The Department of Dermatology at AIIMS Jammu reached a significant academic milestone by hosting its inaugural Continuing Medical Education (CME) event titled “Dermoscopy: From theory to practice.” This landmark programme established the institute as a growing hub for specialised medical training and collaborative research in North India. The Institute’s Convention Centre hosted the event under the guidance of several national and regional IADVL committees.
Regional academic synergy
The programme attracted a wide range of dermatologists and postgraduate trainees from Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Chandigarh. This diverse attendance underscored the growing role of AIIMS Jammu as a collaborative academic hub in North India.
Executive Director and CEO Prof. (Dr) Shakti Kumar Gupta highlighted the department’s critical role in hospital operations. He noted that institutional data currently ranks the department highest in patient footfall.
Comprehensive scientific programme
The scientific sessions provided intensive training on various specialised facets of dermoscopy, including:
- Inflammascopy and pigmentoscopy: Analysing inflammatory and pigmented skin conditions.
- Trichoscopy: Evaluating scarring and non-scarring hair loss.
- Advanced diagnostics: Exploring infective lesions, infiltrative disorders, and ultraviolet fluorescence dermoscopy (UVFD).
The curriculum bridged theoretical gaps, enabling attendees to immediately apply diagnostic techniques and improve patient outcomes. A competitive postgraduate quiz concluded the day, reinforcing core concepts presented by regional and national medical experts.
A growing centre for excellence
Beyond the educational sessions, the event served as a showcase for the evolution of the Dermatology department at AIIMS Jammu. The facility has transitioned into a state-of-the-art diagnostic centre, now offering:
- Advanced diagnostics: Wood’s lamp examinations, patch testing, and dermatopathology.
- Modern therapeutics: Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy and specialised skin biopsies.
- Surgical facilities: A fully equipped minor operation theatre for routine and advanced procedures.
The administration expressed confidence that this CME marks only the beginning of the Institute’s journey. They envision the facility becoming a primary regional centre for dermatological research and education.