Issuu

Special Issue Vol.No.55

No.08

FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

AUGUST 21, 2017

For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them. Matthew 18:20

Annual Medical Alumni Reunion 2017

Special Prayers: August 20 - 26, 2017 Ophthalmology:Dr. Andrew David Braganza and Staff Dr. Thomas Kuriakose and Staff Dr. Padma Paul and Staff Dr. Shirley David and Staff Low Cost Effective Care Unit : Dr. Sunil Abraham and Staff Dr. Shirley David and Staff

The Medical Alumni Reunion was held from 10th to 12th August 2017. Over 200 alumni from various parts of the world gathered in Vellore to take part in the celebrations. The special batches were 1942, 1947, 1952,1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987 and 1992. The celebrations commenced on 11th August with the representatives of the special reunion batches sharing their experiences with the medical students The alumni who spoke included Dr.Rohan Ganguli (1967), Dr.Christiana Joseph (1972), Dr.Dayalan Clarke (1977), Dr.Prabhakar Thyagarajan(1982), Drs.Rahul Lath and Madhavi Singh(1987) and Drs.Rohit John and Mini Elizabeth George(1992). There were short video clips of interviews with Dr. Rose Satyam (1942) and Dr.Zarina Isaac (1947). This was followed by a CME session. The speakers included Dr. K.S. Joseph (1977), Dr.Liza Jacob (1982), Dr.Sekhar Krishnan (1987) and Dr.Shalini Mishra(1992). The General Reunion on 12th August began with traditional tree planting. The Director, Dr. Sunil Chandy and the Principal, Dr. Anna Pulimood presented some of the newer developments in

CMC to the alumni. The Medical Superintendent, Dr. C.E. Eapen offered his felicitations. The President of the Student’s AssociationMr. Shantanu Nayak welcomed the alumni on behalf of the student body. At the General Body Meeting of the Alumni Association, the office bearers who were nominated and elected were: Dr.Abraham Peedicayil (1975) elected as President.

Department of Family Medicine: Dr. Sunil Abraham and Staff Dr. Shirley David and Staff Shalom Family Medicine Centre: Dr. Sunil Abraham and Staff Dr. Shirley David and Staff International Service Fellowship (Interserve) Council Members: Mr. Eappen John Mr. Vijay Alexander Sunday Services : August 27, 2017 6.00 pm : Scudder Auditorium MBBS Special Service Batch of 2015 6.30 pm : Hospital Chapel Rev. Lalbiaksanga Pachua

Dr. Anne Jennifer Priscilla (1991) elected as Treasurer for a period of where the current students, along with 3 years. the alumni, entertained the crowd. Dr. Pritish John Korula(1998) elected as Entertainment Secretary for a At the Thanksgiving Service in the Scudder Auditorium, Dr. Geegee period of 1 year. George (1977) gave the message. Dr. B. Selvamani (Treasurer, Alumni The newest batch of alumni (the present Association, 2013-2017). interns), were given the charge to serve Dr.Abhay Gahukamble (Entertainment and not to seek to be served. Drs. Roy Secretary, Alumni Association, 2015- Joseph(1967) and Dr. Lenny Markose 2017) for the activities of the Alumni (1972) passed on the torch of light to the representatives of the batch of Association was appreciated. 2012. The contributions of Dr. Prathap Tharyan (President, Alumni This was followed by the informal Association, 2012-2017) were entertainment, which had the packed highlighted followed by the Scudder auditorium in splits of laughter. introductions and photographs of the The alumni left with loads of special batch, who then proceeded photographs and memories of happy to the Men’s and Women’s Hostels, times spent in Vellore.

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MBBS Batch of 1992

Alumni Award of Distinction 2017 Dr. Denny and Joe Fleming

Dr. Denny Fleming joined the Clinical Pharmacology unit of the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology in 1998. She was instrumental in initiating the development of the Modern Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Services and the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory in CMC. She patiently trained the faculty and technical staff in the operation of the highly technical HPLC Equipment and the application of pharmacokinetics as an integral component of patient care. She was associated with the International Association of Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT) which enabled the Department to host two national conferences in collaboration with this organisation. Over the past two years, she has been integral in setting up the assay and process for detecting inborn errors of metabolism with utmost care;

