Mangaluru: The mantle of the Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOAHS) was bestowed on Dr Hilda Fernandes nee Dsouza in a short yet meaningful installation held in the Father Muller College on 16 Nov 2022.
The programme saw in attendance the Management Committee Members and the Faculty and students of the Father Muller Medical College (FMMC) and College of Allied Health Sciences who waited in anticipation of the new principal announcement.
Rev Fr Ajith B. Menezes, Administrator of the Father Muller Medical College, took on his shoulders to coordinate this solemn ceremony and welcomed the dignitaries for being present in support of the new installation. His address mentioned a grateful thanks to the Director who he said shouldered the burden of the Institutions as a leader, mentor, guide, college and friend in his various stature in the Institutions. The prayers of the Governing Board members and the nod of the Director had the choice of the principal been made.
The Dean FMMC Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza who mantled the extra responsibility of the FMCOAHS laid the carpet of greetings to all those gathered and professed his support and faith in the newly appointed principal of the FMCOAHS. He thanked the management, faculty and students for the trust reposed in him during his additional charge.
Rev. Fr Ajith in his announcement named the selected principal Dr Hilda Dsouza and requested her presence on the dais. With this the Dean FMMC handed over the file of the FMCOAHS in a symbolic overture to mantle the new office and a bouquet of flowers was handed by the Director FMCI on behalf of the Management.
Dr Hilda Dsouza in her acceptance and maiden speech as the principal felt anxious about the burden of the largest college of the Father Muller Charitable Institutions being given to her at the same time was elated for the trust and reciprocity of the management in her. Her long association with the medical college from the start as an Assistant Professor to the Director of the NABL-accredited lab of FMMCH has been a fruitful yet learning journey. “All comes to those who patiently wait, yet earnestly work”; with appreciation to the management and to her colleagues and students who have always nudged her in the path of success. She thanked her parents and her siblings for their ardent support in completing her medical education even though from a poor rural background. She made it a point to thank her teachers and PU faculty who guided her in the path of sciences. Her praises and thanks to her better half, her pillar of support, her husband Dr Clement RS Dsouza, Prof & Head, Dept of General Surgery in abundance. She thanked her children too for being her guide in her acceptance of the post.
Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director FMCI in his presiding address welcomed Dr Hilda into the Management committee fold and reminded her that the faith and service at the Institutions had made her an apt candidate for the post. Being a woman at the helm moreover, a woman who has strived hard for success and that too climbed the steps with stride and confidence was commendable and an example. Though the place was left vacant due to unforeseen circumstances, the leadership and charge taken by Dr Antony Sylvan needed appreciation. He thanked the students for their support and prodded them to yearn harder in the subjects they have chosen. His appreciation was to the Bishop of Mangalore and the President of the FMCI whose wisdom and support to the Institution’s every needs including the installation was plentiful. He wished success and long innings to the new principal.
‘O Give Thanks’, a hymn of praise to God for the providence and deliverance was sung bringing the installation to a close. Later the new principal was led to her office and seated in the Principal’s Chamber in presence of the Management Committee members.
A few brief details about the new Principal:
Dr Hilda Fernandes(Dsouza) completed her MBBS in KMC(KIMS), Hubli -1992 and M.D Pathology: KMC(KIMS) Hubli-1997. She was trained as an observer at Tata Memorial Hospital in 1997, and Consultant Pathologist- Cancer Hospital Navanagar from 1997-1999. Having Teaching experience in KIMS Hubli- from March 1999 to April 1999 and Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore.: 1999- till date. She was the Professor & Head between October 2012-2016. Currently Professor of Pathology and Lab Director of Father Muller Medical College Hospital Laboratory
Research Activity has seen 70 research articles in international and national journals, published a chapter in the textbook “, Recent developments in Medicine and medical research”, and organized various conferences and CME s in the department. “Muller path- a tryst with exams” is a national-level workshop started in 2019 and has become an annual event for exam-going MD pathology students.
She has also been a resource person for CMEs, Conferences and workshops in Pathology, Cytology, Transfusion Medicine and clinical Subjects, reviewer for indexed journals of Pathology, Cytology and Oncology
For the last 25 yrs-Taught Pathology, laboratory science and transfusion medicine subjects to undergraduate and postgraduate students of Medical, Homeopathy, BPT, Nursing and Laboratory technology. Guided many MD pathology students and MSc MLT students to conduct research and submit the dissertation
Ph D guide for RGUHS and Coguide Nitte university students. Helped in preparing and interpreting animal tissues for many PhD students and MSc students for St Aloysius College, Mangalore
Conducted 15 community breast cancer awareness camps and examined more the 1500 women for breast lumps as a part of the project titled “self-breast examination, clinical examination and FNAC in rural women”. Conducted research projects on tuberculosis and oral cancer.
Member of Pathology and Cytology associations of India, Karnataka and local pathology bodies. Member of various committees like NABH core committee, Anti-ragging committee, Bioethics committee, and Purchase committee of Fr Muller Medical College & Hospital
Undergone training in ISO 15189 for NABL in 2010 and 2014
Credited with starting new investigations like Immunohistochemistry, Immunofluorescence and Acetyle cholinesterase staining in Hirschprung’s disease, Flourescent staining for AFB, Toluidine blue staining for adequacy testing in FNAC in the department.
Great beginning and a long inning Dr Hilda.
