Department of Head & Neck Surgery & Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Association with Indian society of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive surgery Hosting “Osteomould 2010”
Distraction osteogenesis is a biological process involving the formation of new bone between bone segments that are gradually separated by incremental traction Distraction Osteogenesis of facial skeleton is a proven technique for correction of congenital and acquired craniomaxillofacial deformity. 3 days workshop is planned which includes lectures & Hands on course on human skull covering basics & Advances in Craniofacial Distraction.
Department of Urology is conducting a "CUE" Programme for Postgraduates
Department of Urology, AIMS is conducting a Continuing Urology Education Programme for Postgraduate trainees [MCh/DNB] on Sunday 14th March 2010.
Eminent faculty from Medical Colleges of South India will discuss case scenarios with the exam going trainees. Participants from various centres in India are expected and there will be close interaction with the faculty members. A wide variety of clinical situations covering Urooncology, Paediatric Urology, Stone diseases & Reconstructive Urology is planned.
Trainees interested in attending may confirm participation by email to urology (at) aims.amrita.edu. Registration is free
The programme is being organized in association with South Zone Urological Society of India and Kochi Urology Club
Kidney Transplant Meet 2010 was organized on 11th March 2010 (World Kidney Day) by the Renal Transplant Unit, AIMS, to honour the donors for their noble act of giving new lease of life to their dear ones. Sampoojya Swami Poornamritananda Puri, General Secretary, Mata Amritanandamayi Matt, was the Chief Guest and inaugurated the function by lamp lighting.
Mr. Vasant Shenoy, Joint Secretary and Public Relations Officer, SORT, Dr. Prathapan Nair, Principal, Amrita School of Medicine, Dr. Sanjeev K Singh, Sr. Medical Administrator, Dr. V.N. Unni, HOD, Nephrology, Sr. Leelamma, Nursing Superintendent, spoke on this occasion.
Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for patients who have End stage renal disease (permanent loss of over 90% of kidney function). A successful transplantation provides these patients a good quality of life and they would be able to carry out their normal daily activities very well.
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi has successfully completed 250 kidney transplant operations. The kidney transplant recipients are leading a good quality life; they are able to work as well as do all the normal daily activities. Ten cadaver donor transplantations have been done with excellent results.
The Department of Endocrinology is organising a one day CME programme on Pediatric Endocrinology " The Amrita Pediatric Endocrinology Update 2010" on 13th of March 2010 in Amriteswari Hall in connection with the inauguration of its Pedaitric Endocrinology Division. Dr Nalini Shah,President of the Indian Society of Pediatric and Adolescent Endocrinology from KEM, Mumbai will be inaugurating the new unit. The programme details are attached herewith. We cordially invite all of you for the CME and the inaugural function.
The inaugural function will be followed by lunch for registered delegates.
Department of Head and Neck Oncology AIMS and Foundation for head and neck oncology organised a three day seminar ‘AHEAD 2010’ at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi on 12, 13 and 14 the February. Dr.Prathapan Nair Principal, Amrita School of Medicine inaugurated the function.
The Amrita Head and Neck Oncology Teaching Programme were designed to cover the entire range of important topics in head and neck oncology through didactical short lectures and interactive sessions. The faculty is selected from experienced teachers, university examiners and noted head and neck surgeons from across the country.
The important topics were Surgical anatomy, pathology, management and recent trends in oral cavity and Oropharynx, paranasal sinuses, metastatic Lymph nodesparotid and other salivary glands, Thyroid, tumours. Also includes imaging of Head and Neck, prosthetic rehabilitation, approach to skull base tumours, current status of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
Dr.Prathamesh Pai, Dr. Jyothi Dabholkar, Dr. Anil D’Cruz, and Dr. Alok Thakar delivered important topics related to head and neck cancer.
From AIMS, Dr. Subramanya Iyer, Dr. Sudheer Bahadhur and Dr.Vaidyanathan spoke on this occasion.
