In a significant step towards enhancing diabetes care, the Nursing Service Department of Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) in association with Mangalore Endocrine & Diabetes Society (MEDS) organized the inaugural of the CME event themed" Diabetes Nursing - Empowering Diabetes Care". The event took place on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 10:40 am in the Decennial Memorial Hall, 2nd floor, Knowledge Centre, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), Kankanady, Mangalore.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Dr Sudeep K, Associate Professor in the Department of Endocrinology, Father Muller Medical College Hospital and President of MEDS. The chief guest, Dr Larissa Martha Sams Principal & Professor at Laxmi Memorial College of Nursing, addressed the gathering. She emphasized the crucial role of translating academic knowledge into practical bedside care. Dr Sams highlighted India's standing as the second-highest country in the world for diabetes cases, underscoring the importance of specialized nursing care to combat this alarming statistic. She urged nursing students to embrace specialized courses, expressing concern that only through medical institutions could the escalating diabetes numbers be curtailed effectively. She addressed the apprehensions of nursing students regarding job opportunities post-specialization, emphasizing the need for informed decisions and awareness of current medical trends.

The Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho presided over the event. He stressed on the prevalence of diabetes in the society, calling for specialized nursing education to meet the rising demand, emphasizing on the role of nurses in educating patients on combating diabetes through lifestyle changes, such as balanced diets and regular exercise. He highlighted the significance of empathy in healthcare by referring to the day's Bible reading from Isaiah which underscored the role of compassion and giving in the healing process and the importance of God's grace in providing strength and comfort to medical professionals during challenging times. 

The event was graced by Rev. Fr Ajith Menezes Admin FMMC, Rev. Fr George Jeevan Sequeira Admin of FMMCH, Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza Dean FMMC, Dr Udaykumar Medical Superintendent FMMCH and various nursing and healthcare staff from in and around Mangalore.

Rev. Sr Dhanya Devasia Chief Nursing Officer FMMCH  expressed gratitude, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to bring the day's event to life. The inaugural ceremony concluded with a quiz competition and other events, encouraging active participation and knowledge-sharing among attendees. The topics that were and would be discussed include Insulin Techniques and Fallacies, Gadgets in Diabetes-care,

Footwear and Footcare, Diabetes self-care at home, In-Patient Care in diabetes and Overview on diabetic complications.

Dr Sudeep K President MEDS,  Dr Gururaja Rao K Vice-President MEDS, Dr Shrikrishna V Acharya Secretary MEDS, Dr Ganesh HK Ex-President MEDS, Dr Shrinath Pratap Shetty Ex-Treasurer MEDS, Dr Sowrabha Bhat Treasurer MEDS, Dr Akhila Bhandarkar Dr Himamshu Acharya Dr Sahana Shetty Members, Sr Dhanya Devasia Chief nursing officer FMMCH & Ms Renita Lasrado ANS/CNE FMMCH Co ordinator were part of the organizing team. Ms. Renita Lasrado CNE co ordinator and Reshma Pinto Ward incharge compered the event.

This CME event marks a significant stride in the ongoing efforts to empower healthcare professionals with the skills and knowledge required to address the growing challenges posed by diabetes in the region.