Mangaluru: The 21st Dermazone South Conference and 8th Annual Conference of Karnataka, Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists (IADVL) were held at the Father Muller Convention Centre, Mangaluru between November 17 and 19. Nearly 1,200 delegates from all over India and abroad participated in this mega event.
The conference was preceded by a “How to Publish” workshop on November 16, at the Decennial Memorial Hall, Father Muller Medical College. It was organised by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, Father Muller Medical College in association with the Dermatology department and IADVL, Karnataka branch.
Rev. Fr. Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, Administrator FMMCH, inaugurated the workshop. Dr. Indrani Karunasagar, Director-Research, NITTE University delivered the key note address. Dr. Nilay Kanti Das, Kolkata was the guest of honour during the workshop in which 121 delegates participated enthusiastically.
The 21st Dermazone South Conference was inaugurated by Dr. Yogesh S Marfatia, IADVL National President on November 17 at 6.30 PM. Rev. Fr. Richard Coelho, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, Dr. Ramesh Bhat M, IADVL National President Elect, Dr. Vijay Zawar, Vice President, IADVL National, Dr. K R Kamath, President, IMA, Mangalore were the guests of honour for the inauguration and the CUTICON Karnataka Conference was inaugurated by Dr. S Sacchidanand, Director of Medical Education, Government of Karnataka on November 18 at 11 AM. Dr. Jayaprakash Alva, Dean, FMMC was the Guest of Honour. Dr. Venkataram Mysore was awarded and felicitated with the prestigious Prof. Siddappa Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Arun C Inamdar, IADVL Karnataka Branch President presided over both the inaugural functions.
Prof. Dr. Ganesh S Pai was the organizing committee chairman, Dr. Nanda Kishore B and Dr. C Balachandran were the co-chairmen of the conference.
Dr. Sukumar D, Professor & Head of Dermatology Department, Father Muller Medical College was the organizing secretary of Dermazone South and Dr. Manjunath Shenoy, Professor & Head of Dermatology Department, Yenepoya Medical College of Cuticon Karnataka.
Dr. Ramesh Bhat M, Professor & IADVL National President Elect and Dr. K Narendra Kamath were coordinators of the conference. Dr. Sathish Pai, Professor & Head of Dermatology department, KMC Manipal & Dr. Gatha Upadyaya, Professor & HoD, KMC, Mangalore, were the chairmen of the Conference Scientific Committee. Dr. Jacintha Martis, Professor, Department of Dermatology, Father Muller Medical College and Dr. Balasaraswathy, Consultant Dermatologist, Mangalore were the treasurers for the conference.
The conference had scientific deliberations in the field of Dermatology, Venereology, Leprosy and Cosmetology. Accreditation was received by Karnataka Medical Council for 6 points. The theme of the conference was “Dermatology in Medicine-The Inside Story.” It highlighted the skin manifestations of lifestyle diseases and skin cancers which is a growing concern. The lectures were delivered by renowned national and international Faculty.
Dr. Ashwini Babu, alumni of the department of dermatology, Father Muller Medical College was presented with the “Best Dissertation Award” for her post graduate dissertation titled “Ultrasonography as a diagnostic modality for the involvement of peripheral nerves in leprosy.”
Dr. (Maj Gen) A K Jaiswal delivered the Prof. J N Shetty Oration on November 18 to enlighten the gathering about the current scenario of sexually transmitted infections in the armed forces.
Dr. B Leelavathy delivered the Prof. Shiva Kumar & Prof. Rajendran Memorial Oration on November 19 highlighting the cutaneous manifestations of HIV infections.
Skin Care Run was held on November 18 at 6.30 AM, which was flagged off by Kannada film actress Sharmila Mandre. This run was arranged to create awareness about the growing misuse of over-the-counter topical corticosteroids as fairness creams.
In addition to the academic feast, scientific research papers and posters were presented by practising dermatologists and post graduates during the conference.