CME on Mosquito-borne diseases: challenges and opportunities on 17th Feb at the AIMS
The Dept. of community medicine organised a CME on “Mosquito-borne diseases: Challenges and Opportunities” on 17th Feb at the Amriteswari hall of AIMS, Kochi. Dr. K. T. Ramani, DMO of Ernakulam district, inaugurated the programme. Dr. Prem Nair Medical Director AIMS, Dr. Prathapan Nair Principal Amrita School of Medicine, Dr. K. Leelamoni, Professor & HOD and also Dr.K.N.Panicker Emeritus Professor spoke on the occasion.
A galaxy of Experts from the National programs and Medical colleges of Kerala dealt topics such as Chikungunya Dengue, JE, Malaria, Filariasis and other emerging viral threats. Delegates and faculties from all leading medical Institutions attended in this CME .The CME is being held at the most appropriate moment in tune with the Four Plus Compaign of Govt.of Kerala.
Chikungunya and dengue are two diseases, which struck Kerala for about half a decade causing considerable morbidity and mortality. The vectors responsible for transmission Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus have undergone major evolutionary changes in their bionomics and distribution due to many micro and macro environmental factors including global warming. The Gene mutation taken place in the CHIK virus has made the infection more virulent causing heavy mortalities. Though malaria was eradicated from Kerala way back in 1965, signs of its resurgence was noticed right from 1969 with periodic outbreaks in epidemic proportions from the coastal Kerala.The largest and the lone endemic tract of Brugian Filariasis was also in Kerala, the transmission of which was interrupted in 1992 with the intiative of ICMR the current picture is in darkness at present. The degradation of the environment due to unplanned urbanization has resulted in the wide spread of bancroftian filariasis in the entire length and breath of Kerala. The risk of introduction of yellow Fever to Kerala is a disaster very much feared of, as the vector is abundant and air travel becoming so common.
AIMS being a premiere Institution in the field of health in Kerala is fully conscious about its responsibility and raising to the occasion by organizing this CME involving all available experience and expertise in the state.
‘Nayanamritham 2010’ at Amrita Institute Of Medical Sciences, Kochi
The department of Ophthalmology and Infection control department along with Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons conducted National Symposium on Ocular infections, Infection control, theatre asepsis and consumer protection on 9th and 10th january 2010 in Main auditorium, ‘B’ Block at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Kochi.
Dr. B M Hegde, the eminent cardiologist and the ex-Vice Chancellor of Manipal University, inaugurated the function on Jan. 9th (Saturday) at 5.30 pm.
The symposium was adorned with speakers of national and international repute. The main aim was to highlight the latest trends in clinical practice and evidence based infection control practices in ophthalmology, besides video tours of infection control surveillance, cleaning, sterilization and day-to-day management of ocular infections, all of which were of utmost importance to the practicing ophthalmologist.
OPD and OT aseptic methods, theatre and instrument sterilization and infection control practices and guidelines were given. There were round table discussion on endophthalmitis to evolve a consensus on prevention, recognition and management of endophthalmitis, chaired by Dr Lalit Verma, the Hon Secretary general of AIOS.
Dr. Seemanthini Desai HOD Infection control, Apollo Hospital, Dr.Nandini Krishnamurthy HOD CSSD, Hinduja Hospital, from AIMS, Dr.Prem Nair Medical Director, Dr. Sanjeev Singh Senior Medical Administrator, Dr Anuradha Rao HOD Ophthalmology Dept., Dr. Gopal S Pillai Chief VR surgery and Associate Professor, spoke on this occasion.
Otology CME and live surgical workshop by ENT dept of AIMS, Kochi
Department of ENT, Amrita Institute Of Medical Sciences conducted a temporal bone Workshop live surgery demonstration and Otology CME on 4th, 5th and 6th of December 2009. Medical Director Dr. Prem Nair inaugurated the conference, on 5th December 2009 at 8.30 am at Amriteswari Hall in AIMS.