an example of the dedication and the College Chapel committee. commitment that Dr. Denny embodies. Through their biblical and theological Dr. Joe Fleming joined the Department of insights, they have helped many find Clinical Biochemistry in 1998, where he meaning and purpose in their lives. played a significant role in introducing Dr. Denny is well known for her Standard Operating Procedures for talent in dramatics and theatre, and laboratory tests. Extremely meticulous in has directed countless Easter and his work and documentation, he was Christmas plays. As one student puts responsible for the NABL accreditation of it, ‘How Dr. Denny passionately Clinical Biochemistry Laboratory. His incorporated Jesus into every act, expertise was evident from simple aspects every song and everything is like routine tests to working complicated something we all can learn from.’ equipments like the ICP Mas Their home was open to staff and Spectrophotometer. Dr. Joe was actively students and many have found a involved in teaching, research, serving on second home in their warmth, love generosity. Loving several research projects and supervising and remembrances from several batches doctoral candidates. of students recall how their lives have The Colleagues and staff of both the been enriched by ‘Aunty Denny and departments appreciate and value the love, Uncle’s Joe’s words of dedication, integrity and humility that encouragement, philosophical and marked their professional work and life. As spiritual discussions, baked goodies Dr. Denny would remark, ‘Do what is right and hearty meals, and wide open in God’s eyes and He will take care of you welcoming arms….’ Drs. Denny and and the Department’. Joe have truly exemplified the love It is this same spirit that they brought alive of Christ in their lives and work with within the CMC community. They have their belief that our lives must be been involved with the spiritual nurture of ‘spiraling steadily around and towards the community, speaking at retreats, leading Jesus.’ Bible studies for students, and serving on

Mrs. Ann and Mr. Brian Witchalls

Mr. Brian became more widely involved in engineering in CMC from 1966. He set up the first Refrigeration section and was involved in projects such as the Williams Building, the Engineering Block, Laundry, CSSD and the EMD. He was in-charge

of the College Maintenance for a number of years, focusing on improving the water supply to the College Campus. Mr. Brian also served as the Deputy Superintendent for Engineering for 6 years. He remains an active member of the College and St.John’s Choir. Initially, Mrs. Ann helped in Vidyalayam and was also in-charge of the St.John’s Sunday School. Along with Mrs. Webb, Mrs. Baker and Mrs. Carman, she started the Foster System, one of the highlights of campus life in CMC. CMC Newsline

Mr. Brian Witchalls arrived in Vellore from the UK in 1962 and was asked to take charge of the Transport Department. The following year Mr.Brian and Mrs. Ann got married in the St. John’s Church, Vellore, with the reception held in Big Bungalow and their honeymoon in Aunt

Ida’s Hilltop Bungalow in Kodaikanal. Their elder son, Nigel, was born in CMC and both Nigel and Jeremy attended Vidyalayam, along with the other campus kids. Interestingly, his son Nigel and wife, Mary Witchalls worked in CMC for three years -he in the Air Conditioning Department and Mary Witchalls, in the Promotion and PTP Office.

1957 and non special batches

MBBS Batch of 1967

MBBS Batch of 1972

Several senior staff are among their first foster children. Mrs. Ann also worked in the Public Relations Office, helping produce several annual publications. Both Mrs. Ann and Mr. Brian were actively involved in extra-curricular activities, directing and helping with numerous productions for College Day, Hostel plays and Staff Entertainments. Their modified ‘mini bus’ was overflowing with students on Saturday afternoon for the ride to the Katpadi Farm for swimming. And as Mrs. Ann says, ‘We were always staunch members of Cochrane House, and their music practice often took place in our home.’ Senior alumni fondly remember the cake and other treats that were always and readily available in their home!

In 1983, they returned to the UK for their sons’ tertiary education. While in the UK, Mrs. Ann became involved with the Friends of Vellore, UK. She has been particularly active in the Person-to Person (PTP) scheme, tirelessly campaigning for funds and donations for this innovative programme for poor patients from in and around Vellore. When Mr. Brian retired in 1999, they offered their time and service to CMC again. Since then they have been coming back to CMC for 5 months every year. Mr. Brian continues to help with the Engineering Department, using his expertise to set up water reclamation and recycling systems in the campus. Mrs. Ann continued her work with the Friends of Vellore and the PTP scheme, having only recently handed over charge to Dr Dayalan Clarke. She remains a trustee of the Friends of Vellore, UK, seeing in what ways this organisation can continue

to contribute to CMC. They are a familiar sight on campus, cycling their way around and Mrs. Ann always being admired for the beautiful saris she so elegantly wears. Mrs. Ann and Mr. Brian have given so much of themselves - their time, skills, talents, resources; things that cannot be priced but are invaluable to the building of an institution and a community…. ‘to building God’s kingdom’ as Aunt Ida eloquently put it. The Alumni Association and the CMC community thanks Drs. Denny and Joe Fleming, Mrs. Ann and Mr. Brian Witchalls for their immense contribution to the Christian Medical College, its staff and students through their dedication and commitment, and is proud to honour them with the Alumni Award for the year 2017.

