Mangaluru: The fifth edition of a one-day Scientific Fiesta “Spectrum-2016”, a symposium on Cardiovascular Therapies and Research Update was inaugurated amidst eminent cardiologists and medical professionals today, January 9 at Hotel Ocean Pearl in the city.
The programme which is focusing extensively on “Interventional and Non-Interventional Cardiology” with emphasis on day-to-day management of cardiac cases was inaugurated with the traditional lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest  A J group of Institutions Chairman A J Shetty along with the guests of honour KMC Manipal Former Professor &Head of Cardiology Prof Dr S G S Prabhu, AJ institute of Medical Sciences Dean Prof Dr M Ramesh Pai and KMC Mangaluru Dean Prof Dr M Venkatraya Prabhu.

Organising Chairman Dr B V Manjunath, Organising Secretary Dr R Purushotham and the observer for the symposium from Karnataka Medical Council Dr Anand Bangera were also present on the dais.

The programme then witnessed the felicitation of KMC Manipal Former Professor &Head of Cardiology Prof Dr S G S Prabhu. Addressing the gathering after being felicitated by the dignitaries, Dr Prabhu took a trip down memory lane to when he had just completed his DM and was asked to start the Department of Cardiology in Manipal. He spoke about how he was skeptical at first but then with the support of the management and his colleagues set up the department and said with an immense amount of pride: “Today, my students from Manipal are at the highest positions making their guru beam with pride”.

Speaking about the relevance and importance of a symposium, he said, “I am happy that activities like these are being conducted because I firmly believe that they are important in removing cobwebs in the brain and keeping them at bay. I encourage more doctors to participate and gain from such programmes”.

KMC Mangaluru Dean Prof Dr M Venkatraya Prabhu speaking at the occasion stressed on the importance of keeping oneself updated no matter what field they belong to and added that the future graduates are the ones who “learn, unlearn and relearn”. AJ institute of Medical Sciences Dean Prof Dr M Ramesh Pai also spoke at the occasion and wished the best to all participating in the event.

Speaking about the objective of this programme which was first held in 2012, Chief Guest, A J group of Institutions Chairman A J Shetty said that a cardiologist needs to be aware of the development s in the field of cardiology. “There is a need for more of such programmes to be conducted on a larger scale to achieve professional excellence”, he said and thanked the organizing committee for ably putting up such a well organised event.

The one-day event will include lectures and interactive sessions including two quizzes- one on clinical cardiology and another on ECG. Eminent speakers from all over India, USA and Canada will also be participating in the event. Around 300 delegates from Karnataka and neighbouring states have registered for the event.

Dr Manjunath delivered the welcome address and Dr Praveen Shetty proposed the vote of thanks.