Scientific insights and CME sessions mark success of EZRACON 2024 in Puri

Bhubaneswar, Sept 17: The annual conference of the East Zone Rheumatology Association (EZRACON) and the Indian Rheumatology Association, Odisha State Chapter, was held from September 13 to 15, 2024, at Hotel Swosti Premium Beach Resorts in Puri.

Organized by the Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at IMS and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, the event was overseen by Dr. Pradeepta Sekhar Patro, Professor and Head, as the Organising Secretary, and Dr. Rasmi Ranjan Sahoo as the Joint Organising Secretary.

The scientific program, curated by Prof. Ramnath Mishra of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS), Bhubaneswar, and Prof. Bidyut Kumar Das of SCB Medical College, Cuttack, focused on the theme "Unravelling the Conundrums in Rheumatology." The conference featured presentations from leading state and national experts.

A notable highlight was the Prof. R N Rath Oration, delivered by Prof. Rohini Handa, Senior Consultant Rheumatologist at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. Dr. Sarbani Rudra Sengupta, Chief Consultant in Medicine and Rheumatology at B R Singh Hospital, Kolkata, was honored with the Dr. Manjushree Mitra Oration.

On September 13, a Continuing Medical Education (CME) session at Sri Jagannath Medical College and Hospital, Puri, introduced undergraduate students to rheumatology basics and various rheumatic conditions. The session included a painting competition themed ‘Rheumatology Awareness.’

The Dr. S D Deodhar All India Intercollegiate Rheumatology Quiz state round was conducted, with a team advancing to the zonal round scheduled for October 2024.

The conference, attended by approximately 300 delegates from 11 eastern states, was inaugurated by Dr. Sambit Patra, MP of Puri, as Chief Guest, and Dr. Amita Agarwal, Professor and Head of the Department of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, as Guest of Honour. The event also saw the release of a souvenir, a collection of scientific abstracts, and updates on common rheumatic diseases.