College Motto Award 2017 goes to Dr. Nidhi Chaudhary

After 3 years of working with adolescents, she joined UNICEF to work with the Uttar Pradesh State Health System, focusing on improving immunisation coverage.

MBBS Batch of 1977

In 2009, Nidhi took on the additional responsibility of National Professional Officer in Nutrition, Food Safety and Nursing Education and worked with the WHO in India. This gave her the opportunity to liaise with UN agencies and the Government to implement policies and strategies according to WHO recommendations. In this role, Nidhi developed guidelines on nutrition for children with severe acute malnutrition and children infected with HIV; she disseminated WHO practices to medical and nursing students, and other health trainees. This led to greater responsibilities as team leader in the northern belt of India. The experience and awareness gained from the COP and CHP postings as a student in CMC stood her in good stead as she worked to promote low cost high impact interventions for Reproductive, Maternal Newborn, Child and Adolescent health (RMNCHA) in five high-priority districts. Continued on Page 4

MBBS Batch of 1982

MBBS Batch of 1987

CMC Newsline

The 2017 College Motto Award was presented to Dr. Nidhi Chaudhary who joined CMC in 1992. On graduating in 1998, she joined CMC Ludhiana from where she completed her DCH in 2001. An opportunity to implement a health programme with an NGO for underprivileged adolescents and home-based care for infant children in the villages and slums of Haryana and Chandigarh set the pace for what was to follow.

She encountered firsthand the grim health realities faced by majority of Indians and the challenges of an exigent public health system. Through strategic planning and training of workers, she focussed on rigorous implementation that led to an improvement in the routine immunisation and Vitamin A coverage in the focus districts where she was working. Enthused, she moved to the neighbouring state of Uttarakhand in 2006 and worked with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. She developed and implemented guidelines to improve the health indicators of women and children and trained ANMs and ASHA workers who worked at the grassroots level. Inspired by her experience at CHAD, Dr. Nidhi initiated Mobile Health Vans that reached previously underserved areas in Uttarakhand. In addition, she trained health workers from 12 other states. Clearly, what she accomplished in the hilly state of Uttarakhand could be replicated across India at a low and affordable cost.

College Motto Award 2017 goes to Dr. Nidhi Chaudhary In 2016, she trained in the School of Social Entrepreneurs, New Delhi and, along with her sister, set up the NavyaTarang Foundation that serves the urban poor through NavyaTarang Clinics in Chandigarh. Of this endeavour she says, “I find the inequities in continued high rates of illness and deaths due to preventable causes amongst underprivileged groups highly disturbing. Women and children die not due to incurable diseases, but due to lack of our willingness as a society to ensure access to quality health services for all. NavyaTarang endeavours to ensure equitable access to quality

Continued from Page 3

health services for the underprivileged. By establishing a network of Tarang primary health care clinics, I want to break the vicious cycle of illness, poverty and debt by providing quality curative, preventive and promotive primary health services at an affordable cost.”

recently selected by IIM Bangalore to participate in the ‘Launch pad for Social Ventures.’ Unstinting in their support has been her family, particularly her husband, Dr. Balwinder Mohan (Batch of 1990) Dr. Nidhi invested in the first clinic with and their two sons, Gul Samarth and her personal savings, which was OPD Krishiv. based service and has liaised with a Nidhi’s work among the least of our charitable hospital for diagnostic and brethren echoes stirring words from laboratory services. She runs this clinic as the College Song. She strives in her a not-for-profit social enterprise and raises own way to ‘banish clouds of income to be only self-sustainable She suffering’; to be ‘strong to serve, aims to open 5 more primary health care strong to save the defenceless….’ her centres for the urban poor in the city and a work and life truly reflecting the motto multispecialty centre. Based on the success of CMC, ‘Not to be ministered unto of the NavyaTarang project, Nidhi was but to minister.’

