KARNEUROPEDICON 2024
A state level
Pediatric Neurology conference was successfully conducted at Father Muller
Convention centre, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, on August 24th and
25th, 2024. It was an annual event of Academy of Pediatric Neurology (AOPN), conducted
in association with Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Dakshina Kannada Branch
and Department of Pediatrics, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore. The
event was facilitated by renowned pediatric neurologists from across the state
and the delegates included pediatric postgraduate students, consultants and
budding neurologists from various parts of the country. The event focused on
the latest advancements in the field of pediatric neurology and provided a
platform for knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Key
Highlights:
I)
Day 1 (24-08-2024):
Workshops: Two simultaneous specialized
workshops were conducted - one on Cerebral palsy (At Father Muller Convention
Centre, Mangalore) and the other on Epilepsy and Autism (At Parijma Institute
of Neurosciences, Mangalore), providing hands-on training and practical
guidance to participants.
The Cerebral Palsy
Workshop received an incredible response with more than 80 registrations and
the entries were closed in order to maintain an adequate trainer-delegate ratio
for an enhanced learning experience. Topics such as assessment, rehabilitation,
and assistive technology for children with cerebral palsy were covered, for
which we received an excellent feedback. The resource faculty for the workshop
included senior pediatric neurologists like Dr Mahesh Kamate, Dr Vykuntaraju K
N and team.
Podium presentation: We had received more
than 50 abstracts for paper and poster presentations from pediatric
postgraduate and neurology residents, of which top 6 were shortlisted for
podium presentation, that was held after the workshop ended on Day 1.
II)
Day 2 (25-08-2024):
Formal Inauguration: The inauguration
program was presided by Rev Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director, FMCI. The
chief guest was Dr Santosh Soans, Senior Pediatrician and Past IAP National
President. The guests of honor were Dr Sanjeev Joshi, National Chairperson,
AOPN, Dr Vykuntaraju K N, Karnataka State President, AOPN and Dr S N Mothi,
Karnatka Sate President, IAP who emphasized the importance of pediatric
neurology in addressing the growing burden of neurological disorders in
children.
During the
inauguration, Dr Suresh Rao Aroor, senior pediatric neurologist was felicitated
for his exemplary contribution and dedicated service in this field.
Dr Antony Sylvan
DSouza, Dean, FMMC, the Organising Chairpersons - Dr Shruthi N M, Consultant
Pediatric Neurologist, Dr Abhishek Phadke, IAP DK President and Dr K Shreedhara
Avabratha, Professor and Head, Department of Pediatrics, FMMC as well as
organizing secretaries - Dr Swathi Rao, IAP DK Secretary and Dr Sweta Shanbhag,
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, FMMC were present during the
inaugural function.
Plenary Sessions: Renowned experts
delivered insightful plenary sessions, chaired by eminent pediatricians and
neurologists from across the state, which were very well appreciated by all the
delegates.
Panel Discussions: Panel discussions
were held on key issues in pediatric neurology, allowing for in-depth
discussions and exchange of ideas among the experts and participants.
Poster Presentations: Participants had the
opportunity to showcase their research through poster presentations, fostering
academic exchange and collaboration.
Valedictory: The day ended with the
valedictory program and prize distribution to the winners of paper as well as
poster presentations.
Outcomes:
1. Knowledge Upgradation:
Participants gained valuable insights in pediatric neurology, enhancing their
clinical practice.
2. Skill Enhancement:
The workshops provided hands-on training, equipping participants with practical
skills for diagnosing and managing neurological disorders in children.
3. Networking
Opportunities: The event facilitated networking among pediatricians and neurologists,
promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.
4. Advocacy for
Children with Neurological Disorders: The conference raised awareness about the
challenges faced by children with neurological disorders and emphasized the
need for improved access to care.
All in all, the
conference was a resounding success, providing a valuable platform for budding
pediatricians and neurologists to learn, share, and collaborate. The event
contributed significantly to advancing the field of pediatric neurology in the
state and improving the quality of care for children with neurological
disorders.
