Mangaluru: The Department of Radiodiagnosis at Father Muller Medical College, in collaboration with Philips Healthcare, organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on “Cardiac MRI in Clinical Practice” on August 2 at The Avatar Hotel & Convention, Mangaluru. The academic programme brought together radiologists, cardiologists, faculty members, postgraduate residents and healthcare professionals from various institutions to explore advances and practical applications in cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
CME focuses on advances in cardiac imaging
The programme was organised with the objective of promoting continuous medical education and strengthening multidisciplinary understanding of cardiac imaging. The scientific sessions covered fundamental concepts as well as contemporary techniques used in Cardiac MRI, providing participants with an opportunity to enhance their knowledge of cardiac anatomy, imaging protocols, disease assessment and advanced applications.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions; Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean; Dr. Ram Shenoy Basti, Professor and Head, Department of Radiodiagnosis; Dr. Anston Vernon Braggs, Consultant Cardiothoracic Radiologist; and Dr. H. B. Suresh, Head of Interventional Radiology.
The programme began with a prayer song, followed by the welcome address by Dr. Ram Shenoy Basti. Welcoming the delegates, he highlighted the department’s vision of promoting multidisciplinary learning and excellence in cardiac imaging through collaborative academic initiatives.
The traditional lighting of the lamp marked the formal inauguration of the CME. In his presidential address, Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo emphasised the importance of academic programmes such as CMEs in enabling healthcare professionals to remain updated with developments in their respective fields.
He also highlighted the value of bringing professionals from different medical specialties together. According to him, such interdisciplinary interaction can contribute towards strengthening collaboration and ultimately improving patient care.
Experts share insights into Cardiac MRI
The scientific sessions featured experts from leading medical institutions and Philips Healthcare. Dr. Prakashini K., Professor, Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru, began the academic programme with a session on “Introduction to Cardiac MRI: Basic Anatomy and Physics.” The session provided participants with an understanding of the fundamental principles underlying cardiac MRI.
This was followed by a presentation by the Philips Healthcare team on “Cardiac Imaging Planes and Volume Analysis.” The session focused on imaging approaches and assessment techniques relevant to clinical cardiac MRI.
Dr. Suraj Gowda, Consultant Cardiothoracic and Musculoskeletal Radiologist, Narayana Health, Bengaluru, conducted two sessions covering important aspects of cardiac imaging. His presentations included “Late Gadolinium Enhancement and Parametric Mapping: Basic Physics and Clinical Applications” and “Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathies in a Nutshell.”
The sessions offered delegates insights into imaging techniques used in assessing myocardial conditions and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathies.
Dr. Ashitha Barthur, Cardiothoracic Radiologist and Professor of Radiology at Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, also addressed the participants. Her sessions focused on “Ischemic Heart Disease and CMR Stress Perfusion” and “Miscellaneous Cardiac MRI Topics.”
The scientific programme continued in the afternoon with a presentation by the Philips Healthcare team on “SmartSpeed: Acceleration Techniques.” The programme concluded its academic sessions with an interactive “Ask the Experts” session, allowing delegates to interact with the faculty and seek clarification on clinical and technical aspects of Cardiac MRI.
Focus on practical learning and patient care
The CME provided a platform for professionals to exchange knowledge and discuss contemporary approaches to cardiac imaging. The organisers said the programme received positive feedback from delegates, who appreciated the quality of the scientific sessions and the practical insights shared by the experts.
The programme concluded with the felicitation of the speakers and chairpersons, followed by the National Anthem. Dr. Anston Vernon Braggs proposed the vote of thanks. His leadership was instrumental in organising the CME and in contributing to the advancement of cardiac imaging services at Father Muller Medical College through the introduction of newer imaging technologies.
The event also reflected Father Muller Medical College Hospital’s broader focus on strengthening advanced diagnostic services and making modern healthcare more accessible to patients.
Concession announced for cardiac imaging services
As part of its efforts to improve access to advanced cardiac imaging, Father Muller Medical College Hospital has introduced a 30 per cent concession on Cardiac CT and Cardiac MRI examinations.
In addition, Calcium Scoring has been incorporated into the Executive Health Check-up Package at a concessional rate. The initiative is aimed at supporting the early identification of coronary artery disease risk.
Details of the health check-up services are available through the Father Muller Health Check-up Scheme.
The CME on Cardiac MRI in Clinical Practice thus served as an important platform for continuing education, professional interaction and knowledge sharing. By bringing together specialists from radiology, cardiology and allied fields, the programme highlighted the growing importance of advanced cardiac imaging in contemporary healthcare.
The initiative further reinforces Father Muller Medical College’s commitment to academic excellence, technological advancement and patient-centred care, while encouraging healthcare professionals to continuously enhance their skills and remain abreast of developments in modern diagnostic medicine.