Dedication of specialised Skin Care Unit A special skin care unit was inaugurated by Dr. Sunil Chandy, on 4th August in the M3 ward, a 4 bedded facility providing specialized care for patients with skin failure where strict reverse barrier nursing (protective isolation) can be maintained. Dr. Susanne Pulimood welcomed the gathering and Dr. Renu George spoke about the facility emphasizing the long felt need for such a specialized area and thanked the administration for this provision. A special thanks was also extended to the Department of Engineering for having modified the area to accommodate the unit. Rev. Rachita Rout offered a prayer of dedication, Dr. C.E. Eapen, Medical Superintendent and Sister Florence, Nursing Superintendent gave the felicitations and Sr.Ruby Jacob offered the vote of thanks. nd 2Breast Certificate Hospital Infection Control Antimicrobial Stewardship Feedingcourse Week on Celebration

The world breast feeding week was celebrated from 1st to 7th August, 2017 by the Department of Neonatology and the department of Maternity nursing. The entire week witnesses various educative and awareness programs on the benefits of breastfeeding. The inaugural programme began with an opening prayer by Rev. Saramma Kuruvilla followed by welcome by Mrs. Ebenezer Ellen Benjamin, Head of Maternity Nursing department. Dr.Sridhar head of the Department of Neonatology introduced the chief guest for the occasion, Dr. C. Inbaraj Department of Pediatrics from Vellore Medical College. He introduced the theme for the event “sustaining breast feeding together”. Following the felicitation by Mrs. Florence Segaran, Deputy Nursing Superintendent, a short time of educational entertainment and quiz programme was conducted. The celebrations helped spread awareness regarding the benefits of breastfeeding and culminated in the creation of a ‘breast feeding advocacy group’. The 3rd comprehensive workshop on hospital safety and occupational health for Department Safety Advisors (DSAs) was conducted on 4th and 5th of August 2017 by the Safety Cell and Quality Management Cell. The workshop began with a the word of prayer by Chaplain Raja followed by the welcome by Dr. Vikram Mathews, Associate Director (Admin) and Head, Safety Cell. The workshop focused on the importance and the central role played by the DSA’s within the institution as they serve as the liaison between the safety cell Continued on Page 5

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Workshop on Hospital Safety and Occupational Health

nd 2Workshop Certificate course onSafety Hospital Control Antimicrobial Stewardship Continued from Page 4 on Hospital and Infection Occupational Health

and the rest of the departments. The deliberations for the first day comprised of modules on basic aspects of safety in a health care setting which included patient safety, infrastructure, radiation, food, equipment, personal, fire safety, infection control and occupational health. The second day had focused sessions on occupational health and Dr. Deepak Abraham; Associate Director (HR) addressed the gathering. The workshop was a grand success with positive feedback from the participants.

Congratulations! The following candidates were successful in the Postgraduate Diploma Examination held in April 2017: (University Results published on 28.06.2017) Diploma - April 2017 session (Passed out candidates) MD. Radiotherapy Dr. Arun Krishnan M.P. Dr. Rajkrishna B. Dr. Sham Sundar C. Dr. Shina Goyal MD. Anaesthesia Dr. Karen Lynn Lee Dr. Amit Mathew Dr. Arun Sankar K.

Dr. Deepthy D. Pillai Dr. Felinda Angelin J. Dr. Jesudoss A. Dr. Joseph Punnoose Paarel Dr. Jacob Chandy Dr. Novin Chacko John Dr. Arun Kumar Gautham C.H. MD. Biochemistry Dr. V. Padmanaban

MD. Community Medicine Dr. Beeson Thomas Dr. A. Charles Pon Ruban Dr. Fernandes Dolorosa Eleuterio Dr. Kusum V. Moray Dr. Martina Shalini A.J. Dr. Mohan Raaj P.K. Dr. Sumanto Pal To be continued next week

Retirements Mr. D. Devanandam, Hospital Housekeeping Attendant Gr.I, Q Block, retired on 3rd June, 2017 after 40 years of committed service to the institution. They are blessed with a daughter and two sons, Ms. D. Jemimah, Mr. D. Gershom and Mr. D. Mephi Boseth. Mrs. Juliet Xavier, Sr. Gr. Charge Nurse, retired on 11th July, 2017 after 29 years of service to the institution. Her husband Mr. Xavier retired from BHELL, Ranipet and they are blessed with two daughters Mrs. Shirley Pon, Mrs. Jenifer and three Grand Children.

