Date : Nov 12, 2022
The Father Muller College (Speech and Hearing) annual National
Conference Focus 2022 was inaugurated at the Father Muller Knowledge Centre,
Decennial Memorial Hall on 11 Nov 2022. Chief guest Dr Antony Sylvan Dsouza,
Dean, Father Muller Medical College lit the lamp of knowledge along with
Director FMCI Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho at the commencement of the National
Conference.
Dr Antony Sylvan addressed the delegates saying that recent advances in
research, academic, innovative teaching along with extracurricular activities
have put impetus for newer learning. The pandemic backlog of conferences and
intellectual gatherings has made sharing of knowledge even more meaningful.
Sharing and learning is the key to a subject's growth. As the hospital
requirements resulted in the upgrading of technology, so has the new knowledge
gained that needs to be imbibed. The monotony of life takes a break in such
gatherings where a fraternity meets to exchange ideas, thoughts, and vision,
having a great time in the feast of gaining wisdom.
Rev. Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho who presided over the inaugural felt
that the audiology and speech-language pathology experts are different than
other healthcare workers, as they have to be even more involved with the
differently abled and vulnerable. This requires a lot of commitment, patience,
dedication and empathy. Christian missionaries have established educational and
healthcare infrastructure in rural areas to serve the needy, bringing changes and growth to our country. The rampant mistrust and barbaric cruelty are
on the rise and we need to imbibe the peace of our creator into his creations.
Giving the example of "Auto Raja" many who had a troubled past sought refuge
in providing care to the destitute in Bengaluru. So should be our nature of
being such a "Small Mother Teresa" for the community who have the God-given
faculties to use for helping others. He concluded by saying that the
conference should sharpen the mind of the delegates and be a feast for their
knowledge.
In Focus-2, MullersSHCoN conference, more than 300 delegates from
different Speech and Hearing colleges across India witnessed around 12 plenary
talks by experts across India. Also, the conference will provide the opportunity
for presenting scientific sessions. In connection with this, 65 oral research
paper presentations and 50 poster presentations will be presented. These papers
will be presented by Undergraduate students, PG students of speech-language
pathology and audiology, academicians, researchers and practicing
professionals. Out of these scientific papers, the best papers will be awarded
under different categories.
In a nutshell, Focus-2 conference aims to facilitate and upgrade the
skills of professionals and students from various colleges of speech and
Hearing around the country. This conference facilitates the learning of new
concepts related to Speech and Hearing and aid in motivating young
professionals to present their research work in the national platform
conferences.
The Father Muller College Department of Speech and Hearing was
established in the year 2007 offering the undergraduate program (Bachelors of
Audiology & Speech Language Pathology) which now includes 3 years of degree
course followed by a 10-month Internship program. The college is also offering
2 years Post graduation program (MSc-Speech-Language Pathology and MSc
Audiology) since 2020. The Father Muller College aims for quality and
innovative services in terms of clinical as well as academic aspects. A preset
action plan helps to develop and deploy effective implementation of the
curriculum. Qualified teachers upgrade and update their professional acumen for
effectively translating the curriculum by attending workshops, training programs
and seminars.
The welcome note was read by Prof Akhilesh PM, principal FMC and the vote
of thanks was read by Dr Deepak P, Associate Professor FMC. Fr Ajith B Menezes,
Administrator FMMC; Rev. Fr Nelson Dheeraj Pais, Asst. Admin FMMCH and Ms
Cynthia Santomayor adorned the dais. Members of the management Committee, Faculty,
Delegates, Staff and Students were present. The inaugural was compeered by
MsGwendelenDsouxza, Audiologist and Ms Aleena Paul, 3rd year BSALP
student.