Mangaluru: The Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Father Muller Medical College, Kankanady, successfully organised “FOCII 2026 – Focused Obstetric Course” at the Decennial Memorial Hall as a skill-based postgraduate teaching initiative aimed at strengthening clinical competence in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

The programme was conducted under the leadership of Dr Mahesha Navada, Professor and Head of the Department, who served as Organising Chairperson, with Dr Ektha M. Shetty and Dr Jyotsna Coelho as Organising Secretaries.

Inaugural Ceremony and Felicitation

The event commenced with invocation and a welcome address by Dr Mahesha Navada, followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The Chief Guest, Dr Rathnamala M. Desai, Professor Emeritus, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, delivered an inspiring address emphasising clinical excellence and lifelong learning.

The Presidential Address was delivered by Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo, Director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions. The Guests of Honour, Dr Kameshwari Surampudi and Dr Vishaka Nagaraj from Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad, graced the occasion and later served as faculty for the hands-on workshop.

On this occasion, Prof. Dr Prema D’Cunha, senior faculty and former staff of the department, was felicitated in recognition of her dedicated service, and a citation was presented in her honour.

The inaugural session concluded with the vote of thanks by Dr Ektha M. Shetty. The overall programme was compered by Dr Lisa Melita Pinto and Dr Nishmitha S. Rodrigues, while the inauguration was anchored by Dr Nikitha James.

Scientific Sessions and Clinical Focus

The scientific sessions covered key obstetric topics with an emphasis on practical application and clinical decision-making:

  • Ultrasound fundamentals by Dr Mahesh and Dr Prathima (Associate Professor, Fetal Medicine Specialist)
  • Pelvic anatomy by Dr Anjum Iftikhar (Gynaec Oncologist)
  • CTG interpretation by Dr Rathnamala M. Desai
  • Documentation practices by Dr Sujaya V. Rao
  • Practical pelvic examination by Dr Shraddha Shetty (Professor and HOD, Kasturba Medical College)
  • Labour room drills by Dr Joylene Dalemida, Dr Shannon Fernandes, Dr Chethana Bolanthkodi, and Dr Alveera Dsouza
  • Stress management during residency by Dr Caroline D’Souza (Consultant Psychiatrist)

Hands-on Workshop Highlight

A major highlight of FOCII 2026 was the hands-on workshop on Perineal Tear Repair conducted by Dr Kameshwari Surampudi and Dr Vishaka Nagaraj. The session provided structured training in applied anatomy, repair techniques for obstetric anal sphincter injuries, and hands-on practice using simulation models.

Approximately 100 postgraduate students benefited from the programme, which was widely appreciated for its academic depth and strong practical orientation.

FOCII 2026 successfully fulfilled its objective of being both “An Introduction and An Inspiration,” reinforcing the department’s commitment to advancing postgraduate medical education.