GITAM Awards Degrees to 305 Medical Graduates

Ethics, compassion and sound clinical judgment will continue to define the medical profession despite rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), eminent cardiologist and Bangalore Rural MP Dr. C.N. Manjunath said at the joint graduation ceremony of GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR) and GITAM Dental College on Saturday.

Addressing the graduating students, Dr. Manjunath said AI and Machine Learning could assist doctors but would never replace those who combine medical expertise with empathy and ethical practice. He emphasised the importance of effective communication, thorough clinical examination and affordable treatment. He also suggested that MBBS graduates who serve in rural areas be given additional weightage in NEET-PG admissions to encourage doctors to work in underserved regions.

A total of 305 students received degrees, comprising 153 MBBS, 80 BDS, 40 MD/MS and 32 MDS graduates.

Visakhapatnam MP and GITAM President M. Sribharath said technological advancements such as robotic surgery had enhanced healthcare but could not substitute the human touch in patient care. He urged the graduates to uphold compassion and contribute to rebuilding public trust in the medical profession.

GIMSR Principal Dr. G. Sambasiva Rao said the graduating MBBS students had completed the Competency-Based Medical Education (CBME) curriculum, with several securing Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Short-Term Studentship grants. He added that the institution had established a biomedical research unit and signed a memorandum of understanding with Blockchain for Impact, the Netherlands, to set up a MedTech Incubation Centre. He also announced plans to introduce a postgraduate programme in Emergency Medicine.

GITAM Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Medical Sciences) Dr. Gitanjali Bhatmanabane, Registrar Dr. D. Gunasekaran, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Gowthama Rao and GITAM Dental College Principal Dr. V.V. Narasimha Rao were present.