SUMUM hosts medical thoracoscopy CME and workshop

Bhubaneswar, Oct 21: Medical thoracoscopy, a crucial intervention in Pulmonary Medicine for diagnosing and treating pleuropulmonary diseases, was the focus of a Continuing Medical Education (CME) program and workshop held at SUM Ultimate Medicare (SUMUM) on Sunday. The event brought together several experts who shared their insights on this advanced procedure.

SUMUM is one of the few corporate hospitals equipped with fully functional bronchoscopy and thoracoscopy suite facilities. Dr. Swetapadma Dash, CEO of SUMUM, highlighted the importance of continuous knowledge sharing, stating, "It’s a proud moment for us to have pioneered Odisha’s first Medical Thoracoscopy CME and Workshop, offering hands-on experience with live animal models."

The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from heads of departments, students, and faculty, reflecting SUMUM’s commitment to advancing medical education and fostering a culture of excellence. Organized by the Department of Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine, this first-of-its-kind event in Odisha featured informative lecture sessions and interactive discussions with prominent experts.

A key highlight was the introduction of animal models for the first time in the state, allowing participants to practice and gain real-time experience in medical thoracoscopy. Additional hands-on sessions focused on thoracic ultrasound and indwelling pleural catheter procedures.

Brig. (Dr.) Biraj Mohan Mishra, Chief of Medical Services at SUMUM, praised the workshop’s success, stating, "This initiative will undoubtedly raise the standard of healthcare across the region by providing professionals and students the opportunity to refine their thoracoscopy skills."

Dr. Satyajit Acharya, Consultant in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, emphasized the importance of continuous learning, particularly in the era of medical interventions. He noted that medical thoracoscopy would be a vital diagnostic and therapeutic tool in the future. Dr. Alisha Chaudhury, Consultant in Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, echoed this sentiment, calling medical thoracoscopy "the future of interventional pulmonology."

The event was inaugurated by Brig. (Dr.) Biraj Mohan Mishra, with Dr. Satyajit Acharya delivering a welcome address and an overview of the Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine department’s services. Distinguished guests, including Prof. (Dr.) Banani Jena, President of the Odisha Chest Society, and Dr. Manoranjan Das, the society’s Secretary, also graced the occasion. The event concluded with the felicitation of faculty members and a vote of thanks from Dr. Chaudhury.