Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 27: The department of pathology, Father Muller Medical College, Mangaluru, hosted the inaugural ceremony of the 9th annual state conference of the Indian Academy of Cytologists – Karnataka chapter (IAC–KCCON 2025) with great fervour and academic spirit. The event brought together pathologists, academicians, and postgraduate students from across the state to share insights and advancements in the field of cytology. The two-day insightful event October 27-28 will try bringing in more nuanced teaching in cytology to the younger breed of pathologists.
The event was graced by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions, as the presiding officer, and Dr Jayaprakash Alva, former dean, Father Muller Medical College and consultant physician, as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Fr Dr Michael Santhumayor, administrator, FMMC; Dr Antony Sylvan D’Souza, dean, FMMC; Dr Col U S Dinesh, president, IAC–KC and professor, SDM University; and Dr Priyanka P, secretary, IAC–KC and professor, SDM University.
The dignitaries were formally welcomed onto the dais by Dr Umashankar T, organising chairperson and head, department of pathology, and Dr Reshma G Kini, organising secretary and professor, department of pathology.
Following the lighting of the lamp and the institutional anthem, the chief guest, Dr Jayaprakash Alva, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of research, collaboration, and the evolving role of cytology in modern diagnostics. In his address, Dr Jayaprakash Alva reminisced about the 2nd IAC–KC conference held in 2012 at Father Muller Medical College, recalling with warmth how he served as dean and Dr Hilda Fernandes as the chairperson, saying it felt ‘as though it was yesterday, though years have passed’. He emphasized the importance of self-diversification, perseverance, and creating a niche within one’s specialty, as key to evolving both academically and clinically. Dr Alva highlighted that Mangaluru should stand as a beacon of hope for those in declining health, striving to be the first choice for medical care in the nation. He expressed that in the future, skill, precision, and depth of understanding would play a greater role in determining patient outcomes than reliance on traditional knowledge alone.
His inspiring words were followed by a felicitation ceremony led by Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo. Addresses by Dr Col U S Dinesh, president of IAC–KC, and Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo, the presiding officer, added depth to the inaugural proceedings.
In his presidential address, Fr Faustine Lucas Lobo reflected on the profound impact of social, environmental, and lifestyle factors on every individual cell in the human body. He noted that even the food consumed today, often containing pesticides, can predetermine a person’s health trajectory. He reminded the audience that as harbingers of knowledge, doctors must treat patients with a broad, evolving understanding that extends beyond historical teachings. Fr. Lobo also observed that the influence of a good physician extends far and wide, and proudly acknowledged that Father Muller Medical College and Hospital; FMCI now in its 145th year, continues to thrive because of the dedicated doctors who form part of its enduring legacy.
The formal session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr Reshma G Kini, acknowledging the efforts of the organizing team, dignitaries, delegates, and sponsors. The ceremony ended with the national anthem, followed by a group photograph and refreshments before the commencement of scientific sessions.
A significant highlight of the conference was the first-ever IAC–KC oration, marking a milestone moment for the Karnataka chapter. The oration was chaired by Dr Hilda Fernandes, principal, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences, and Dr Malathi M, professor and head, oncopathology, Yenepoya Medical College. The inaugural Orator Medal was conferred upon Dr Col U S Dinesh, president, IAC–KC, who delivered an inspiring and scholarly address. The session concluded with felicitations to the orator and chairpersons, commemorating this historic academic occasion.
The IAC–KCCON 2025 inauguration and oration set an inspiring tone for the ensuing scientific deliberations, reflecting Father Muller Medical College’s enduring commitment to academic excellence and professional advancement in the field of cytology.