The renowned otologists, Dr. A.G. Pusalkar (Mumbai), Dr. K.P.S. Prabhu[Kerala] and Dr.(Col.)Sabari Girish(AFMC, Pune) were the invited faculty. The conference was organised by Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi and Cochin Society of Otolaryngologists for Medical Services, Kochi.
On Friday,4th Dec., temporal bone dissection hands-on training course was conducted. Dr. Sabari Girish conducted the course and was helped by our Faculty. 20 slots were available and these were fully utilised by delegates who made use of the expert guidance in mastoidectomy and other aspects of temporal bone dissection.
Saturday, 5th Dec., was when the real action took place viz. Live surgery demonstration of various ear surgeries [done in 1/1 OT and shown in Amriteswari Hall].
Dr. Pusalkar and Dr. Prabhu performed different types of ear surgeries along with corresponding discussion of finer points of the same. Dr. Madhumita also demonstrated a surgery. Around 60 delegates from various parts of the State and outside were present and appreciated the academic show.
Sunday,6th witnessed Panel discussions on various aspects of managements of ear conditions. Informative talks were given by the invited Faculty.
Vote of thanks was given by Dr. Sudhir Bahadur, and the workshop came to a close with lunch. Good feedback was received by almost all delegates. We thank all the concerned departments and staff who helped us in conducting such a successful workshop. We look forward to many such academic endeavours in the future at AIMS.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Integrated Obesity Clinic and Obesity Conference at AIMS, Cochin
A seminar on obesity titled “Amrita Obesity Update” and an ‘obesity clinic were inaugurated by well known script writer John Paul on 20th December, 2009 at AIMS.
Obesity is a complex endocrine disorder. Changing lifestyles, i.e. consumption of high calorie foods and lack of exercise are likely to accelerate the epidemic of obesity and type2 diabetes in India. It has been estimated that by the year 2015, there will be 34 million obese subjects in India.
Obesity is a medical problem, and not just a cosmetic problem. Obesity is linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and heart attacks. Moreover, it is increasingly known that obesity is linked to infertility, arthritis and even cancer.
Obesity is initially treated with diet modifications, exercise and lifestyle changes. This is followed by anti-obesity medications. The detection of newer hormones that control body weight has rapidly uncovered new methods to treat diabetes and obesity simultaneously. The association of diabetes and obesity is now called “diabesity”. In certain refractory cases, surgery (both weight reducing and body contouring) is the only option.
The main aim of the seminar was to disseminate information and awareness about the latest trends in obesity research. At the seminar, experts stressed the need for creating awareness on developing the habit of doing regular exercise and eating healthy food.
The Amrita Obesity Clinic is a multidisciplinary team of endocrinologists, surgeons (both bariatric and plastic surgeons), dietitians and physiotherapists. At present such a combined multidisciplinary team for obesity care does not exist in the state of Kerala.
Dr Raj Kumar and Dr Mahadevan Shriram from Chennai delivered keynote lectures. Dr. Prem Nair, Dr.Harishkumar, Dr. unnikrishnan A G, Dr.Subramanya Iyyer, Dr. Sudheendran and Dr. Sudheer also spoke.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
37th Indian Prosthodontic Society Conference
The 37th Indian Prosthodontic Society Conference was held successfully at Thrissur between 6th -8th November,2009 with valuable contribution from the faculty of Amrita School Of dentistry.
This was the first national Prosthodontic society conference to be held in Kerala and has been well appreciated for the selection of venue - Lulu International convention centre, the preconference courses (8 with 700+ participants), the scientific content and management of scientific events (574 presentations) and the standard of souvenir and abstract books. The participants (1260) were very impressed with the trade fair, food and hospitality and management of travel and accomodation.
The cultural events showcased a glimpse of traditional art forms of Kerala that left the audience spellbound. In short the organizing committee was successful in creating benchmarks for future conferences.
