Media Release
Mangaluru, May 13: The department of audiology and speech-language pathology at Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, organized an advanced hands-on skill training programme on 'Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing' (FEES) on May 5, at the MEU Hall, KMC Lighthouse Hill Road, Mangaluru. Conducted under the Manipal Academy of Higher Education’s (MAHE) Industry-Academia collaboration initiative, the programme aimed to equip speech-language pathologists with critical skills in performing and interpreting FEES an essential diagnostic tool in evaluating swallowing function.
Dr B Unnikrishnan, dean of KMC Mangaluru, inaugurated the training and commended the department’s consistent efforts to enhance clinical capabilities through such skill-based workshops. He emphasized the importance of advanced diagnostic training for improved management of swallowing difficulties, particularly in neurogenic and geriatric cases, and highlighted the interdisciplinary applications of the FEES procedure across healthcare domains.
The training was facilitated by renowned experts Prasanna Hegde from HCG Bengaluru, Dr Preetie Shetty Akkunje from KMC Mangaluru, and Sumanth A V from SDUAHER, Kolar. The workshop featured real-time demonstrations and individualized hands-on sessions, focusing on evidence-based techniques aligned with clinical best practices.
Supported by industry partners Olympus and Ambu, the programme was a fine example of successful industry-academia synergy, offering participants exposure to state-of-the-art equipment and methodologies.
Approximately 55 clinicians and trainees participated in the program, gaining practical experience and personalized mentoring throughout the day-long event.
Dr Kaushlendra Kumar, professor and head of the department, served as the organizing chairperson, while Dr Preetie Shetty Akkunje, assistant professor, functioned as the organizing secretary. The programme was widely appreciated and marked another milestone in the department’s commitment to clinical excellence and continuing professional development.