Prof. J.N. Shetty Memorial Oration Held at Father Muller Medical College
Mangaluru: The Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), in association with the Prof. J.N. Shetty Memorial Oration Trust and Karavali Dermatology Society (KDS), organised the Prof. J.N. Shetty Memorial Oration and KDS Clinical Meet on September 20 at the Decennial Memorial Hall, FMMC.
The scientific event brought together postgraduate students, faculty members and eminent dermatologists to discuss intriguing clinical cases and highlight the importance of early integration of histopathological examination in improving patient care.
Professor J.N. Shetty served as the first Dean and Head of the Department of Dermatology at Father Muller Medical College from 1991 to 2000. He played a pivotal role in establishing the postgraduate programme in Dermatology and was widely recognised for his contributions to leprosy through his involvement with the Hind Kusht Nivaran Sangh. His legacy is commemorated through the annual Prof. J.N. Shetty Memorial Oration.
The programme commenced with an invocation, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. Dr Sukumar D, President of the Prof. J.N. Shetty Memorial Oration Trust, welcomed the gathering and outlined the vision and objectives of the Trust.
Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), presided over the formal inauguration. He highlighted the role of dermatologists as guardians of skin health and emphasised the importance of raising public awareness about skin conditions.
The event was attended by Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza, Dean, FMMC; Dr Nandakumar G, Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatopathologist, Cosmopolitan Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, and former Principal, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram; Dr Narendra Shetty, Professor, Kanachur Institute of Medical Sciences; Dr Sukumar D, Professor of Dermatology, AJ Institute of Medical Sciences and President of the Prof. J.N. Shetty Memorial Oration Trust; and Dr Michelle Serene Fernandes, Professor and Head, Department of Dermatology, FMMC.
Dr Nandakumar G was felicitated by the dignitaries, while the vote of thanks was proposed by Dr Jerome Joseph, Organising Secretary and Senior Resident, Department of Dermatology, FMMC.
Memorial Oration and Scientific Sessions
The highlight of the programme was the Prof. J.N. Shetty Memorial Oration delivered by Dr Nandakumar G on the topic, “The Art of Correlation – Reflections from a Dermatopathological Journey.” The session was chaired by Dr Nandakishore B and Dr Nisha Marla.
Following a tea break, a Dermatopathology Quiz was conducted for postgraduate residents, with Dr Jyothi Jayaraman, Associate Professor of Dermatology, FMMC, and Dr Swathi N, Senior Resident, Department of Dermatology, FMMC, serving as quizmasters. A total of 15 teams participated.
The programme also featured interesting case presentations by Dr Ronita Lenny, Dr N G Harshitha and Dr Madhurima Tadipatri, postgraduate students of the Department of Dermatology, FMMC.
The session was chaired by Dr Jerome Pinto and Dr Narendra Kamath, who appreciated the postgraduate students for their meticulous work in presenting complex clinical cases and diagnostic challenges.
The event was attended by faculty members and postgraduate students of Father Muller Medical College, members of the Karavali Dermatology Society, and Heads of Departments and postgraduate students from medical colleges across Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts.
The programme was compered by Dr Jeffy J and Dr Aditi Ashok. A total of 110 delegates participated in the scientific event.