The following faculty of Amrita School Of Dentistry played pivotal roles in the success of the conference.Dr. Vinod Krishnan - Organizing Secretary, Dr.Tony Thomas -Treasurer, Dr. Anil Mathew - Advisor, Dr. Manju - In charge of cultural events and Dr. Aswini Kumar - In charge of trade fair.
Dr Manju V conducted preconference course on Maxillofacial Prosthetics with Dr P c Jacob (Professor,Krishnadevaraya,Bangalore) and Dr Srinivasan (Ruby Hall Cancer Centre,Pune).
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
“Antibiotic Stewardship” programme
Department of Infection Control is organizing an “Antibiotic Stewardship” program on 5/12/09 (Saturday) at Lecture Theater 1 at B block auditorium at 2pm.
Dr. Nalini Singh, Fulbright scholar and Chief of Infectious Disease at Children’s National Medical Center, George Washington University, US would be the chief speaker and facilitator. Challenging cases from the critical care units would be discussed for appropriate selection of antibiotics and understanding the algorithm.
Filariasis – Mass Drug Administration on November 11th , 2009
In order to fulfil the target of eradication of Filariasis by 2015, the Govt. of India have launched the MDA Programme since 2005. The State Health Department also is embarking on a MDA programme on November 11th, 2009.
As per the programme DEC (6 mg / kg body wt) and Albendazole (400 mg) will be given and people are motivated to take the drugs in the presence of the drug provider to ensure the intake of drugs. Continued administration of the drugs once a year for five consecutive years would lead to eradication of the disease.
The Dept. of Community Medicine will be providing the drugs to the staff & students of the AIMS through temporary booths set up for the purpose. Patients and bystanders can also be given drugs on request.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Head and Neck Cancer Reconstruction Workshop at Amrita
A workshop on head and neck cancer reconstruction conducted at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences on Oct 21,22 and 23, 2009. Over 200 delegates from different parts of the country and abroad were attended the workshop.
The workshop comprises of detailed discussions regarding reconstruction of the face and jawbone, restoration of voice etc after cancer surgery and the role of microsurgery in these procedures.
Experts in the field including Dr. James Brown and Pierre Delaere from Europe, Dr. Dan Fliss from Israel, Dr. Jan Klozar from the Czech Republic, Dr. Risto Contis from Finland took part in the deliberations. Prior to the meeting, a microsurgery-training program conducted in the surgical skills laboratory at Amrita Institute.
Prof. Ramakrishnan Nair, the former president of Association of Plastic Surgeons of India was the chief guest at the Inaugural Function at Amrita Institute on October 22nd. Dr. Subramania Iyer, Dr. Sundeep Vijayaraghavan and Dr. P. Arun were lead the workshop.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
APSI Accredited CME on Head and Neck reconstruction
The CME programme included one day cadaver flap harvesting demonstration course. Eminent surgeons from Kerala and Chennai demonstrated all the commonly performed microvascular flaps on a cadaver from the Anatomy dissection hall. There was a live interactive session with the delegates at the Amriteshwari hall.
The inauguration of the programme was done by Prof. Ramakrishnan Nair, former president of the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India in the presence of Dr. Rajappan, Senior most plastic surgeon in Kerala and Dr Prem Nair. The talks on the next 22nd and 23rd were delivered by speakers from all over the world who are experts in head and neck reconstruction.
Aesthetic refinements and dental rehabilitation in mandibular reconstruction, computer assisted head and neck reconstruction, skull base reconstruction were few of the talks. There was a talk on first tracheal transplant performed in the world by Dr Pierre Deleare. Dr. Risto Kontis spoke on stem cell biology and tissue engineering.