Mr. C. Ganesan, Sel. Gr. R.C.O Gr.II, RUHSA retired on 1 st August, 2017 after 37 years of service to the institution. His wife, Mrs. Tamilselvi is a teacher. They have two sons, both are engineering graduates working in Chennai. The CMC community is grateful for their hardwork and dedication to the institution and wishes them a blessed and peaceful retirement.

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Mrs. Suganthini J., Instructor, Department of Radiodiagnosis, retired on 12th July, 2017 nearly 34 years of committed service to the institution. Her husband Mr. Sudhakar Mithra is working in a private concern. They are blessed with a daughter Ms. Jenifer Sugashini.

Obituary Mrs. Malliga Ramachandran, wife of Mr. Ramachandran, retired staff Nursing Service, mother of Mr. Dewakar, Hospital Attendant, Department of Pharmacy and Mr. Suresh, Hospital Attendant, Clinical Virology on 14th August, 2017. Our thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved members of the family at this time of grief and loss.

Situations Vac ant 1. Senior Resident with M.S. (Ophthalmology) for the Department of Ophthalmology Salary: As per institutional rules. Accommodation provided (Partly furnished, depending on availability). 2. Senior Resident with M.D. (Paediatrics) for the Department of Paediatrics Unit-III (Adolescent Medicine) Salary: As per institutional rules. Accommodation provided (Partly furnished, depending on availability). Apply with bio-data, certificates and testimonial copies, contact phone number, email ID and address with pincode to the Principal, Christian Medical College, Bagayam, Vellore - 632 002. email: princi@cmcvellore.ac.in on or before September 02, 2017 for Item 1 and September 15, 2017 for Item 2. 3. Staff III Technician (Project) for the Department of Neurological Sciences Qualifications: H.Sc. with Diploma candidate having experience Health Sector (Post Diploma will be preferred). Only female candidates need to apply. Salary scale: As per institutional rules. Age limit: 35 years. Job description: Medical related. 4(a) Staff II Medical Lab. Technician for the CMC Vellore Chittoor Campus Qualifications : B.Sc. (MLT ) / Graduate with CMAI Diploma in MLT. 4(b) Staff III Medical Lab. Technician (Graduate Level) for the CMC Vellore Chittoor Campus Qualifications : B.Sc. with One Year CMC DMLT. 4(c) Staff III Medical Lab. Technician (H.Sc. Level) for the CMC Vellore Chittoor Campus Qualifications: H.Sc. with CMAI Diploma in MLT or CMC DMLT. Age limit : 35 years.

Salary : As per institutional rules.

Job description: To Work in the Laboratory.

Applications to be done only through online application system. Please log on to http://www.cmch-vellore.edu Link: “Vacancies”. Note: Only online applications will be accepted; Hard copies will not be accepted. Applications will close on September 04, 2017 for Items 3, 4(a), 4(b) and 4(c). 5. Junior Lecturer in Nursing for the College of Nursing Qualification: M.Sc. Degree in Nursing with minimum of 2 years experience in Continuing Nursing Education activity. Apply with biodata, photograph, certificates, testimonial/s to the Dean, College of Nursing, Christian Medical College, Vellore - 632 004 on or before September 02, 2017 for Item 5.

7. Schieffelin Institute of Health - Research and Leprosy Centre, Karigiri – 632 106 invites applications for the following post of Warden. Qualifications : Degree or +2 passed (Only female candidates need to apply). Candidate need to stay in the Nursing Hostel. Preference will be given for unmarried / widowed candidates. Age: above 40 years preferred. Apply with bio-data along with photocopies of certificates and a demand draft for Rs.50/- in favour of “SIH-R&LC., Karigiri” addressed to the Director, SIH-R & LC., Karigiri, Pin - 632 106. Last date for receipt of application is August 26, 2017 for Item 7.

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6. Schieffelin Institute of Health - Research and Leprosy Centre, Karigiri – 632 106 invites applications for the following Training Programmes: (a) B.Sc. Medical Sociology (1 vacancy) (b) Diploma in Medial Laboratory Technology (3 vacancies) (c) Diploma in Medical Record Technology (1 vacancy) Qualifications: (a) & (b) H.Sc. or equivalent passed with Physics, Chemistry and Biology. (c) H.Sc. passed with any subject. Apply to The Head, Training Department, SIHR & LC, Karigiri - 632 106 in person, along with copies of certificates. Last date for receiving applications is August 24, 2017 for Items 6(a), 6(b) and 6(c).

CMC PROMOTIONS OFFICE

E-mail ID: cmc.promotionsoffice@cmcvellore.ac.in