Mangaluru: A Continuing Medical Education (CME) session on “Hansen’s disease and its challenges in the 21st century” was organised by the department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprosy at Father Muller Medical College, here on August 1, Saturday.
It was conducted in association with the Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists [IADVL] Karnataka branch and Special Interest Group [SIG] – Leprosy IADVL in commemoration of the Post Centenary Silver Jubilee year of St. Joseph Leprosy Hospital at Father Muller Charitable Institutions [FMCI].

The inaugural ceremony commenced with a key note address by eminent Chief Guest, Dr Derek Lobo, Retired Regional Advisor for Leprosy and Other Diseases, WHO, South East Asia Regional Office, New Delhi.  The ceremony was presided by Director of FMCI, Rev. Fr Patrick Rodrigues.

The scientific event saw an enthusiastic participation of 290 delegates.  CME held from 9 am to 5 pm encompassed topics ranging from pertinent issues like relapse in leprosy to recent advances in molecular diagnostics and nerve pathology by stalwarts in the field of Dermatology, Dr. V V Pai, Director, Bombay Leprosy Project, Mumbai and Dr V P Shetty, Deputy Director, Foundation of Medical Research, Mumbai.

The afternoon session was packed with scientific award paper presentations and quiz participation by young Dermatology post graduates teaming with enthusiasm.