GIMSR Hosts CME on Genetics and Malformations for Medical Professionals Across AP and Telangana
The Department of Anatomy, GITAM Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (GIMSR), hosted a Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on “Genes, Morphology, and Malformations” on Friday, drawing over 150 delegates from 21 medical colleges across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
The CME aimed to strengthen healthcare professionals’ understanding of human genetics, focusing on clinical applications such as diagnostic precision, ethical decision-making, and patient-centred care.
The event was formally inaugurated by GIMSR Pro Vice-Chancellor Dr. Gitanjali Batmanabane, alongside Dean Dr. S.P. Rao and NRI Institute of Medical Sciences Dean Dr. Sudhakar.
Scientific sessions opened with an engaging talk by Dr. Samuel Frank Stephen, Associate Professor of Anatomy at GIMSR, on the molecular mechanisms governing embryogenesis. Dr. Usha Dutta, a cytogeneticist from the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Hyderabad, followed with a detailed overview of cytogenetic analysis in clinical contexts.
Other key sessions included a presentation by Dr. Padmini Mishra, Professor and Head of Anatomy, GIMSR, on genes associated with dysmorphism; and a technical update from Mr. Chaitanya Vegi of Thermo Fisher on modern molecular diagnostics.
A highlight of the day was the hands-on workshop led by Prof. Mall Rama Rao from GITAM’s Cancer Biology Lab, where participants extracted DNA from their own blood samples, gaining firsthand experience with fundamental genetic techniques.
Dr. Anumeha Chaturvedi, Hematopathologist at Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, explored the applications and ethical questions surrounding CRISPR in medical practice. Dr. Ashwin Dalal, Head of Diagnostics at CDFD, wrapped up the clinical sessions with insights into genetic diagnostics for rare paediatric conditions.
The event concluded with a multidisciplinary panel discussion moderated by Dr. Gitanjali Batmanabane, addressing the integration of genetics into future medical curricula and the broader implications for personalised medicine.