There were various other papers covering the entire spectrum of Head and Neck reconstruction. It was attended by 176 delegates.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
‘Samagram’ -Workshop
The Department of Pain & Palliative Medicine in association with the Consortium of Palliative Care units in Ernakulam district conducted ‘Samagram’- one-day workshop on Palliative Care on 10th October 2009 at Amriteswari hall in AIMS. The ‘Samagram’ Workshop was inaugurated by Dr.Prem Nair, Medical Director, AIMS.
Famous Scriptwriter Mr. John Paul presided over the function. “While consoling the patient, they actually need sense of equality and confidence not sympathy. As we know the condition of their health we talk only about the devine love and try to share with them” he said after the inauguration. Mrs.Noorji Jalal, MES State General Secretary, ex-member of Vanitha Commission and also a social worker explained her experience with the audience.
Mr. John Paul delivered Palliative care pledge to the students and the representatives of the entire palliative care units in Ernakulam Districts.
The idea of the workshop was to create awareness among the medical, general and student communities about the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of a patient, suffering from any life threatening illness and to empower the family and society to meet their needs. This workshop also helped to create awareness about our services, which we hope, might translate into support from society for our future endeavours.
Dr. Sanjeev Vasudev, HOD, Pain&Palliative, Dr.Shyam, , Dr. Ron Gotsegen, Dr. D M Vasudevan, Dr. Prathapan Nair, Dr. Rahul Lakshman, Dr.Dinesh M, Mrs.Anitha Rajah, and Fr. Varghese K Abraham also spoke.
Tuesday,September08, 2009
WORKSHOP ON " INFECTION CONTROL AND SAFE PRACTICES"
The Department of Infection Control, AIMS along with Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons conducted a workshop on " Infection Control and Safe Practices " and trained atleast one staff member each in all the eye hospitals across Kerala. More than 120 staff from over 70 eye hospitals in Kerala were trained.
Sr. Fini K Joseph, Sr. Anitha Nair and Sr. Vinitha had taken demonstration classes for the staff. Dr. Sanjeev K Singh, Head, Dept. of Infection Control and the above mentioned staff nurses chalked out the training programme. AIMS was fulfilling one of her social commitments by training peripheral hospitals in the recent trends of Infection Control.
Saturday,August 08, 2009
OASIS PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOP AT ORTHPAEDIC DEPARTEMENT, AMRITA INSTITUTE.
On Sep 11th. 2009 Department of Orthopaedics at Amrita Institute is conducting OASIS (Orthopaedic Association of South Indian States) Pre Conference workshop on Basic in Arthroplasty & Endoscopic spine surgery.
There is going to be live surgical demonstration of Hip, Knee Arthroplasty with endoscopic spine surgery by faculty from abroad. Dr Luca Marega from Italy will be demonstrating the Hip surgery & Dr Gun Choi from South Korea will be doing the endoscopic Spine surgery demonstration. The details for registrations can be found at http://oasiscon2009.com website.
ADIEU or the Amrita Diabetes and Endocrinology Update was held for the first time in 2005, and following its success in 2006 ,2007 and 2008, we present the 2009 version of the educational program. Each conference has a theme, and this time, the conference will focus on "The Art and Science of Clinical Endocrinology". There will be no spot registration. Please register before 23rd July.
Registration is Free (no registration fee is required). Please see registration details and the scientific program as an attachment.
AMRITA - TRICHUR MEDICAL COLLEGE FLAP DISSECTION COURSE
Amrita Head and Neck Institute and the Trichur Medical college has been conducting a hands on flap dissection course from the previous year.This year the course was conducted on 13th and 14th June at the Anatomy Dissection Hall of the Medical College in Mulankunnathukavu, Trichur. Various flaps used for reconstruction were demonstrated to the trainees by experienced surgeons in cadavers. The trainees then were given chance to do the dissection in cadavers under supervision. About 40 trainee surgeons from India and abroad participated in the course this year
Saturday, July 11, 2009
AMRITA - RIPAS MAXILLOFACIAL PROSTHETIC TRAINING COURSE
Amrita Head and Neck Institute along with the RIPAS Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery department organized a week long training programme in Advanced Maxillofacial Prosthetics from 15th to 20th June 2009. Mr Haji Kamaruddhin Chief of Maxillofacial laboratory RIPAS Hospital Brunei was the Chief Faculty member and was assisted by faculty from AIMS. Each day fabrication of various prosthesis for eyes, ears, jaw bones, nose and other facial deformities were demonstrated as well as hands on training was imparted. Dr Manju and Dr Subramania Iyer were the course directors.
