The 41st National Conference Of The Indian Academy of Pediatrics- A Report

The 41st National Conference of IAP (PEDICON 2004) was held at Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Research Institute (DU) (SRMC & RI (DU)), Porur, Chennai from January 8-11,2004. Around 4000 delegates from various parts of the country and abroad participated in the scientific deliberations.

The main scientific presentations were:

1. Two Preconference CMEs (a) Practical Pediatrics and (b) Advanced Pediatrics, to satisfy both the Practicing Pediatricians the Pediatricians attached to the teaching institutions were organized.

2. Symposia and Meet the Experts Sessions on Component Transfusion; Respiratory; headache in Children; Acute Renal Failure; Environmental Factors for Future Diseases: Practical Management of Endocrine Problems in Childhood: Diagnosis of Tuberculosis with Special Reference to Newer Diagnostic Techniques; Multi durg Resistant Infections; Counselling in Adolescents: Neonatology; How to Evaluate and Stabilize A Comastose Child; Complementary Feeding; Congenital Heart Disease When & How of Intervention/Surgery; Child Labour; Medicolegal; Gastroenterology; Rhematology; Computer; Communication Dysfunction Hindrance to development of Growth Potential; Scope of investigations in Genetic Disorders; Early Diagnosis of Neuro Developmental Disorders; Problems of Street Children & Rehabilitation; Current issues concerning Protection of Child Consumer, Polio Vaccines for the Global Endgame Strategy & Advances in Pertussis Vaccination; Recent trends in Treatment of Diarrhoea; Advance in pediatric Combination Vaccines; Expectations of a modern MMR Vaccine; Current Immunization Status with MMR Vaccine Indian Perspective; Current Immunization Status with Rubella Vaccine Indian Perspective; Asthma underdiagnosis Consequences and prevention.

3. Viewpoint Sessions on Malaria Management; Fever of Unknown Origin; HIV-PMTCT; IV IG in Neonatal Sepsis; Safer Antipyretics; Nocturnal Enuresis; Growth Monitoring; Neonatal Cholestasis; Febrile Seizures Management; Upper GI Bleed; Bronchiolitis; Diarrhoea Management; Urinary Tract Infection; Poisoning Management

4. Topics of Guest Lectures: Ethical Issues in Pediatrics Vaccines Trials; Iron in Office Practice; Autism; Persistent Wheeze; Skin as an External Marker; Retinopathy of Prematurity; Genetic Counselling in Hermatological Disorders; Diagnosis and Treatment of Pediatric Cancer Role of Private Practitioner; Cystic Fibrosis; Non-Minimal Change Nephrotic Syndrome; Diagnostic Approach to Hepatitis; Acute Flaccid Paralysis; Exercise and Health; Leprosy in Children Current Scenario; Newely Emerging Viral Infections; Adolescent Sexuality; Early detection of Hearing impairment in newborns and its interventions; MDR Tuberculosis; Inborn Errors of Metabolism Practical Approach Investigations in rheumatological disease When, How & Why/ Development Assessment in Office Practice;

5. Topics of Plenary Sessions: “Healthy Child Mighty India” Issues in Adolescence.

6. Late Hony. Dr.Shantilal C Sheth Oration on “ The Promise of Genetics in improving Child Health in India” by Dr.I.C.Verma, New Delhi.

7. Dialogue Sessions: (1) Immunization (2) Newer Antibiotics

8. Presentation of 500 scientific papers (oral and poster)

9. Research Award Papers

10. Undergraduates and Practicing Pediatrician Quiz, Nine Preconference Workshops

• The scientific programme of this conference was unique in its contents, efficient compiring and adherence to time by non medical Achor man, audio visual system, comfortable auditoriums, meticulous arrangements for poster session.

• The venue of the conference, the SRMC & RI (DU) had a pleasant, calm atmosphere, which we failed to get even from five or seven star hotels in earlier conferences.

• The other significant positive comments about the conference were about the hospitality and uncrowded dining hall even at peak hours which catered registered delegates needs including sumptuous breakfasts and snacks, well organized spouse programme and better attended trade exhibition area.

• In a nut shell, this conference as commented by a delegate in the Valedictory function to be a “Flawless Conference” which taught us how an ideal medical delebration of this magnitude should be.

Dr.A.Balachandran
Organizing Secretary,PEDICON 2004