating awareness among the general public.

NSS ACTIVITIES The NSS unit of KGNC, orga-

nized an exclusive Camping Program, as a part of its activities, for 7 days, at PCP Nagar, Ambedkar Nagar and Ari-yankuppam. This was inaugurated at the Ariyankuppam Urban Health Centre of MGMCRI, by Dr. Rajan EM, Liaison Officer, State NSS Cell, Puducherry.

Several educative programmes were conducted at PCP Nagar, Ariyank-uppam. These programs were essentially based on the theme “Healthy Youth, Healthy India’’ and included survey on alcoholism & smoking, general health

special program was attended by a large audience that included Prof. Kamalam S, Principal, K G N C and Head of Community Health Nursing and Dr. Vasuki, Program co-ordinator, State NSS Cell, Puducherry.

Academic Events

S cientific and Academic Forum

The scientific and academic forum of KGNC, organized a guest lecture on 28-04-2009. Ms. Shyamala Anusha R, Clinical Instructor, Sabari College of Nursing, Puducherry, spoke on the topic, “Stem Cell Therapy”.

App ointments The following faculty members

joined the KGNC fraternity during the first quarter of 2009. We extend a warm welcome to each one of them.

Ms. Thiruveni R, B.Sc (N), Assistant Lecturer, 04-05-2009.

Ms. Mohanapriya S, M.Sc (N), Lecturer, 18-05-2009.

Mr. Suthandira Balan P, B.Sc (N), Clinical Instructor, 15-06-2009.

ADVISORY BOARDProf. Gunasekaran D R

Prof. Thyagarajan K R

Prof. Robinson Smile S

Prof. Vijayalakshmi K

Prof. Kamalam S

EDITORIAL BOARD

E ditor-in-C hiefProf. Ravishankar M

E xecu tive E ditorDr. Mahalakshmi V N

M anuscript Devel opmentDr. David Livingstone

Dr. Devendra Kumar Tripathy

Ms. Gokula Priya R

Mr. Joseph Naresh

Ms. Joy John

Dr. Karpagavel L

Dr. Sharbari Basu

Dr.M.Shivasakthy

Ms. Uma A N

Dr. Vineela Khatim Reddy

M anuscript E ditingDr. Manoj Kumar R

Dr. Srinivasan A R

Design & L ayou tDr. Jagan Mohan R

e-mail: [email protected]

PATRON

Mr. M K Rajagopalan

MAHATMA GANDHI MEDICAL COLLEGE & RESEARCH INSTITUTEINDIRA GANDHI INSTITUTE OF DENTAL SCIENCES

KASTURBA GANDHI NURSING COLLEGEPillayarkuppam, Puducherry 607 402

SHRI SATHYA SAI MEDICAL COLLEGE & RESEARCH INSTITUTENellikuppam, Kancheepuram Dist, Tamil Nadu 603108

Documents

The Chronicle - Vol 3, Issue 2 - Apr-Jun-09