FIRST CASE OF MULTIVESSEL SMALL THORACOTOMY CABG PROCEDURE - STERNAL SPARING SURGERY
Marking a significant advance in the surgical treatment of coronary artery diseases, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences today announced the first minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) case by cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Joseph Sabik, Chairman, Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic USA using Medtronic stabilization and positioning devices.
Worldwide, approximately 675,000 patients require some form of coronary artery bypass surgery
each year. Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CAB G) is a surgical procedure that restores blood
flow to the portion of the heart that has blocked arteries. Using other arteries or veins from your
body, the procedure involves attaching these vessels or grafts to your heart in order to reroute the
blood around the blockage, creating an alternative pathway for blood to reach the heart muscle
that is not receiving sufficient blood flow. A majority of patients in the developed countries are receiving arrested heart procedures (your heart is stopped to perform the procedure) instead of beating heart procedures and a growing number are receiving minimally invasive CABG procedures or MICS CABG. This minimally invasive procedure is done without cutting the chest bone (sternotomy); instead the operation is performed through a small 5 cm incision under the left breast. The potential benefits of the MICSCABG procedure include reduced hospital stay, faster recovery, invisible surgical scar, and
greater satisfaction to the patient and his physician.
Dr. Joseph Sabik utilizes positioning and stabilization devices like the Starfish® and Octopus®
from Medtronic to perform a multi-vessel CABG procedure in which the internal mammary
artery harvest and the anastomoses are performed under direct vision through a lateral minithoracotomy.
Complete revascularization can be achieved in this sternal sparing procedure unlike
beating heart procedure.
Speaking of the procedure, Dr. Shiv K Nair, Head of the Department, Cardiovascular and
Thoracic Surgery, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences comments, "Once thought impossible,
today's evolving surgical technique allows the surgeon to safely and effectively suture coronary
artery bypass grafts in place with an almost invisible surgical scar." He further added, "Another
benefit of this procedure is the shortened post-operative intensive care unit (lCU) stay and
shortened total hospital stay leading to shorter recovery back to normal life."
APSI ACCREDITED CME PROGRAMME
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences is hosting the APSI accredited CME programme on Head and Neck Reconstruction at Cochin from 21 to 23rd October,2009. The first day will be a cadaver flap harvesting demonstration and the second and third days would be the CME programme. The cadaver dissection demonstration would not be charged extra.
The first 40 registrants will get their registration fee returned at the end of the CME programme as per the APSI norms.
Please register at the earliest to avail the APSI / Ethicon sponsorship and to fully utilize the academic feast.
The department of Microbiology, AIMS, along with Association of Clinical Microbiologists, is conducting a CME at AIMS on 8th of August 2009. We invite all interested doctors to register. The registration details and scientific programme are mentioned in the brochure. There will be no spot registration.
On June 27, 2009, the Departments of Radiology and Cardiology at the Amrita School of Medicine will jointly organize a one-day seminar on Cardiac MRI (CMR). Leading the proceedings will be Dr. Boban Thomas, cardiologist and a leading CMR specialist from the National Health Services in Portugal. Dr. Boban will be joined by radiologists, Dr. Elizabeth Joseph from CMC Vellore, Dr. Gurpreet Singh Gulati from AIIMS Delhi and Dr. Sanjaya Viswamitra from Cauvery Medical Center, Bangalore. The latter has trained in the US and also has a background in nuclear medicine.
Department of Head & Neck Surgery & Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Association with Indian society of Facial Plastic & Reconstructive surgery Hosting “Osteomould 2010” 
Department of Head and Neck Oncology AIMS and Foundation for head and neck oncology organised a three day seminar ‘AHEAD 2010’ at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi on 12, 13 and 14 the February. Dr.Prathapan Nair Principal, Amrita School of Medicine inaugurated the function.
The Dept. of community medicine organised a CME on “Mosquito-borne diseases: Challenges and Opportunities” on 17th Feb at the Amriteswari hall of AIMS, Kochi. Dr. K. T. Ramani, DMO of Ernakulam district, inaugurated the programme. Dr. Prem Nair Medical Director AIMS, Dr. Prathapan Nair Principal Amrita School of Medicine, Dr. K. Leelamoni, Professor & HOD and also Dr.K.N.Panicker Emeritus Professor spoke on the occasion.
The department of Ophthalmology and Infection control department along with Kerala Society of Ophthalmic Surgeons conducted National Symposium on Ocular infections, Infection control, theatre asepsis and consumer protection on 9th and 10th january 2010 in Main auditorium, ‘B’ Block at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Kochi. 
Department of ENT, Amrita Institute Of Medical Sciences conducted a temporal bone Workshop live surgery demonstration and Otology CME on 4th, 5th and 6th of December 2009. Medical Director Dr. Prem Nair inaugurated the conference, on 5th December 2009 at 8.30 am at Amriteswari Hall in AIMS.
The 37th Indian Prosthodontic Society Conference was held successfully at Thrissur between 6th -8th November,2009 with valuable contribution from the faculty of Amrita School Of dentistry. 
The cultural events showcased a glimpse of traditional art forms of Kerala that left the audience spellbound. In short the organizing committee was successful in creating benchmarks for future conferences.
In order to fulfil the target of eradication of Filariasis by 2015, the Govt. of India have launched the MDA Programme since 2005. The State Health Department also is embarking on a MDA programme on November 11th, 2009.
As per the programme DEC (6 mg / kg body wt) and Albendazole (400 mg) will be given and people are motivated to take the drugs in the presence of the drug provider to ensure the intake of drugs. Continued administration of the drugs once a year for five consecutive years would lead to eradication of the disease.
A workshop on head and neck cancer reconstruction conducted at Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences on Oct 21,22 and 23, 2009. Over 200 delegates from different parts of the country and abroad were attended the workshop.
Amrita Head and Neck Institute and the Trichur Medical college has been conducting a hands on flap dissection course from the previous year.This year the course was conducted on 13th and 14th June at the Anatomy Dissection Hall of the Medical College in Mulankunnathukavu, Trichur. Various flaps used for reconstruction were demonstrated to the trainees by experienced surgeons in cadavers. The trainees then were given chance to do the dissection in cadavers under supervision. About 40 trainee surgeons from India and abroad participated in the course this year
the RIPAS Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery department organized a week long training programme in Advanced Maxillofacial Prosthetics from 15th to 20th June 2009. Mr Haji Kamaruddhin Chief of Maxillofacial laboratory RIPAS Hospital Brunei was the Chief Faculty member and was assisted by faculty from AIMS. Each day fabrication of various prosthesis for eyes, ears, jaw bones, nose and other facial deformities were demonstrated as well as hands on training was imparted. Dr Manju and Dr Subramania Iyer were the course directors.
A majority of patients in the developed countries are receiving arrested heart procedures (your heart is stopped to perform the procedure) instead of beating heart procedures and a growing number are receiving minimally invasive CABG procedures or MICS CABG. This minimally invasive procedure is done without cutting the chest bone (sternotomy); instead the operation is performed through a small 5 cm incision under the left breast. The potential benefits of the MICSCABG procedure include reduced hospital stay, faster recovery, invisible surgical scar, and
greater satisfaction to the patient and his physician.
